Day hikes in the Lake Louise area
Banff National Park
Explore an endless network of trails to suit any ability in the Lake Louise area. Visitors should plan ahead and use public transit and Parks Canada shuttles to access hikes.
Along the spine of the North American continent, the Rocky Mountains rise high into the clouds and blue glaciers cling to their slopes. Green forested valleys provide a vital food source for grizzly bears and other species. This is the Lake Louise area of Banff National Park, a landscape of wonder which has been dubbed the “hiking capital of Canada”.
Use the trail descriptions below to choose a hike suitable for everyone in your party. For help with trip planning, visit a Parks Canada Visitor Centre or purchase a hiking guide book and topographical map. Cellular service is not reliable in this area.
Important information:
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Note: Due to high demand, visiting Lake Louise and Moraine Lake requires planning. Parking lots fill up before sunrise and remain full until sunset. Taking transit or booking a Parks Canada shuttle is easy, stress-free and the only way to ensure you can see these lakes. Reserving your shuttle in advance is required.
Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles year-round.
Parks Canada shuttles and licensed commercial vehicle operators with a Moraine Lake Road Licence of Occupation are permitted from June to mid-October. Exceptions will be made for visitors with valid, government-issued accessible parking placards and registered guests of Moraine Lake Lodge.
Hiking trails in the Lake Louise area:
| Trail | Distance (one-way) | Estimated time (return) | Elevation gain* | Elevation loss* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Lake Louise Lakeshore |
2.3 km | 1 hour | minimal | minimal |
| Fairview Lookout |
1.2 km | 45 minutes | 100 m | 65 m |
| Bow River |
Up to 5.7 km | 2 hours | minimal | minimal |
| Rockpile |
0.7 km loop | 30 minutes | 35 m | 35 m |
| Moraine Lake Lakeshore |
1.3 km | 45 minutes | minimal | minimal |
| Consolation Lakes |
2.9 km | 2 hours | 135 m | 50 m |
 Lake Agnes |
3.9 km | 2.5 to 3 hours | 495 m | 80 m |
| Plain of Six Glaciers |
5.8 km | 4 hours | 595 m | 250 m |
| Tramline |
4.3 km | 2.5 hours | 220 m | 30 m |
| Lake Annette |
5.7 km | 4 hours | 345 m | 110 m |
| Eiffel Lake |
5.7 km | 4 to 5 hours | 560 m | 125 m |
| Larch Valley / Minnestimma Lakes |
4.5 km | 3.5 to 4 hours | 570 m | 10 m |
 Saddleback Pass |
3.6 km | 3 to 4 hours | 600 m | 30 m |
| Fairview Mountain |
5 km | 5 to 6 hours | 990 m | 85 m |
| Sheol / Paradise Connector |
3.9 km (connector only) | 1 to 2 hours (one way) | 85 m | 540 m |
| Paradise Valley and Giant Steps |
9.8 km | 7 to 8 hours | 595 m | 255 m |
| Sentinel Pass from Paradise Valley |
14.2 km | 9 to 10 hours | 1,160 m | 670 m |
| Sentinel Pass via Larch Valley |
5.6 km | 4.5 to 5.5 hours | 750 m | 50 m |
| Wenkchemna Pass |
9.6 km | 7 to 8 hours | 1,010 m | 265 m |
| Hidden Lake |
8.5 km | 6 to 7 hours | 700 m | 80 m |
| Deception Pass |
11.5 km | 8 to 9 hours | 835 m | 140 m |
*Note: On most hiking trails you will gain and lose elevation before you reach your destination. Elevation gain represents all the up and elevation loss represents all the down you will experience on a one-way hike.
Thanks to an ongoing collaboration between Parks Canada and Google, you can now explore some Banff National Park highlights using Street View for Google Maps.
Easy Trails
Lake Louise Lakeshore
Description: This easy stroll allows visitors of all experience levels to explore Lake Louise. At the end of the lake, you will discover the milky creek that gives the lake its magical colour.
Distance (one way): 2.3 km
Estimated time (return): 1 hour
Elevation gain: minimal | Elevation loss: minimal
Trailhead: Lake Louise Lakeshore parking lot, 4 km from the community of Lake Louise. Paid parking in effect. Accessible by transit.
Transit Information
Fairview Lookout
Description: Leaving from the boathouse on Lake Louise, this short but steep hike offers you a unique look at both the lake and the historic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Distance (one way): 1.2 km
Estimated time (return): 45 minutes
Elevation gain: 100 m | Elevation loss: 65 m
Trailhead: Lake Louise Lakeshore parking lot, 4 km from the community of Lake Louise. Paid parking in effect. Accessible by transit.
