Activities

Top Things to Do in and Around Lake Louise:

 

Hike up to Lake Agnes, one of the most popular hiking trails. Though it’s not one of the longest hikes and is easily completed in half a day, Lake Agnes is the perfect place to take a rest, enjoy lunch, or perhaps stop by the teahouse. Built in 1910, the log cabin is the perfect place to sit and enjoy the view while sipping a cup of tea or snacking on the baked goods, made fresh each morning.

If you’re feeling rested, and replenished, circle around Lake Agnes and up to the Beehive Gazebo for breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

Still ready for more? Take the highline trail to the Plain of Six Teahouse. A little larger than the Lake Agnes Teahouse, this one boasts the same warm cups of tea and baked goods. Enjoy the views of six different glaciers, as well as the occasion sights and sounds of a far off avalanche. It’s all downhill from there as you hike back down to the lake, finishing your day with the fairly flat stroll from the back of beautiful Lake Louise, watching the Chateau gradually grow as you reach the end of your adventure.

Want to experience Lake Louise and Moraine Lake but aren’t so much of a hiker? If you tend to be more of a water baby, a canoe is ready and waiting for you. With canoes available for rental at both lakes, this could be the romantic excursion of a lifetime or a family adventure never to be forgotten.

For those who thirst for more adventure, step beyond the flat water lakes to the rapids of the Kicking Horse River, on your very own Wild Water Adventure. Hurdle through the Class IV rapids of the Whitewater Exciter or Tradition trips. If not enough of a thrill, embark on the Maximum Horsepower for a double-shot of the BIG whitewater! Those looking for a more moderate river experience are welcome to climb aboard our rafts and enjoy the bouncy and splashy Gentle trip. This is an ideal introduction to whitewater rafting and perfect for rafters 8 years of age and older. Wild Water Adventures offers something for everyone.

Up, up and away… soar to the top of the world on the Lake Louise Gondola. This fourteen minute ride in either traditional enclosed gondola cars or an open chair takes you to an elevation of 6850 feet, leaving you with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains… and, if you look closely enough, even a glimpse of Lake Louise itself. Complete your journey by embarking on one of the several simple hikes or partake in one of their interpretive programs as you learn about local animals and how they survive. Perhaps you’ll even be lucky enough to glimpse one of these animals as you ride back down.

Activities in Lake Louise

Gondola and Chair Lift Rides

Just a short drive from the lake itself, you’ll find an authentic slice of the Lake Louise region, without the need to wait for the crowds to disperse before getting that mountain-drop selfie.  Soar above and breathe in the wonder.  At Lake Louise Summer Gondola, prepare for never-ending stretches of alpine vistas as far as the eye can see, on-hand expert guides and know-how on our wilder neighbours, fine dining at elevation, and perhaps even a big-footed resident wandering in the valley below…

Hiking

Lake Louise has some of the best hiking trails in Canada.  There are a wide variety of trails for hikers of all levels.  Many of the hikes originate from the base of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake area and there are also trails that connect the two lakes.  Mountain weather can change drastically within minutes, so please be prepared and carry proper clothing for mountain hiking.  When hiking with small children, take plenty of water and snacks.  Try to keep them interested with songs, jokes, and lots of stops to look at the vegetation and wildlife.  Maps and books on hiking in the area are for sale at the front desk and we will also recommend hikes that we have enjoyed and found challenging.  Guided hikes are offered by the Parks Service and individual companies in the area.  Please contact the Village Visitors Centre at 403-522-2708 for the most up to date trail information.

Guided Hikes

Great Divide Nature Interpretation offers scheduled hikes daily at great prices.  Taking a guided hike allows visitor to see and learn about many places they would not normally visit.  Hikes are available for all abilities.  Please contact our office for booking information or call them directly at 403-522-2735.

 White Water Rafting

Wild Water Adventures offers one of the best rafting services in the Park.  They provide half-day rafting trips with coffee and snacks and will pick you up and drop you off at the front office.  Clothing for all types of weather is provided.  Their new facilities allow you to change in a warm, dry area, purchase souvenirs and other items to remind you of your excellent and memorable experience. For reservations call 403- 522-2211 or come to the front desk where we will be happy to call for you.

Biking

Wilson Mountains Sports in Samson Mall provides bike rentals on an hourly and daily basis.  Please check with their shop for current rates.  Biking trails are limited and remember; what goes up must come down!  Biking in the mountains gives a whole new meaning to the word “uphill”!  Don’t forget your helmet!

Fishing

Fishing opportunities are abundant in Banff National Park.  Rainbow Trout, Whitefish, and Lake Trout can be caught here.  A Banff National Park Fishing Permit is required to fish within the Park boundaries and may be obtained from the Lake Louise Information Centre.  Guided trips are also available within the Park.  Before heading out please check with the Lake Louise Visitor Centre regarding restricted areas.

Horseback Riding

Both Brewster Stables and Timberline Tours offer horseback riding on an hourly, ½ hour, full day or overnight pack excursion basis.  All rides in the park are guided and brochures for each company are located in the office.

Golf Courses

Spectacular scenery and challenging day or evening golf is available at many courses in the area.  The most renowned course is at the Banff Springs Hotel and you must have advanced reservations.  Please call the Banff Springs to reserve at 403-762-2211, ask about their rates for Canadian Residents.  There are also several golf courses in Canmore, one hour east of Lake Louise including Silvertip Golf Course, which has amazing views and many elevated holes.  Golden BC, offers a challenging course, located one hour west of Lake Louise and is probably one of the best-kept secrets in the area.

Tennis Courts

Public tennis courts are located at the Recreation Centre in the Village at the end of Village Road.  You must supply your own equipment.

Kindness Kills Wildness

Although it may be cute and fun to feed the wildlife, please refrain from doing so. Feeding or approaching animals too closely causes them to lose their natural fear of people.  Once habituated, animals are likely to become increasingly aggressive.  Feeding may also:

• Attract animals to roadside areas where they can be injured or killed by vehicles.
• Influence animals to eat garbage and harmful substances as they eat almost anything that smells of food.
• Affect your individual health. Animals can be carriers of rabies and tick-related diseases, to name a few, both of which can have immediate or long term consequences.