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Compiled by the Street Journey Alberta staff
Final up to date on March 18, 2025
A hike that’s round 8 km and with a spot that sells chilly brews once we’re achieved is our concept of an ideal hike. That’s why we love climbing to the Lake Agnes Tea Home in Banff Nationwide Park each time we have now the prospect. The hot button is getting there early so we will beat the crowds and have Lake Agnes nearly to ourselves once we get to the highest. The views are attractive regardless of once we’ve achieved it and resting on the shores of Lake Louise afterward with a chilly one in hand is one of the simplest ways to cap off the day.
Right here’s every thing you could know in regards to the Lake Agnes Tea Home hike.
Lake Agnes Tea Home Historical past
Lake Agnes was named after the primary First Woman of Canada, Woman Agnes MacDonald, who was the spouse of Canada’s first Prime Minister, Sir John Alexander MacDonald. Woman MacDonald visited Lake Agnes in 1886 and was astounded by the lake, the hanging valley it sits in, and the encompassing mountains. The tea home is usually known as the Banff Tea Home or the Lake Louise Tea Home.
The Lake Agnes Tea Home was initially inbuilt 1901 by the Canadian Pacific Railway. Whereas it started as a refuge for hikers, the constructing began serving tea in 1905. The unique log constructing had to get replaced in 1981, however the tea home nonetheless options its authentic home windows, tables, and chairs.
Every thing You Must Know In regards to the Lake Agnes Tea Home Path
Path Data
What You’ll See: The Lake Agnes path takes you to a scenic hanging valley and affords beautiful views of Lake Louise, Mirror Lake, Agnes Lake, and the encompassing Rocky Mountains. There may be additionally a preferred tea home on the path (therefore the identify of the hike).
Trailhead: Discovered at Lake Louise close to the Fairmont Chateau. There are just a few trailheads on this space, however the Lake Agnes Tea Home path is well-marked alongside the best way.
Hike Distance: The path to the teahouse is 7.4 kilometres (4.6 miles). You can too add hikes to Little Beehive or Large Beehive if you happen to’re up for the problem (extra on that under).
Elevation Acquire: 426 metres (1,400 toes)
Problem Stage: Straightforward to Average. The path is clean and broad, and the elevation climbs regularly. There may be nothing technical to get to the teahouse.
Path kind: Out and again
Time: Roughly two to 4 hours, relying on stops and detours
Get There
The Lake Agnes Tea Home trailhead is pretty straightforward to search out in Lake Louise. As talked about above, there are just a few trailheads that begin from the identical Lake Louise car parking zone, however the Lake Agnes path is well-marked alongside the best way. As it’s such a busy path, you’re positive to come across many different hikers who will help you discover your manner if mandatory.
One of many tough facets of attending to the Lake Agnes Tea Home is the Lake Louise car parking zone. Parking heaps are usually full earlier than dawn and stay full till after sundown; in different phrases, it’s a must to get there extraordinarily early to get a spot. It’s paid parking, even when you’ve got a sound Nationwide Parks Go, and there are fee machines all through the car parking zone. If visitors turns into too congested, drop-offs will not be allowed.
Our advice? Don’t take your automobile in any respect! Keep away from the effort of parking by taking one of many many Parks Canada shuttles or Roam Public Transit. It’s extremely really helpful that you simply reserve your ticket upfront.
How Lengthy Does the Lake Agnes Tea Home Path Take?
With out many stops and with out spending a lot time on the tea home itself, the Lake Agnes Tea Home Path takes roughly two to 3 hours out and again. That being mentioned, most individuals spend longer on this path, stopping on the tea home and alongside the best way for the unbelievable views.
We suggest planning for 4 hours or a half-day on this hike. In fact, if you wish to add on the Little Beehive Path or the Large Beehive Path, that can add time to your journey. Extra on that under!
When is the Greatest Time to Hike?
