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Compiled by the Street Journey Alberta staff
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 carried out is our thought of an ideal hike. That’s why we love mountain climbing to the Lake Agnes Tea Home in Banff Nationwide Park every time now we have the possibility. The bottom line is getting there early so we are able to beat the crowds and have Lake Agnes nearly to ourselves after we get to the highest. The views are attractive regardless of after we’ve carried out it and resting on the shores of Lake Louise afterward with a chilly one in hand is one of the best ways to cap off the day.
Right here’s all the pieces 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 usually 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 authentic home windows, tables, and chairs.
The whole lot You Must 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 provides beautiful 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 title of the hike).
Trailhead: Discovered at Lake Louise close to the Fairmont Chateau. There are just a few 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 can even add hikes to Little Beehive or Massive Beehive for those who’re up for the problem (extra on that beneath).
Elevation Achieve: 426 metres (1,400 ft)
Issue Degree: Straightforward to Reasonable. The path is clean and extensive, and the elevation climbs step by step. There may be nothing technical to get to the teahouse.
Path sort: Out and again
Time: Roughly two to 4 hours, relying on stops and detours
Tips on how to Get There
The Lake Agnes Tea Home trailhead is pretty straightforward to seek out in Lake Louise. As talked about above, there are just a few 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 can assist you discover your approach if needed.
One of many troublesome elements of attending to the Lake Agnes Tea Home is the Lake Louise car parking zone. Parking heaps are sometimes 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 if in case you have a sound Nationwide Parks Move, and there are cost machines all through the car parking zone. If visitors turns into too congested, drop-offs aren’t allowed.
Our suggestion? Don’t take your automotive in any respect! Keep away from the trouble 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 stated, most individuals spend longer on this path, stopping on the tea home and alongside the way in which for the unbelievable 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 Finest Time to Hike?
The Lake Agnes Tea Home hike is without doubt one of the hottest hikes in Banff Nationwide Park, so you may count on 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 individuals and you can begin to see a few of the stunning fall foliage.
Make sure you arrive early! It’s endorsed that you just get to the car parking zone/trailhead as early as potential 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 mountain climbing at dawn. Equally, because the tea home closes at 5 p.m., you would hike within the later afternoon (though it is strongly recommended to be again in Lake Louise for sundown, as mountain 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 fashionable in Banff Nationwide Park is due to the spectacular view, however the tea home itself can also be an enormous draw! Serving clients for over 100 years, the tea home serves baked items, lunch gadgets, and – you guessed it – tea (heaps and plenty of tea). The truth is, there are greater than 100 sorts of loose-leaf tea on the menu! Recent components are introduced in from Calgary and carried up the mountain by workers nearly daily, whereas dry items are flown in by helicopter every year.
The Lake Agnes Tea Home is open seasonally, sometimes from early June till Canadian Thanksgiving. In 2024, it’s open daily 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 individual for those who plan on consuming lunch.
There are outhouses on the tea home, however be ready for a protracted line if it’s busy (which it usually is!).
What to Count on
There’s a motive 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 certain to be a memorable one. It’s undoubtedly one of many finest issues to do in Lake Louise and a giant motive 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 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 imagine 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 go by means of 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 pretty surroundings, together with a small waterfall, and it additionally offers entry to the Little Beehive path.
If you happen to 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. Bear in mind: by mid-day, there will likely be a really lengthy lineup, so plan accordingly! That is why we recommend mountain climbing as early as potential.
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 go 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: if in case you have the power, think about including the Beehive Circuit of Little Beehive and Massive Beehive! They supply unbelievable 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 straightforward 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. If you happen to embrace 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 phase to Massive Beehive being probably the most difficult. There are wonderful views of the lake on the prime!
What to Convey
Most hikers probably have already got this stuff, nevertheless it’s vital to recollect to deliver:
- Snug, sturdy mountain climbing boots. Ensure you have already worn these in, as no person needs brand-new boots (and brand-new blisters) on the paths!
- Climbing poles aren’t needed on the Agnes Lake Tea Home path, nevertheless it’s as much as you for those who desire utilizing them (we do!)
- Snug mountain climbing clothes. We suggest layers you can peel off on a sizzling 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 individual for those who plan on consuming lunch.
- Solar safety, together with a hat and sunscreen.
- Water – plenty of it!
- A couple of mild snacks for alongside the way in which.
- Bear spray (and make certain 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 cellphone 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 finest to be ready simply in case. That is particularly vital for those who determine to hike on to the Massive Beehive hike.
Security and Precautions
Bear in mind: Banff Nationwide Park is bear nation! At all times take bear security significantly, which incorporates mountain climbing in teams. It’s possible you’ll wish to think about carrying bear spray with you.
As with all hikes, guarantee that you’ve got ample water, snacks, solar safety, and a primary support package. The Lake Agnes Tea Home Path can get highly regarded in summer season.
Ultimate Suggestions and Recommendation for the Lake Agnes Teahouse Hike
Although it is a very fashionable hike close to Lake Louise, it’s vital to all the time verify the park’s web site for up-to-date data on path situations, climate, and any needed permits. Planning forward is critical, even for those who’re conversant in the hike!
Whereas older youngsters usually hike the path, it is best to deliver a baby service for youthful youngsters.
Canine are additionally allowed on the path however should be leashed always.
Lastly, keep in mind that you will want a Parks Canada Discovery Move if you’re going to be stopping in Banff Nationwide Park. As an added bonus, it provides you with entry to all of Canada’s nationwide parks.
Staying in Lake Louise
There are just a few campgrounds in Lake Louise in addition to many lodging in Banff. If you’re wanting to remain in Lake Louise listed here are a few motels we suggest.
Publish Resort and Spa ($$$$) – This attractive lodge is a mere 300 metres away from the Lake Louise centre. It’s a splurge to remain right here, however the spa after a protracted day of mountain climbing is price. Deal with your self! Verify Availability
Lake Louise Inn ($$) – Clear and spacious rooms plus a heated indoor pool and hot-tubs make this a very fashionable spot to remain at. Verify 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 outfitted with kitchens or kitchenettes so that you by no means have to depart! Verify Availability
Pete is a co-founder of Street Journey Alberta. Rising up in Edmonton he has an in depth data of Alberta and all the pieces the province has to supply. He likes to eat good meals, hike (particularly within the winter), play tennis and curl. Aside from 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.