Transit Information
Bow River
Description: Walk or bike on a pleasant trail in the rich riparian zone of the Bow River. These waters travel across the prairies to their ultimate destination in Hudson Bay, over 2,500 kilometres downstream of Lake Louise.
Distance (one way): Up to 5.7 km
Estimated time (return): 2 hours
Elevation gain: minimal | Elevation loss: minimal
Trailhead: Bow River parking lot opposite the Lake Louise train station (restaurant) on Sentinel Road.
Transit Information
Note: A trail section along the west side of the Bow River is closed from May 15 to October 15 to help protect and improve important wildlife habitat.
Rockpile
Description: This short hike will take you to one of the most iconic Moraine Lake photo locations. You will enjoy unparalleled views of the lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Please stay safe and do not climb on the rocks.
Distance (one way): 0.7 km loop
Estimated time (return): 30 minutes
Elevation gain: 35 m | Elevation loss: 35 m
Trailhead: Take transit to Moraine Lake. Start on the Consolation Lakes Trail and turn right at the first trail junction.
Transit Information
Moraine Lake Lakeshore
Description: This easy stroll allows visitors of all experience levels to explore Moraine Lake. Along the trail you will gain a magnificent view of Mount Fay and the Fay Glacier.
Distance (one way): 1.3 km
Estimated time (return): 45 minutes
Elevation gain: minimal | Elevation loss: minimal
Trailhead: Take transit to Moraine Lake. Begin just beyond the Moraine Lake Lodge.
Transit Information
Consolation Lakes
Description: Enjoy a short hike during your visit to Moraine Lake. This easy trail to the first lake offers rewarding views of high alpine meadows, scree slopes, and the Quadra Glacier.
Distance (one way): 2.9 km
Estimated time (return): 2 hours
Elevation gain: 135 m | Elevation loss: 50 m
Trailhead: Take transit to Moraine Lake.
Transit Information
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
Description: Hike up a well-maintained trail to a beautiful lake tucked underneath towering peaks. Enjoy the scenery and visit a quaint European-style tea house (seasonal). Pack out your garbage!
Distance (one way): 3.9 km
Estimated time (return): 2.5 to 3 hours
Elevation gain: 495 m | Elevation loss: 80 m
Trailhead: Lake Louise Lakeshore parking lot, 4 km from the community of Lake Louise. Paid parking in effect. Accessible by transit.
Transit Information
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
Description: Beyond Lake Louise you will discover impressive peaks and glaciers. Relax and enjoy the view or rest at a 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).
Distance (one way): 5.8 km
Estimated time (return): 4 hours
Elevation gain: 595 m | Elevation loss: 250 m
Trailhead: Lake Louise Lakeshore parking lot, 4 km from the community of Lake Louise. Paid parking in effect. Accessible by transit.
Transit Information
Side trip to Abbot Pass Viewpoint: 1.5 km one way; 50 m elevation gain; 1 hour round trip. Look down onto crevasses on the Lower Victoria Glacier and look up to Abbot Pass. Find out more about Abbot Pass Refuge Cabin National Historic Site.
Tramline
Description: This trail is part of the former route of a tramway (1912 to 1930). Use this trail to access the Lake Louise Lakeshore by foot or bike from the community of Lake Louise.
Distance (one way): 4.3 km
Estimated time (return): 2.5 hours
Elevation gain: 220 m | Elevation loss: 30 m
Trailhead: Bow River parking lot opposite the Lake Louise train station (restaurant) on Sentinel Road, or Lake Louise Lakeshore parking lot.
Transit Information
Note: The lower section of this trail is closed from May 15 until October 15. Begin from the Bow River parking lot, cross the bridge, take a left and follow the Bow River Trail until the junction with the new lower Tramline route.
Lake Annette
Description: This steady hike through subalpine forest is the perfect prelude for a serene experience at Lake Annette – a beautiful lake nestled at the base of Mount Temple.
Distance (one way): 5.7 km
Estimated time (return): 4 hours
Elevation gain: 345 m | Elevation loss: 110 m
Trailhead: Take transit to the Paradise Valley trailhead. A limited number of Paradise Valley shuttle seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Transit Information
Eiffel Lake
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.
Distance (one way): 5.7 km
Estimated time (return): 4 to 5 hours
Elevation gain: 560 m | Elevation loss: 125 m
Trailhead: Take transit to Moraine Lake. Begin just beyond the Moraine Lake Lodge.
Transit Information
Larch Valley/Minnestimma Lakes
Description: Hike into a unique larch forest high above Moraine Lake. The views of the Ten Peaks are breathtaking.
