31 FUN Things to do in Lake Louise in Summer (2024!)

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Lake Louise is one of our favorite lakes in Banff and easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in Canada – if not, all of North America! We’ve had the privilege of visiting Lake Louise in every season and I must admit, I love being here on a warm and sunny day. The blue lake somehow seems to glimmer even more, if at all possible!

Summer is a great time to visit Lake Louise because not only is the weather mild, but there are numerous hikes in the area that are only accessible during the summer. As well as that, there are several fun activities that can only be enjoyed when the weather is warm, such as canoeing and horseback riding.

We wanted to share with you the 31 best summer activities in Lake Louise, including our favorite restaurants and hotels so that you can enjoy your time in Lake Louise this summer to the fullest!

About Lake Louise in Summer

In our opinion, Lake Louise is one of the best summer destinations in Alberta! The weather is mild, with average temperatures of 16 °C (60 °F). A big plus too is that there’s little rainfall during this season, with just 14 expected rainfall days for July (which is low for this region, believe me). When it does rain here in the summer, it’s typically a light shower.

Of course, the days are longer in the summer with 16 hours of daylight – the sun rises at 5:30 am and doesn’t set until 10 pm!

As we mentioned earlier, most tourists visit Lake Louise during the summer months – so it can get pretty busy with thousands of visitors on any given day during June, July, and August. So, it’s important to remember that parking in Lake Louise will be limited, so get here early!

On top of parking, many of the activities here often book out, so we recommend purchasing tickets in advance for any activities you really don’t want to miss out on.

It’s worth noting that most visitors to Lake Louise only spend an hour here, taking some photos at the shoreline and moving on, which is a shame because there are so many things to explore, especially during the summer. In fact, a lot of the summer activities are completely free – which is a big bonus.

I recommend spending a minimum of one full day in Lake Louise to truly get a feel for this majestic lake and the nearby trails. If you have time, stay the night in Lake Louise village and experience all of the fun things to do in Lake Louise!

Top Things to do in Lake Louise in Summer

1. Ride the Lake Louise Summer Gondola

You may know Lake Louise Ski Resort as one of the most popular ski destinations in Canada, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that winter is the best time to visit this gorgeous area!

In fact, summer is my favorite time to visit Lake Louise Ski Resort because you can hop on the Lake Louise Summer Gondola and take in the truly breathtaking summer scenery.

Think lush mountain landscapes, thousands of wildflowers, and, even the chance to see grizzly bears! You may be lucky enough to see several grizzly bears on your gondola ride, and if you’re really lucky, a baby bear (also known as a bear cub). They are so cute!

Grizzly bear sightings are so common here during the summer that they’ve had to fence some of the sightseeing areas off to protect the tourists and the bears.

Once you reach the summit, there’s a small museum and a restaurant (more on that below). It’s also a good idea to stretch your legs on one of the magnificent walking trails here. For $63 CAD per person, this is a must-try activity while you’re here in Lake Louise.

The Lake Louise Gondola is about a 5-minute drive from the actual lake. There is a shuttle that runs between the two, so you can park at the ski resort and save the headache of searching for a spot at the foreshore! You can read our full guide to visit the Lake Louise Gondola for all of our insider tips.

Book your gondola tickets online here with 24-hour free cancellation!

2. Visit the Lake Agnes Teahouse

Lake Louise is super popular in the winter for the close access to skiing and snowboarding, in addition to skating and snowshoeing on the frozen lake. However, the summer offers one of the best activities to take advantage of – hiking!

There are so many awesome hikes in and around Lake Louise – my favorite is the Lake Agnes Tea House trail. Starting right from the Lake Louise foreshore, the trail has you hiking high above Lake Louise, where you can peer down and see parts of the lake from above.

And the best part of hiking, as I’m sure any hiker will agree, is the post-hike snacks and drinks! The best place to do so is at the Lake Agnes Tea House! This adorable tea house is located at the beautiful Lake Agnes, which is a 7 km (4.3 miles) roundtrip hike from Lake Louise.

It takes about three hours to complete and has an elevation gain of 400 m (1,312 ft). It’s a great option for those who are moderate-level hikers.

The Lake Agnes Tea House was built back in 1901, serving hikers with fine loose-leaf teas to refresh themselves! And, it still serves those amazing teas – in addition to coffee, sandwiches, and baked goods – to visitors who come from all over the world. I love stopping here for a little treat mid-hike, it’s a great reward for all that climbing!

The tea house is only open during the summer months (June through early October) from 8 am – 5 pm, and I’ve gotta say, there isn’t a better combination than incredible scenery and well-kept trails! 

Hot tip: The tea house is usually jam-packed, so if you don’t want to wait in line, we recommend getting going early in the day!

3. Whitewater rafting

The perfect activity for the adventurous traveler visiting Lake Louise is the whitewater rafting tours close to Banff on the Kicking Horse River! In fact, this river is consistently rated by tourists as the best whitewater experience in the Banff area.

We love whitewater rafting, and the great thing about it is that pretty much everyone can enjoy it! There are lots of great rafting tours in the area that are less than an hour’s drive away from Lake Louise, ranging from mild rapids to challenging expeditions.

It’s also important to note that the rafting season is from mid-May to mid-September – so it’s definitely a summer-only activity in Lake Louise.

For beginners and younger kids, there’s this exciting 2.5-hour family rafting tour that operates on gentler sections of the river, which means it’s not as fast-paced, but it still guarantees some thrills. It’s just over a 40-minute drive from Lake Louise and suitable for children from 8 years old and above. Prices start at $118 CAD per adult and $106 CAD for kids.

For adults and older kids looking to take things to the next level, this 4-hour Wild Water rafting experience is an absolute must! Not only is the meetup point just a 40-minute drive from Lake Louise, but you’ll enjoy up to 2.5 hours out on the river having an absolute blast.

We particularly liked this tour as each boat was limited to 8 people maximum – this meant plenty of space and no overcrowding! The guides really are awesome and are great around kids. Starting from $122 CAD per person, this tour is a no-brainer if you’re adrenalin junkies like us.

You can book the family-friendly rafting tour or secure your spot on the Wild Water rafting experience here!

Related Read: Whitewater rafting is also one of the best things to do in Banff in the summer!

4. Hike the Plain of Six Glaciers

Lake Agnes Tea House isn’t the only tea house in the mountains around Lake Louise. In fact, the Plain of Six Glaciers is another great tea house to visit that attracts just a fraction of the people.

This, along with the tea house’s more remote and rugged location, makes it the perfect option for those who like to get off the beaten path and into the wilderness.

From Lake Louise, it’s a 5.3-kilometer (3.3-mile) hike one way to the tea house, with a 400-meter (1,312 feet) elevation gain. The trail takes around 4 hours to complete if you hike up and back down the way you came.

For those who love to hike, you can actually combine the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House hike with the Lake Agnes Tea House Trail. This track is a 14.6-kilometer loop (9 miles) that takes around 6 hours to complete with stops. It’s an epic trail that visits two beautiful tea houses in Lake Louise!

5. Lake Louise Lakefront Trail

The views from the Lake Louise foreshore are spectacular, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to awesome viewpoints around the lake! For another great lookout point, head out on the Lake Louise Lakefront Trail and hike to the far end of the lake. From here, you can look back and enjoy a view of Lake Louise that many don’t get to see.

The Lakefront Trail is also super easy and flat! From the foreshore, it’s a 4-kilometer (2.5-mile) out-and-back hike and takes around an hour to complete. As I said, it’s flat and super easy!

The Lake Louise Lakefront Trail is actually the start of the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House hike I mentioned earlier, so if you’re planning on doing that trail, you’ll get to do both.

6. Stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is arguably the most luxurious hotel in the Rocky Mountains! Situated on the shores of Lake Louise, the views from the rooms are nothing short of spectacular. On the inside, the hotel appears like something out of a movie with tall ceilings, stunning architecture, and all kinds of fine details.

With seven incredible restaurants, you could literally eat at a different restaurant every day of the week and enjoy a new cuisine every time. Throughout it all, the hospitality is nothing short of 5-star, so if you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion or simply want to treat yourselves a bit, a stay here won’t disappoint.

Of course, spending a night at this luxury hotel isn’t exactly cheap, costing upwards of $700 CAD per night. However, for that price, you’ll be so close to the lake you can almost touch it. Better yet, you can easily enjoy all the best activities on this list without even getting in your car. Simply walk out the back entrance and enjoy!

If you do want to stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, be sure to check your dates in advance as this is easily one of the most popular places to stay in Banff National Park.

Secure your room at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise here!

7. Enjoy a meal at the Fairview Bar & Restaurant

The Fairmont is an iconic landmark in Lake Louise and a place to splurge and treat yourself! But, even if you aren’t staying there overnight, you can still get a taste of luxury by eating at the Fairview Bar & Restaurant, located inside the hotel.

The location of the Fairview could not be better, as the dining room looks out over the beautiful Lake Louise. They are a fine dining location, perfect for a date night or to celebrate a special occasion with loved ones. The romantic ambiance makes it a popular restaurant in Lake Louise for anyone visiting Banff National Park on a honeymoon.

Food options are inspired by the Rocky Mountains, with delicious local ingredients taking center stage.

As an upscale restaurant, prices are on the more expensive side, with dinner entrées averaging $50-75 CAD. They are open for afternoon tea from 12-2:30 pm, as well as from 5-10:30 pm for dinner (the kitchen closes at 9:30), so you can stop in for a bite to eat during the day, or go for a drink as the evening swings around.

8. Canoe on Lake Louise

When I think of iconic Canadian activities, the list is pretty long! However, one of the most relaxing and breathtaking has to be paddling an alpine lake in a Canadian Canoe. You can do this throughout Canada, but there aren’t many places as beautiful as Lake Louise to enjoy this activity, especially in the summer when temperatures are mild.

Plus, the way the light hits the lake in June, July, and August makes the lake appear even bluer! Talk about a great opportunity to grab that next great photo.

Canoe rentals at Lake Louise start from $135 CAD for half an hour or $145 CAD for a full hour. Personally, I think a full hour is needed to explore Lake Louise in a canoe and paddle to the far end of the lake. From there you’ll get a whole new vantage point to enjoy this magical place. Plus, you’ll likely get some great snaps!

One canoe can hold either three adults or two adults and two children, and they can be rented right from the foreshore at the shed on the lake. Bookings are not required but try to get there early to secure a time.

It’s also worth noting that canoe rental is $50 CAD cheaper if you decide to stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, so if you’re planning a special trip and are looking for luxurious accommodation, it doesn’t get better than this hotel!

Related Read: Another amazing place to canoe is on Maligne Lake – one of the best things to do in Jasper in summer!

9. Enjoy the most amazing views at Whitehorn Bistro

When visiting Lake Louise in the summer, I highly recommend checking out the Whitehorn Bistro for some delicious drinks and food, and even better views!

This alpine-themed restaurant is located at the top of the Lake Louise Gondola, at a huge 2,402 meters (7,881 ft) above sea level – so of course, the mountain scenery from this vantage point is awe-inspiring! In fact, you can see the Canadian Rockies from pretty much every part of the restaurant.

If you’re feeling hungry – they specialize in contemporary Canadian dishes, like their famous Whitehorn burger, charcuterie board, or cheese fondue. This is one of the best restaurants in Lake Louise for good reason!

It’s important to note that, Whitehorn Bistro is only open until 5 pm, so make this your stop for lunch or just for drinks. I love that they offer over 25 different craft beers on their drinks menu.

While prices are reasonable at around $25-30 CAD for a meal, you can also save by taking advantage of the Ride & Dine ticket, which combines the Gondola ride with your meal for $75 CAD. We love a good combo deal!

10. Go horseback riding

One of the best things to do in Lake Louise in the summer is to go horseback riding through the mountains, it’s a true Canadian experience! Follow the trail of the first visitors to Lake Louise on a guided horseriding tour with Brewster Adventures, which has been operating for over 100 years!

You can choose from a variety of experiences, like the Plain of Six Glaciers tour, the Lake Agnes Tea House tour, the Paradise Valley tour, and the Destination Trail Head tour, to name a few.

Their most popular tour option is the Lake Agnes Tea House tour, which is recommended for those with previous horseriding experience as the trail climbs steeply up to 7,000 feet (2,134 m). On your climb, the views are fantastic with Fairview Mountain, Big Beehive Mountain, Mount Temple (the third-highest mountain in Banff National Park!), and Mirror Lake all to be seen.

Your final destination is the historic tea house, which was named after the wife of Canada’s first prime minister. It was built back in 1901 but was renovated in 1981. This tour costs $220 CAD per adult and is around 3 hours long.

11. Explore Banff!

Lake Louise has so many attractions nearby, that it’s easy to get stuck in and forget about venturing a little further afield! If you’re willing to make the 40-minute drive to downtown Banff, there’s a whole new world of fun things to see and do.

From enjoying amazing mountain views and lookout points to brewery hopping and visiting museums, the downtown area has plenty to keep you occupied. We’ve visited Banff countless times since we used to live just 20 minutes away in Canmore. We still come back every year and find new things to do every time!

For a sweet treat, the Banff Candy Store is full of all different types of candy and is my go-to for a sweet treat whenever I’m in Banff (try the salt water taffy!). You’ll find the store on Banff Avenue, and it’s open until 9 pm Thursday to Sunday, and until 6 pm all other days.

If you’re short on time in Banff, this guided e-bike tour is an ideal way to get to know the town. You’ll be able to cover a lot of ground in just two hours and hit iconic Banff locations, such as Bow Falls, Surprise Corner, Vermilion Lakes, the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, and more. If you are going to rent a bike to explore anyway, this is about the same cost (if not cheaper) as renting an e-bike in town, and you get a guide to show you around!

We also always make a beeline for Banff Ave Brewing, which has lots of great IPAs, although I also recommend asking the staff about their seasonal taps because there’s always something creative and delicious on offer.

Meanwhile, if you feel like getting away from Banff Avenue, you can head to the Three Bears Brewery and Restaurant, which is so cozy and has some fantastic happy hour deals. They’re right on the aptly named Bear Street and open till around 9 pm. I love sampling their tea-infused beers! 

12. Visit Lake O’Hara

Lake O’Hara is one of the most beautiful but least-visited areas in BC. That’s because access to the lake is extremely limited to maintain the tranquil, memorable experience the area is renowned for. This emerald-colored lake is huge at 34 km² (13 mi²) and is most popular with hikers.

Visiting Lake O’Hara via the daily shuttle

There are a few ways to visit Lake O’Hara, the most common way being the daily shuttle service. This is only in operation from June 21st to October 6th, and advance bookings are necessary. A lottery-type system is in place for reservations, with applications becoming available online between March 11th and March 31st – you can register via Parks Canada Reservation Service or by calling 1-877-3783.

If you are successful, you will be informed between April 1st and April 17th to confirm your booking. Tickets for the bus cost $14.70 CAD per person.

Hiking to (and around) Lake O’Hara

If you can’t get a space on the day bus, all’s not lost! It is possible to hike the 11-kilometer (6.8 miles) road into Lake O’Hara. It’s an easy to moderate walk that takes around 2.5 hours to walk and gains up to 400 meters (1,312 feet) in elevation.

Many people visit Lake O’Hara specifically to hike and with several awesome hiking trails in the area, it’s easy to see why. One of the most popular, and easiest walking trails here is the Lake O’Hara Shoreline Trail which is a 2.8-kilometer (1.7 miles) loop trail and starts from the O’Hara Warden Cabin.

There’s a short uphill section that crosses a couple of gullies above the lake. One of the best views on this trail is the large outcrop of pink quartzite and Seven Veil Falls.

Lake Oesa is 3.2 kilometers (2 miles) each-way trail which is pretty challenging but takes in some gorgeous scenery such as colorful meadows, copper quartzite cliffs, and the Oesa Creek pools. The trail mostly follows through forest, and the main drawcard is that it passes by Victoria Falls and Victoria Lake.

There are a couple of sections on the trail where you must cross a scree slope, which is pretty slippery and there are also a couple of steep rocky outcrops that you must climb over, therefore I only recommend this particular hike for those with a reasonable level of fitness.

Camping at Lake O’Hara

You can also choose to camp for up to 3 nights at Lake O’Hara. You can book via the Parks Canada Reservation Service from February 3rd. Note the campground is only open from June 21st to October 5th. If you book a camping spot, you can also reserve a bus ride, as described above. There are two other huts you can stay at, these are the Elizabeth Parker Hut and the Lake O’Hara Lodge.

Related Read: For more awesome hikes, drive from Lake Louise to Canmore for some of the best easy hikes near Canmore – our blog on this includes info about 22 different hikes that are all easily accessible from Lake Louise.

13. Go cycling

There are over 100 kilometers (62 miles) of bike trails within easy reach from Lake Louise, and they suit all levels of ability. Biking the trails here is typically only available from May to October unless you have a fat bike, in which case some trails will also be open to you in the winter.

The Bow River Loop is an easy, family-friendly trail that is 7.1 kilometers (4.4 miles) long. It’s completely flat, so, there are no tough uphill climbs. The trail follows both sides of the Bow River, and it’s also popular with walkers, so keep an eye out for them on your ride.

You can cut this ride short by crossing any of the bridges dotted along the trail. This loop trail connects with another popular easy trail -the Tramline Trail, which is 4.5 kilometers (2.8 miles) each way and has a slight elevation gain of 195 meters (640 feet).

For more experienced cyclists, or those looking for a challenge, check out the Ross Lake Trail which starts from behind the Chateau Lake Louise staff residence. This trail is 7.3 kilometers (4.5 miles) each way and is one of the few trails that connects Banff with nearby Yoho National Park.

There’s a picturesque lake along the trail, which makes for a pretty picture, but otherwise, the track follows mostly through the sub-alpine forest. The reason it’s rated as difficult is the tough 1.3-kilometer (0.8 miles) section at Ross Creek.

Tougher again is the 9.3-kilometer (5.8 miles) one-way Moraine Lake Highline, which climbs up Mount Temple and then down onto the shores of stunning Moraine Lake. The upper section of this trail tends to close in late summer to protect the many grizzly bears who forage for food here.

There are a few nearby places where you can rent bikes if you haven’t brought your own, we recommend Wilson Mountain Sports and Chateau Mountain Sports! Hiring out a mountain bike starts from around $50 CAD per day, making this a pretty inexpensive activity for the whole family.

14. Enjoy the view from the Moraine Lake Rockpile

There’s one photo of Moraine Lake that everyone who’s visiting has most likely seen before – it’s the most famous view of the lake and the Ten Peaks. Well, that photo is taken from the Rockpile, and it’s also where Dan proposed to me! Let’s take a look at the trail, as well as how to get to Moraine Lake.

The Rockpile is exactly what the name suggests, a huge pile of rocks! However, this pile of rocks has been turned into the ultimate viewing platform of Moraine Lake, and EVERY visitor should walk to the top of the Rockpile to enjoy the view, even if this has become pretty touristy now.

To reach the Rockpile, take the trail next to the bathrooms in the parking lot. Follow this trail and cross a small wooden bridge. Once you cross the bridge, keep walking up the trail and keep right (left goes to Consolation Lakes) and this trail leads up to the Rockpile where you can find lots of small viewpoints of the lake. This trail is signposted, so you don’t need to worry about getting lost.

It only takes 5 minutes to walk to the top of the Rockpile and although not flat, it’s an easy walk!

How to get to Moraine Lake

It’s super important to have a plan in place for visiting Moraine Lake since you can’t drive here any longer. In 2023, Parks Canada closed the Moraine Lake Road and parking lot to all personal vehicles. This means you need to take advantage of one of these parking alternatives at Moraine Lake like shuttles, buses, or tours to Moraine Lake.

For a full list of transport options, read our guide on getting to Moraine Lake from Lake Louise.

The road to get to Moraine Lake is only open in the summer months (for commercial traffic only), typically from the beginning of June to October, depending on the weather and snowfall each year.

If you want to visit Moraine Lake for sunrise (and you should!), the only way to get there this year is on a sunrise tour to Moraine Lake or a privately operated shuttle.

This sunrise tour begins at 4 am in Banff, and because they are a licensed tour operator, they can access Moraine Lake for sunrise. The tour costs $288 CAD and includes not only a visit to Moraine Lake with hot chocolate and coffee to enjoy but also an early morning visit to Lake Louise. That means you can visit two of the busiest lakes in Canada without the crowds or the stress of parking/ shuttles.

Aside from the guided tour, another option is to book a transport-only shuttle instead. This particular privately owned shuttle company offers departures from Lake Louise Village to Lake Moraine at both 4 am and 5 am so that you can watch the sunrise.

A shuttle ticket costs around $129 CAD per person, so as you can imagine, these tickets often sell out months in advance! We expect this to be a very popular shuttle this year, so be sure to check the available dates ahead of time to secure your spot.

15. Canoe on Moraine Lake

While you’re here enjoying the views of Moraine Lake, why not take things to the next level? Can you imagine anything more mesmerizing than taking in the views of Moraine Lake and the Ten Peaks from a tiny canoe?! Me neither!

This has to be one of the most iconic activities you can do at Moraine Lake, and it’s actually an iconic activity in Canada too. So, if you’ve ever wanted to canoe in a Canadian lake, I don’t think there’s a more perfect place to do it than at Moraine Lake.

Canoes can be rented from the Moraine Lake Lodge, and they start at $140 CAD for one hour. The canoes can fit up to three people, so if you’re in a group, this is actually a relatively cheap activity near Lake Louise.

There’s no need to reserve ahead of time, simply turn up and grab a canoe! Rentals include life jackets and because of the stability of Canadian canoes, even those with no or limited experience can give it a try.

16. Meet the local wildlife

As well as spectacular scenery and lots of year-round adventurous activities, Banff National Park is also home to a ton of interesting wildlife. So, while you’re here at Lake Louise, why not get out and get to know the local residents? There’s nothing quite like spotting a grizzly bear from afar or even a cute pika scampering by!

The best times to spot wildlife are dawn and dusk, but that’s not to say you can’t spot some of the locals while out hiking a trail. Don’t forget to charge your phone or bring your camera – you never know when the perfect photo opportunity might come around.

