Getting to this view feels like cheating🤩

You get to the Kicking Horse Viewpoint via the Lake Louise Ski Resort gondola, which is open for hiking in both the summer and fall seasons (it’s an active ski run in winter).

Like I said - taking the gondola up to 2235 metres elevation feels like cheating lol... From the top of the gondola, you follow a short rocky path that leads to the lookout with BEAUTIFUL panoramic views of the Bow Valley, Kicking Horse pass, Lake Louise glowing blue in the distance, and Mount Temple towering 3544 metres high.

I went up one day in summer and had the entire lookout to ourselves... So just sat back, soaked in the views, and listened the chipmunks running around the rocks. There are tonnes of wildflowers scattered around the meadows in summer, and fiery golden larches in the fall... Honestly, it’s by far one of the best bang-for-buck viewpoints in the valley and well worth the gondola fee!

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🏔️ TRAIL STATS & DETAILS

• Best Seasons: Summer & Fall

(Spring & Winter: Closed for active skiing)

• Distance: 2.7 km

• Trail Type: Out & Back

• Elevation Gain: 179 m

• Max Elevation (altitude): 2235 m

• Bike Friendly?: No

• Dog Friendly?: No pets allowed on gondola

• Trailhead Toilets?: Yes

• Parking: Free

• Parks Pass: Parks Canada Pass Required

🚗Directions to gondola base: Google Maps

🗺️AllTrails route: Kicking Horse Viewpoint (suggestion only)

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✨ TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS - Why you should go

• Gondola Ride

• Golden Larches

• Whitehorn Bistro

• Lake Louise Views

• Wildflower Meadows

• Wide-Open Valley Views

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🏕️ CAMPING OPTIONS

• Campsite On Trail?: No

• Close Camp Recommendation: Lake Louise Campgrounds

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🍽️ WHITEHORN BISTRO

The Whitehorn Bistro is an alpine restaurant at the top of the gondola, serving locally inspired dishes with huge mountain views. I can confirm the food is great! I definitely suggest grabbing a patio table outside if you can. On a bluebird day its hard to beat a better lunch view with the Bow Valley and glaciers as your backdrop. If you want to go, double check the Lake Louise Ski Resort website for opening hours

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🚡 LAKE LOUISE GONDOLA RIDE

You get to ride high above the mountain meadows, sweeping views of Lake Louise, Victoria Glacier, and the surrounding peaks. Oh, and if you are lucky, there are often grizzlies grazing below that you can spot.
The gondola operates with seasonal pricing that may vary. Please check online for the most up to date pricing. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gondola base.

When I most recently went, in summer 2025, the gondola prices were:

• Adult 18-64: $63 at gondola OR $56.70 online (+gst for both)

• Senior 65+: $52 at gondola OR $46.80 online (+gst for both)

• Youth 13-17: $27 at gondola OR $24.30 online (+gst for both)

• Child 6-12: $15 at gondola OR $13.50 online (+gst for both)

• 5 & Under: FREE

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✅ TIPS FROM DEV, LINKS & SAFETY

• Altitude may affect some visitors with light-headedness.

• High bear activity area! Travelling in groups of 4 is highly recommended. Always keep your distance from wildlife, carry bear spray, travel safely.

• See Parks Canada for the latest National Park trail conditions.