What to Do

Here’s what I’ve learned after over a decade of exploring these mountains: Lake Louise isn’t about checking off a list of famous hikes. It’s about finding the experience that speaks to you, right now, in this moment.

I’ve organized these activities the way I’d recommend them to a friend visiting for the first time. Whether you’ve got a few hours or a full day, whether you’re looking for a serious workout or a gentle stroll, there’s something here that’ll make your visit memorable.

My advice? Pick one or two things and give yourself time to actually enjoy them. The mountains aren’t a checklist; they’re a place to be present, to breathe, to remember why you came here in the first place.

The Big Adventures

These are the legendary trails that have made Lake Louise famous worldwide. They’re challenging, they take time, and they’re absolutely worth it if you’re up for the adventure.

• Lake Agnes Teahouse: A beautiful forested trail leading to a charming, historic teahouse beside a stunning alpine lake.
• Plain of Six Glaciers: A longer trek that takes you to the foot of the Victoria Glacier, with dramatic views and another rustic teahouse.
• Big Beehive: A challenging hike offering the single best aerial view of Lake Louise and the Chateau from above.
• Little Beehive: A moderate hike offering spectacular views of Lake Louise from a more accessible viewpoint.
• Larch Valley: A seasonal fall hike through golden larch forests to stunning alpine meadows.

Easy Wins

You don’t need to climb a mountain to experience the magic of this place. These shorter, easier options offer incredible scenery with way less effort.

• Lake Louise Lakeshore: The essential, flat walk along the iconic shoreline, offering ever-changing views of the glacier.
• Fairview Lookout: A short but steep climb to a classic viewpoint overlooking the Fairmont Chateau and the lake.
• Moraine Lake Rockpile Trail: The short but steep climb to the most photographed viewpoint in Canada.
• Mirror Lake: A beautiful alpine lake along the Lake Agnes trail, offering perfect reflections of the Big Beehive.

Unique Experiences

These activities offer something different–ways to experience Lake Louise that go beyond just hiking.

• Canoeing on Lake Louise: Experience Lake Louise from the water with unique perspectives of the Victoria Glacier.
• Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola: Take the gondola for incredible panoramic views and wildlife spotting opportunities.

Winter Activities

Experience Lake Louise in its most dramatic season with these winter activities.

• Cross-Country Skiing: Explore extensive trail networks with groomed tracks and incredible mountain scenery.
• Ice Skating on Lake Louise: Skate on the frozen surface of Lake Louise surrounded by snow-covered mountains.
• Snowshoeing: Explore winter wilderness on snowshoes with access to beautiful snow-covered landscapes.
• Winter Photography: Capture stunning winter beauty with incredible opportunities for landscape and wildlife photography.
• Winter Wildlife Viewing: Experience incredible winter wildlife with opportunities to spot elk, deer, wolves, and other animals.
• Winter Hiking: Experience the beauty of Lake Louise in winter through hiking on snow-covered trails.
• Winter Skiing: Experience world-class skiing at Lake Louise Ski Resort with incredible terrain and stunning views.

More guides will be added here over time, but these are the perfect places to start your adventure.