Lake Louise Park
A world-renowned glacial lake in Banff National Park, famous for its vibrant turquoise waters and stunning mountain vistas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid crowds, better light
Lake Louise Park
Best Time
Avoid crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A world-renowned glacial lake in Banff National Park, famous for its vibrant turquoise waters and stunning mountain vistas.
"This is honestly one of the best parks I’ve ever been to. My kids had such a great time, and we’ll definitely keep coming back."
🚗 Shuttle is Essential
Book your Parks Canada shuttle in advance! Parking is scarce and costly.
⏰ Early Bird Gets the Parking
Arrive before 7 AM to snag parking or start your hike early.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Lake Louise Shoreline
Lake Louise
Emerald waters framed by majestic mountains. A must-see for any visitor to Banff.
Little Beehive Hike
Trail starting from Lake Agnes Teahouse
A rewarding hike offering breathtaking panoramic views above Lake Louise.
Lake Agnes Teahouse
Trail from Lake Louise
Enjoy a scenic hike to a charming teahouse nestled beside a serene alpine lake.
Moraine Lake Views
Moraine Lake (accessible via shuttle)
Famous for its vibrant turquoise water and the 'Twenty Dollar View'.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Shuttle is Key for Lake Louise Access
Beat the Crowds with Early Starts
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Shuttle is Essential
Book your Parks Canada shuttle in advance! Parking is scarce and costly.
⏰ Early Bird Gets the Parking
Arrive before 7 AM to snag parking or start your hike early.
☕ Teahouse Hike Reward
Hike to Lake Agnes or Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse for stunning views & treats.
🚶♀️ Walk the Lakeshore Trail
Escape crowds by strolling the less-trafficked Lakeshore Trail.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Shuttle is Essential
Book your Parks Canada shuttle in advance! Parking is scarce and costly.
⏰ Early Bird Gets the Parking
Arrive before 7 AM to snag parking or start your hike early.
☕ Teahouse Hike Reward
Hike to Lake Agnes or Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse for stunning views & treats.
🚶♀️ Walk the Lakeshore Trail
Escape crowds by strolling the less-trafficked Lakeshore Trail.
💰 High Tea Hack
Dine at the Fairmont for guaranteed parking and a luxurious experience.
🏞️ Consider Bow Lake Alternative
If Lake Louise is too packed, Bow Lake offers similar beauty with fewer crowds.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Lake Louise for its breathtaking natural beauty, describing it as a must-visit destination with stunning turquoise waters and majestic mountain backdrops. The park is noted for its family-friendly amenities, including a great playground and ample space for picnics and celebrations. While the beauty is undeniable, the overwhelming crowds and parking challenges are frequently mentioned drawbacks.
"Love lake Louise. Worth the drive out. Lots of room to walk the lake, play in the streams, hit the playground and or get a picnic table for a birthday party or family reunion at no cost as far as I’m aware."
Line•Of•Sight Tech
"This is honestly one of the best parks I’ve ever been to. My kids had such a great time, and we’ll definitely keep coming back. It’s a beautiful spot, with the lake and ducks adding so much to the overall charm. The playground is a great size with plenty of things for the kids to enjoy, and the swings are in great condition too. I also appreciated how clean the restrooms were much better than at other parks I’ve visited and they even have a changing station for babies, which is super helpful.
There’s a lot to love about this park beyond the playground. There’s plenty of seating around, a dedicated workout area, and grills available if you want to cook out. It’s also a great place to walk your pets, with lots of open space. I’ve even seen people fishing here, which adds to the relaxing vibe. Overall, it’s a really well maintained and enjoyable park for the whole family."
Kevin Cray
"Great place to fish and a place for the kids to play and have fun. Good picnic area, and beautiful senery."
James Capps
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most recommended way to reach Lake Louise is by using the Parks Canada Shuttle, which requires advance booking. Driving and parking are possible but extremely limited and expensive, often filling up by sunrise. +1
Yes, but parking is very limited and costs $36 per vehicle. It fills up extremely early, often before 7 AM, especially during peak season. Booking a shuttle is a more reliable option.
No, the road to Moraine Lake is closed to personal vehicles. Access is only available via Parks Canada shuttles or commercial tour operators.
For popular spots like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, the Parks Canada Shuttle is the best option. Renting a car is useful for exploring the Icefields Parkway and other areas.