Distance (one way): 4.5 km
Estimated time (return): 3.5 to 4 hours
Elevation gain: 570 m | Elevation loss: 10 m
Trailhead: Take transit to Moraine Lake. Begin just beyond the Moraine Lake Lodge.
Transit Information
Difficult trails
Except for the Deception Pass Trail, these trails are exposed to avalanche hazard and travel is not recommended from mid-October through to mid-June.
Saddleback Pass
Description: From the boathouse on the shore of Lake Louise, rise steadily up to Saddleback Pass for stunning views of Mount Temple and Paradise Valley. Visit in the fall to enjoy the golden larches.
Distance (one way): 3.6 km
Estimated time (return): 3 to 4 hours
Elevation gain: 600 m | Elevation loss: 30 m
Trailhead: Lake Louise Lakeshore parking lot, 4 km from the community of Lake Louise. Paid parking in effect. Accessible by transit.
Transit Information
Fairview Mountain
Description: In a region that was explored by Swiss mountain guides in the early 20th century, challenge your inner mountaineer with a steep hike up a famous peak.
Distance (one way): 5 km
Estimated time (return): 5 to 6 hours
Elevation gain: 990 m | Elevation loss: 85 m
Trailhead: Lake Louise Lakeshore parking lot, 4 km from the community of Lake Louise. Paid parking in effect. Accessible by transit.
Transit Information
Sheol/Paradise Connector
Description: Connect the Saddleback Pass and Paradise Valley trails by using the Sheol/Paradise Connector. Travel through stunning alpine landscapes.
Distance (one way): 3.9 km (connector only)
Estimated time (return): 1 to 2 hours
Elevation gain: 85 m | Elevation loss: 540 m (depending on direction)
Trailhead: Lake Louise Lakeshore parking lot or Paradise Valley trailhead. A limited number of Paradise Valley transit seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Transit Information
Paradise Valley and Giant Steps
Description: Here's a chance to enjoy great views of Mount Temple, identify midsummer wildflowers and witness dramatic surroundings at the Giant Steps Waterfall.
Distance (one way): 9.8 km
Estimated time (return): 7 to 8 hours
Elevation gain: 595 m | Elevation loss: 255 m
Trailhead: Take transit to the Paradise Valley trailhead. A limited number of Paradise Valley shuttle seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Transit Information
Sentinel Pass from Paradise Valley
Description: Access Sentinel Pass and Larch Valley from the Paradise Valley side. Route-finding is required on the steep rocky slopes approaching Sentinel Pass.
Distance (one way): 14.2 km
Estimated time (return): 9 to 10 hours
Elevation gain: 1,160 m | Elevation loss: 670 m
Trailhead: Take transit to the Paradise Valley trailhead. A limited number of Paradise Valley shuttle seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Transit Information
Sentinel Pass via Larch Valley
Description: Steep switchbacks lead to a high point between two famous valleys: Larch Valley and Paradise Valley.
Distance (one way): 5.6 km
Estimated time (return): 4.5 to 5.5 hours
Elevation gain: 750 m | Elevation loss: 50 m
Trailhead: Take transit to Moraine Lake. Begin just beyond the Moraine Lake Lodge.
Transit Information
Wenkchemna Pass
Description: Travel the entire length of the Valley of the Ten Peaks, hike steadily into a high alpine environment to reach this spectacular pass on the Continental Divide.
Distance (one way): 9.6 km
Estimated time (return): 7 to 8 hours
Elevation gain: 1,010 m | Elevation loss: 265 m
Trailhead: Take transit to Moraine Lake. Begin just beyond the Moraine Lake Lodge.
Transit Information
Description: Hike the first 4 km on a wide access road. Continue along the Boulder Pass trail until you turn left at the Halfway Hut junction to reach the stunningly blue waters of Hidden Lake.
Distance (one way): 8.5 km
Estimated time (return): 6 to 7 hours
Elevation gain: 700 m | Elevation loss: 80 m
Trailhead: Fish Creek parking area off Whitehorn Road, 3 km from the community of Lake Louise.
Deception Pass
Description: Hike the first 4 km on a wide access road to reach an inviting alpine meadow dotted with mountain lakes. On your way via Boulder Pass and Ptarmigan Lake, you will enjoy phenomenal views into a remote corner of Banff National Park. Access to Skoki backcountry area.
Distance (one way): 11.5 km
Estimated time (return): 8 to 9 hours
Elevation gain: 835 m | Elevation loss: 140 m
Trailhead: Fish Creek parking area off Whitehorn Road, 3 km from the community of Lake Louise.
Side trip to Baker Lake: 1.5 km one way; 160 m elevation loss from the junction below Deception Pass.