Lake Louise is one of those places that looks fake in photos… until you see it in real life and realize it somehow looks even better.

With its unreal turquoise water, glacier-fed peaks, and easy access to some of the best hiking in the Canadian Rockies, it’s easily one of the top places to visit in Banff National Park.

But here’s what most people get wrong…

They show up, take a photo, fight the crowds, and leave.

Big mistake.

There’s actually a ton of incredible things to do in Lake Louise, from iconic hikes and canoeing to winter skating and lesser-known viewpoints most people completely miss.

So, if you’re looking to make the most of this world-class natural attraction, you’ve come to the right place!

1. See Lake Louise (But Do It Right)

Yes, it’s the main attraction—and yes, it absolutely lives up to the hype. The colour of the water alone feels like someone cranked the saturation too high, and the mountain backdrop doesn’t hurt either.

The problem? Timing.

Show up at the wrong time, and you’ll spend more time dodging crowds than enjoying the view.

Quick details:

• Best time: Sunrise or late evening
• Midday: Extremely busy (especially in summer)

Tip: Sunrise isn’t just quieter—it’s when the lake is calmest for those mirror-like reflections.

However, during busier times, which is likely to occur during the summer months, you might want to consider taking a shuttle. Lake Louise continues to grow in popularity, and during the summer months, up to 70% of traffic gets turned back, making for a long, gruelling day behind the wheel. Instead, companies now make it easy to visit, allowing you to park at Lake Louise Ski Resort and jump in a shuttle that takes you right to the lake. Click here to see prices and to book your visit to Lake Louise.

2. Visit Moraine Lake (Yes, It Might Be Better)

This might be controversial, but many people actually prefer Moraine Lake. It’s smaller, more dramatic, and surrounded by the iconic Valley of the Ten Peaks.

It feels a bit more “wow” and a little less chaotic than Lake Louise.

However, this immense popularity, coupled with the fact that there’s only one small parking lot, has forced Parks Canada to close the highway to personal vehicles. Unless you’re staying at the expensive hotel, you have to take a shuttle. But that’s okay, because the shuttles make it super easy to go.

Quick details:

• Access: Shuttle, Roam Transit, or guided tour only
• No personal vehicles allowed

Tip: Book your shuttle early—this is one of the hardest spots to access in Banff now. However, Parks Canada shuttles often fill up quickly, so it can be easier and more efficient to book yourself on the Moraine Lake Bus Company shuttle.

3. Hike to Lake Agnes Tea House

This is one of the most popular hikes in the area—and for good reason. The trail climbs steadily through the forest before opening up to a beautiful alpine lake, where you’ll find a historic tea house serving tea and light snacks.

Built by the Canadian Pacific Railway back in 1901, this tea house is located on the shores of Lake Agnes and right next to a beautiful waterfall. The trail to get there is very easy, although it’s a moderate incline the entire way, and is used by both people and horses. It only takes an hour or so to reach the top and is fairly easy for anyone in moderate shape.

It’s the kind of hike that feels rewarding without being overly intense. Keep in mind, however, that this trail can get very busy.

Quick details:

• Distance: ~7 km round trip
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Time: 2–3 hours

Tip: Go early or late—midday lines for tea can get surprisingly long.

4. Continue to Big Beehive or Little Beehive

If you’ve made it to Lake Agnes, it’s worth pushing a little further. The Beehive hikes offer some of the best views overlooking Lake Louise—and far fewer people than down at the shoreline.

Little Beehive is the easier option, while Big Beehive gives you that higher, more dramatic perspective.

From the tea house, you can continue hiking to Little Beehive, Big Beehive, and Devil’s Thumb. We did all of this in one day, and combined with taking video and photos, it took us 7 hours. It’s a very long day if you do all of them, but if you bring snacks, it’s certainly doable. If you don’t want to hike all of them, we certainly recommend Little Beehive. I wouldn’t even hike to the tea house without the addition of Little Beehive. The views from here are gorgeous, and it’s only another 20 minutes or so from the tea house, all uphill.

👉 Quick details:

• Add-on distance: 1–3 km, depending on route
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

Tip: The view from the top is one of the best photo spots in the Rockies—don’t rush it.

