Disclaimer: This web page might comprise affiliate hyperlinks. Please overview our full Phrases and Circumstances for extra data and our Privateness Coverage. Observe that any pricing, working hours, or different such data supplied under might have modified since preliminary publication.
Compiled by the Highway Journey Alberta group
Final up to date on March 18, 2025
A hike that’s round 8 km and with a spot that sells chilly brews after we’re performed is our thought of an ideal hike. That’s why we love climbing to the Lake Agnes Tea Home in Banff Nationwide Park every time we now have the possibility. The secret is getting there early so we will beat the crowds and have Lake Agnes virtually to ourselves after we get to the highest. The views are beautiful irrespective of after we’ve performed it and resting on the shores of Lake Louise afterward with a chilly one in hand is the easiest way to cap off the day.
Right here’s every part it’s good to know in regards to the Lake Agnes Tea Home hike.
Lake Agnes Tea Home Historical past
Lake Agnes was named after the primary First Girl of Canada, Girl Agnes MacDonald, who was the spouse of Canada’s first Prime Minister, Sir John Alexander MacDonald. Girl MacDonald visited Lake Agnes in 1886 and was astounded by the lake, the hanging valley it sits in, and the encircling mountains. The tea home is typically 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 unique home windows, tables, and chairs.
All the pieces You Have to Know Concerning the Lake Agnes Tea Home Path
Path Info
What You’ll See: The Lake Agnes path takes you to a scenic hanging valley and presents gorgeous views of Lake Louise, Mirror Lake, Agnes Lake, and the encircling Rocky Mountains. There’s additionally a well-liked tea home on the path (therefore the identify of the hike).
Trailhead: Discovered at Lake Louise close to the Fairmont Chateau. There are a couple of trailheads on this space, however the Lake Agnes Tea Home path is well-marked alongside the way in which.
Hike Distance: The path to the teahouse is 7.4 kilometres (4.6 miles). You too can add hikes to Little Beehive or Huge Beehive in the event you’re up for the problem (extra on that under).
Elevation Achieve: 426 metres (1,400 ft)
Issue Degree: Straightforward to Average. The path is easy and huge, and the elevation climbs regularly. There’s nothing technical to get to the teahouse.
Path sort: Out and again
Time: Roughly two to 4 hours, relying on stops and detours
The way to Get There
The Lake Agnes Tea Home trailhead is pretty simple to seek out in Lake Louise. As talked about above, there are a couple of trailheads that begin from the identical Lake Louise car parking zone, however the Lake Agnes path is well-marked alongside the way in which. As it’s such a busy path, you’re certain to come across many different hikers who will help you discover your method if mandatory.
One of many tough features 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, you must get there extraordinarily early to get a spot. It’s paid parking, even you probably have a sound Nationwide Parks Cross, and there are cost machines all through the car parking zone. If site visitors turns into too congested, drop-offs are usually not allowed.
Our suggestion? 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 advisable that you just reserve your ticket prematurely.
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 way in which for the unimaginable 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 Huge 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 without doubt one of the hottest hikes in Banff Nationwide Park, so you may 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 advisable 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 folks and you can begin to see a number of the stunning fall foliage.
You’ll want to arrive early! It’s endorsed that you just 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 can hike within the later afternoon (though it is strongly recommended to be again in Lake Louise for sundown, as climbing in the dead of night might 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 could have a really lengthy line by noon, each for concessions and for the outhouses.
Lake Agnes Tea Home Opening Hours and Info
One of many major causes the Lake Agnes hike is so widespread in Banff Nationwide Park is due to the spectacular view, however the tea home itself can also be an enormous draw! Serving prospects for over 100 years, the tea home serves baked items, lunch gadgets, and – you guessed it – tea (heaps and plenty of tea). Actually, there are greater than 100 varieties of loose-leaf tea on the menu! Recent substances are introduced in from Calgary and carried up the mountain by workers virtually every single day, whereas dry items are flown in by helicopter yearly.
The Lake Agnes Tea Home is open seasonally, usually from early June till Canadian Thanksgiving. In 2024, it’s open every single 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. Convey roughly $30 CAD per particular person in the event you plan on consuming lunch.
There are outhouses on the tea home, however be ready for an extended line if it’s busy (which it usually is!).
What to Anticipate
There’s a cause this path is without doubt 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 positively one of many finest issues to do in Lake Louise and an enormous cause many individuals go to the world.
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 lots of hikers alongside the way in which. 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 cross via a spruce forest, you’ll quickly see Mirror Lake with views of Huge 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 appropriate; the route has beautiful surroundings, together with a small waterfall, and it additionally gives entry to the Little Beehive path.
In case you don’t select to take one of many detours to Little Beehive or Huge Beehive, you’ll quickly attain the famed Lake Agnes Tea Home, the place you may cease for a snack or lunch. Keep in mind: by mid-day, there will likely be a really lengthy lineup, so plan accordingly! For this reason we advise climbing as early as doable.
Whereas within the space, take a look at the lake itself. Lake Anges is an alpine lake set inside a cirque fashioned by the peaks of Mount St. Piran, Mount Niblock, and Mount Whyte, and it makes for a completely breathtaking view.
To go again all the way 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 way in which.
Professional-tip: you probably have the vitality, think about including the Beehive Circuit of Little Beehive and Huge Beehive! They supply unimaginable vistas of the world.
Little Beehive Path
The Little Beehive is a 2-kilometer round-trip detour from the Lake Agnes Tea Home path and is rated simple to reasonable. You’ll discover the path to the appropriate 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.
Huge Beehive Path
The Huge Beehive path might be discovered to the appropriate of Lake Agnes from the tea home. In case you embody the Lake Agnes Tea Home path, the Huge Beehive hike is a ten.5 km journey, however avid hikers will love the problem (and the views!). The path as much as Huge Beehive has some steep however manageable switchbacks, with the final phase to Huge Beehive being essentially the most difficult. There are wonderful views of the lake on the high!
What to Convey
Most hikers possible have already got this stuff, nevertheless it’s necessary to recollect to deliver:
- Snug, sturdy climbing boots. Ensure you have already worn these in, as no person needs brand-new boots (and brand-new blisters) on the paths!
- Mountain climbing poles aren’t mandatory on the Agnes Lake Tea Home path, nevertheless it’s as much as you in the event you choose utilizing them (we do!)
- Snug climbing clothes. We suggest layers you can peel off on a scorching day or add on a cool day. The climate can change right 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 in the event you plan on consuming lunch.
- Solar safety, together with a hat and sunscreen.
- Water – numerous it!
- Just a few gentle snacks for alongside the way in which.
- 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 telephone with GPS or a map and compass. The path is signposted and there are normally loads of folks on the hike, nevertheless it’s all the time finest to be ready simply in case. That is particularly necessary in the event you determine to hike on to the Huge Beehive hike.
Security and Precautions
Keep in mind: Banff Nationwide Park is bear nation! All the time take bear security significantly, which incorporates climbing in teams. It’s possible you’ll need to think about carrying bear spray with you.
As with all hikes, guarantee that you’ve 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
Regardless that it is a highly regarded hike close to Lake Louise, it’s necessary to all the time test the park’s web site for up-to-date data on path circumstances, climate, and any mandatory permits. Planning forward is important, even in the event you’re aware of the hike!
Whereas older kids usually hike the path, you need to deliver a baby provider 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 Cross if you’re going to be stopping in Banff Nationwide Park. As an added bonus, it will provide you with entry to all of Canada’s nationwide parks.
Staying in Lake Louise
There are a couple of campgrounds in Lake Louise in addition to many lodging in Banff. In case you are wanting to remain in Lake Louise listed here are a few accommodations we suggest.
Submit Resort and Spa ($$$$) – This beautiful lodge is a mere 300 metres away from the Lake Louise centre. It’s a splurge to remain right here, however the spa after an extended day of climbing is price. Deal with your self! Examine Availability
Lake Louise Inn ($$) – Clear and spacious rooms plus a heated indoor pool and hot-tubs make this a highly regarded spot to remain at. Examine Availability
Baker Creek by Basecamp ($$$) – Though it’s 11 kilometres away from Lake Louise, a keep at Baker Creek is price it. You’ll be surrounded by solitude within the coronary heart of Banff Nationwide Park. The spacious chalets are absolutely geared up with kitchens or kitchenettes so that you by no means have to depart! Examine Availability
Pete is a co-founder of Highway Journey Alberta. Rising up in Edmonton he has an intensive information of Alberta and every part the province has to supply. He likes to eat good meals, hike (particularly within the winter), play tennis and curl. Other than operating Highway 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 sport Journey Chaser.