Mount Fairview (2,744 m / 9,003 ft) offers the iconic bird’s-eye view of Lake Louise and the Chateau. The trail gains over 1,000 m; the final 414 m in 1.6 km on steep talus and scree is the most taxing section. 4 to 6 hours for an average hiker.

The route. Trailhead near the canoe rental boathouse on the south shore of Lake Louise; same start as Saddleback Pass. Phase 1: forest switchbacks (0–2 km), Subalpine Fir and Engelmann Spruce, glimpses of the Bow Valley. Phase 2: Saddleback Pass at 3.7 km; a U-shaped alpine meadow between Fairview and Saddle Mountain, dense Alpine Larch (Larix lyallii). Phase 3: turn right (northwest) onto the summit trail; terrain shifts from dirt to steep talus and scree; switchbacks up the south face. At least two false summits on the final ridge; don’t be discouraged when the trail seems to end.

North Face warning. Return exactly the way you came. The north face overlooking Lake Louise is vertical cliffs and rotten rock. Hikers have been killed or heli-evacuated after attempting to shortcut down the front. There is a warning plaque at the summit; heed it.

Views. The classic shot is approx. 100 m below the summit on the final ridge; a centred view of turquoise Lake Louise and the Chateau like a miniature castle. Summit panorama: south to Mount Temple (3,544 m); west to Victoria Glacier, Mount Victoria, Mount Lefroy; north to the Lake Louise Ski Resort and Slate Range; east to the Bow Valley and Sawback Range.

Larch season. Late September is the golden window. Saddleback Pass is one of the premier spots for Alpine Larch. Shoulder season (late Sept–Oct): bring the Three T’s: traction (microspikes for icy sections), thermal layers (summit can be 10°C colder than the lake), and trekking poles (essential on the steep descent).

Safety. Avalanche hazard Oct–June on Saddleback and the final ascent; strictly summer/autumn unless you have AST-1 and gear. Prime grizzly bear habitat; bear spray in a reachable holster (not in your pack), make noise in forested sections.

History. Walter Wilcox and Samuel Allen made the first recorded ascent in 1893. Wilcox named it in 1894 for the “fair view” of surrounding peaks. Dominion surveyor J.J. McArthur climbed it in 1894 to assist mapping; survey markers or cairns may still exist near the summit.

After the hike. The Lakeview Lounge (Chateau) for a post-summit drink; Fairview Bar for gastro-pub burgers; Laggan’s Mountain Bakery in the village for a “Health Cookie” and coffee. Mid-summer: soaking your feet in the glacial water offers natural cryotherapy for sore muscles.

See the Mount Fairview landmark, Summer logistics for 2026 shuttle and parking, and the summer trail page for stats and nearby trails.

Fairview Mountain Trail