Avalanche safety at Lake Louise

Banff National Park

There are plenty of safe places to walk and snowshoe at Lake Louise. But not all sign-posted destinations are safe for winter travel. Some trails pass through dangerous avalanche terrain from November to June. Watch for the signs below and never enter avalanche terrain without a beacon, probe, shovel and avalanche training. Get outside, have fun and be safe!

Stop here | Avalanche zones at Lake Louise | Learn more

Stop here

Avalanches are possible from November until June and you could be buried or injured.

If you see this sign, you are about to enter avalanche terrain.

Do not proceed unless you have avalanche training and a transceiver, probe and shovel.

There are often tracks beyond these signs left by equipped parties – this does not indicate that the trail is safe. You don’t know how informed previous travellers were or what the conditions may have been at the time.

Your safety is your responsibility.

Avalanche zones at Lake Louise

Mount Fairview

Avalanche zones on Mt. Fairview at Lake Louise

Left side of Lake Louise
November to June annually

Watch for this avalanche zone on Mt. Fairview on the left side of Lake Louise past the boat house. It may also be accessed beyond the Fairview Lookout.

This is an impressive natural feature but please enjoy it from afar.

For your safety and the safety of others, do not stand under this slide path or walk across it. Keep in mind that tracks left by others do not mean that the area is safe.

Teahouse trails: Plain of Six Glaciers and Lake Agnes

Map of avalanche zones on the — Avalanche hazards on the "Teahouse" Trails at Lake Louise

Plain of Six Glaciers and Lake Agnes including Mirror Lake
November to June annually

These very popular summer hikes are not safe for travel in the winter unless you have avalanche training and equipment.

The avalanche zones on both trails are clearly marked. Keep in mind that tracks left by others do not mean that the trail is safe.

Note: The teahouses are closed in winter. When trails begin to clear in May check the trail report for current conditions. Your safety is your responsibility.

Saddleback Pass

Trail to Saddleback Pass
November to June annually

This trail climbs the southeast flank of Mount Fairview and crosses a prominent avalanche slide path along the way. The avalanche zone is clearly marked. Do not enter it without avalanche training and equipment.

Keep in mind that tracks left by others do not mean that the trail is safe. You don’t know how informed previous travellers were or what the conditions may have been at the time. Your safety is your responsibility.

Louise Falls

This impressive waterfall is clearly visible from the Lake Louise Lakeshore trail at the back of the lake. The waterfall freezes in the winter and is a popular ice climbing destination. Enjoy the view but please avoid standing directly under Louise Falls, especially in the spring. Falling ice can be a hazard at this location.

Learn how to travel safely in avalanche country

Many excellent programs exist to help you learn to travel safely in avalanche country. Visit Avalanche Canada for a list of programs and an online introductory primer.

Get outside, have fun and be safe!