Lake Agnes Tea House hike in Banff (the complete guide)

During my last Western Canada road trip, I had the chance to visit Lake Louise and hike the trail leading to the Lake Agnes Tea House.

Located within Banff National Park, the trailhead is near Lake Louise, next to the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

This hike proved to be one of the best discoveries of my Canadian Rockies road trip. Here are my tips and advice to help you plan your hike.
 

Map of the Lake Agnes trail

What is the Lake Agnes Trail?

The Lake Agnes Trail is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful hikes in the Canadian Rockies and, what's more, it's accessible to everyone. 

This well-maintained trail leads up through the forest, offering good views of Lake Louise below. As they climb, hikers will have the chance to admire two other magnificent mountain lakes, Mirror Lake and Lake Agnes.

Once you reach Lake Agnes, you can sit down for a cup of tea and one of their famous tea biscuits while enjoying the lakeside scenery of the iconic Lake Agnes Tea House.

It's certainly one of the most popular hikes in the Lake Louise area.

CHARACTERISTICS

• Trailhead: Lake Louise, near the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
• Distance: 7.4 km round-trip
• Elevation gain: 435 m
• Time: about 3 hours
• Level: Moderate

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Lake Agnes Trail

#1. TRAILHEAD: LAKE LOUISE & THE FAIRMONT CHATEAU LAKE LOUISE

Your first stop will be the Lake Louise parking area, where you can leave your car. Please note that there is a fee for parking.

Then head to Lake Louise, the 'Jewel of Canada'.

Your hike begins on the shores of this magnificent turquoise lake.

When you're ready to go, simply take the Lake Louise lakeshore trail near the majestic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel.

With the hotel on one side and the glacier on the other, you'll already have plenty of great views to photograph.

After about ten minutes along this paved promenade, you'll see a path branching off to the right with a small sign indicating the start of the Lake Agnes Trail.

Once you're on this trail, you'll begin a gradual climb, which will stay the same throughout the hike.

Occasional openings afford glimpses of Lake Louise with its milky turquoise waters.

You can take a few breaks to catch your breath while admiring the views of Lake Louise and Victoria Glacier.

The view of the lake becomes more and more beautiful the higher you go!

The higher you go, the less you will see of Lake Louise.

You'll soon be surrounded by a spruce forest as you continue to climb towards Mirror Lake and Lake Agnes.
 

#2. MIRROR LAKE

After about 2.9 km along Lake Agnes Trail, you'll reach the second mountain lake: Mirror Lake.

You can enjoy the view of Mirror Lake and Big Beehive while you take a break and a snack before tackling the end of Lake Agnes Trail.

Here, you can either continue towards Lake Agnes and its tea house or head to Little Beehive Trail, which offers a magnificent panoramic view of Lake Louise and the surrounding mountains.

If you have time, I recommend continuing along Little Beehive Trail.

This 1.2-km section (round-trip) will be a lovely addition to your hike before heading to the famous Lake Agnes.

The trail forms a loop, but I recommend taking the shortcut directly to Lake Agnes and the tea house to complete your hike.

More experienced hikers can also choose to branch off to the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail at Mirror Lake.

This mountain trail would certainly be a spectacular addition to your hike. However, be aware that you would need an average of 4 to 5 hours (round-trip) to complete the trail.

The Plain of Six Glaciers Trail leads to its own tea house, where you can stop for a snack.
 

#3. LAKE AGNES & THE TEA HOUSE

You're nearly there!

Once you leave Mirror Lake, you'll only have 0.8 km to go before reaching Lake Agnes and the tea house.

Shortly after resuming your hike, you will see a lovely waterfall.

The trail ends with a steeper section featuring a set of 57 stairs.

After climbing the stairs, the beauty of the landscape will quickly banish all memory of the strenuous final stretch.

You have finally reached Lake Agnes and its famous tea house, at an altitude of 2,100 metres!

You can now enjoy the view of Lake Agnes and maybe even have a good hot cup of tea at the tea house.

