For a longer hike in the Lake Louise area, Mount St. Piran is a great choice. It's always fun to summit a mountain, especially when the views are this good!

The hike to the top of Mount St. Piran is 13km return with 900m elevation gain - allow 4.5 to 5 hours.

The route starts on the busy Lake Agnes Trail -it's a steady uphill all the way to the lake (optional rest stop at Mirror Lake). After leaving Lake Agnes, and most other visitors behind, head uphill again towards the Little Beehive. Turn off just before reaching the old fire lookout or make a short detour to go and check out the views.

The final ascent up to Mount St. Piran is a series of switchbacks. It's pretty exposed up there, with no trees, so bring clothing for all possible weather conditions (we had light snow and strong winds in mid July). The panoramic views at the top are spectacular - not just of Lake Louise but the entire Highway 1 corridor in the Bow Valley.