Lake Agnes Tea House
A charming, historic tea house perched above Lake Louise, offering warm treats and breathtaking alpine views after a scenic hike.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Lake Agnes Tea House
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming, historic tea house perched above Lake Louise, offering warm treats and breathtaking alpine views after a scenic hike.
"Absolutely worth the hike without a doubt. Phenomenal view and very cute vibe."
🎯 Go Early to Avoid Crowds
Arrive by 8:30 AM for a peaceful hike and minimal wait at the tea house. :clock1:
👟 Wear Comfortable Hiking Shoes
The trail is moderately strenuous; good footwear is essential for the ascent and descent. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lake Agnes Tea House
Above Lake Louise
Historic, charming tea house offering warm treats and stunning alpine lake views. A unique reward after a rewarding hike.
Lake Agnes
At the Tea House
A beautiful, serene alpine lake providing a picturesque setting for the iconic tea house.
The Hike Itself
Trail from Lake Louise
A scenic trek through forests and past Mirror Lake, offering glimpses of Lake Louise from above.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Go Early!
Hike Smart: Gear Up & Go
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Go Early to Avoid Crowds
Arrive by 8:30 AM for a peaceful hike and minimal wait at the tea house. :clock1:
👟 Wear Comfortable Hiking Shoes
The trail is moderately strenuous; good footwear is essential for the ascent and descent.
💰 Bring Cash (and Cards!)
While cards are accepted, having cash can be convenient for smaller purchases.
🧥 Pack Layers for Weather
Mountain weather changes rapidly; be prepared for sun, rain, or even snow.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Go Early to Avoid Crowds
Arrive by 8:30 AM for a peaceful hike and minimal wait at the tea house. :clock1:
👟 Wear Comfortable Hiking Shoes
The trail is moderately strenuous; good footwear is essential for the ascent and descent.
💰 Bring Cash (and Cards!)
While cards are accepted, having cash can be convenient for smaller purchases.
🧥 Pack Layers for Weather
Mountain weather changes rapidly; be prepared for sun, rain, or even snow.
🐻 Bear Spray is Recommended
You're in bear country! Carry bear spray and know how to use it. :bear:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water for the hike, especially on warmer days. :droplet:
🗑️ Pack Out Your Trash
There are no bins at the tea house; take all your waste with you.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about the Lake Agnes Tea House as a must-do experience in Banff, praising the unique charm of the historic tea house and the delicious rewards after a scenic hike. While the hike is moderately challenging, the stunning views and cozy atmosphere make it absolutely worthwhile for most. Some found the sandwiches less impressive than the baked goods, and the crowds can be significant if not arriving early.
"🍵 Must go tea house!!!!
Just finished the gorgeous 6km hike up from Lake Louise and this place is the perfect reward. The tea house is incredibly cozy and has such a unique, almost Himalayan feel to it. It's like a little piece of the Alps or Tibet tucked away in the mountains.
The baked goods are fantastic, we had a chocolate loaf and a cinnamon loaf, both were super fresh and delicious. The tea (we tried the maple black and Long Island strawberry green) was the perfect thing to warm up with. For the quality and the fact they haul everything up by foot or horses, the prices are totally fair and reasonable.
And huge bonus points, they take credit/debit cards! No need to stress about carrying cash up the trail. So convenient.
This spot is a true Canadian gem. If you make the trek to Lake Louise, you gotta hike up to this tea house. It's an unforgettable experience.
Pro Tip: The hike is a good workout, so bring water and layers. But knowing a pot of amazing tea and a treat are waiting for you at the top makes it all worthwhile"
Diddy L
"Beautiful hike! 🌲⛰ About 3.4 km up (400 m elevation) from Lake Louise with nonstop views — Mirror Lake, the Big Beehive cliffs, and finally the stunning alpine waters of Lake Agnes. The tea house is rustic and charming, serving 100+ teas and fresh-baked snacks. Bring cash, go early, and dress for changing weather. A perfect mix of exercise, scenery, and a delicious reward! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"
Alde Modalo
"one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. great hike up to the tea house (just over 2 miles/3km) starting down by the real touristy area of Lake Louise meandering its way up to Mirror Lake (which splits off into other, longer hikes for those who are more prepared) people riding horses, lots of mountains and snowy peaks (even in the summer) low lying fog/clouds. what I would most recommend for the hike up is to go as early as possible (like be there by 8:30am) the trail gets super busy, so the earlier you get there, the less it will feel like your in an outdoor checkout line and the more it will feel like an amazing hike. The tea house is great. The food lovely, the views even better. Definitely a recommend from me, and one of the neatest places I’ve ever been."
