If you’re looking for a scenic getaway with outdoor adventures and breathtaking natural beauty, Lake Louise in Banff National Park is an excellent destination to consider.
Situated in the Canadian Rockies, Lake Louise offers visitors a plethora of activities that are suitable for all ages and fitness levels. In this article, we’ll cover the top things to do in Lake Louise and provide helpful tips for planning your trip.
Best Things To do at lake louise
Top 10 Things to Do in Lake Louise
lake louise things to do
Lake Louise is a breathtaking natural wonder in Banff National Park, Canada. Millions of visitors flock to this destination every year to witness the turquoise waters and stunning views.
However, with such a high number of visitors, finding parking can be a challenge, and even more so during peak seasons. When I visited in September, the number of visitors skyrocketed after Covid. So, I’m taking what I learned and sharing my best tips and this guide will help you navigate the parking situation at Lake Louise.
Tip For Visiting Lake Louise
1. Plan ahead for visiting lake louise
If you haven’t been warned about the limited parking at Lake Louise, It’s a bummer, but the parking lot fills up by sunrise every day during the summer-fall. You may get lucky and happen to arrive as someone is leaving, but there isn’t any waiting allowed as there is no place to wait. The park employees will tell you to keep it moving along. Read my article if you want to know how to get parking at Lake louise!
The fee to park is $12.5o for the day and is in effect from 7 am to 7pm.
Want to know how to get parking at Lake Louise?
Things To Do in Lake Louise: Hiking
Hiking is one of the most popular activities in Lake Louise and with good reason. The area boasts some of the most stunning hikes in the world, and there are trails suitable for all skill levels. Here are some of the best hikes in Lake Louise to consider:
Plain of Six Glaciers Trail
The Plain of Six Glaciers Trail is a moderate hike that takes you through some of the most picturesque scenery in Lake Louise. The trail is 10.6 km roundtrip and takes approximately 4-5 hours to complete. Along the way, you’ll pass by stunning glaciers, waterfalls, and breathtaking views of Lake Louise.
Lake Agnes Tea House Trail
The Lake Agnes Tea House Trail is another easy/moderate hike that’s well worth the effort. The trail is 7 km roundtrip and takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete. At the end of the hike, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Lake Agnes and the surrounding mountains! Plus, you can enjoy a cup of tea and a snack at the Lake Agnes Tea House, which has been serving visitors since 1905. If you’re not comfortable going by yourself as there are bears in the park, book a personalized hiking tour with an experienced guide to show you the ropes!
We did this trail, and it was great! Just take your time and go at your own pace. It took us about 3.5 hours to complete at a leisurely pace. This is the only hike we did and I’d highly recommend this hike if you are short on time but want to do at least one hike.
Bring cash! Fun fact, all the trash, and supplies get hiked up there by volunteers/workers.
Big Beehive Trail
This 10.4 km round trip hike takes you up to the top of the Big Beehive where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Lake Louise and the surrounding peaks. The hike is moderately challenging but well worth the effort. You can also do a halfway point to the “little” beehive, It’s on the way to Lake Agnes Tea House.
Sentinel Pass Trail
The Sentinel Pass Trail is a challenging hike that’s best suited for experienced hikers. The trail is 11.6 km roundtrip and takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete. Along the way, you’ll climb to an elevation of over 2,600 meters and be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Don’t have the nerve to trek alone? Go on a guided tour!
These are just a few of the best hikes in Lake Louise. There are many more trails to explore and each offers its own unique beauty and challenges. Be sure to check trail conditions before heading out.
what to do in lake louise: Canoeing at Lake Louise
Lake Louise is a glacial lake that’s famous for its turquoise-colored water. One of the best ways to experience the lake’s beauty is by canoeing! Rentals are available at the Lake Louise boathouse, and guided tours are also available.
The price when I went was $130 for an hour. The boathouse opens up at 9 am and guest hotels do have priority. They will close it down if it’s too windy to canoe, but I found that they do open it back up when the winds go down. So make sure to stick around and wait it out! The winds pass quickly.
what to do in lake louise: Enjoy The Views at Lake Louise
3. Picnic At The Lakeshore of Lake Louise
Enjoy a picnic or a sandwich at the lakeshore of Lake Louise, there are some benches you can sit at or you can sit on the large rocks on the shoreline and enjoy the view.
4. Have High-Tea at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise: lake louise high tea
If you can get a reservation, it’s worth enjoying afternoon high tea at the hotel on site, Fairmont Lake Louise. We couldn’t get a reservation this time, but if you can it’s well worth it!
They serve you small bites of sandwiches and tea and cookies in their indoor space with views of the Lake Louise lakefront.
5. Stay at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel
You are guaranteed to park if you stay at the Fairmont Lake Louise, which is a waterfront hotel with the most amazing views. If you can book early enough and secure a reservation here, you don’t have to fuss over parking and will have access to the hotel and all the amenities the hotel offers.
6. Lake Louise Sight Seeing
Take a guided sightseeing tour of the Lake Louise area with an experienced guide, who will show you all the pretty photo spots along Bow Valley Parkway. Learn about the history and see wildlife. Go inside the historic Lake Louise Fairmont Chateau!
7. Take a Wildlife Safari
perfect for a nature lover, take in the awesome wilderness and wildlife at Banff, and take a guided wildlife safari. A knowledgeable guide will take you in a private van to see impressive spots and witness eagles, polar bears, moose, dear, and more of the amazing wildlife at Banff
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best things to do in lake louise
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8. Go Snow Shoeing at Lake Louise
In the winter, Lake Louise transforms into a magical winter wonderland. Take in the magical snow-capped mountains and have fun snowshoeing on a guided tour including transportation with hot chocolate in hand!
9. See Grizzly Bears in The Wild in Banff
Take a guided tour and venture out to see the elusive Grizzly bears in their natural habitat, meet a famous Grizzly bear name Boo at the Grizzly Bear Refuge.
10. Take a Guided Food Tour of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Enjoy a unique foodie experience tour at the world-renowned Fairmont Springs Hotel and 3 other food locations. learn about the history and taste the culinary delights with beverage tasting. The perfect way to enjoy the views with yummy food to go along with it!
11. Book a Photography Session with a Professional Photographer
Have professional photos taken at the beautiful and scenic Lake Louise with a photographer. Make sure you have awesome photos to remember this trip by! It’s an hour session for up to 10 persons at a pretty reasonable rate
FAQ
Still have questions?
If you cannot find an answer to your question in our FAQ, you can always ask in the comments below!
