Best Hiking Trails near Lake Louise

"Banff national park – Canada’s oldest – is an easy hour-and-a-half drive from Calgary. But don’t skip the picturesque and vibrant mountain town of Canmore, just outside the park’s boundary, where the peaks of the Rockies provide the backdrop to numerous music and arts festivals throughout the year."

"There is a good chance that you will encounter wildlife, most often a squirrel, marmot, or mountain goat. But, like all the other hikes, make sure that you have bear spray. There is a national park fee to access these hikes and the pass can be purchased upon entering the park."

"The Banff National Park is one of the main reasons people visit Banff. A recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Banff National Park is Canada’s oldest national park. The Canadian Rockies is one of those breathtaking sights which you must see at least once before you die."

"Lake Agnes Teahouse Hike is the most iconic and popular hike in the Lake Louise region. Not only will you get the chance to see Lake Louise from a higher vantage point, you’ll also get to try some delicious tea and pastries at the historic tea house. The hike there is about 3.5 km one-way and is a steady climb throughout."

"Lake Agnes is the only spot on this list that requires a bit of an effort to get to. It's an hour or 90 minutes easy uphill walk. A little exercise won't hurt anyone and if it means sitting and taking in the views on the shoreline of this lake then you can be rest assured that it was worth it."

"Then return to Lake Louise and hike into the hills for lunch at one of the historic mountain teahouses, Lake Agnes or the Plain of the Six Glaciers. From Lake Louise, drive the Bow Valley Parkway south toward Banff, stopping to follow the trail through Johnston Canyon. When you arrive in Banff, see an evening concert, lecture, or other event at the modern Banff Centre."

"Continue a bit higher to Minnestimma Lakes, or higher yet to Sentinel Pass, and you’ll be rewarded with wonderful views of the Valley of Ten Peaks. It’s 4.3 km one way to Larch Valley/Minnestimma Lakes and the round trip can take up to 4 hours."

"If you are pretty fit and have a lot of time, you can do the Beehive Circuit Trail at Lake Louise to see both Lake Agnes and the Plain of Six Glaciers. Food at the tea house"

"Optional Day Trip from Banff: Yoho National Park Yoho National Park is a much smaller national park next to Banff National Park. Most visitors do not know about Yoho National Park but it has some amazing lakes and waterfalls such as the Emerald Lake, Takakkaw Falls, Wapta Falls, and Kicking Horse River. If you were able to do more each day during your 3 days in Banff and have extra time, then you should definitely try to add Yoho National Park to your Banff summer itinerary."

"Although the smallest (1310 sq km) of the four national parks in the Rockies, Yoho is a diamond in the (very) rough. This wilderness is the real deal; it's some of the continent's least tarnished.East of Field on Hwy 1 is the Takakkaw Falls road, open from late June to early October. At 255m, Takakkaw Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in Canada. From here the Iceline Trail, a 20km hiking loop, passes many glaciers and spectacular scenery."

"Emerald Lake Lodge offers you a more privy place than most other lodges, which is one of the reasons why it’s preferred by couples a lot more than other sites. The outdoor hot pool is open throughout the year and offers you a brilliant view of the mountains that it lies among, as well as Emerald Lake, which the lodge is named after. If you’re keenly looking to get away from the rush and the noise of the cities and want someplace secluded and silent for you to recharge, then this is the best place for you."

"Located in the Yoho National Park surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, Emerald Lake Lodge features rooms with wood burning fireplaces. An outdoor hot tub, 3 restaurants and a lounge are also provided. Emerald Lake Lodge rooms include a private bathroom and balcony."

"If you have a chance, stay for a night in Emerald Lake Lodge, a little log cabin with amazing views of the lake and surrounding areas. In the winter months, you will truly feel like you are living in a snow globe!"

"Lake Louise Shoreline Trail is a 4km (2.5 mi) out and back trail with minimal elevation that starts from Chateau Lake Louise. The easy, stroller-friendly trail follows the sparkling turquoise lake up to where the creek descends to meet the glacier. Insider Tip for Families: This trail gets very busy."

"There are several trails around Lake Louise including one up to the Agnes Tea House and the Fairview Lookout point. Get here early since the parking lot wasn’t very big. Though, there were shuttle buses from offsite locations to take visitors here."

"The most iconic lake in Banff National Park and the one that EVERYONE is trying to get to, Moraine Lake. While it’s most popular for canoe rentals, you can paddle board on Moraine Lake. If you had your heart set on paddle boarding on Moraine Lake, you’ll need to beat the rush to get a parking spot before they close the road when the parking lot is full."

"The waters of this glacial lake are famous for being a vivid turquoise. Light reflecting off particles of glacial rock flour gives the lake its hue. The intense color and water level both peak in late June, but the lake is stunning any time of year."

"You will spend some time around quaint little mountain towns: Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise, travel through the World famous Icefields Parkway and visit the largest National Park in the Canadian Rockies - Jasper. On the way back west to Vancouver this guide will take you via Wells Gray Provincial Park and back along the Sea to Sky Highway to give you a chance to see all the things you didn't manage to see on the way up."

"40 minutes from Banff is the beautiful Lake Louise. Lake Louise is known for its turquoise, glacier-fed lake ringed by high peaks and overlooked by a stately chateau (Hotel Chateau Lake Louise). Access to the lake is free."

"Family owned restaurant located in Samson Mall is convenient for families. Their menu offers a variety of options from hearty meals to children's menus."

"At Mountain Restaurant you can have both a scenic view and a delicious dinner. Our family owned and operated restaurant in Lake"

"While this drink might not make you think of winter, come Springtime, Temple Lodge transforms into a Temple Beach paradise!. Celebrate spring skiing at Sawyer’s Nook with Mexa Mula – Milagro reposado tequila, fresh lime juice, pineapple syrup, cilantro leaves – and the key ingredient: Grizzly Paw brewery’s handcrafted ginger beer!"