James Newell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is to hike the Lake Agnes Tea House trail, which starts near the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. The hike is approximately 3.5 km (2.2 miles) one way with significant elevation gain.
Yes, there is parking at Lake Louise, but it fills up very quickly, especially during peak season. Arriving early is crucial. Consider using the Parks Canada shuttle service or booking a private shuttle in advance.
You can take a bus or shuttle to Lake Louise, which is the starting point for the hike. The bus ride from Banff to Lake Louise takes about an hour and offers scenic views.
The hike is considered moderately strenuous due to the elevation gain. It's a cardiovascular challenge but not technically difficult. Most people take about 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the tea house.
While hiking is the primary method, horseback riding tours are available and can take you part of the way up the trail.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to enter the Lake Agnes Tea House itself. However, you will need a Parks Canada Discovery Pass to access Banff National Park.
The tea house is typically open seasonally, from early June to mid-October. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours, as they can vary.
Yes, Lake Agnes Tea House accepts both credit/debit cards and cash. Having some cash on hand can be convenient, but cards are widely accepted. +1
The hike itself is free, but you will need a Parks Canada Discovery Pass to enter Banff National Park. Parking at Lake Louise also incurs a fee.
The Lake Agnes Tea House operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and reservations are not typically accepted. Be prepared for a potential wait, especially during peak times.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
They offer a wide variety of teas, fresh-baked goods like biscuits, loaves, and scones, as well as light snacks and soups. Coffee is not served.
The tea house offers stunning panoramic views of Lake Agnes, surrounded by majestic mountains and lush alpine scenery.
Yes, the trail to Lake Agnes Tea House is generally considered family and dog-friendly, but dogs must be kept on a leash.
It's described as cozy, rustic, and charming, with a unique, almost Himalayan feel. It's a perfect place to relax and refuel after the hike.
Plan for at least 2-3 hours for the roundtrip hike and time to enjoy your tea and snacks. If you plan to explore further, allocate more time.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for opportunities around Mirror Lake, the cascading waterfalls along the trail, and of course, the tea house itself with Lake Agnes in the background. The views of Lake Louise from higher up are also spectacular. +1
Early morning light offers beautiful soft lighting and fewer crowds. Late afternoon can also provide lovely golden hour shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain and lake scenery. A telephoto lens can be useful for details. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions.
Drone usage is restricted in national parks. Always check the latest regulations with Parks Canada before flying a drone.
Yes, as you ascend the trail, you'll get increasingly impressive aerial views of Lake Louise and its iconic turquoise waters.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for early morning light for the best conditions and fewer people. Don't forget a wide-angle lens to encompass the grand landscapes. Consider hiking to the Little or Big Beehive for even more dramatic panoramic views. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Lake Agnes Tea House Hike: A Traveler's Guide
The path is well-maintained but can be steep in sections, making sturdy hiking boots and adequate hydration essential. Many visitors recommend starting the hike as early as possible, ideally by 8:30 AM, to avoid the significant crowds that gather later in the day.
Upon reaching the tea house, you'll be greeted by a charming, rustic atmosphere and breathtaking views of Lake Agnes. The tea house itself is a unique establishment, operating without electricity or running water, with all supplies hauled up by foot or horse.
Beyond the Tea House: Exploring Lake Agnes and the Beehives
The Little Beehive trail is a shorter, steeper climb from the tea house, offering incredible vistas. The Big Beehive, a more challenging ascent, provides even more expansive and dramatic viewpoints. These additional hikes are highly recommended for those who want to maximize their experience and capture some of the most iconic photos of the Lake Louise area.
Remember to check trail conditions and be prepared for varying terrain if you decide to venture beyond the tea house. For those interested in a longer loop, combining the Lake Agnes Tea House hike with a visit to the nearby Plains of Six Glaciers Tea House is a popular option, though it requires a more significant time commitment and fitness level.
Practicalities: What to Know Before You Go
It is highly recommended to utilize the Parks Canada shuttle service or pre-book a private shuttle to guarantee your access to the trailhead. Secondly, the tea house operates seasonally, typically from early June to mid-October.
It's wise to check their official operating dates and hours before your visit, as they can be subject to change due to weather or other factors. While they accept both cash and cards, having some cash on hand is always a good idea for smaller purchases or in case of any technical issues. Remember that there are no trash receptacles at the tea house, so be prepared to pack out everything you pack in. Finally, weather in the mountains can be unpredictable.
Even on a sunny summer day, temperatures can drop quickly, and rain or even snow is possible. Dressing in layers, including waterproof outerwear, is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it is also a vital safety precaution in this wildlife-rich environment. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit