How Long is the Lake Agnes Tea House Hike? Lake Agnes Tea House is a historic tea house in Banff National Park. Mountain biking is not allowed on the Lake Agnes trail. The Lake Agnes Tea House hike is an enjoyable trip up to a charming lake with a lovely little tea house. Lake Agnes Tea House is open from June to October; the teahouse is not . From the public parking lot, find the lakeshore trail near the Chateau, and walk along the paved promenade for approximately 200m (Lk. 30 BEST Things to do in Banff in the Summer, check out our shop for unique prints and souvenirs, 26 Best Hotels in Banff (Downtown Banff Hotels & Surrounding), 22 Cabin Rentals in Alberta (Cottage, Airbnb, VRBO Rentals), 10 BEST Banff and Canmore Brewery Options. Eventbrite - Tripvia Tours | Smartphone Audio Tours presents Discover Lake Agnes Tea House Trail with a Guided Audio Hike - Wednesday, 7 December 2022 | Thursday, 8 December 2022 at Lake Agnes Tea House Trail, Lake Louise, AB. If youre lucky enough to arrive around the opening of the tea house at 08:00 a.m., its worth having a cup of tea before more hiking in the area. From this leg you can see the TransCanada highway along with incredible views of Fairview, Mt Aberdeen, Hadoo peak and Devils Thumb. But if you have good hiking shoes on, there is an opportunity to take an alternate trail down to Mirror Lake, which we highly recommend. The view does differ from the Big Beehive, and it generally sees fewer hikers, even though it is easier than the Big Beehive. While the lake is not as vibrant as Lake Louise, it does have some color and serves as nice foreground to Big Beehive. Once the final golden larch tree needle has fallen, the Banff hiking trails get a lot quieter. Hikers that forgo the Little Beehive will catch some great waterfall views before arriving at Lake Agnes and the tea house. Hiking boots are not necessary. That being said, if youre looking for peace and quiet, the Lake Agnes trail is not for you unless you are the first up to the lake or the last one to descend for the day. Conservation is a deep fundamental in his life, and he aims to inspire others to care about our natural world. 5 Ways to Connect Wireless Headphones to TV. The trail is appropriate for most hikers who feel comfortable walking uphill. This hike is one of the most popular hikes in Banff, so be prepared for crowds. Beyond Mirror Lake youll be back on the main Lake Agnes trail heading back to the Chateau Lake Louise. The lakeside trail is where youll see most hikers heading, as it is the start of the vast majority of hikes around Lake Louise. As you walk from the Lake Louise parking lot, past the popular lakefront photo ops with Lake Louise brilliantly blue in the background, youll find the Lake Agnes trailhead just past the Chateau Lake Louise hotel one of the best hotels in Lake Louise. The staircase also provides some views of the waterfall from another angle, a quick glimpse of the valley and the Little Beehive. You can still hike the trail outside these times but you'll miss out on the teahouse experience. Dont miss these other best Banff day-hikes with kids. Lake Agnes Tea House now allows credit to be used as a form of payment, but they will add a $1 charge for using it. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 49 min to complete. The Lake Agnes Tea House hike has an elevation gain of 400 m (1,300 ft). On a sunny day you can really appreciate turquoise color from this vantage point. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We particularly love some of the large rocks at the end of the lake that is a perfect spot for picnics and does not disturb the natural environment off-trail. From the end of Lake Agnes, the trail continues up to the Big Beehive which requires another half hour of hiking to the ridge. You dont have to be an experienced mountaineer to enjoy the Canadian Rockies. Just the day before we were on the opposite side of the Bow Valley looking towards Lake Louise and Lake Agnes. Winter hiking beyond Mirror Lake is not recommended. Thats right, the helicopter many hikers will see is not dropping off supplies but collecting hikers poop. Youll arrive at the trail junction for the Little Beehive trail after 3.6 km of hiking. How Hard is the Hike to Lake Agnes Tea House? Directions Print/PDF Map Check out this 4.6-mile out-and-back trail near Lake Louise, Alberta. Keep following the path upwards through the forest (the first part is the steepest). The hike starts along the shore of beautiful Lake Louise (photo above). Its a little steeper than the rest of the Lake Agnes hike, but its not too bad. There is not much cell service in the Canadian Rockies. The first part of the hike is an easy stroll along a paved path on the shore of Lake Louise. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and horseback riding, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. We had our microspikes on and had no traction issues at all. Along the way there are plenty of opportunities to stop for a break on a log or a large rock. The stairs are the last challenge! Watch carefully on your left for a chance to see the beautiful waterfall which flows from Lake Agnes. Saint Piran, Niblock, and Whyte. Guide-book quality info for over 8,000 trails View Map The views coming down are amazing, especially as you are working less hard and are more able to look around and soak in the world-class Lake Louise scenery! If you plan to continue on to other trails, then hiking boots are recommended. From the Little Beehive, the trail can either descend the same way back to the original trail to catch a view of the Banff waterfall coming off of Lake Agnes. The trail is the same - whether you're wanting to hike to Lake Agnes or to the Tea House. A roundtrip journey is around three to four hours; of course, its very easy for the hike to take more or less time depending on your fitness. Many hikers will enjoy the security, comfort, and value in the Merrell Moab II. Lake Agnes Tea House Hike Distance: 7.7 km round trip Difficulty: Moderate Elevation Gain: 392 m Surface: Paved to start then packed dirt and rock Trail Type: Out and Back Time: 2.5- 3 hours (with a short break at the tea house) Trailhead: In front of Chateau Lake Louise, along the lakeshore. You can easily start off cool at the mountain base and get hot as soon as you begin moving. The next staff member arrives at 8:00 am and continues setting up for opening at 9:00 am. Like the tea house, Lake Agnes has a place in Canadian history. This should entail carrying bear spray, hiking in a group and making plenty of noise on the way up. The elevation gain is 396 metres or 1,300 feet. Yes it is free to visit and no reservations are needed, but prepare to wait in line on a busy day. For those descending from Lake Agnes for some variety, take the shorter trail across the bridge from the Lake Agnes Tea House and down the staircase. There are relatively few hiking hazards along the Lake Agnes hiking trail. I was eager to do the longer hike, but my companions preferred the shorter route. What type of hike is it - out and back or loop? If you intend to do a lot of fall or winter hiking in Banff, they are a great investment! As youd expect with an opportunity as good as this, the area under the Lake Agnes waterfall gets very crowded. At the foot of Lake Agnes sits a beautiful historic log cabin that serves an amazing variety of global tea and hand made foods. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hey, we're Cameron and Natasha and have been writing about travel for the last decade. A: The baker begins everyday at 6:30 am in order to bake our oatmeal brown bread, tea biscuits, lemon poppy seed loft, apple crumble and soup for the day. There are toilets in both the Lake Louise parking lot and up at the Lake Agnes Tea House. The views up here are truly breathtaking. Lake Louise is known for its many beautiful glaciers. At the top, youll be greeted by the Lake Agnes Tea House, and the iconic Lake Agnes just beyond. Arriving early in the morning and/or on a weekday can help beat the crowds. Drones are not permitted. Please consider booking your Lake Louise accommodations through the included link. The hike begins from the paved pathway that winds its along Lake Louise. Nevertheless, its always important to still carry bear spray on hikes in Banff. Do not feed wildlife. Weve been exploring these mountains for decades and are excited to be sharing our insider knowledge of the Canadian Rocky Mountains with you. The trail is well maintained and easy to follow up all the way to the Lake Agnes Tea House. If you do any of the other hiking trails from Lake Agnes or hike the optional route down the other side of Mirror Lake, then we recommend a good pair of hiking shoes or hiking boots. There arent many golden larch trees to enjoy around Lake Agnes, and in general its not a great larch season hike in Alberta. Its hard to describe the beauty of Lake Agnes. The Lake Louise Tea House trail is best done in the summer months from June September. Check out our list ofhiking essentialswith the hiking gear and clothing we recommend to get the most enjoyment out of your hike, regardless of the variable Banff weather and trail conditions. The second lake you encounter is, of course, Lake Agnes. From Lake Agnes, the trail continues up the Big Beehive. We began our journey at 7am and returned to the hotel just before 2pm. The Hike From Mirror Lake, take the trail to the right and follow it straight to the Tea House. From here you can look across the small lake and see Mount Whyte and the Devils Thumb reflecting in the clear water. Being in Banff in the Lake Louise area you always stand a chance of seeing wildlife, including bears. You can also choose to take this route on your return hike to make a loop around Mirror Lake, instead of retracing your steps for a 100% out-and-back hike. Trailhead: In front of Chateau Lake Louise, along the lakeshore. Turn left towards the village of Lake Louise then continue on Lake Louise Drive until you reach the parking lot. It's best to leave earlier in the day, or come in the off-season. Bear spray is a must. Our aim is to help you get the most out of your trip to Banff National Park and the surrounding areas. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. From this angle, its pretty easy to see where the namesake comes from as it quite literally looks like a very, very big beehive. We recommend dressing in layers and always having a pair of microspikes in your bag. Facilities: There is a washroom building at the Lake Louise parking lot and an outhouse at the Lake Agnes Tea House. Lake Agnes Teahouse Content . We havent visited Lake Agnes in fall yet, but the lake is surrounded by larch trees. Many of them are on display on the Lake Agnes teahouse hike. From national and provincial parks to lesser known conservation sites, were busy discovering the best places to hike, bike, paddle, ski, and explore so you can plan your own active, Alberta Adventure! The price of food is expensive, but it is a saviour to know that there is something to look forward to at the end of a long uphill hike. The hike leaves from the Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail, just a short stroll from the Chateau Lake Louise. Due to the sheer number of hikers who choose to use the restroom at Lake Agnes, a daily helicopter collection of sewage is needed to remove the waste. See our complete Alberta packing list here. Every year we see hikers feeding chipmunks their peanuts or whatever else they have in their pack in an attempt to get a photo and this should be avoided. Footware: the trail is relatively smooth all the way. The obvious place to stop for lunch is at the Lake Agnes Tea House. It's a moderate 3.6 km snowshoe or hike one way starting right from Lake Louise. Banff Tourism Banff Hotels Banff Guest House Banff Holiday Homes Banff Holiday Packages Banff Flights Banff Restaurants Banff Attractions Banff Travel Forum Banff Photos Banff Map Banff Visitors Guide All Banff Hotels; Banff Hotel Deals; Last Minute Hotels in Banff; Though you always have the option of buying lunch or a snack at the tea house. Be very careful, as the area to stand is small and the drop down beyond the waterfall is significant. Hike Type: Moderate out-and-back trail Distance: 4.4 miles (7 kilometers) round trip Elevation Gain: 1,200-1,300 feet (365-400 meters) Duration: 2-3.5 hours Regulations: Dogs are permitted but must be leashed. The hiking trail to Lake Agnes is wide enough for 2-3 people, making it a great hike for families or groups. After a forested 3.5 km hike, with an elevation gain of 400 m or 1,300 ft, the valley opens to reveal spectacular Lake Agnes. Here youll begin a steady, but not steep, ascent through the forest. The hike there and back takes on average 2 hours depending of fitness level and hiking experience. This article may contain affiliate links. Our kids, who are 8 and 5 years old, are decent hikers and they really enjoyed this hike. The lake is named for Lady Agnes MacDonald, wife of Canada's very first Prime Minister, and the teahouse was built in 1901 by members of the Canadian Pacific Railway just for hikers. HeyMondo offers competitive rates for all travelers. Be sure to bring a rain jacket, sweater or fleece, hat and mitts/gloves if you are hiking in June or September. You can find the Lake Agnes Tea House menu here. At that time we were some of the last in the area. Please leave nature wild and leave no trace. Getting To Lake Louise. Cougars also live in Banff National Park. As you gain elevation on Lake Agnes Trail, youll start to see more of the mountains that frame Lake Louise. If you climb up to the Big Beehive we suggest you take the route down towards the Plain of Six Glaciers trail. You can get a cell signal at Lake Louise, though not at Lake Agnes. Huge boulders add visual interest to the Lake Agnes hiking trail as you gain more elevation. It is a 3.4 km hike, uphill & then 3.4 km downhill) Most of the trail is shady, so even though it was 36C out there today, we did not overheat. The trail begins at Lake Louise and ends at the Lake Louise Tea House and has grown to be one of the most popular hikes in the park. While some may find the Lake Agnes tea house prices to be high, its important to remember that all supplies need to be carried up to the tea house. The log building of the Lake Agnes tea house was replaced in 1981, but much of its history was preserved by incorporating the original windows, tables, and chairs. There should be a sign that says, Lake Agnes 3.6km. After taking in the spectacular scenery, go for a