Lake Agnes (Alberta) Lake

Address: Lake Agnes, Lake Louise area (Banff National Park), Alberta, Canada

Website: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff

Admission: Free (Lake Agnes Tea House charges for food/beverages; trailhead parking may have fees)

Lake Agnes is a small alpine lake in Banff National Park, Alberta, located above the Lake Louise area in the Canadian Rockies. It is a popular short-destination hike for park visitors and day hikers.

A historic teahouse sits on the lake shore and provides a seasonal refreshment stop that draws much of the visitor traffic; many hikers combine the lake visit with nearby viewpoints such as the Big Beehive. The setting is high-mountain forest and rock with panoramic views back toward the Lake Louise valley.

Trails to the lake are well established and used year-round in summer and shoulder seasons; in winter the route requires appropriate equipment and experience. The lake and its facilities are within Banff National Park and are managed under park regulations.

Lake Agnes sits on the slopes above Lake Louise in Banff National Park, accessed from the Lake Louise village/trailhead in the Bow River valley.

• Seasonal teahouse: The lakeside teahouse is open seasonally and is a popular rest point for hikers on the well-marked trail from Lake Louise.
• Trail character: The trail to the lake climbs from the Lake Louise area and includes steeper sections and a series of switchbacks and steps; footwear and basic hiking preparation are recommended.

What to See#

• Lake Agnes Tea House: A small, seasonal teahouse located on the lake shore that operates for much of the prime hiking season and is a focal point for day visitors.
• Big Beehive viewpoint: A nearby rocky viewpoint offering panoramic views down to Lake Louise and across the valley; reached by established trails from the lake.

From the Lake Louise parking area (Trans‑Canada Hwy/Highway 1), follow signed trails toward the Lake Agnes Teahouse (approx. 3.4 km one-way, ~400 m elevation gain). Trails are well-marked within Banff National Park; park entry and trail conditions via Parks Canada.

• Start the hike early to avoid the popular mid-day crowd and afternoon storms common in the Rockies.
• Bring cash for the historic Lake Agnes Tea House (opened 1905) - card acceptance can be limited at times.
• If visiting in shoulder seasons, be prepared for snow patches above treeline and use microspikes if icy.