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Lake Agnes Tea House

Lake Louise, Alberta

4.8/5
based on 5 reviews

Details

Distance

4.58 miles

Elevation Gain

1260 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Nate Luebbe

A rustic tea house sits on the shore of Lake Agnes, an isolated glacial lake in Banff National Park.  

Towering peaks, glaciated valleys, and crystal clear water draw thousands of visitors a year to the shores of Lake Louise in Banff National Park. A short hike takes you beyond the crowds up to Lake Agnes, a beautiful valley surrounded by jagged peaks and golden Larch trees. 

At the foot of Lake Agnes sits a beautiful historic log cabin that serves an amazing variety of global tea and handmade foods, the Lake Agnes Tea House. Cash-only transactions, Canadian and US dollars are accepted. 

The hike begins at 6000 feet in elevation,  is 2.5 miles in each direction, and gains 1300 vertical feet. This is a non-technical trail so any comfortable footwear for walking or hiking will be sufficient. The trail is well-maintained and well-traveled, but the climb is fairly strenuous considering how short the distance is. Around the halfway point is a small pull-off for Mirror Lake which makes a great place to rest and hydrate if need be!

Keep in mind that the Canadian Rockies are very much an alpine climate so bring warm clothes even in the summer months, as the weather can change in an instant. You will be within shouting distance of massive glaciers and ice fields, so even if it seems warm and calm at the trailhead, it can be quite cold at Lake Agnes! 

Links:
Lake Agnes Tea House website

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Features

Camping
Backpacking
Hiking
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
Lake
Picnic Area
River
Romantic
Scenic
Waterfall
Wildflowers

Lake Agnes Tea House Reviews

I did this hike for sunrise in late September in the middle of Larch season. Unfortunately there was no actual sunrise, the sky was clouded over, but the scene was unreal. It was lightly snowing which helped the golden larches stand out. The lake was calm and still, mirror like, and the peaks towered over you. As the morning did progress, it did get crowded at the tea house as it is still is close enough of a hike from Lake Louise it sees a lot of tourist traffic. That is the only reason for 4/5 stars.

We decided to do the Tea House Challenge. Started around 7:30am and hiked to the Lake Agnes Tea House first. I 100% recommend doing this hike first, and then the Plain of Six Glaciers. The trail going up to Lake Agnes is much easier than if you start in the opposite direction. Make sure you have very comfortable hiking boots. Speaking from experience, heel blisters + this trail= not fun!!

This place gets SUPER crowded during the day. If you want it to yourself/want a seat...get there early.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike Fairview Mountain

Plain of Six Glaciers

Hike to the Lake Louise Overlook

Rock Climbing at Lake Louise

Hike to Big Beehive

Devil's Thumb Scramble