The Lake Agnes Tea House was built in 1901 as a refuge for hikers.

The refuge started serving fine "high end" teas to visitors from around the world in 1905.

Did you know that Lake Agnes was named after the original First Lady of Canada?

Lady Agnes MacDonald, the wife of Canada’s first Prime Minister, visited Lake Agnes and was delighted by the beauty of this idyllic lake and the hanging valley it sits in.

Please note that the tea house is a very popular stop for hikers, so there may be a line to get a table.

I strongly advise you to arrive as early as possible to avoid the line and have the chance to enjoy an excellent cup of tea with a delicious tea biscuit.

If there's a large crowd, don't be too disappointed: take advantage of the picnic tables to take a well-deserved break. It's the perfect time to have a bite to eat!

You could even continue along the trail around Lake Agnes to find a quiet spot on the rocks at the lake's edge.

And why not dip your feet in the lake, if you dare!

After taking in your fill of the gorgeous view, it's time to get going again. Here you have two options:

• Either you retrace your steps down to Lake Louise, 3.7 km away
• Or you can continue for another 1.6 km to the Big Beehive

We chose to return to Lake Louise by taking another part of the trail to Mirror Lake.

Most hikers go back down the same way they went up, but if you'd like some variety, it is possible (as long as you have good walking shoes!)

Getting to the trail

As the park is very busy, using the shuttle service (June to September) is recommended (but not obligatory) to reduce the number of vehicles in circulation.

SHUTTLE

To take the shuttle to the trail, go to the Park and Ride (at the Lake Louise Ski Resort) and take the Lake Louise shuttle.

You will arrive directly at the Lake Louise parking lot.

The shuttle costs about $8 per person 18 and over (plus a $3 reservation fee).

The shuttle operates from May 19 through to October 9, 2023.

It runs every 20 minutes between 6:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (except from May 19 to 31, when it runs from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.)

To use the shuttle service, you have to purchase a ticket online on the Parks Canada website.

To avoid disappointment, it's best to reserve in advance.

Ticket reservations open on April 13, 2023 at 8 a.m. (Western time), but you can also purchase tickets 48 hours before the day of your visit (on the Parks Canada website)
 

CAR

If you rent a car in Canada, the Lake Louise paid parking will let you reach the trailhead in just minutes.

In high season, arrive early, or you will spend a lot of time trying to find a space.

Paid parking is in effect at the Lake Louise parking area (between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.) from May 10 to October 10, 2023.

You must pay as soon as you find a parking space, directly at the pay station.

The fee is $12.25 per vehicle per day.

How much is the park entry fee?

To do the Lake Agnes hike, you also have to pay the Banff National Park entry fee, regardless of how you get to Lake Louise (by shuttle OR by car).

The entry fee is $10.50 per person 18 and over (free for children).

I strongly recommend purchasing the Parks Canada Discovery Pass, which gives access to all of Canada's national parks.

It is valid for 1 year (from the date of purchase) and costs $145.25 (covers up to 7 people in the same vehicle).

The Discovery Pass pays for itself in as little as seven days.

Practical advice for the Lake Agnes Tea House hike

• The best time to do the hike is from June to September. In May and October, there may be ice or snow on the trail.
• The trail is very busy in high season. Get there early in the morning!
• If you're used to using walking sticks, bring them with you!
• To keep the mosquitoes at bay, use Watkins insect repellent.
• Bring at least 2 litres of water per person and snacks.
• Bring warm clothing, even in warm weather. It's usually 5 to 10 degrees cooler at the summit.
• Walking shoes with ankle support are your best bet. In all cases, make sure they have thick soles.
• Please note that the tea house is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and it accepts only cash payment.

And there you go!

I hope I have answered most of your questions about the famous Lake Agnes trail, and that you'll plan to do this hike on your next Western Canada road trip. I'd love to hear about it if you do!

If you have any questions and/or suggestions, feel free to share them in the comments below.