hike, climb, ski, or canoe in Banff National Park. The incline of the Lake Agnes trail remains steady. As you progress through the hike, youll increasingly find yourself alone on the trail, and its possible to find some isolation along the Lake Agnes shoreline. For long hikes, set a turnaround time at the departure. Please dont feed these animals no matter how adorable they are. Now we live in Canmore and spend as much time as possible exploring and hiking around Banff. Allow around 1 hour to 90 minutes to get to the tea house, and a little less on the way back down. Continue straight for Lake Agnes. If you are visiting Banff with kids, this is an excellent hike for the entire family. This hike is in bear country so bring bear spray and know how to use it. Ask Jo! To start the Lake Agnes hike, follow the path from the Lake Louise parking lot towards the chateau. The trail surface is old pavement at first, but then transitions to packed dirt with some rocks sticking out in places. It's only 600 metres between Little Beehive and the Lake Agnes Teahouse. Mirror Lake is a small mountain lake in front of the majestic Big Beehive. There are two hikes that can be combined with this one - Little Beehive and Big Beehive.Each of the Beehive hikes gives visitors amazing . The final leg of the hike to Lake Agnes is short, with several switchbacks. This four-hour journey includes a 365 meter elevation gain. Plan to pack plenty of water and snacks for this hike. Be sure to download your hiking maps prior to leaving. Not long after the stairs end, look up on the right and youll see you are immediately below the summit of the Big Beehive. If that fails, think of the tea and cake waiting at the tea house too. The number of people hiking on the trail gave them a constant distraction as they would chat up anyone willing to listen. On the lookout, a series of large rocks make for a great place to take photos and clamber along the ridge edge. The elevation gain is 400 metres (1,312 feet). A paper map isnt required for this Lake Louise tea house trail, but if you prefer to hike with a paper map and compass as an additional safety layer, we highly recommend Gem Trek hiking maps. Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest. A number of these, in our opinion, are better than Johnston Canyon, like the Emerald Lake Path in the photo above, not technically in Banff! From the airport, head north on Deerfoot Trail and go west on Stoney Trail (201). Visit our store for more Alberta, nature, and adventure inspired products. At the 690 m mark of the Lake Agnes hike youll cross a little stream, although it can dry up in summer. Whenever we set out for an objective, I determine a time at which we need to turn around to arrive at the parking lot or campsite by dark. Thank you! It rises to a nice ridge with fantastic views of Lake Louise and Mount Fairview. Learn more aboutCougar Safety in Banff National Park. He has a passion for all things in the Canadian Rockies and loves to spend his time snowboarding, scrambling, camping, biking, and trail running. Always carry bear spray if you plan to hike in the park. Book a ride through Timberline Stables in Lake Louise. Turquoise blue Banff lake water, soaring peaks, forests, and the stunning Mount Victoria topped by an expansive glacier make for one of the most ideal settings on earth. horses@brewsteradventures.com. The trail is well marked with signs and distances, so its easy to find your way and decide if you want to continue past the tea house to other destinations. It may be challenging for some kids, with the consistent climb, but its well worth it to make it to the top. The Lake Agnes Tea House was originally built in 1901 by the Canadian Pacific Railway, as a refuge for hikers, and started serving tea in 1905. Do not litter your waste along the trail. At this elevation, the mountain views become more regular along the Lake Agnes hike. Lake Anges is a stunning alpine lake set inside a breathtaking cirque formed by the peaks of Mt. I would recommend not hiking in the dark as its easy to get lost and its not fun in bear country. Also, remember dogs must always be on a leash in the national park for the safety of fellow hikers, the dog, and wildlife. The water color on a sunny day is indescribable. Since 1905, the Lake Agnes Tea House has been serving, with pride, fine loose leaf teas to visitors from around the world. If you prefer hikes with fewer people in less developed areas, then this might not be one for you, but for those looking for a short hike with a good reward to effort ratio, then the Lake Agnes Tea House trail is a great choice. Make sure you turn left/uphill after the gate; shortly thereafter you will reach Mirror Lake. Entirety of this trail pass through avalanche zones that are marked by signs we havent visited Lake trail! 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