The Lake Agnes Tea Home hike is likely one of the hottest hikes in Banff Nationwide Park, so you possibly can anticipate a really crowded path in peak season. The tea home is open from early June till Canadian Thanksgiving yearly; after that, the Lake Agnes path turns into an avalanche hazard, so it isn’t really helpful to hike between mid-October and June. Our favorite time on this path is in mid-September to early October, because the path tends to have fewer individuals and you can begin to see a number of the lovely fall foliage.
Make sure to arrive early! It is suggested that you simply get to the car parking zone/trailhead as early as doable to keep away from crowds. The tea home opens at 8 a.m., so those that are actually eager to keep away from crowds ought to begin climbing at dawn. Equally, because the tea home closes at 5 p.m., you may hike within the later afternoon (though it is suggested to be again in Lake Louise for sundown, as climbing in the dead of night could be harmful).
Professional tip: consider visiting very early within the morning or late within the afternoon to keep away from crowds. The tea home itself can have a really lengthy line by noon, each for concessions and for the outhouses.
Lake Agnes Tea Home Opening Hours and Data
One of many most important causes the Lake Agnes hike is so standard in Banff Nationwide Park is due to the spectacular view, however the tea home itself can be an enormous draw! Serving clients for over 100 years, the tea home serves baked items, lunch objects, and – you guessed it – tea (heaps and plenty of tea). In actual fact, there are greater than 100 varieties of loose-leaf tea on the menu! Recent components are introduced in from Calgary and carried up the mountain by employees nearly day-after-day, whereas dry items are flown in by helicopter every year.
The Lake Agnes Tea Home is open seasonally, usually from early June till Canadian Thanksgiving. In 2024, it’s open day-after-day from June 4th till October tenth. Its working hours are 8 a.m. till 5 p.m.
The tea home solely accepts money (each Canadian and US) or traveller’s cheques. Carry roughly $30 CAD per particular person if you happen to plan on consuming lunch.
There are outhouses on the tea home, however be ready for a protracted line if it’s busy (which it typically is!).
What to Count on
There’s a motive this path is likely one of the hottest Lake Louise hikes! With views of the idyllic lakes, the spruce forest, and the majestic mountains, the Lake Agnes Tea Home hike is bound to be a memorable one. It’s undoubtedly one of many greatest issues to do in Lake Louise and an enormous motive many individuals go to the realm.
Ranging from the trailhead, you’ll stroll alongside the Lake Louise shoreline. That is the beginning of many trails within the space, so that you’ll see a whole lot of hikers alongside the best way. There are literally two methods to get to the Lake Agnes Tea Home from right here, however we suggest taking the path to Lake Agnes and Mirror Lake. We consider the views are a bit higher alongside this route, to not point out it’s a extra gradual climb!
The climb itself is on a large path with a number of switchbacks. As you go by means of a spruce forest, you’ll quickly see Mirror Lake with views of Large Beehive within the background. From there, proceed following indicators to Lake Agnes. Once more, you’ll have two choices from Mirror Lake as much as Lake Agnes, however we suggest the path to the correct; the route has pretty surroundings, together with a small waterfall, and it additionally offers entry to the Little Beehive path.
Should you don’t select to take one of many detours to Little Beehive or Large Beehive, you’ll quickly attain the famed Lake Agnes Tea Home, the place you possibly can cease for a snack or lunch. Bear in mind: by mid-day, there will probably be a really lengthy lineup, so plan accordingly! For this reason we propose climbing as early as doable.
Whereas within the space, try the lake itself. Lake Anges is an alpine lake set inside a cirque shaped by the peaks of Mount St. Piran, Mount Niblock, and Mount Whyte, and it makes for a fully breathtaking view.
To go again right down to Lake Louise, we suggest taking the shorter path throughout the bridge from the Lake Agnes Tea Home and down the staircase. You’ll get some nice views of the waterfall and Little Beehive alongside the best way.
Professional-tip: when you’ve got the vitality, take into account including the Beehive Circuit of Little Beehive and Large Beehive! They supply unbelievable vistas of the realm.
Little Beehive Path
The Little Beehive is a 2-kilometer round-trip detour from the Lake Agnes Tea Home path and is rated straightforward to reasonable. You’ll discover the path to the correct from Mirror Lake, and it’s a wonderful addition to your hike! It has notably good views of Lake Louise and the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Large Beehive Path
The Large Beehive path could be discovered to the correct of Lake Agnes from the tea home. Should you embody the Lake Agnes Tea Home path, the Large Beehive hike is a ten.5 km journey, however avid hikers will love the problem (and the views!). The path as much as Large Beehive has some steep however manageable switchbacks, with the final phase to Large Beehive being essentially the most difficult. There are superb views of the lake on the high!
What to Carry
Most hikers possible have already got this stuff, nevertheless it’s essential to recollect to carry:
- Comfy, sturdy climbing boots. Ensure you have already worn these in, as no person desires brand-new boots (and brand-new blisters) on the paths!
- Climbing poles aren’t mandatory on the Agnes Lake Tea Home path, nevertheless it’s as much as you if you happen to favor utilizing them (we do!)
- Comfy climbing clothes. We suggest layers you could peel off on a scorching day or add on a cool day. The climate can change straight away within the Canadian Rockies!
- Money. The tea home solely accepts Canadian and US money, or travellers cheques. We suggest bringing round $30 CAD per particular person if you happen to plan on consuming lunch.
- Solar safety, together with a hat and sunscreen.
- Water – numerous it!
- A couple of gentle snacks for alongside the best way.
- Bear spray (and be certain you know the way to make use of it)
- A primary help equipment with loads of bandages for these pesky blisters and minor scrapes or cuts.
- A cellphone with GPS or a map and compass. The path is signposted and there are normally loads of individuals on the hike, nevertheless it’s at all times greatest to be ready simply in case. That is particularly essential if you happen to resolve to hike on to the Large Beehive hike.
Security and Precautions
Bear in mind: Banff Nationwide Park is bear nation! All the time take bear security severely, which incorporates climbing in teams. Chances are you’ll wish to take into account carrying bear spray with you.
As with all hikes, guarantee that you’ve got enough water, snacks, solar safety, and a primary help equipment. The Lake Agnes Tea Home Path can get extremely popular in summer season.
Closing Ideas and Recommendation for the Lake Agnes Teahouse Hike
Despite the fact that this can be a very fashionable hike close to Lake Louise, it’s essential to at all times examine the park’s web site for up-to-date info on path circumstances, climate, and any mandatory permits. Planning forward is important, even if you happen to’re conversant in the hike!
Whereas older youngsters typically hike the path, it’s best to carry a baby service for youthful children.
Canine are additionally allowed on the path however have to be leashed always.
Lastly, keep in mind that you’ll want a Parks Canada Discovery Go if you’re going to be stopping in Banff Nationwide Park. As an added bonus, it gives you entry to all of Canada’s nationwide parks.
Staying in Lake Louise
There are just a few campgrounds in Lake Louise in addition to many lodging in Banff. If you’re wanting to remain in Lake Louise listed here are a few inns we suggest.
Submit Resort and Spa ($$$$) – This attractive resort is a mere 300 metres away from the Lake Louise centre. It’s a splurge to remain right here, however the spa after a protracted day of climbing is value. Deal with your self! Verify Availability
Lake Louise Inn ($$) – Clear and spacious rooms plus a heated indoor pool and hot-tubs make this a very fashionable spot to remain at. Verify Availability
Baker Creek by Basecamp ($$$) – Though it’s 11 kilometres away from Lake Louise, a keep at Baker Creek is value it. You’ll be surrounded by solitude within the coronary heart of Banff Nationwide Park. The spacious chalets are totally geared up with kitchens or kitchenettes so that you by no means have to go away! Verify Availability
Pete is a co-founder of Street Journey Alberta. Rising up in Edmonton he has an in depth data of Alberta and every thing the province has to supply. He likes to eat good meals, hike (particularly within the winter), play tennis and curl. Aside from working Street Journey Alberta, he’s a director with HMI, a digital media company, half of the Hecktic Travels duo, and a co-creator of the favored card recreation Journey Chaser.