Mount Temple (Alberta) Mountain

Address: Mount Temple, Banff National Park, near Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada

Website: https://www.pc.gc.ca/

Hours: Trails open year‑round (conditions vary seasonally)

Admission: Parks Canada entry fee applies for Banff National Park (purchase required)

Mount Temple is a prominent peak in Banff National Park, Alberta, located in the Lake Louise area and rising to roughly 3,543 metres. It is one of the most notable high peaks visible around the Lake Louise and Moraine Lake region.

Day parties and mountaineers attempt the mountain in summer via a steep scrambling route that gains significant elevation and includes exposed sections and loose rock. The summit provides extensive views over the Lake Louise valley and surrounding peaks.

The mountain has long been a destination for climbers and was among the early peaks climbed during the exploration of the Canadian Rockies in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Over time it has become a classic but challenging scrambling objective in Banff National Park.

Situated within Banff National Park in Alberta, Mount Temple overlooks the Lake Louise area in the Canadian Rockies and is accessed from trails and approaches around that valley.

• Elevation: Summit elevation is approximately 3,543 metres, making it one of the highest peaks in the Lake Louise area of Banff National Park.
• Climbing note: Most summer ascents follow a steep scramble route that requires good route-finding, physical fitness and caution due to loose rock and exposure.

Drive from Calgary west on the Trans‑Canada Highway (Highway 1) into Banff National Park to the Lake Louise / Lake Louise Village area (Calgary → Lake Louise is the usual approach). From Lake Louise village the Mount Temple routes begin near the lakeshore; allow a short walk from village parking or the Chateau Lake Louise (roughly 1-2 km depending on where you stop) to reach the trail/scramble start. Note that park parking and shuttle services vary seasonally.

• Begin your ascent well before sunrise so most of the route is done in the cool morning (reducing rockfall risk) and to avoid common afternoon thunderstorms - early starts are standard on this exposed alpine scramble.
• Mount Temple is a long, steep, exposed scramble rather than a simple walk; only attempt if you have alpine scrambling experience (route‑finding, exposure, loose rock) or hire a certified guide.
• Check Parks Canada/Banff trail reports and register your trip where required; expect lingering snowfields into summer on higher sections so be prepared for crampon/axe use if conditions dictate.