For the very best odds of seeing wildlife here around Lake Louise, nothing beats going on a guided wildlife tour. We’ve reviewed three of the best wildlife tours in Banff National Park, but our favorite was this 3-hour small-group wildlife adventure.

Your guide will tailor the itinerary according to weather conditions, your interests, and recent wildlife sightings to maximize your chances of seeing Banff’s most interesting creatures.

You’ll visit Lake Minnewanka, where you’re likely to spot bighorn sheep and elk grazing close to the shore, and Two Jack Lake, a beautiful and underrated spot also teeming with wildlife. These are easily two of the best lakes in Banff!

Your expert guide will help you to see some of the more difficult-to-spot animals along the way, like foxes, coyotes, and bears. You’re also welcome to bring your own meal and keep it in the cooler box on board the vehicle. And if you bring your own water bottle, you can keep on refilling it with filtered mountain water along the way. Tickets are also very reasonable, starting from just $100 CAD per person!

You can book your spot on this epic wildlife tour online here.

17. Go rock climbing

The best rock climbing in Banff National Park is right here at Lake Louise, and while there are some easy climbs here, the geography of the area means that most climbs here are only suitable for intermediate or advanced climbers.

Because this is an alpine area, conditions can be tough during the winter, so summer is the ideal time to try rock climbing. What’s good too is that most of the climbs here are protected, meaning they are shaded from the at-times intense sun.

The Back of the Lake is where you will find most of the climbing trails, and all abilities are catered to on the purple and orange walls of the rock crag there. To reach the Back of the Lake, it’s a 30-minute walk around the back of Lake Louise, across from the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Exquisite Corpse is one of the most popular climbing routes at the Back of the Lake, even if it does have a funny name! It’s an 18-meter (58-feet) climb and is rated as moderate. It also offers excellent protection, which is why it tends to be popular.

Public Enemy is another popular climb, and although it’s higher at 24 meters (80 feet), it’s considered a slightly easier climb and is a good climb starter climb in Lake Louise.

Some other awesome climbing routes here include Turtle Mountain, Wicked Gravity, and Mardi Gras. A full list of the climbs available from Lake Louise can be found here.

You can book a guided half-day rock climbing adventure in Lake Louise, prices start from $124 CAD per person. Otherwise, you can rent some rock climbing gear from Wilson Mountain Sports and do it yourself, if you’re confident enough on your own!

18. Walk to Consolation Lakes

The Consolation Lakes Trail is one of the easier trails that starts at Moraine Lake, perfect for families or those who don’t like long hikes.

This 2.9-kilometer (1.8 miles) one-way trail is perfect for escaping the crowds of Moraine Lake. It takes you out to two stunning alpine lakes with the most epic mountain backdrops, and even better, it’s relatively flat and a pretty easy hike!

The trailhead begins at the Moraine Lake parking lot bathrooms, just around the corner from the Rockpile viewpoint I mentioned earlier. From there, you’ll follow the path to the small wooden bridge and continue on until you reach a bear warning sign. Here, turn left, and you are on the trail! 

After the first lake, there is a bit of a scramble over some rocks to get to the second. If you’re not comfortable climbing the boulders, you can just visit the first lake. In my opinion, the first lake is the most scenic of the two. All up, it only takes just over two hours to hike the trail there and back.

19. Scramble up the Tower of Babel

The Tower of Babel is one of the most highly rated hikes near Lake Louise, and it’s popular with locals especially. However, it technically isn’t even considered a “hiking trail” according to Parks Canada because it’s actually more of a scramble.

The views from the top of the Tower of Babel are iconic, and that’s why tourists come from far and wide to take a photo at the summit. The views up here of Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks really are out of this world!

The trail is only 2.9 kilometers (1.8 miles) in length, but it’s pretty steep – you’ll be climbing up 518 meters (1,699 feet) and the terrain is pretty rough in parts. Despite the steep uphill slog, it’s rated as easy to moderate and will take between 2.5 to 3.5 hours to complete.

The best time of year to hike the Tower of Babel is during the summer months, ideally from mid-June to the end of August. Worth noting is that you need to park at the Moraine Lake car park for this hike (about 20 minutes from Lake Louise village) and as I’ve mentioned earlier, this fills up pretty fast during the summer. Therefore, try to get here before 6 am to get a space or take one of the shuttles from Lake Louise.

Hiking the trail requires a little planning and knowing exactly where to go. This Tower of Babel hiking guide explains it really well, and it’s actually the blog I used to hike the trail.

20. Hike the Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass

During the summer months, the Larch Valley Trail is one of the most spectacular hikes you can do from Lake Louise. Most tourists hike the Larch Valley Trail in the fall, that’s because in Banff National Park during fall the entire valley here erupts into a sea of yellow Larch trees.

But my advice is to try to complete this hike in late July when the wildflower season is in full bloom. During this time of year, the crowds are nowhere near the size they are during larch season and the wildflowers are stunning. Oh, and it’s also warmer!

The Larch Valley trail begins at the Moraine Lake parking lot and follows the Lakeshore Trail, on this trail you’ll soon come to a sign for the track which tells you to take a left. From here, the trail rises quickly and steeply above the valley via a total of 10 switchbacks.

The initial climb gains around 450 meters (1,476 feet) in elevation, which is certainly not easy. But once you reach the valley, the trail flattens out and you can finally enjoy the scenery! The total elevation gain of the track is 535 meters (1,755 feet.)

It takes around 4 hours to finish the 8.6-kilometer (5.3 miles) out-and-back hike. If you’re feeling up to it, you can also continue on to Sentinel Pass. Hiking to the pass not only gives you great views of the Larch Valley but also Paradise Valley on the other side. The extra hike to Sentinel Pass is 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) each way and takes around 1.5 hours.

21. Eiffel Lake Trail

Eiffel Lake is a remote alpine lake situated not far from the Larch Valley. The beginning of the trail to Eiffel is actually the Larch Valley Trail, however, after you conquer the ten switchbacks you hit a fork in the road with one path heading to Eiffel Lake.

The Eiffel Lake Trail then continues on in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, with stunning scenery everywhere you look. In some parts, you can even peer down at Moraine Lake and see her shine bright blue – especially on a sunny day! Eiffel Lake is only a small lake, but it’s the surrounding landscapes that make visiting so rewarding.

From Moraine Lake, it’s a 12-kilometer (7.5 miles) out-and-back hike to Eiffel Lake that takes around 4 hours to complete. The trail is moderately difficult, but those with hiking experience could join both the Larch Valley and Eiffel Lake into one long hike. In total, this would take around 7 hours!

22. Visit Emerald Lake

Visiting Lake Louise puts you in the perfect location to enjoy two other nearby national parks in the Canadian Rockies. One of these is Yoho National Park and its crown jewel, Emerald Lake.

Emerald Lake is located around 35 minutes from Lake Louise and is largely considered one of the top attractions in Canada. You can visit the lake year-round and see the famous Emerald Lake Lodge, which appears to sit on an island in the lake. Although the small patch of land is actually connected to the mainland, the hotel still has 360-degree views of the lake and the President Range.

If you can, visit at sunrise or sunset for the best views (spending a night at the lodge will make this easy). This place is so beautiful and very popular among photographers!

This full-day guided tour is a great way to see the best lakes in the area, including Emerald Lake, Moraine Lake, and of course Lake Louise. This particular tour sells out fast, so be sure to book in advance! Better yet, this tour also handles all the transportation between the lakes, eliminating what can be a stressful situation and leaving you completely free to enjoy the scenery.

23. Visit Kootenay National Park

You know I mentioned there were two other national parks near Lake Louise? Just under a 30-minute drive from Lake Louise is Kootenay National Park, an area that is home to the Rockies, Kootenay, and Park mountain ranges as well as the Kootenay and Vermillion rivers.

Kootenay National Park covers a huge area of 1,406 km² (543 mi²), so it’s best to allow several hours or even a full day to explore!

One of the most scenic hikes in the Kootenay National Park is the 10-kilometer (6.2 miles) Stanley Glacier hike, which will take a minimum of 3 hours to complete. It’s rated as moderate, and although the beginning of the trail is pretty easy, the final section is an uneven track that involves walking on loose rocks – so I’d recommend being reasonably fit to give this one a go.

There’s incredibly photogenic alpine scenery for most of the trail, with the views of the Kootenay Valley being my favorite.

What’s most interesting about this trail, however, is the opportunity to see how the forest here has grown back following a particularly bad wildfire back in 2003. Along the trail, you can see badly burnt tree trunks. About 4.2 kilometers (2.6 miles) is where you can see the Stanley Glacier and a waterfall, in fact, this is where most hikers choose to turn around and go back.

There’s a small town within the Kootenays, aptly named Radium Hot Springs, after the famed hot springs outside of town. The Springs are just 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) from the town and are essentially man-made pools fed by natural spring waters.

You can jump right into the cool pool to take a swim, or just relax and warm up in the hot pool. The hot springs are open year-round and because they are owned by Parks Canada, the cost is kept low at $17.50 CAD. You can even purchase a punch pass and go multiple times!

24. Explore Marble Canyon

Marble Canyon is one of the best Kootenay National Park attractions – so much so that we thought it deserved its own section! Easy to get to and absolutely spectacular to see, you can park in the Marble Canyon parking lot right off the highway and start your walk along the bright, blue waters of Tokumm Creek.  

The trail along Marble Canyon is less than 1 km (0.6 miles) and when we were last here we hiked along the edge of the canyon and across seven different bridges. These bridges allowed us to view the steep drop into the canyon where the powerful waters of the creek have carved out the limestone rock walls!

At the top of the trail, there’s a stunning waterfall. We stood right above it and watched the water as it disappeared into a large hole in the rocks below. It’s incredible to see!  

25. Bow Lake

Bow Lake is a small lake by Canadian standards, at just 3.2 km² (1.2 mi²), but boy is it beautiful! Surrounded by the Canadian Rockies and with turquoise water thanks to glacial silt, the color of the lake is especially vibrant in the summer.

Being just a 30-minute drive from Lake Louise, it’s easy to drive to the viewpoint and bring a picnic to enjoy by the lake. The views don’t get better than this!

In the summer to watch out for grizzly bears feeding on the grass near the viewpoint, Dan and I spotted one on our last trip here! So, it’s an important reminder to be bear aware when exploring the wilderness around Lake Louise

In fact, if you have time, I highly recommend driving a little further down the highway to the Bow Lake parking lot and walking the short distance to the lake from there. It’s so beautiful to see up close, and a must-stop if you’re a keen photographer like me. There are also some short walking trails around the lake that lead to several scenic viewpoints.

26. Visit Peyto Lake

Another epic lake you should definitely try out is Peyto Lake! It’s one of the most spectacular lakes in the Rocky Mountains and is located not far from Lake Louise on the Icefields Parkway. Peyto Lake is most commonly visited by driving to the viewpoint above the lake, which is just off the Icefields Parkway (the drive between Lake Louise and Jasper).

From here, you can stare down at Peyto Lake and the surrounding mountains. You’re basically visiting an epic viewpoint above the valley without actually needing to hike… cool, right?

There is also a short hike to the bottom of the lake, however, it is unmarked, and to be honest, the views from above are the highlight.

From Lake Louise, Peyto Lake is only 30 minutes away, making it super convenient to visit! If you are planning on driving to Jasper after Lake Louise, then you can also visit Peyto Lake when you drive the Icefields Parkway or grab a spot on an Icefields Parkway tour that also stops at this lake.

We love this full-day Lake Louise and Icefields Parkway tour, which departs from Banff or Canmore and takes you to some of the most beautiful and far-flung places in the Canadian Rockies. This is ideal if you don’t have a rental car and want to see these iconic sights. You’ll visit Moraine Lake, Peyto Lake, and Bow Lake and head to a viewpoint above the Crowfoot Glacier!

The tour costs $180 CAD per person and lasts for the whole day. It really allows you to experience the natural beauty that the area has to offer, and it feels a million miles away from a super commercialized tourist experience.

27. Go hiking on a glacier

While we’re talking about the Icefields Parkway, another stop on this epic stretch of road you don’t want to miss is the Athabasca Glacier.

This glacier is absolutely huge at 6 km² (2.3 mi²) and is part of the larger Columbia Icefields. Sadly, we learned on our recent tour here that it won’t be long before this glacier ceases to exist due to global warming. Would you believe the Athabasca Glacier has lost 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) in the past 125 years?!

This half-day guided hike will take you right across the surface of the glacier, and you’ll learn all about and admire its different ice formations as you go. A guided hike is the only way you can hike onto the glacier itself, as it’s not accessible to solo hikers. Plus, you’ll have amazing views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains throughout, which makes the experience even more special.

The tour costs around $134 CAD per person, and the route takes about 3 hours in total. Micro-spikes for your shoes are included in the price of your tour to give you extra traction on the snow and ice. When you have these, the hike is actually pretty easy, so most travelers should be able to complete it without any problems.

You can book your guided hike of the Athabasca Glacier here!

28. Drive the Bow Valley Parkway

One of the best things to do in Lake Louise in summer is surprisingly the drive to get there from Banff. The drive between Lake Louise and Banff is truly spectacular! The Bow Valley Parkway is the road that connects Banff with Lake Louise and is one of the most incredible highways in Canada.

This 50-kilometer-long highway (31 miles) takes around 1 hour to drive without stopping but allowing half a day is recommended.

Some of the best places to check out on the Bow Valley Parkway in the summer include:

• Castle Mountain Viewpoint – Castle Mountain is one of those mountains you simply can’t miss. At the roadside viewpoint, you get amazing views. However, those who want a closer look can hike 6.5 km (4 miles) out and back to the viewpoint.

• Morant’s Curve – This is my favorite place to photograph on the Bow Valley Parkway. Morant’s Curve is a famous viewpoint (pictured above) in the Bow Valley, where the train passes through the valley. It’s stunning and a must-visit!

• Moose Meadows – Moose Meadows isn’t home to many moose these days, but it’s a nice place to stop with spectacular views.

• Baker Creek Mountain Resort – Looking for a beautiful cabin getaway? The Baker Creek Mountain Resort is the perfect place to stay on the Bow Valley Parkway. Choose a romantic Jacuzzi Suite for couples or a one-bedroom loft for families!

Of course, you can drive this road in any season, but summer is the best time to take this particular road trip because the days are longer – there are 16 hours of daylight in the summer months, meaning you can take your time and not worry about it getting dark.

Plus, the weather conditions are ideal for driving – there won’t be any snow or ice on the highway like there is in the winter.

29. Hike Johnston Canyon

One of the BEST (and most popular) stops on the Bow Valley Parkway is Johnston Canyon. Not only is it open all year and free to enter, but it also has free parking and is one of the more popular hikes in Banff National Park.

Johnston Canyon is a great attraction for families, too, as the path is wide and not too steep. The hike is about 2.5 km (1.6 miles) to get all the way to the Upper Falls, which makes it one of the shorter hikes in the area – perfect if you only have one day to spend in Banff.

The boardwalk along the path leads you right into a canyon filled with seven glacial waterfalls that cascade over rocky cliffs. You can get right next to the water flowing from Johnston Creek and close enough to waterfalls to feel the spray of the water on your face! 

Johnston Canyon is just a 25-minute drive away from Lake Louise, so there’s no reason not to include this on your itinerary. As I mentioned earlier, it does get busy though, so make sure to arrive early if you can, or towards the late afternoon to skip the crowds.

30. Grab a bite to eat at The Station Restaurant

One place I love to go for lunch in Lake Louise is The Station Restaurant. This restaurant is unique in the fact that it’s located at the old train station and is actually a heritage site you can walk around and explore – kids love it!

However, what I really come for is the food and service. Every meal I’ve had here is delicious, but my favorite is the beef stew (pictured above!) It’s thick, filled with rustic-style veggies, and huge chunks of Alberta Beef. On top of that, the service is second to none, so it’s always a pleasure. Hands down, The Station is one of the best restaurants in Lake Louise.

Expect to pay between $18-25 CAD for a lunch main and $25-58 CAD for a dinner main. Their opening times do change seasonally, so don’t forget to check their Facebook page for the latest opening times!

They are conveniently located in the Samson Mall, near the Lake Louise Visitor Centre, off the main road into town. From most hotels in Lake Louise, it is within walking distance.

31. Get your photo taken

I know from experience that taking a good photo is one of the most time-consuming parts of visiting a new place – you need to consider the lighting, the crowds, as well as editing the photos afterward. Well, what if I told you that in Lake Louise you can hire a professional to take care of all of the above, and produce numerous high-quality photos for you to have forever?

In my opinion, a professional photoshoot is by far the best way to get that Instagram-worthy couple or family photo in Lake Louise, and Banff Photography is one of the best in the area! A professional photographer will take the time to get the ‘perfect shot’ against the mountain backdrop, so you’ll return home smiling with lots of incredible photos.

You’ll get all of the professionally edited photos after the shoot in an online folder to treasure forever. If you’re celebrating a special occasion like an engagement, birthday, or anniversary, what better way to capture it than with a breathtaking photo – one that you will cherish for years to come. Prices do range depending on the package you go for, so check out their website to learn more!

Where to Stay in Lake Louise in Summer

Lake Louise Village is a super popular spot to stay in Banff National Park – the best hotels in Lake Louise often book up weeks (if not months) in advance! So to help you plan your stay, here are a few of our favorites, for a range of budgets:

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise – $$$

Of course, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, which I mentioned earlier, is also a top choice for luxury travelers that has all the amenities you could ask for. Can you imagine staying right on the lake, with front-row access to canoeing, the best restaurants, and so much more? With a gorgeous indoor swimming pool and a full-service spa, you’ll never want to check out.

A stay here is truly magical, although the price point does reflect this. Summer rates average around $2000 CAD per night, which definitely makes a stay here that much more exclusive! So if you’re celebrating a special occasion, why not book a night (or two!) at the Fairmont Chateau?

Baker Creek Mountain Resort – $$$

For those with a vehicle who want a really unique place to stay, the Baker Creek Mountain Resort is a good choice. The hotel is located on the Bow Valley Parkway, around 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) from town. Stay in a rustic but luxurious cabin in the woods and surround yourself with nature and enjoy a fire or two in one of the fire pits, play table games, or relax in the jacuzzi.

Baker Creek is such a cozy and memorable place, to say the least. A one-night stay here during peak season starts at around $600 CAD, but this can rise further, especially during the weekends. You can check available dates and reserve your stay online here.

Lake Louise Inn – $$

A great medium-budget option is the Lake Louise Inn! Once again, the location is really good and most of the rooms are freshly renovated and modern. There is also an onsite pool, hot tub, and 3 restaurants to choose from. Plus, the staff here are so friendly and happy to help you from the moment you step foot inside!

Room rates here at the Lake Louise Inn do vary depending on the season. In peak season, you can expect to pay upwards of $500 CAD per person, which is why it’s super important to book in advance to secure the best rates.

Hi Lake Louise Alpine Center – $

Whenever we’re traveling on a budget, we like to stay at the HI Lake Louise Alpine Center. This basic hostel comes with everything you need, and the location is within walking distance of the shops and restaurants. The private rooms are cozy, clean, and comfortable. Better yet, the onsite café called Bill Peyto’s Café is a local favorite!

A bed in a dorm starts as low as $55 CAD per night, while a private room starts from around $153 CAD per night. You can easily book a stay here through Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.

Parking at Lake Louise Lakefront

One very important thing you need to know about visiting Lake Louise Lakefront is the parking problem. To put it simply, you need to arrive early if you want to get a parking spot up at the lake.

By early, I mean before 9 am, at least during peak times! After that, it becomes almost impossible to snag a parking spot. In the late afternoon and evenings, it is also less busy, and you should be able to get a spot.

In the summer, parking is also paid. From June until mid-October, you’ll be required to pay $36.75 CAD per vehicle per day to park here (2024 updated fees). The paid parking is in effect from 3 am until 7 pm daily. During the winter, parking is free.  

Alternatively, you can plan in advance and ride the Park and Ride shuttle or take ROAM public transport. The Park and Ride MUST be booked in advance, and it now departs from the Lake Louise Ski Resort parking lot. ROAM public transit should also be booked in advance during the busy summer months.

The parking situation at Moraine Lake is even worse! The parking lot was full nearly 24 hours a day in the summer, so Parks Canada made the decision to close the road to Moraine Lake and the parking lot to personal vehicles – except those with disability parking passes.

Before you go, make sure to read up on all the options to get to Moraine Lake so you’re prepared to book a shuttle, take the bus, or join a guided tour to get here!

Related Read: If you’re coming from Banff, here are the 4 best ways to get to Lake Louise. And if you’re looking for a shuttle that will take you straight from Banff to your Lake Louise hotel, this is our top choice.

Renting a Car in British Columbia

If you’re arriving in British Columbia via plane, then I can’t recommend getting a rental car enough. British Columbia is a large province, and traveling between the best places to visit in BC requires transport. Although you can use public transport on some occasions, this means your trip will not only require more time but more planning.

Car rental in Canada isn’t relatively cheap, but it’s not that expensive either, especially if you get a budget car. The cheapest car with a pick-up and drop-off in different locations is around $100 CAD per day. The price does vary though, depending on the time of year. For car rentals, I use the website Discover Cars. It’s a search engine with lots of deals with good customer service. In fact, I’ve used Discover Cars all over the world, including in Chile, New Zealand, and Australia.

Another popular option is to rent a campervan or motorhome (only for the brave in winter.) Using Motorhome Republic, you can search hundreds of deals across multiple companies to pick a great vehicle and the cheapest price. Having a motorhome is a stunning way to see Canada, and using crown land and campsites, you can often camp for free or very cheap in the most beautiful places imaginable!

Thanks for reading!

I just know that after reading this guide you will be itching to visit Lake Louise in the summer, there’s nowhere prettier in Canada when the sun is shining than this bright blue lake. Plus, with so much to do here in the summer, you will be spoiled for choice with awesome activities – if I’m honest, I could easily spend over a week here during the summer.

Let me know if you plan to visit Lake Louise this summer, and if you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to ask! Feel free to check out some of our other Lake Louise and Banff guides before you go:

How to Get from Calgary to Lake Louise + 15 BEST Road Trip Stops

33 FREE Things to do in Banff, Canada

16 MOST Instagrammable Places to Visit in Banff National Park

Banff vs Lake Louise – Comparison and My Personal Recommendation!