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Snowshoeing to Lake Agnes Teahouse Above Lake Louise
Recently I spent a few very enjoyable hours snowshoeing by myself to the Lake Agnes Teahouse above Lake Louise.
I’d hiked the same trail in July. The experience was 100% different – though both were great.
In the summer the Lake Agnes Teahouse hike is known for its crowds. On the day I snowshoed to Lake Agnes I met one person at the very beginning of the trail (at 10:30 am) and I didn’t see another soul until I was on my way down.
I’m the only one on the trail
There hadn’t been any recent snow so the trail was hard packed and you actually didn’t even need snowshoes.
Frozen Mirror Lake with the Beehive in the back
Mirror Lake in July
It’s an easy three and a half to four kilometer snowshoe or hike one way starting right from Lake Louise. The elevation gain is 396 meters (1300 feet).
Spectacular mountain views along the trail
Views of the Lake Louise downhill ski resort from the Agnes Lake trail
Views of the Lake Louise ski resort in summer
The crux of the winter snowshoe or hike is the last climb up a steep set of stairs to Lake Agnes. They’re packed with snow, and very slippery. I made sure to have three points of contact (2 hands and a foot) at all times going up and coming down. This was no place to fall with no one around to help.
When I reached Lake Agnes – after just about an hour of steady snowshoeing – the silence was deafening. It was so peaceful, calm and still. Although it doesn’t pack the visual punch that it does in summer I think it’s still very beautiful.
I have Lake Agnes all to myself
The Lake Agnes Teahouse is still in the shade at noon on a late January weekend
Lake Agnes has got quite a different feel in summer.
Lake Agnes in the summer
Lake Agnes Teahouse on a July summer weekend
I didn’t spend much time up at the lake; I wanted a break but in the sun, not the shade and the Lake Agnes Teahouse is only open on a seasonal basis. I carefully made my way back down the steep stairs to the trail and about ten minutes later ran into people on the way up. I guess in winter people are just slow to get going. I passed about 20 people going up – on my way down. I think I was just lucky to have the trail and the lake to myself.
I finally meet a few people on my way down
If it hasn’t snowed in a while don’t worry about renting snowshoes at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. But if there is fresh snow I’d definitely recommend them.
Would you prefer snowshoeing or hiking to the Lake Agnes Teahouse?
Leigh McAdam
HikeBikeTravel
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About Hike Bike TravelAvid world traveler. Craves adventure - & the odd wildly epic day. Gardener. Reader. Wine lover. Next big project - a book on 100 Canadian outdoor adventures.
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17 Responses to Snowshoeing to Lake Agnes Teahouse Above Lake Louise
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About
I’ve been all over the world – to all continents but Antarctica and to a grand total of 53 countries. I’ve always got some sort of an adventure planned – even if it’s only a weekend. I thrive on change and travel provides that.
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leighmcadamtravels at gmail dot com
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How beautiful! When I visited Lake Louise last September I missed out on this hike to the tea house – didn’t plan well enough. Now I have a reason to return – what magnificent views. Thank you for the great photos and post.
Roberta Loufek recently posted..Smashing Saturdays #24
@Roberta As you can see this is one trail that can be hiked at any time of the year but clear skies sure give the scenery some impact. I hope you get a chance to return.
I think it’d be difficult to decide between winter and and summer. Lake Agnes is stunning!
InsideJourneys recently posted..Street Food, Jamaican Style
When I come to Canada, will you show me around? I get so jealous of all these gorgeous places you visit. I think you should provide Canada hiking/outdoor tours!
Christy recently posted..5 Restaurants to Try in San Juan, Puerto Rico
@Christy I’ll trade you – I’ll show you around if you give me some of great photography tips. I’d love to learn more from a pro.
I love the contrast between summer and winter. It highlights the beauty of the landscape.
Mette – Italian Notes recently posted..10 interesting gondola facts
@Mette I thought it was interesting to see how different the same place looked in winter and summer too.
What a beautiful hike. I am sorry I missed it. A reminder of why another visit to Lake Louise and Banff will be planned. Great photography!
@Liz Next time you visit Lake Louise hopefully you’ll be up for a hike to the Teahouse. It’s a great destination for lunch or tea in the summer.
This looks breathtakingly beautiful! I would probably choose hiking – looks like it’s wonderful any time of year though…
Andrea recently posted..Dog Sledding In Northern Norway
@Andrea I agree that it’s a tough call. I’m lucky to be able to visit in all seasons.
What pristine country and beautiful photos. I was thinking you were going to get a wonderful tea at the end of the trail to warm you. That must be a really busy place if so many were out snowshoeing. I think of that as being a fairly solitary activity. It is around here.
@Billie The Teahhouse is closed in the winter but that was OK. I had a protein bar and I had a good bite to eat at the Chateau Lake Louise when I got back down. Going up I had the trails and the lake to myself. But this is a popular area and Lake Louise still attracts lots of tourists in winter.
The idea of snowshoeing intrigues me, but anytime there is snow on the ground I am skiing. I like snowshoeing though because you can get to places you cannot get to on skis. I will have to try it again sometime. This area is so beautiful I don’t think it matters what you do. Just go.
Traveling Ted recently posted..The fanny pack is the stealth bomber of adventure travel
@Ted I definitely prefer xcountry skiing to snowshoeing but there are times – especially if the snow is bad or it’s really steep that snowshoeing seems more appropriate.
I’m with Christy – I want a tour from you when I finally get to the Canadian mountains!
Wonderful post, as always.
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Thanks so much Cindy. Looks like I have two signed up.