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Compiled by the Road Trip Alberta team
Last updated on March 18, 2025
A hike that’s around 8 km and with a spot that sells cold brews when we’re done is our idea of a perfect hike. That’s why we love hiking to the Lake Agnes Tea House in Banff National Park whenever we have the chance. The key is getting there early so we can beat the crowds and have Lake Agnes almost to ourselves when we get to the top. The views are gorgeous no matter when we’ve done it and resting on the shores of Lake Louise afterward with a cold one in hand is the best way to cap off the day.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Lake Agnes Tea House hike.
Lake Agnes Tea House History
Lake Agnes was named after the first First Lady of Canada, Lady Agnes MacDonald, who was the wife of Canada’s first Prime Minister, Sir John Alexander MacDonald. Lady MacDonald visited Lake Agnes in 1886 and was astounded by the lake, the hanging valley it sits in, and the surrounding mountains. The tea house is sometimes referred to as the Banff Tea House or the Lake Louise Tea House.
The Lake Agnes Tea House was originally built in 1901 by the Canadian Pacific Railway. While it began as a refuge for hikers, the building started serving tea in 1905. The original log building had to be replaced in 1981, but the tea house still features its original windows, tables, and chairs.
Everything You Need to Know About the Lake Agnes Tea House Trail
Trail Information
What You’ll See: The Lake Agnes trail takes you to a scenic hanging valley and offers stunning views of Lake Louise, Mirror Lake, Agnes Lake, and the surrounding Rocky Mountains. There is also a popular tea house on the trail (hence the name of the hike).
Trailhead: Found at Lake Louise near the Fairmont Chateau. There are a few trailheads in this area, but the Lake Agnes Tea House trail is well-marked along the way.
Hike Distance: The trail to the teahouse is 7.4 kilometres (4.6 miles). You can also add hikes to Little Beehive or Big Beehive if you’re up for the challenge (more on that below).
Elevation Gain: 426 metres (1,400 feet)
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate. The trail is smooth and wide, and the elevation climbs gradually. There is nothing technical to get to the teahouse.
Trail type: Out and back
Time: Approximately two to four hours, depending on stops and detours
How to Get There
The Lake Agnes Tea House trailhead is fairly easy to find in Lake Louise. As mentioned above, there are a few trailheads that start from the same Lake Louise parking lot, but the Lake Agnes trail is well-marked along the way. As it is such a busy trail, you’re sure to encounter many other hikers who can help you find your way if necessary.
One of the difficult aspects of getting to the Lake Agnes Tea House is the Lake Louise parking lot. Parking lots are typically full before sunrise and remain full until after sunset; in other words, you have to get there extremely early to get a spot. It is paid parking, even if you have a valid National Parks Pass, and there are payment machines throughout the parking lot. If traffic becomes too congested, drop-offs are not allowed.
Our recommendation? Don’t take your car at all! Avoid the hassle of parking by taking one of the many Parks Canada shuttles or Roam Public Transit. It is highly recommended that you reserve your ticket in advance.
How Long Does the Lake Agnes Tea House Trail Take?
Without many stops and without spending much time at the tea house itself, the Lake Agnes Tea House Trail takes approximately two to three hours out and back. That being said, most people spend longer on this trail, stopping at the tea house and along the way for the incredible views.
We recommend planning for four hours or a half-day on this hike. Of course, if you want to add on the Little Beehive Trail or the Big Beehive Trail, that will add time to your journey. More on that below!
When is the Best Time to Hike?
The Lake Agnes Tea House hike is one of the most popular hikes in Banff National Park, so you can expect a very crowded trail in peak season. The tea house is open from early June until Canadian Thanksgiving every year; after that, the Lake Agnes trail becomes an avalanche hazard, so it is not recommended to hike between mid-October and June. Our favourite time on this trail is in mid-September to early October, as the trail tends to have fewer people and you can start to see some of the beautiful fall foliage.
Be sure to arrive early! It is recommended that you get to the parking lot/trailhead as early as possible to avoid crowds. The tea house opens at 8 a.m., so those who are really keen to avoid crowds should start hiking at sunrise. Similarly, as the tea house closes at 5 p.m., you could hike in the later afternoon (although it is recommended to be back in Lake Louise for sunset, as hiking in the dark can be dangerous).
Pro tip: consider visiting very early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds. The tea house itself will have a very long line by midday, both for concessions and for the outhouses.
Lake Agnes Tea House Opening Hours and Information
One of the main reasons the Lake Agnes hike is so popular in Banff National Park is because of the spectacular view, but the tea house itself is also a huge draw! Serving customers for over 100 years, the tea house serves baked goods, lunch items, and – you guessed it – tea (lots and lots of tea). In fact, there are more than 100 types of loose-leaf tea on the menu! Fresh ingredients are brought in from Calgary and carried up the mountain by staff almost every day, while dry goods are flown in by helicopter once a year.
The Lake Agnes Tea House is open seasonally, typically from early June until Canadian Thanksgiving. In 2024, it is open every day from June 4th until October 10th. Its operating hours are 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
The tea house only accepts cash (both Canadian and US) or traveller’s cheques. Bring approximately $30 CAD per person if you plan on eating lunch.
There are outhouses at the tea house, but be prepared for a long line if it’s busy (which it often is!).
What to Expect
There’s a reason this trail is one of the most popular Lake Louise hikes! With views of the idyllic lakes, the spruce forest, and the majestic mountains, the Lake Agnes Tea House hike is sure to be a memorable one. It’s definitely one of the best things to do in Lake Louise and a big reason many people visit the area.
