Best Outdoor Activities in 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."

"This World Heritage site protects the amazing Cambrian-age fossil beds on Mt Stephen and Mt Field. These 515-million-year-old fossils preserve the remains of marine creatures that were some of the earliest forms of life on earth. You can only get to the fossil beds by guided hikes, which are led by naturalists from the Burgess Shale Geoscience Foundation. Reservations are essential."

"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"

"This World Heritage site protects the amazing Cambrian-age fossil beds on Mt Stephen and Mt Field. These 515-million-year-old fossils preserve the remains of marine creatures that were some of the earliest forms of life on earth. You can only get to the fossil beds by guided hikes, which are led by naturalists from the Burgess Shale Geoscience Foundation. Reservations are essential."

"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."

"Offering an assortment of freshly made sandwiches, decadent pastries, seasonal salads and gourmet snacks, your take out selections have been sustainably crafted to take on your next adventure!. Non contractual photo"

"Inspired by our mountain guide history, The Guide’s Pantry offers a variety of fresh salads, sandwiches, baked goods and desserts. Sit to eat in our deli lounge or grab a snack to-go."

"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!"

"This is my all time favourite place to eat breakfast in Lake Louise Village. The grilled sandwiches here are unbelievable, and they’re the perfect breakfast, brunch or lunch option if you just want to grab something and go. For breakfast, I absolutely love the avocado and toast (with extra bacon), but you really can’t go wrong."

"Trailhead Cafe is also located in the Samson Mall in Lake Louise. They offer a selection of great coffee, hot breakfasts including breakfast sandwiches and baked goods."

"Located in the Samson Mall, the Trailhead Cafe serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, great goodies to go and of course, coffee and drinks."

"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."

"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."