Descriptions of moderate trails

Except for the Tramline Trail, these trails are exposed to avalanche hazard and travel is not recommended from mid-October through to mid-June.

Lake Agnes

Length: 3.4 km one way

Hiking time: 2.5 to 3 hour round trip

Elevation gain: 385 m

Trailhead: Upper Lake Louise parking area, 4 km from the village of Lake Louise. Upper Lake Louise parking area is accessible by transit and recommended from June – September. Transit Info

Description: Framed by a quaint European-style tea house (seasonal), the Lake Agnes hike is the most “civilized” way to see the Rockies. To get there, hike up the well maintained trail and enjoy a beautiful tarn tucked underneath towering peaks.

Side trip to Big Beehive: 1.6 km one way; 135 m elevation gain from Lake Agnes. Beyond Lake Agnes, use switchbacks to climb the Big Beehive for a stunning panorama of Lake Louise and the Chateau.

Side trip to Little Beehive: 1 km one way; 105 m elevation gain from Lake Agnes. The Little Beehive was once the site of a fire lookout, and offers commanding views of the Bow Valley.

Plain of Six Glaciers

Length: 5.3 km one way

Hiking time: 4 hour round trip

Elevation gain: 365 m

Trailhead: Upper Lake Louise parking area, 4 km from the village of Lake Louise. Upper Lake Louise parking area is accessible by transit and recommended from June – September. Transit Info

Description: Beyond Lake Louise you’ll discover a high mountain treasure chest; a collection of impressive peaks and glaciers. Here, you can relax and enjoy the view or rest at a quaint Swiss-built tea house (seasonal). Connect the Lake Agnes and Plain of Six Glaciers trails, via the Highline trail, to form a 14.6 km loop. 5 hour round trip.

Side trip to Abbot Pass Viewpoint: 1.5 km one way; 50 m elevation gain; 1 hour round trip. Look down into crevasses on the Lower Victoria Glacier, and look up to Abbot Hut, one of the highest buildings in Canada.

Tramline

Length: 4.5 km one way

Hiking time: 2.5 hour round trip

Elevation gain: 195 m

Trailhead: Parking lot opposite the Lake Louise train station (restaurant). Lake Louise is accessible by transit and recommended from June - September. Transit Info



Description: Follow in the footsteps – or trolley wheels – of travellers who, a century ago, were dropped off at the railway station and then ferried, by tram, on this 3% railway grade to the Chateau Lake Louise.

Lake Annette

Length: 5.7 km one way

Hiking time: 4 hour round trip

Elevation gain: 245 m

Trailhead: Follow the Moraine Lake Road for 2.5 km to a parking lot on the right hand side.

Description: The steady hike through the subalpine forest is a perfect prelude for the wonderful sensory experience that will greet you at Lake Annette.

Eiffel Lake

Length: 5.6 km one way

Hiking time: 4.5 hour round trip

Elevation gain: 370 m

Trailhead: Take transit to Moraine Lake, begin just beyond the Moraine Lake Lodge. Transit Info

Description: The trail to Eiffel Lake splits off from the Larch Valley trail and takes you high along the side of the valley to panoramic views overlooking Eiffel Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks.

Larch Valley / Minnestimma Lakes

Length: 4.3 km one way

Hiking time: 3.5 to 4 hour round trip

Elevation gain: 535 m

Trailhead: Take transit to Moraine Lake, begin just beyond the Moraine Lake Lodge. Transit Info

Description: Hike into a unique larch forest high above Moraine Lake. Views of the Ten Peaks are breathtaking.

Difficult trails

Descriptions of difficult trails

Except for the official Boulder Pass Trail, these trails are exposed to avalanche hazard and travel is not recommended from mid-October through to mid-June.

Saddleback

Length: 3.7 km to pass

Hiking time: 3 to 4 hour round trip

Elevation gain: 595 m

Trailhead: Upper Lake Louise parking area, 4 km from the village of Lake Louise. Upper Lake Louise parking area is accessible by transit and recommended from June – September. Transit Info

Description: From the boathouse on the shore of Lake Louise, rise steadily up to Saddleback for tantalizing views of Mount Temple and Paradise Valley. Here you’ll find good larch tree viewing in the fall.

Fairview Mountain

Length: 5.1 km to summit

Hiking time: 5 to 6 hour round trip

Elevation gain: 1013 m

Trailhead: Upper Lake Louise parking area, 4 km from the village of Lake Louise. Upper Lake Louise parking area is accessible by transit and recommended from June – September. Transit Info

Description: In a region that was explored by Swiss Mountain Guides in the early 20th century, it makes sense to challenge your inner mountaineer with a steep hike up a famous peak. And the “fair” view at the top? It’s downright spectacular!

Sheol / Paradise Connector

Length: 4.1 km (connector only)

Hiking time: 1 to 2 hours one way

Elevation gain: 500 m gain / loss (depending on direction)

Trailhead: Upper Lake Louise parking or follow the Moraine Lake Road for 2.5 km to the Paradise Valley parking lot on the right hand side.

Description: Connect the Saddleback and Paradise Valley trails by using the Sheol/Paradise connector. A car shuttle may be needed depending on your route choice.

Boulder Pass

Length: 8.6 km to pass

Hiking time: 6 to 7 hour round trip

Elevation gain: 640 m

Trailhead: Fish Creek parking area, off Whitehorn Road, 3 km north of Lake Louise.

Description: After 4 km on a wide access road, you will reach a world dotted with lakes and inviting alpine meadows. From the pass, you get a spectacular view into a remote corner of Banff National Park.

Side trip to Baker Lake: 3.4 km; 130 m elevation loss from Boulder Pass Visit the stunning shores of Baker Lake in the valley below Deception Pass.

Side trip to Deception Pass: 2.4 km; 145 m elevation gain from Boulder Pass Hike over to this windswept pass if you have energy to spare.

Paradise Valley and Giant Steps

Length: 10.3 or 10.9 km one way

Hiking time: 7 to 8 hour round trip

Elevation gain: 385 m

Trailhead: Follow the Moraine Lake Road for 2.5 km to a parking lot on the right hand side.

Description: Here’s a chance to enjoy great views of Mount Temple, identify midsummer wildflowers and witness dramatic surroundings at the Giant Steps Waterfall.

Sentinel Pass Connector

Length: 2.3 km one way (connector only)

Hiking time: 1 to 2 hour one way

Elevation gain: 505 m gain/loss (depending on direction)

Trailhead: Same as Paradise Valley area trails or Moraine Lake area trails.

Description: Connect the Sentinel Pass and Paradise Valley Trails by using the Sentinel Pass Connector. A vehicle shuttle is required. Route finding may be required on the rocky slopes on the north side of Sentinel Pass. Check with the Lake Louise Visitor Centre for more details.

Sentinel Pass

Length: 5.8 km one way

Hiking time: 4.5 to 5.5 hour round trip

Elevation gain: 725 m

Trailhead: Take transit to Moraine Lake, begin just beyond the Moraine Lake Lodge. Transit Info

Description: Steep switchbacks lead to two famous valleys: Larch Valley and Paradise Valley.

Wenkchemna Pass

Length: 9.7 km one way

Hiking time: 7.5 to 8 hour round trip

Elevation gain: 720 m

Trailhead: Take transit to Moraine Lake, begin just beyond the Moraine Lake Lodge. Transit Info

Description: Travel the entire length of the Valley of the Ten Peaks, wandering steadily into a high alpine environment to reach this spectacular pass on the Continental Divide.