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Compiled by the Street Journey Alberta crew
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 every time we’ve the prospect. The secret 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 want to know concerning 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.
The whole lot 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 gives gorgeous views of Lake Louise, Mirror Lake, Agnes Lake, and the encircling 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 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 may as well add hikes to Little Beehive or Massive Beehive when you’re up for the problem (extra on that beneath).
Elevation Achieve: 426 metres (1,400 toes)
Issue Degree: Simple to Average. The path is easy and extensive, and the elevation climbs step by step. 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
Learn how 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 positive to come across many different hikers who might help you discover your means if essential.
One of many tough elements 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 when you’ve got a sound Nationwide Parks Cross, and there are fee machines all through the car parking zone. If visitors turns into too congested, drop-offs aren’t 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 just 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 stated, 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. After all, if you wish to add on the Little Beehive Path or the Massive Beehive Path, that may add time to your journey. Extra on that beneath!
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 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’s not 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.
Remember to arrive early! It is strongly recommended that you just get to the car parking zone/trailhead as early as attainable 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 possibly can hike within the later afternoon (though it’s endorsed to be again in Lake Louise for sundown, as climbing at the hours of darkness 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 may 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 essential causes the Lake Agnes hike is so common 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 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 individual when you 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 Anticipate
There’s a cause 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 a giant cause 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 number 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 move by a spruce forest, you’ll quickly see Mirror Lake with views of Massive 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 proper; the route has beautiful surroundings, together with a small waterfall, and it additionally supplies entry to the Little Beehive path.
In the event you don’t select to take one of many detours to Little Beehive or Massive 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 might be a really lengthy lineup, so plan accordingly! For this reason we advise climbing as early as attainable.
Whereas within the space, try 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 move 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 way in which.
Professional-tip: when you’ve got the vitality, take into account including the Beehive Circuit of Little Beehive and Massive Beehive! They supply unimaginable 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 simple to reasonable. You’ll discover the path to the proper from Mirror Lake, and it’s a wonderful addition to your hike! It has significantly good views of Lake Louise and the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Massive Beehive Path
The Massive Beehive path might be discovered to the proper of Lake Agnes from the tea home. In the event you embody the Lake Agnes Tea Home path, the Massive Beehive hike is a ten.5 km journey, however avid hikers will love the problem (and the views!). The path as much as Massive Beehive has some steep however manageable switchbacks, with the final section to Massive Beehive being essentially the most difficult. There are wonderful views of the lake on the high!
What to Carry
Most hikers seemingly have already got these things, nevertheless it’s essential to recollect to carry:
- Snug, sturdy climbing boots. Ensure you have already worn these in, as no one desires brand-new boots (and brand-new blisters) on the paths!
- Mountaineering poles aren’t essential on the Agnes Lake Tea Home path, nevertheless it’s as much as you when you want utilizing them (we do!)
- Snug climbing clothes. We suggest layers that you would be able to peel off on a scorching day or add on a cool day. The climate can change instantly within the Canadian Rockies!
- Money. The tea home solely accepts Canadian and US money, or travellers cheques. We suggest bringing round $30 CAD per individual when you plan on consuming lunch.
- Solar safety, together with a hat and sunscreen.
- Water – numerous it!
- A number of mild snacks for alongside the way in which.
- Bear spray (and make sure you know the way to make use of it)
- A primary support package 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 often loads of individuals on the hike, nevertheless it’s all the time greatest to be ready simply in case. That is particularly essential when you resolve to hike on to the Massive Beehive hike.
Security and Precautions
Keep in mind: Banff Nationwide Park is bear nation! At all times take bear security significantly, which incorporates climbing in teams. You could wish to take into account carrying bear spray with you.
As with all hikes, guarantee that you’ve enough water, snacks, solar safety, and a primary support package. The Lake Agnes Tea Home Path can get very popular in summer time.
Ultimate Ideas and Recommendation for the Lake Agnes Teahouse Hike
Although it is a extremely popular hike close to Lake Louise, it’s essential to all the time verify the park’s web site for up-to-date info on path situations, climate, and any essential permits. Planning forward is important, even when you’re conversant in the hike!
Whereas older kids typically hike the path, it’s best to carry a baby provider for youthful children.
Canine are additionally allowed on the path however have to be leashed always.
Lastly, bear in mind that you will want a Parks Canada Discovery Cross if you’ll 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 below are a few resorts we suggest.
Put up Lodge and Spa ($$$$) – This attractive resort is a mere 300 metres away from the Lake Louise centre. It’s a splurge to remain right here, however the spa after a protracted day of climbing is value. Deal with your self! Examine Availability
Lake Louise Inn ($$) – Clear and spacious rooms plus a heated indoor pool and hot-tubs make this a extremely popular 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 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! Examine Availability
Pete is a co-founder of Street Journey Alberta. Rising up in Edmonton he has an intensive 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. Other than operating 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.