The Trailhead Cafe in Lake Louise Village is our favorite apres-ski pick-me-up. A nice range of coffee drinks, tasty baked treats, soup, and sandwiches awaits you at this Lake Louise cafe. The staff is always friendly, and they serve some excellent coffee.

In addition to the usual hot drip coffee, they have espresso drinks and creative beverages like a peppermint latte or a “winter’s night.” We’ve yet to have something here we don’t like! It makes for the perfect fuel-up or recharge when enjoying a day out in the mountains or coming off a frigid day at Lake Louise Ski Resort.

A particular highlight is all of their tasty baked treats! If you’re visiting from out of the country, you should try a Nanaimo bar, a classic Canadian pastry (warning: they’re pretty sweet).

There is no image more iconic of the Canadian Rockies, or Canada for that matter, than Moraine Lake. The alpine lake is a wild turquoise blue fed by glacier melt and set against a backdrop of the Ten Peaks. This pristine piece of wilderness draws in millions of visitors a year and once graced Canada’s twenty-dollar bill.

Finding a more majestic and awe-inspiring place than Moraine Lake is hard. The scenery is astounding, and the tranquility of the place descends on every visitor. Its grandeur and wonder inhale the hum of its crowds and leave almost every visitor speechless. After taking in the spectacular scenery, go hiking, climbing, skiing, or canoeing in Banff National Park. Moraine Lake (or Lac Moraine) is an image that will last with you for a lifetime.

Please note that Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles and is only open from June 1st until Canadian Thanksgiving. To get to Moraine Lake you must either book the Parks Canada shuttle buses or a private operator.

1. Parks Canada Shuttle Buses Explained

2. Book on Parks Canada

Private Operator Recommendations:

• Moraine Lake Bus Company

• Via Via

• Fairview Limo

• Radventures Earlybird Sunrise (full tour)

Lake Louise is the crown jewel of the Canadian Rockies and a must-visit destination for travelers from around the world. Famous for its stunning turquoise waters framed by towering peaks and glaciers, the lake is an unforgettable highlight of any trip to Banff National Park. A paddle along its waters is one of the most iconic experiences in the Rockies.

Beyond its iconic beauty, Lake Louise offers access to some of the best hiking trails in the region, including the charming Lake Agnes Teahouse, the breathtaking views from The Beehives, and the awe-inspiring Plain of Six Glaciers trail, which takes you closer to towering icefields.

Winter at Lake Louise brings different magic, transforming the area into a serene and snowy wonderland. Frozen over for half the year, the lake becomes a hub for winter activities like cross-country skiing, ice skating on a beautifully maintained rink, and sleigh rides along the snowy shoreline. The annual ice sculpture festival is a highlight, showcasing incredible carvings that enhance the area’s natural beauty. The winter also offers quieter trails, fewer crowds, and a sense of tranquility that’s hard to find in the bustling summer months.

Lake Louise’s popularity in the summer means it can get crowded. Parking is particularly difficult during peak times, and we highly recommend using the public shuttle or a private operator for convenient access. Whether you visit in summer or winter, Lake Louise always delivers a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the heart of the Rockies.

Parking at Lake Louise costs $37 between mid May and mid-October.

Read about the Lake Louise Shuttle run by Parks Canada

Read about Parking at Lake Louise

Private Operators that go to Lake Louise

• Fairview Limo

• Moraine Lake Bus Company

• Via Via

• Radventures Earlybird Explorer (sunrise tour to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise)

The Lake Agnes Teahouse hike is the most popular trail in Banff, drawing visitors from around the world to experience its natural beauty and historic charm. This well-maintained trail ascends through lush forest to the picturesque Lake Agnes, where the charming alpine teahouse awaits with its rustic atmosphere and selection of fresh-baked goods and tea.

Along the way, hikers will pass the serene Mirror Lake, a small, reflective gem nestled beneath towering peaks, and a scenic waterfall cascading from Lake Agnes itself. With its natural beauty, easy-to-moderate terrain, and the unique reward of a lakeside tea break, this hike is a must-do for visitors to Banff. However, it's far from a hidden secret; hikers should anticipate many fellow hikers.

The Plain of Six Glaciers hike is a stunning and rewarding adventure that starts with a stroll along the iconic Lake Louise. As you continue, the trail takes you into a breathtaking mountain amphitheater where you can get close to massive glaciers. Don't forget to stop at the charming Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House for a well-deserved break with coffee and cake while soaking in the incredible views. With its natural beauty and historic charm, this hike is a must-do for anyone visiting the area.

The Big Beehive hike is a rewarding adventure that offers breathtaking views and a connection to Banff's rich history of recreation. Suitable for most moderately fit hikers, the trail climbs above the iconic turquoise waters of Lake Louise, culminating in astounding vistas of the Bow Valley and the surrounding peaks.

Along the way, consider stopping at the famous Lake Agnes Teahouse, a historic hut where you can enjoy refreshments before continuing your journey. For those seeking an extra challenge, add the Little Beehive trail, a short detour for another spectacular view.

For the ultimate Lake Louise experience, consider combining the Big Beehive with the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail. This extension takes you deeper into the mountains, offering up-close views of glacial formations and some of the best alpine scenery in the area. With so many options, the Big Beehive hike is a versatile and unforgettable way to explore one of Banff’s most iconic landscapes.