Starting from the trailhead, you’ll walk along the Lake Louise shoreline. This is the start of many trails in the area, so you’ll see a lot of hikers along the way. There are actually two ways to get to the Lake Agnes Tea House from here, but we recommend taking the trail to Lake Agnes and Mirror Lake. We believe the views are a bit better along this route, not to mention it’s a more gradual climb!
The climb itself is on a wide path with multiple switchbacks. As you pass through a spruce forest, you’ll soon see Mirror Lake with views of Big Beehive in the background. From there, continue following signs to Lake Agnes. Again, you’ll have two options from Mirror Lake up to Lake Agnes, but we recommend the trail to the right; the route has lovely scenery, including a small waterfall, and it also provides access to the Little Beehive trail.
If you don’t choose to take one of the detours to Little Beehive or Big Beehive, you’ll soon reach the famed Lake Agnes Tea House, where you can stop for a snack or lunch. Remember: by mid-day, there will be a very long lineup, so plan accordingly! This is why we suggest hiking as early as possible.
While in the area, check out the lake itself. Lake Anges is an alpine lake set inside a cirque formed by the peaks of Mount St. Piran, Mount Niblock, and Mount Whyte, and it makes for an absolutely breathtaking view.
To head back down to Lake Louise, we recommend taking the shorter trail across the bridge from the Lake Agnes Tea House and down the staircase. You’ll get some great views of the waterfall and Little Beehive along the way.
Pro-tip: if you have the energy, consider adding the Beehive Circuit of Little Beehive and Big Beehive! They provide incredible vistas of the area.
Little Beehive Trail
The Little Beehive is a 2-kilometer round-trip detour from the Lake Agnes Tea House trail and is rated easy to moderate. You’ll find the trail to the right from Mirror Lake, and it’s an excellent addition to your hike! It has particularly nice views of Lake Louise and the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Big Beehive Trail
The Big Beehive trail can be found to the right of Lake Agnes from the tea house. If you include the Lake Agnes Tea House trail, the Big Beehive hike is a 10.5 km journey, but avid hikers will love the challenge (and the views!). The trail up to Big Beehive has some steep but manageable switchbacks, with the last segment to Big Beehive being the most challenging. There are amazing views of the lake at the top!
What to Bring
Most hikers likely already have these items, but it’s important to remember to bring:
- Comfortable, sturdy hiking boots. Make sure you have already worn these in, as nobody wants brand-new boots (and brand-new blisters) on the trails!
- Hiking poles aren’t necessary on the Agnes Lake Tea House trail, but it’s up to you if you prefer using them (we do!)
- Comfortable hiking clothing. We recommend layers that you can peel off on a hot day or add on a cool day. The weather can change in an instant in the Canadian Rockies!
- Cash. The tea house only accepts Canadian and US cash, or travellers cheques. We recommend bringing around $30 CAD per person if you plan on eating lunch.
- Sun protection, including a hat and sunscreen.
- Water – lots of it!
- A few light snacks for along the way.
- Bear spray (and be sure you know how to use it)
- A first aid kit with plenty of bandages for those pesky blisters and minor scrapes or cuts.
- A phone with GPS or a map and compass. The trail is signposted and there are usually plenty of people on the hike, but it’s always best to be prepared just in case. This is especially important if you decide to hike on to the Big Beehive hike.
Safety and Precautions
Remember: Banff National Park is bear country! Always take bear safety seriously, which includes hiking in groups. You may want to consider carrying bear spray with you.
As with all hikes, ensure that you have sufficient water, snacks, sun protection, and a first aid kit. The Lake Agnes Tea House Trail can get very hot in summer.
Final Tips and Advice for the Lake Agnes Teahouse Hike
Even though this is a very popular hike near Lake Louise, it’s important to always check the park’s website for up-to-date information on trail conditions, weather, and any necessary permits. Planning ahead is necessary, even if you’re familiar with the hike!
While older children often hike the trail, you should bring a child carrier for younger kids.
Dogs are also allowed on the trail but must be leashed at all times.
Finally, remember that you will need a Parks Canada Discovery Pass if you are going to be stopping in Banff National Park. As an added bonus, it will give you access to all of Canada’s national parks.
Staying in Lake Louise
There are a few campgrounds in Lake Louise as well as many accommodations in Banff. If you are wanting to stay in Lake Louise here are a couple of hotels we recommend.
Post Hotel and Spa ($$$$) – This gorgeous hotel is a mere 300 metres away from the Lake Louise centre. It’s a splurge to stay here, but the spa after a long day of hiking is worth. Treat yourself! Check Availability
Lake Louise Inn ($$) – Clean and spacious rooms plus a heated indoor pool and hot-tubs make this a very popular spot to stay at. Check Availability
Baker Creek by Basecamp ($$$) – Although it’s 11 kilometres away from Lake Louise, a stay at Baker Creek is worth it. You’ll be surrounded by solitude in the heart of Banff National Park. The spacious chalets are fully equipped with kitchens or kitchenettes so you never have to leave! Check Availability
Pete is a co-founder of Road Trip Alberta. Growing up in Edmonton he has an extensive knowledge of Alberta and everything the province has to offer. He loves to eat good food, hike (especially in the winter), play tennis and curl. Apart from running Road Trip Alberta, he is a director with HMI, a digital media agency, half of the Hecktic Travels duo, and a co-creator of the popular card game Trip Chaser.