Yes, a Parks Canada Discovery Pass is required for entry into Banff National Park, which includes Lake Louise. You can purchase this online or at park gates.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Banff National Park requires a Parks Canada Discovery Pass. There's also a parking fee if you choose to drive, or the cost of the shuttle ticket.
Shuttle tickets are released in advance and sell out quickly. It's best to book as soon as they become available on the Parks Canada website. Keep checking for daily releases if you miss the initial booking.
Lake Louise itself is accessible year-round. However, the parking lot and shuttle services have specific operating hours, which vary by season. The road to Moraine Lake is closed seasonally.
While some daily release tickets might be available, it's highly recommended to book your shuttle tickets in advance online. Relying on same-day availability is risky.
Yes, there is a parking fee of $36 per vehicle for the Lake Louise parking lot. This fee is separate from the park pass.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Popular hikes include the Lake Agnes Teahouse (3.5km one way), Little Beehive (5.7 miles round trip), Big Beehive, and Plain of Six Glaciers. These offer stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Yes, Lake Louise is extremely popular and can be very crowded, especially during peak summer months. Arriving early or using the shuttle can help mitigate this.
You can enjoy the scenic shoreline, rent a canoe, have a picnic, or visit the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. The area also offers opportunities for photography and relaxation.
Yes, there are dining options at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, as well as teahouses along some of the hiking trails like Lake Agnes Teahouse.
Yes, the lakeshore trail is relatively flat and accessible for families. Hikes to the teahouses are more challenging but can be manageable for older children. The playground at the nearby park is also a hit.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and vibrant colors. Sunrise and sunset can be particularly magical.
While the main viewpoint is iconic, consider walking along the Lakeshore Trail for unique perspectives and fewer crowds. Higher vantage points like the Little Beehive offer stunning panoramic shots.
Drone usage is restricted in national parks. Always check Parks Canada regulations before flying a drone to ensure compliance and avoid fines.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain scenery. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. Don't forget a polarizing filter to enhance the turquoise colors of the lake.
Explore beyond the main viewpoint. Hike to higher elevations for panoramic shots, or find quieter spots along the lakeshore. Consider visiting during different seasons for varied scenery.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families looking for a bit more adventure, the hike to the Lake Agnes Teahouse can be a rewarding challenge for older children, offering a unique destination with beautiful views.
While the teahouse hikes can be strenuous, the overall environment at Lake Louise is very welcoming to families, with clean restrooms and changing stations available. 💰 Budget Travelers
Look for shuttle options that offer flexibility and good value. 🚶♀️ Hikers & Outdoor Enthusiasts
+1 The Little Beehive and Big Beehive hikes provide incredible panoramic views, perfect for capturing stunning photographs. +1 For those seeking a more challenging experience, consider longer treks that explore further into the surrounding mountains. Remember to be prepared for mountain weather, which can change rapidly. Wear sturdy hiking boots, dress in layers, and carry plenty of water and snacks.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Lake Louise & Moraine Lake Access
+1For those who prefer to drive, parking at Lake Louise is available but extremely limited and comes with a substantial fee. It's advisable to arrive before sunrise to have any chance of securing a spot. The road to Moraine Lake is closed to personal vehicles, making the shuttle or organized tours the only options for access.
Some visitors have found success with a 'hack' involving a reservation at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, which grants parking access, though this is a more luxurious and expensive option. If you find yourself unable to secure shuttle tickets or parking, consider nearby alternatives like Bow Lake, which offers similar stunning scenery with significantly fewer crowds and easier access.
Hiking Trails Around Lake Louise
For more challenging treks with spectacular views, consider the Little Beehive or Big Beehive hikes, which offer panoramic vistas of Lake Louise and the surrounding Valley of the Ten Peaks. +2The Plain of Six Glaciers trail is another excellent option for those seeking a longer hike, leading to a teahouse with stunning views of glaciers. This trail is approximately 14.6 km round trip.
Photography at Lake Louise
For a different perspective, consider hiking up to the Little Beehive or Big Beehive for breathtaking aerial views of the lake and its surroundings. +1The best light for photography is typically during the golden hours – shortly after sunrise and before sunset. This is when the light is softest, and the colors of the lake and mountains are most vibrant.
Early morning visits also help you avoid the harshest midday sun and the largest crowds. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit