Lake Agnes Lake Louise
A charming historic tea house awaits at the end of a scenic hike to the stunning, high-elevation Lake Agnes.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Lake Agnes Lake Louise
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming historic tea house awaits at the end of a scenic hike to the stunning, high-elevation Lake Agnes.
"The hike to the tea house is a must-do for its incredible views and unique mountain experience."
🎯 Arrive Before 8:30 AM
Beat the crowds and enjoy a peaceful hike to the tea house. Parking fills up quickly!
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail can be uneven and muddy. Crampons might be needed in late spring/early fall.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lake Agnes Tea House
Lake Agnes
Enjoy a warm drink and a treat at this historic tea house nestled beside a stunning alpine lake.

Lake Agnes
End of the Lake Agnes Trail
A breathtakingly beautiful, high-elevation lake surrounded by majestic Rocky Mountain peaks.

Big Beehive Viewpoint
Above Lake Agnes
Hike further for panoramic views of Lake Louise and the surrounding valleys from this iconic viewpoint.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds to the Tea House
Trail Conditions & What to Expect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Before 8:30 AM
Beat the crowds and enjoy a peaceful hike to the tea house. Parking fills up quickly!
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail can be uneven and muddy. Crampons might be needed in late spring/early fall.
💰 Cash for Tea House
While some places accept cards, it's wise to have cash for the tea house for drinks and snacks.
💧 Stay Hydrated
It's an uphill hike! Bring plenty of water, especially on warmer days.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Before 8:30 AM
Beat the crowds and enjoy a peaceful hike to the tea house. Parking fills up quickly!
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail can be uneven and muddy. Crampons might be needed in late spring/early fall.
💰 Cash for Tea House
While some places accept cards, it's wise to have cash for the tea house for drinks and snacks.
💧 Stay Hydrated
It's an uphill hike! Bring plenty of water, especially on warmer days.
📸 Capture the Views
The scenery is incredible. Don't forget your camera for stunning mountain and lake shots.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the stunning beauty of Lake Agnes and the unique experience of visiting the historic tea house. The hike is considered moderately challenging but rewarding. Some find the parking and crowds to be significant drawbacks, especially during peak times.
"Beautiful lake.
It’s about 3 miles to reach, we started at 5:30 AM so it was perfectly empty.
We met some people at the lake.
Yea house is open 8:30am-4 pm.
I recommend walking around the lake .
A lot of people on way back. But I think this is one of the most popular short hikes."
Marta Stashevska
"Tea house is the most popular point. You can buy a drink and sit beside the lakeshore to consider hiking to Big or Little beehive."
Paul Lee
"Came in late April when the grounds still mostly frozen so crampons are a must. The hike was moderately challenging but made the view more worth it. The tea house is closed at this time of year, so we just admired the mountains and snowy lake."
Forest Bai
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is to hike the Lake Agnes Trail, which starts near the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. The hike is approximately 3.5 km (2.2 miles) one way and takes about 1-1.5 hours. You can also consider a horse ride tour that reaches the lake.
Yes, there is parking at Lake Louise, but it is very limited and expensive ($37 CAD). It's highly recommended to arrive by 6 AM to secure a spot, or consider using shuttle services or public transport.
No, you cannot drive directly to Lake Agnes Tea House. It is only accessible by hiking or by horse ride tour. The hike is a popular way to experience the stunning scenery.
You can drive and pay for parking, take a Parks Canada shuttle, or use Roam Public Transit. Booking shuttles in advance is often necessary during peak season.
The hike is considered moderately challenging. It's about 7 km (4.4 miles) round trip with an elevation gain of about 400 meters (1,300 feet). Some find it strenuous if they are out of shape.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entry fee for the hike itself, but you will need a Parks Canada Discovery Pass to access Banff National Park. The tea house operates on a cash-only basis for purchases.
The tea house typically opens around 8:30 AM and closes at 4:00 PM, but hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website or recent visitor reports for the most up-to-date information.
No, the tea house is not open year-round. It typically operates from late May or early June through mid-October. It is closed during the winter months.
Reservations are generally not accepted at the Lake Agnes Tea House. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis, which is why arriving early is recommended.
Prices for tea, coffee, and baked goods are generally reasonable for a remote mountain location. Expect to pay around $5-10 CAD for a drink and a treat.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy the stunning views of Lake Agnes, walk around its shores, and continue hiking to the Big Beehive or Little Beehive for even more spectacular panoramic vistas.
Lake Agnes Tea House is situated at an elevation of approximately 2,135 meters (7,005 feet) above sea level.
Yes, there are outhouses available near the tea house. They are maintained by Parks Canada.
The tea house serves a selection of teas, coffee, hot chocolate, and freshly baked goods like scones and pies. It's a perfect spot for a mid-hike refreshment.
The hike is manageable for older children who are used to walking. Younger children might find it challenging, and a carrier might be necessary. The stairs near the tea house can also be tricky for very young ones.
📸 📸 Photography
The classic shot is of the tea house with Lake Agnes and the surrounding mountains. For wider vistas, hike up to the Big Beehive or Little Beehive. The reflections on the lake can be stunning in the early morning.
Early morning offers fewer crowds and softer light, ideal for capturing the serene beauty. Late afternoon can provide beautiful golden hour light.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain scenery. A telephoto lens can be useful for details of the peaks. Don't forget a polarizing filter to enhance the blues of the sky and water.
Drone usage is restricted in national parks. Always check Parks Canada regulations before flying a drone.
Try framing the tea house with the lake and mountains behind it. You can also capture close-ups of the rustic architecture or people enjoying their tea.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing a child carrier for younger children, and be prepared for the stairs leading to the tea house. The tea house itself offers a fun break with hot drinks and snacks. For a less strenuous option, exploring the shores of Lake Louise itself or taking a shorter walk to Mirror Lake might be more suitable for very young families.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Utilizing public transit or Parks Canada shuttles is a more budget-friendly option than paying for prime parking. The hike itself is a fantastic way to experience the Rockies without expensive tours. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (late spring or early fall) when crowds might be slightly smaller and accommodation prices potentially lower.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Lake Agnes Tea House Hike
Visitors often describe the hike as moderately challenging, especially if they are not accustomed to elevation or steep inclines. The tea house hike at Lake Louise is particularly popular, so starting early is crucial to avoid large crowds. The reward for your effort is not just the picturesque lake and the cozy tea house, but also the opportunity to enjoy a warm beverage and a baked treat amidst breathtaking Rocky Mountain scenery.
Beyond the tea house, the area offers further exploration. You can continue your hike to the Big Beehive or Little Beehive for even more expansive views of Lake Louise and the surrounding valleys. These extensions add to the overall experience and provide incredible photo opportunities. Remember to check the operating hours of the tea house, as it is seasonal and typically closes in mid-October.
Navigating Lake Louise Parking and Access
To mitigate parking issues, Parks Canada offers shuttle services from designated parking areas in the town of Lake Louise or from Banff. Booking these shuttles in advance is highly recommended, as they are often the most reliable way to reach the lake without the stress of finding parking. Roam Public Transit is another option, providing bus service to Lake Louise from various points in the Bow Valley.
For those who manage to secure parking, the trailhead for the Lake Agnes Tea House hike is conveniently located near the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. The initial part of the walk follows the shoreline of the iconic Lake Louise before branching off onto the Lake Agnes Trail. Planning your transportation well in advance is key to a smooth and enjoyable visit to this popular destination.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit