Things to do in Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
The magical Lake Louise is famous as a picture-perfect glacier-fed lake, surrounded by high peaks, overlooked by a majestic Chateau Lake Louise. While Lake Louise hikes are some of the most beautiful on the planet, Lake Louise canoe and kayak experiences are out of this world too. There are many things to do in Lake Louise in winter and in summer. As a special treat, just a short drive away is the breathtaking Moraine Lake with canoeing and hiking opportunities in summer. Few realize that Lake Louise is also a quaint little town in Banff National Park.
The ring of mountains around Lake Louise offers beautiful hiking trails, including one winding up to the Lake Agnes Tea House. The bird’s-eye views from the hikes and Tea House are incredible. During summer the canoe dock opens for canoe and kayak rentals. During winter the lake offers a skating rink, snowshoeing, ice sculptures, and more winter fun. The Lake Louise Ski Resort offers activities and features a wildlife interpretive center at the top of a gondola.
We visited Lake Louise area as part of our 7 day trip to the Canadian Rockies during the summer of 2019. We loved it so much that we’ll go back in a heartbeat.
Check our 7 Day Itinerary of Canadian Rockies and Itineraries of the Canadian Rockies.
In this article, I’ve written about some of our experiences as well as those shared by bloggers around the world. Other parts of the Canadian Rockies are covered in various articles in this series.
Following is an interactive map of top things to do in the Canadian Rockies from Calgary to Jasper.
Things to do in Lake Louise
Lake Louise is a short drive north of Banff and another excellent town to stay in Banff National Park. In addition to the popular Fairmont Lake Louise, the village offers many lovely accommodations, restaurants, and tour providers in the town of Lake Louise. Check our accommodation experiences in the Canadian Rockies.
There are so many ways of enjoying the Lake Louise region, it could take weeks. To make it easier for you, here are some favorite activities recommended by travelers and bloggers from around the world.
Hike to Fairview Lookout in Winter
by Samantha from A Truthful Traveler
Lake Louise is a marvel when you first see it from the lakeshore. How can water be that blue, surrounded by mountains that huge?! Looking at it from Fairview Lookout gives you a bigger perspective: you get a bird’s-eye view of not only the lake but the Fairmont Hotel and the mountains in the background. This hike is a good introduction to hiking at the lake, as it is only 2.4 km long round-trip. The hardest part is the elevation, which is a gain of 541 feet in that short distance.
The most popular time to do the hike is in prime tourist season which is in the Summer. I prefer visiting Banff in the off-season and have done this hike twice in the late Fall. At that point, the lake and the trail are already covered in snow. During both my visits I entered the forest to a Winter Wonderland where trees were covered in thick snow and few people were around. The climb straight up the mountain is uneventful but peaceful. And the view from the top is the perfect reward. You stand at the edge of the silent forest and look out at the vastness around you. If you’re looking for an easy to moderate hike at Lake Louise, this is the hike for you!
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Canoe on Lake Louise in Summer
by Samah from God and Wanderlust
Canoeing in Lake Louise is one way to immerse yourself in Banff’s most glorious lake (Lake Moraine is the most majestical). Another way is to hike around it, which you can read about here.
The best months to canoe in Lake Louise are in July or August when the melting glacier waters feed into the lake. The best time of day is mid-morning, when the lake slowly transforms into the whimsical, highly photographed turquoise-blue color that every gaze craves. Also to avoid the long lineup.
It’s a surreal experience; the red canoe brightly contrasts the clear sunlit lake and each paddle dip shimmers the sunlight’s reflection like golden confetti. I canoed with my older sister and we shared a serene experience, overshadowed by mountains. It reminded us of how great the world is and how small our bubble is. If you want to experience nature at its most beautiful, a canoe paddle in Lake Louise should be on your bucket list.
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Hike Lake Agnes Tea House Trail in Winter
by Campbell and Alya of Stingy Nomads
Lake Louise is a beautiful turquoise, a glacier-fed lake surrounded by high peaks with plenty of hiking trails starting at the lake and winding up the mountains for spectacular views. The lake is located 4km from the town of Lake Louise. The Lake Agnes Tea House trail is one of the most popular hikes in Banff National Park.
This popular trail is rated as fairly easy, winding through the forest from Lake Louise to Lake Agnes Tea House. This small, rustic tea house is situated on the shores of another beautiful lake, Lake Agnes. This is a great stop after walking uphill for about an hour to an elevation of 2,135 meters (7,005 feet) for a delicious cup of tea. The easy 3.5-kilometer hike is a steady incline through a lovely forest and stops at the pretty Mirror Lake before finishing at Lake Agnes Teahouse.
The golden larch trees in the area are spectacular in the fall. This trail can be combined with several trails to create hikes of various lengths and difficulties. This is a 7 km (4.5 mi) 3.5 – 4 hour round trip, hike from Lake Louise.
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Walk Around Lake Louise in Summer
by Jyoti of Story at Every Corner
The walk along Lake Louise is easy, beautiful and likely the most walked of all hikes in the region. It’s a 4 km (or 2.48 mile) walk that starts next to the lake behind the Chateau Lake Louise. One can easily walk the entire path in about an hour. You might want to take longer with stops to photograph the gorgeous lake dotted with the bright red canoes.
Most visitors spend their time near the hotel taking pictures of themselves in the beautiful surroundings. To accommodate all the visitors, the path is broad and paved near the hotel but it’s a typical trail beyond the crowds.
During our first visit, we came with a Brewster sightseeing tour. Conveniently, the bus dropped us very close to the lake and saved us all the parking or shuttling hassles. We had just enough time to walk about the lake, take some pictures, meet a native Chief and a mountie. We could have also had a quick bite at the famous cafe and use the restroom. We chose to spend every possible minute by the lake. We returned the following day to canoe, hike and spend more time soaking in the immense beauty.
Ice Skate and Snowshoe on Lake Louise in Winter
My friend Vijaya loves to visit Lake Louise for Christmas when Chateau Lake Louise turns into a magical winter wonderland and the summer crowds are all gone. She talks fondly of an ice skating rink that’s well maintained, a cozy Christmas in the hotel, and fun activities like snowshoeing and hiking.
Things to do Around Lake Louise
There is so much more to see and experience around the town of Lake Louise, such as the drop-dead gorgeous Moraine Lake in summer and Lake Louise Ski Resort in winter. Yoho National Park in British Columbia is not too far and is great for half, full, or multi-day trips.
Photograph and Hike around Moraine Lake
by Amanda from My Backpacker Life
Pretty much right at the start of the incredible Icefields Parkway, you’ll find a turquoise lake that is likely to take your breath away – Moraine Lake.
Moraine Lake is definitely a place you don’t want to miss when you’re exploring the Canadian Rockies. Not only is the water possibly even more turquoise than over at its neighbor Lake Louise, but the view is also almost too good to be true. The mountains surrounding the lake will make it as good as impossible not to get a lovely view and a good photo. Also, since I prefer to get away from bigger crowds when traveling, I was really happy to discover that Moraine Lake is not as well-known as Lake Louise – which means fewer tourists!
Before you decide to visit this beautiful place, have in mind that while Lake Louise is open all year round, the road to Moraine Lake is usually closed between October and May. That means, if you plan on visiting Moraine Lake on your trip to the Canadian Rockies, you’ll have to go during one of my favorite seasons – summer or early autumn!
To sum it up, Moraine Lake is a beautiful, turquoise lake with an absolutely stunning view. Bring a picnic, go for a walk or simply enjoy the view from the lookout point or the beach. I guess it’s pretty easy to tell that I fell in love with this place?
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Ski the Big 3 – Banff Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mt Norquay
by Christina from Travel 2 Next
One of the most stunning places to go skiing in Canada is the Canadian Rockies, where the charming ski villages of Banff and Lake Louise are vibrant winter hubs in Alberta. The three ski resorts known as the Big 3 are Banff Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mt Norquay. This trio provides a unique experience of skiing within a national park and UNESCO World Heritage area.
With almost 8,000 acres of slopes, pristine wilderness, two gondolas and carved trails accessed via 26 chairlifts, you can ski all three with one lift ticket taking advantage of the best ski conditions. It’s a convenient way to ski a variety of resorts and the SkiBig3 Lift Ticket also includes free transport between the ski areas.
Another unique aspect of Banff Sunshine Village, Lake Louise, and Mt Norquay is they are located within Canada’s first National Park. Banff National Park is a pristine wilderness home to more than 50 species of mammals such as beavers, bighorn sheep, coyotes, elk, and bears. An assortment of wildlife is often spotted on the slopes! One year, when I was skiing at Lake Louise, I saw a lynx on the slopes. It was a fantastic sight that stopped all the skiers and snowboarders in their tracks.
Another good reason to ski here is the season is a long one, usually lasting from early November until late May. Spring skiing is fantastic, and most seasons, you’ll get fluffy powder snow.
If you want to stay on the mountain, Banff Sunshine is the one to choose but for a luxurious treat book yourself into the Castle in the Rockies, the Fairmont Banff Springs or Fairmont Lake Louise.
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Check our 3-Day Itinerary of Banff in Winter
Photograph Wildlife in the Wild
Although we didn’t hear of Lake Louise as a destination for wildlife viewings, we spotted multiple black bears as we drove around the Lake Louise area. It seems that Lake Louise is a popular place for a black bear to visit for food and attention from the many tourists. I hope people refrain from giving food to wildlife because it can end up poorly for the animal.
On one occasion, as we drove from Lake Louise to Moraine Lake, our Brewster guide was telling us stories of mountaineering in the Canadian Rockies. I was fascinated by outdoor rock climbing and dreaming of returning to climb the mountains. Suddenly he stopped the bus.
I returned from my daydream to an awesome reality – a chance to see a black bear crossing the road right in front of us. We had the best vantage point from our front-row seat with a huge window and an unobstructed view of the large black bear. The bear was later circling a camper van, likely in search of food.
Horseback Trail Ride or Excursion
Back in the day, pioneers traveled the mountains and valleys on horseback. You’ve surely seen pictures of the mounties on horseback. Today, you can find a variety of trail rides and overnight excursions in Banff and Lake Louise areas. Horseback excursions bring you close to nature and forge an intimate connection with the pristine beauty of the Canadian Rockies. It’s also faster and easier than hiking. You can choose short rides around Banff and Lake Louise or take overnight backcountry hut trips and pack trips.
Horseback trail rides typically open in mid-April. We took a horseback trail ride in Jasper, which was very different from the horseback safari in Victoria Falls in Zambia. Next time I’d love to go on an excursion with Timberline Tours or Brewster Adventures. Surely, it’ll be a completely different experience. If you have any recommendations, please do share.
Ride up Lake Louise Gondola
Lake Louise Gondola is used by skiers in winter and for hikers in summer. It also has a nice wildlife interpretive center. We visited the gondola in Banff and it was spectacular. If you have taken the Lake Louise gondola in summer, please do share your experience.
Day Hikes in Lake Louise Area
Banff National Park has dozens of spectacular hikes in the great outdoors. Here are some hikes starting at Lake Louise, Lake Louise village, Lake Moraine and withing 4 km of Lake Louise. For more information check Parks Canada.
Hikes Starting at Lake Louise
There is a hike for every difficulty level and duration starting at Lake Louise parking lot or the lake. Here are some favorites.
| Hike | Difficulty | Distance* | Time* | Elevation Gain |
| Lake Louise Lakeshore | Easy | 4 km / 2.48 miles | 1 hour | minimum |
| Fairview Lookout | Easy | 2 km / 1.25 mile | 45 min | 100 m / 330 feet |
| Lake Agnes | Moderate | 3.4 km / 2.11 miles | 2.5 to 3 hours | 385 m / 1263 feet |
| Plain of Six Glaciers | Moderate | 5.3 km / 3.3 miles | 4 hours | 365 m / 1198 feet |
| Saddleback (to pass) | Difficult | 3.7 km / 2.3 miles | 3 to 4 hours | 5/5 m / 1952 feet |
| Fairview Mountain (to summit) | Difficult | 5.2 km / 3.2 miles | 5 to 6 hours | 1013 m / 3323 feet |
*round trip distance and approximate time for round trip
Hikes Starting at Lake Louise Village
Some trails start by the railway station in Lake Louise Village. It’s also a great place to end the hike and get a nice meal at one of the restaurants.
| Hike | Difficulty | Distance* | Time* | Elevation Gain |
| Bow River Loop | Easy | 7.1 km / 4.4 miles | 2 hours | minimum |
| Louise Creek | Easy | 2.8 km / 1.7 miles | 1.5 hours | 195 m / 640 feet |
| Tramline | Moderate | 4.5 / 2.8 miles | 2.5 hours | 195 m / 640 feet |
*round trip distance and approximate time for round trip
Hikes Around Moraine Lake
There are many more hikes just a few miles from Lake Louise. Some of these start at Lake Moraine parking lot and others not too far.
| Hike | Difficulty | Distance* | Time* | Elevation Gain |
| Moraine Lake Lakeshore | Easy | 1.5 km / 0.9 mile | 45 min | minimal |
| Consolation Lakes | Easy | 2.9 km / 1.8 mile | 2 hours | 65 m / 213 feet |
| Lake Annette | Moderate | 5.7 km / 3.5 miles | 4 hours | 245 m / 804 feet |
| Eiffel Lake | Moderate | 5.6 km / 3.5 miles | 4.5 hours | 370 m / 1214 feet |
| Larch Valley / Minnestimma Lakes | Moderate | 4.3 km / 2.7 miles | 3.5 – 4 hours | 535 m / 1755 feet |
| Boulder Pass (Fish Creek parking) | Difficult | 8.6 km / 5.3 miles | 6 – 7 hours | 640 m / 2100 feet |
| Paradise Valley and Giant Steps | Difficult | 10.3 km / 6.4 miles | 7 – 8 hours | 385 m / 1263 feet |
| Sentinel Pass Connector (Paradise Valley parking) | Difficult | 2.3 km / 1.4 miles | 2 – 4 hours | 505 m / 1656 feet |
| Sentinel Pass | Difficult | 5.8 km / 3.6 miles | 4.5 – 5.5 hours | 725 m / 2379 feet |
| Wenkchemna Pass | Difficult | 9.7 km / 6 miles | 7.5 – 8 hours | 720 m / 2362 feet |
*round trip distance and approximate time for round trip
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Lake Louise is located within the stunning Banff National Park. Lake Louise village is about 50km north of the town of Banff.
Yes, there is a lovely hike around Lake Louise. Most people walk from the parking lot towards Chateau Lake Louise to the lake. In summer it’s buzzing with tourists taking pictures. You can walk left towards the canoe rental shop and through the hike in the woods behind the shop. Also, you can walk right and continue on the path up to the trails.
It takes about 1 hour to walk around Lake Louise. But it depends on how many stops you make. We walked short distances in both directions from the parking lot. After taking some pictures and returned to the starting point.
It was fun watching canoers, paddleboarders, and tourists from around the world on the beautiful Lake Louise.
We rented a car in Calgary but there is ample public transit and tours to get you to Lake Louise. In peak season, you’ll need to park the car in a parking lot off the highway, south of Lake Louise village. From the parking lot, shuttles take visitors to the lake every few minutes.
The drive from through the Canadian Rockies is a destination in itself. I’ve shared them through pictures at Calgary to Jasper drive and Jasper to Banff drive
Yes, you can drive to Lake Louise and park in the large parking lot. However, the parking fills up in peak summer, and visitors are advised to park in the designated parking lot by the freeway south of Lake Louise village.
You could find a parking spot at Lake Louise if you’re visiting in the low season. During peak season, you have a better chance of finding parking in the early morning or late evening times. At other times, you’re likely going to be told to return to the parking lot by the highway.
We found parking when we visited during an afternoon when there was a rain forecast and it was drizzling on and off. The weather had motivated most visitors to head to the towns so we were able to park at the lakes and enjoy them with other visitors.
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Related Articles
- 7-Day Itinerary of Canadian Rockies
- 3-Day Itinerary of Banff in Winter
- Itineraries of the Canadian Rockies
- Accommodations in Jasper and Banff
- Rafting in Jasper National Park
- Banff’s wildlife crossing
- Red forests in Jasper National Park
- Calgary to Banff to Jasper Drive
- Jasper to Banff Drive
- Things to do in Banff and Canmore
- Things to do in Yoho National Park
- Things to do in Jasper
- Things to do on Icefields Parkway
Kelly
April 22, 2020 @ 11:48 am
I’m with you! This is one of the most beautiful places on earth. I went in late May and unfortunately it was a long winter that year. None of the trails were open yet. I also didn’t make it to Lake Morraine, but I was told that it was more beautiful that Lake Louise. Oh well….I guess that means another trip back lol. I’m actually planning on going again once the domestic flights open up more when this pandemic is over.
Jyoti
May 3, 2020 @ 1:39 pm
Hi Kelly, I love how you see the glass half full. It’s hard to predict nature so each trip to the Canadian Rockies is unique. Nature is so dramatic that the colors of Moraine lake change with the seasons and even within the span of a day. I hope domestic flights will resume shortly and you’ll get a chance to go again soon. Do share your pictures of Moraine Lake when you visit.
Freya
April 22, 2020 @ 4:38 pm
Lake Louise and Moraine Lake look so stunning, I’d love to revisit Canada and add Alberta to my itinerary. Although canoeing on Lake Louise in summer looks amazing, skiing in Banff would also be great. It’s so hard to choose which season to visit as Canada is beautiful all the time and has so many different activities to enjoy. Thanks for the great detail on all the hikes Jyoti, a very helpful post.
Jyoti
May 3, 2020 @ 1:35 pm
Hi Freya, that’s a smart idea to include Alberta in your Canadian itinerary. I’d recommend a summer trip to Lake Louise if you enjoy the vibrant colors of nature and hikes. But if you’re a winter sports fan, the slopes of Banff are some of the best! For me, summer is a clear preference so all our visits have been in summer. I would love to visit in winter if next time.
Carol Kubicki
April 23, 2020 @ 1:27 am
You have included lots of really useful advice for anyone visiting this area. It looks an amazing place for walking and outdoor activities. Your photographs are beautiful too, Moraine Lake looks stunning. It is certainly on my list of places to visit. Thank you for sharing.
Jyoti
May 3, 2020 @ 1:32 pm
Hi Carol, thank you for stopping by. I’m happy to hear that you found the information about visiting the Lake Louise area useful. Please do share what you find on your travels to the Canadian Rockies.
Sarah
April 23, 2020 @ 1:46 am
Wow, this looks an incredible trip. We were supposed to be visiting Canada this summer to do just this, but don’t think that’s going to happen this year. Scenery looks incredible, love the sound of those day hikes and to see a bear in the wild, I would be so excited 😆
Jyoti
May 3, 2020 @ 1:26 pm
Hi Sarah, I hope things settle down and you’re able to visit later this summer. It’ll probably be quieter and not too crowded on the trails. Do ping me if you have any questions about the Canadian Rockies – Banff NP, Jasper NP or Yoho NP.
Catherine
April 23, 2020 @ 2:18 am
This is my kind of adventure! My family and I love the outdoors and we’re always going on hikes and exploring. A trip to Lake Louise is certainly on my family bucket list!
Jyoti
May 3, 2020 @ 1:24 pm
Hi Catherine, what a wonderful way to enjoy travel and be close to nature. What are some of your favorites?
Lake Louise is certainly my favorite for enjoying hikes and wildlife sightings. I absolutely love the colors of Moraine Lake.
Carla
April 23, 2020 @ 10:49 am
OH, you are making my spring fever even worse! I love visiting our rocky mountains, whether this area or Jasper. Can’t wait to go for a hike!
Jyoti
May 3, 2020 @ 1:20 pm
Hi Carla, you’re lucky to be living in the Rockies. Which part of the Rockies do you live in?
I do hope you’re able to enjoy the great outdoors and hikes the Rockies have to offer.
Kathleen
April 25, 2020 @ 2:15 pm
What beautiful views they have in Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. I can’t believe the color of the water at Moraine Lake. I could really go for a few hikes right about now. Seeing the bears and other wildlife is always high on my list of things to do and photographing. We’ve driven from Idaho to Alaska and while we saw a lot, I really wanted to go to this area too. Hopefully on our next trip.
Jyoti
May 3, 2020 @ 1:15 pm
Hi Kathleen, I do you’re able to visit on your next trip! If you enjoyed the drive to Alaska, this will feel magical. Its the perfect place for some of the world’s most beautiful drives and viewpoints with rivers, lakes, and mountains of the Canadian Rockies. Do keep Lake Louise and Moraine Lake at the top of your list. There are many hiking opportunities in Banff National Park for all abilities and interests.
Vanessa Ball
April 28, 2020 @ 2:06 am
WOW! Lake Louise looks like my kind of place with all the adventure activities as I’m a big fan of hiking and kayaking. The Fairview Lookout looks so dreamy in Winter with all snow. The Lake Agnes Tea House Trail looks lovely and not too difficult. I can’t believe the colour of the water in Moraine Lake in the summer, it’s incredible. What an incredible place to explore.
Jyoti
May 3, 2020 @ 1:11 pm
Hi Venessa, you’re right ‘WOW’ is a great expression for the Canadian Rockies! There are hikes for every hiking ability and schedule. Lake Agnes Tea House Trail is amazing but also rewarding with a lovely tea. The colors of the lakes, rivers, mountains, and pristine skies of Banff National park are unbelievable.
Yukti Agrawal
April 28, 2020 @ 1:23 pm
Lake Louise and Moraine Lake looks heavenly and a perfect place for nature lovers. The photograph of Moraine lake on summer afternoon has totally sold me out for this place. Wow it would be so cute and sometimes scary too when spotting a bear while going from Lake Louise to Lake Moraine. Though I would love to experience this tour in summer but looking at your suggestions, going in winter also sounds nice idea.
Jyoti
May 3, 2020 @ 1:08 pm
Hi Yukti, thanks for stopping by! Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are magical. Lake Louise and the slopes are different and charming in all seasons with lovely hikes and greenery all around in summer, while world-class skiing and snow activities in winter. Lake Moraine is only accessible in summer due to the high avalanche activities.