Disclaimer: This web page might include affiliate hyperlinks. Please evaluation our full Phrases and Circumstances for extra data and our Privateness Coverage. Word that any pricing, working hours, or different such data supplied beneath might have modified since preliminary publication.
Compiled by the Highway 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 once we’re executed is our concept of an ideal hike. That’s why we love climbing to the Lake Agnes Tea Home in Banff Nationwide Park each time we’ve got the possibility. The secret’s getting there early so we are able to beat the crowds and have Lake Agnes virtually to ourselves once we get to the highest. The views are attractive regardless of once we’ve executed 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 all the pieces you should know in regards to 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 encompassing 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.
Every little thing You Have to Know Concerning the Lake Agnes Tea Home Path
Path Data
What You’ll See: The Lake Agnes path takes you to a scenic hanging valley and gives beautiful views of Lake Louise, Mirror Lake, Agnes Lake, and the encompassing Rocky Mountains. There’s additionally a well-liked 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 best way.
Hike Distance: The path to the teahouse is 7.4 kilometres (4.6 miles). It’s also possible to add hikes to Little Beehive or Large Beehive for those who’re up for the problem (extra on that beneath).
Elevation Achieve: 426 metres (1,400 ft)
Problem Degree: Simple to Reasonable. The path is easy and extensive, and the elevation climbs progressively. There’s nothing technical to get to the teahouse.
Path kind: Out and again
Time: Roughly two to 4 hours, relying on stops and detours
The best way to Get There
The Lake Agnes Tea Home trailhead is pretty straightforward to seek out in Lake Louise. As talked about above, there are a couple of trailheads that begin from the identical Lake Louise parking zone, however the Lake Agnes path is well-marked alongside the best way. As it’s such a busy path, you’re certain to come across many different hikers who might help you discover your approach if obligatory.
One of many troublesome features of attending to the Lake Agnes Tea Home is the Lake Louise parking zone. Parking tons 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 you probably have a legitimate Nationwide Parks Cross, and there are cost machines all through the parking zone. If site visitors turns into too congested, drop-offs aren’t allowed.
Our advice? Don’t take your automobile 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 simply 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 a few hours out and again. That being mentioned, most individuals spend longer on this path, stopping on the tea home and alongside the best way 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 Large 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’ll be able to 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 folks and you can begin to see a few of the lovely fall foliage.
Be sure you arrive early! It’s endorsed that you simply get to the 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 climbing at dawn. Equally, because the tea home closes at 5 p.m., you may hike within the later afternoon (though it is strongly recommended to be again in Lake Louise for sundown, as climbing at the hours of darkness could 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 can have a really lengthy line by noon, each for concessions and for the outhouses.
Lake Agnes Tea Home Opening Hours and Data
One of many foremost causes the Lake Agnes hike is so common in Banff Nationwide Park is due to the spectacular view, however the tea home itself can be an enormous draw! Serving prospects for over 100 years, the tea home serves baked items, lunch objects, and – you guessed it – tea (tons and many tea). In actual fact, there are greater than 100 forms of loose-leaf tea on the menu! Recent substances are introduced in from Calgary and carried up the mountain by workers virtually 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 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 typically is!).
What to Anticipate
There’s a purpose 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 bound to be a memorable one. It’s positively one of many finest issues to do in Lake Louise and an enormous purpose 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 loads of hikers alongside the best way. 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 go by way of a spruce forest, you’ll quickly see Mirror Lake with views of Large 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 case you don’t select to take one of many detours to Little Beehive or Large Beehive, you’ll quickly attain the famed Lake Agnes Tea Home, the place you’ll be able to 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 propose climbing as early as potential.
Whereas within the space, take a look at the lake itself. Lake Anges is an alpine lake set inside a cirque shaped by the peaks of Mount St. Piran, Mount Niblock, and Mount Whyte, and it makes for a fully breathtaking view.
To go again all the way 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 best way.
Professional-tip: you probably have the power, contemplate including the Beehive Circuit of Little Beehive and Large Beehive! They supply unbelievable 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 straightforward to reasonable. You’ll discover the path to the proper from Mirror Lake, and it’s a superb addition to your hike! It has notably good views of Lake Louise and the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Large Beehive Path
The Large Beehive path could be discovered to the proper of Lake Agnes from the tea home. In case you embrace the Lake Agnes Tea Home path, the Large Beehive hike is a ten.5 km journey, however avid hikers will love the problem (and the views!). The path as much as Large Beehive has some steep however manageable switchbacks, with the final section to Large Beehive being probably the most difficult. There are wonderful views of the lake on the prime!
What to Carry
Most hikers doubtless have already got this stuff, but it surely’s necessary to recollect to carry:
- Snug, sturdy climbing boots. Be sure to have already worn these in, as no one desires brand-new boots (and brand-new blisters) on the paths!
- Mountain climbing poles aren’t obligatory on the Agnes Lake Tea Home path, but it surely’s as much as you for those who desire utilizing them (we do!)
- Snug climbing clothes. We suggest layers which you can peel off on a scorching 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 gentle snacks for alongside the best way.
- Bear spray (and ensure you know the way to make use of it)
- A primary help equipment 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 normally loads of folks on the hike, but it surely’s all the time finest to be ready simply in case. That is particularly necessary for those who determine to hike on to the Large Beehive hike.
Security and Precautions
Keep in mind: Banff Nationwide Park is bear nation! All the time take bear security critically, which incorporates climbing in teams. You might need to contemplate carrying bear spray with you.
As with all hikes, guarantee that you’ve got ample water, snacks, solar safety, and a primary help equipment. The Lake Agnes Tea Home Path can get highly regarded in summer time.
Remaining Suggestions and Recommendation for the Lake Agnes Teahouse Hike
Despite the fact that this can be a highly regarded hike close to Lake Louise, it’s necessary to all the time examine the park’s web site for up-to-date data on path circumstances, climate, and any obligatory permits. Planning forward is important, even for those who’re aware of the hike!
Whereas older youngsters typically hike the path, you must carry a toddler provider for youthful youngsters.
Canines are additionally allowed on the path however have to be leashed always.
Lastly, bear in mind that you’ll want a Parks Canada Discovery Cross if you will be stopping in Banff Nationwide Park. As an added bonus, it gives you 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 inns we suggest.
Put up Resort and Spa ($$$$) – This attractive lodge is a mere 300 metres away from the Lake Louise centre. It’s a splurge to remain right here, however the spa after a protracted day of climbing is price. Deal with your self! Test Availability
Lake Louise Inn ($$) – Clear and spacious rooms plus a heated indoor pool and hot-tubs make this a highly regarded spot to remain at. Test 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 totally outfitted with kitchens or kitchenettes so that you by no means have to depart! Test Availability
Pete is a co-founder of Highway Journey Alberta. Rising up in Edmonton he has an intensive information 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. Other than working Highway 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.
