LakeLoui.se - Independent Field Guide for Lake Louise

Widely considered the reward-to-effort king of Lake Louise. Expansive alpine vistas, glacier sounds, and a historic teahouse. Bear spray mandatory. Travel not recommended until June or July due to avalanche hazard. Teahouse: cash only, opens June 1.

A pilgrimage through the history of Canadian mountaineering. Oldest tea house in Canada (1901). Steady grade; forested switchbacks to Mirror Lake, then 57 wooden steps past the waterfall to the tea house. Bear spray mandatory. Cash preferred; aim for 8:30 arrival to beat crowds.

Flat, well-groomed path along the shore; views of Fay Glacier and waterfall at the back. Boardwalks over glacial streams near the far end are the quietest spot. For reflection shots, walk approx. 500 m down; more sheltered from wind.

Roughly ten switchbacks through subalpine forest; trail levels in Larch Valley and passes Minnestimma Lakes ('Sleeping Water' in Stoney Nakoda). Premier larch habitat; golden window Sept 15–25. Continues to Sentinel Pass. Group of four required during bear season; fines up to $25,000 for non-compliance. Bear spray mandatory.

Avalanche risk beyond viewpoint. Double trackset + skate lane. No dogs. When parking full, access via Upper Tramline from Lake Louise lot.

Double trackset. No dogs.

Two sections: Lake surface; good; Lake shoreline; poor. No dogs.