Big Beehive: If you’re okay with hiking another 45 minutes or so past the tea house, you can also go to Big Beehive, which is in a different direction than Little Beehive. You just continue the path walking around Lake Agnes, straight past the tea house and follow it up to the top of the hill. This is also popular, so I doubt you’ll be alone. The views from here are also outstanding.

5. Challenge Yourself with a Hike to Devil’s Thumb

For those seeking adventure, you’ll want to continue past Big Beehive and follow the route to Devil’s Thumb. For some reason, this trail is unmarked. At the intersection that goes to Big Beehive and Plain of Six Glaciers, you’ll take the unmarked path toward the mountain peaks closest to you. If you ask others, I’m sure they’ll know as well. Keep in mind that this route is fairly steep and a little sketchy due to loose gravel. This will take a good hour to reach the peak and perhaps almost as long coming down. However, the trail to get to the summit goes along a cliff with views of the glaciers along the way. It is truly impressive. Then, once at the peak, you’ll see both Lake Louise and Lake Agnes, which is also quite remarkable.

6. Canoe on Lake Louise

Canoeing on Lake Louise is one of those bucket-list experiences that actually lives up to expectations. Floating out onto that bright blue water with glaciers in the distance is pretty hard to beat.

But… It’s not cheap.

Quick details:

• Cost: ~$150+ per hour
• Wait times: Can be long in summer

Tip: Bring your own inflatable paddleboard if you can—it’s a much cheaper way to get the same experience.

7. Hike the Plain of Six Glaciers

If you’re looking for something a little less crowded than Lake Agnes, this is a great option. The trail takes you deeper into the mountains, with bigger views and a more rugged feel.

There’s also another tea house at the end—because apparently hiking and tea go hand in hand here. Who doesn’t want a hot cup of Earl Grey after a gruelling trek?

Quick details:

• Distance: ~13 km round trip
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

Tip: Go early for better light and fewer people—it’s worth it.

Whatever hike you choose, the views are world-class, and you won’t be disappointed. You can also join a popular guided hike if you don’t know what route to pick.

8. Ride the Lake Louise Gondola (Summer)

If you want a break from hiking but still want incredible views, the gondola is an easy win. It takes you up to panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Bow Valley—and it’s also one of the best places to spot wildlife.

Yes, including bears. Plus, if you book the gondola when you book your Moraine Lake Bus Company shuttle to Lake Louise or Moraine Lake, you’ll get $15 off!

Quick details:

• Open in the summer months
• Viewing platforms + hiking trails at the top

Tip: Go in the morning or evening for better chances of spotting animals.

9. Ski or Snowboard Lake Louise (Winter)

In winter, Lake Louise transforms into one of the best ski resorts in Canada. With thousands of acres of terrain and stunning mountain views in every direction, it’s hard to beat. In fact, it’s the third-largest in Canada!

Even non-skiers can enjoy the views by taking the gondola to the top.

Quick details:

• Terrain: Beginner to expert
• One of the largest ski resorts in North America

Tip: Check conditions before you go—powder days here are next level.

10. Ice Skate on Lake Louise (Winter)

This is about as Canadian as it gets. When the lake freezes over, it turns into a massive outdoor skating rink surrounded by mountains. Thanks to being right in front of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, the skating area is well-maintained and home to a beautiful frozen mini-castle facade.

It’s one of the most unique skating experiences in the world.

Quick details:

• Maintained ice in front of the Fairmont
• Skate rentals available nearby

Tip: Go early in the day for smoother ice and fewer people.

11. Stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

If you want the full Lake Louise experience, this is it. Staying right on the lake means you get early morning and late evening access when the crowds disappear.

It’s definitely a splurge—but a memorable one.

Quick details:

• Luxury hotel right on the lake
• Restaurants, spa, and lake views

Tip: Even if you don’t stay, step inside and explore—it’s worth it. You can always enjoy a hot chocolate, pint of beer, or a delicious meal.

Things to Do in Lake Louise in Winter

Winter in Lake Louise feels like stepping into a postcard. It’s quieter, calmer, and covered in snow—completely different from the busy summer vibe.

Top winter activities:

• Ice skating on the lake
• Snowshoeing
• Cross-country skiing
• Skiing & snowboarding
• Ice Magic Festival

Tip: Dress warmer than you think you need—it gets cold fast out here.

Things to Do in Lake Louise in Summer

Summer is when Lake Louise is at its most accessible—and busiest. Hiking trails are open, the lake is thawed, and everything is in full swing.

Top summer activities:

• Hiking to tea houses and viewpoints
• Canoeing or paddling
• Wildlife spotting
• Sightseeing and photography

Tip: Start your day early. Like… earlier than you want to.

How to Get to Lake Louise

Getting here is easy—parking is not.

From Calgary, it’s about a 2-hour drive. From Banff, around 45 minutes.

But in summer, parking fills up extremely early—often before sunrise. If you do find parking, it costs a whopping $42 per day between May 16th and October 13th.

Best option:

• Moraine Lake Shuttle Company (includes parking at Lake Louise Ski Resort)
• Parks Canada shuttle
• Roam Transit

Tip: Don’t gamble on parking unless you enjoy stress.

Best Time to Visit Lake Louise

Lake Louise changes a lot depending on the season, so timing your visit makes a big difference.

Summer (June–September)

• Best for hiking and canoeing
• Best for seeing that famous turquoise colour
• Busiest time of year
• Moraine Lake is open

Winter (November–April)

• Best for skating and skiing
• Fewer crowds, colder temps
• Best for seeing a snow-covered frozen lake
• Moraine Lake is closed

Tip: Shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds but limited access to some activities.

Lake Louise Accommodation 

Looking for where to stay in Lake Louise? Although most people visiting the Canadian Rockies make Banff their main base, there are actually several options for spending some nights in Lake Louise and the surrounding area. Lake Louise is certainly a quieter area than Banff, and if you’re looking to do a variety of activities in the area, as well as skip the 45-minute drive from Banff each morning, then it’s a wonderful place to stay.

We’ve only stayed in one hotel and it was the Deer Lodge, which is only a 5-minute walk from Lake Louise and the Fairmont Hotel. It’s also a historic hotel, but much less expensive than its neighbour. We found it to be clean and comfortable and only wish we could have used their hot tub with a view (it was closed due to COVID). It also has a very popular restaurant that’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We ate here every day and especially loved Beef Striploin and the Caeser’s Broccolini, as well as their delicious cocktails such as the Big Boss Sangria and Peaches Sidecar.

Aside from Deer Lodge, there are not many options, but here they are below:

Luxury: Without a doubt, the most luxurious Lake Louise Hotel is the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. This massive hotel overlooks Lake Louise and is the only hotel that is directly on the lake. As mentioned, though, Deer Lodge is right next door. Other upscale options, however, include the Paradise Lodge & Bungalows, the Post Hotel and Spa and Baker Creek Mountain Resort.

Mid-Range: Depending on the season, some of the other hotels in Lake Louise could be considered budget or mid-range. They include Deer Lodge, Lake Louise Inn, and Mountaineer Lodge.

Suggested Lake Louise Itinerary

1 Day

• Sunrise at Lake Louise
• Hike to Lake Agnes + Beehive
• Afternoon canoe or relax
• Evening at Moraine Lake

2 Days

Day 1:

• Lake Louise + hiking
• Gondola or canoe

Day 2:

• Moraine Lake
• Plain of Six Glaciers
• Explore village

FAQs About Lake Louise

These are some of the most popular questions we get asked.

Is Lake Louise worth visiting?

Yes—easily one of the most beautiful places in Canada.

How long should you spend in Lake Louise?

At least one full day to take it all in. Allow two days if you want to enjoy other activities like full-day hikes, the Lake Louise gondola, or Moraine Lake.

Can you swim in Lake Louise?

You can… but it’s glacier-fed and freezing cold. Like, really, really cold!

Is Moraine Lake better than Lake Louise?

Depends—but a lot of people think so. The mountains just feel closer.

Looking for More Things to Do around Lake Louise?

Lake Louise isn’t just a quick stop—it’s a place you can easily spend a full day (or more) exploring.

Do it right—start early, go beyond the main viewpoint, and plan—and it’ll likely be one of the highlights of your trip.

Do it wrong? Well… enjoy circling the parking lot with everyone else.

This article should help you make the most of Lake Louise. However, there are lots of other things to do nearby!

For places to visit near Lake Louise, we recommend reading the articles below:

• Best Things To Do in Banff
• Driving from Calgary to Banff
• Best Things To Do in Canmore
• Driving from Banff to Jasper
• Things To Do in Alberta
• Things To Do in Saskatchewan
• Things to Do in British Columbia

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