If you’re planning a trip to Banff, you know that Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are two of the spots you have to visit. (Side note: check out my 6 day Banff itinerary for more things to do in Banff).
These gorgeous lakes in this national park are insanely breathtaking, and you’ll want to make the most out of your visit! Here are a few important Moraine Lake and Lake Louise tips that you will want to know before you go.
Get out early
ESPECIALLY if you’re there during the summer or on holiday weekends. The parking lots for the shuttles fill up fast. By going late, you risk having to wait for a spot – or even not getting in.
There are parking lots at each of these lakes, but they fill up even faster, and aren’t even accessible during peak hours (they close off the entrance). The shuttle is probably the safest bet.
Besides being able to actually get a parking spot, going out early ensures that you can actually enjoy some peace and quiet at these spots before the crowds come in, even if just for a bit. For reference, we visited Moraine Lake and Lake Louise on a Monday in July, and we got to the parking lot a little before 6:00am.
Walk beyond the crowds
This applies to both spots, but it is especially true of Lake Louise. When we were there, there were Disneyland-on-a-Saturday-in-late-June level crowds. It was particularly bad in the paved and grassy “backyard” area of the Fairmont hotel. This is basically the first spot where you get a view of the lake coming from the parking lot.
The funny thing is, the crowds totally thin out if you simply walk down one of the paths along the lake – so simply keep walking and you can enjoy the views and get your photos without strangers photobombing you.
Go towards the right, and you’ll hit a fork in the road. Along the shore on the left there is the aptly named Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail. This is an easy, out-and-back 2.2 mile trail that gets you up close with the lake.
Lake Louise Tips: Walk Down Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail (Left) / Moraine Lake (Right)
On the right of the fork you have Lake Agnes Trail. The Lake Agnes Trail takes you up the mountain, and offers higher up views of the lake through the trees. There are a few tips about this trail at the end of this article!
As far as Lake Moraine goes, it’s pretty much the same story. We were there early, so we got out before the crowds were there. However, I’ve heard it can get very crowded along Rockpile Trail (the 0.5 mile path right by the parking lot).
You should still head up this trail because it gives unbeatable views of the lake. However, afterwards, be sure to walk along the lakeshore path to get a closer look of the lake away from the bulk of the crowd.
Dress for the cold
Yes, even if you’re there in the summer – and especially if you’re going out early in the morning (which you should be!). Of course, check the weather to see what’s appropriate, but since it’s up in the mountains, you should be expecting some chillier weather. We were there in July, and I was wearing a puffy jacket with a sweater underneath in the morning.
Prepare for no cell service
These areas have limited cell service, which isn’t suprising. Keep this in mind if you’re arranging to meet another group there. Determine a spot and a time to meet before you head out!
Bring your bear spray
We didn’t see any bears when we were visiting Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, but it’s always a good idea to have it on hand. Plus, if we didn’t have the bear spray, we probably would have had an uncomfortably close bear encounter – because that’s always how it works, right?
Be ready for shuttle lines to get back to the parking lot
Once we were ready to call it a day, we headed to the line for the shuttle…which was long. We were probably in line for around 45 minutes before we were able to get on the shuttle, so be ready for a bit of a wait. Bring snacks, pre-download some podcasts or music (remember – you probably won’t have service to do it there!), or…just talk to your group.
Lake Louise tips: a few things to keep in mind about Lake Agnes Trail
If you decide to do the Lake Agnes Trail hike when visiting Lake Louise (which I highly recommend), there are a few additional tips to know.
First tip: be mentally prepared for a (literal) uphill climb. Since you’re going up the mountain you’re obviously, you know, walking on an incline. It is by no means a super difficult hike – it is 4.7 miles long, and you’re of course only walking uphill for half of that. That said, it’s nice to know what to expect!
If you know about this hike, you also probably know about the Lake Agnes Tea House at the top of the trail. It has no power or running water, and the staff walks supplies up the trail to the tea house multiple times a week. It’s super impressive that they’re able to run it and a very unique trail experience.
That said…in my opinion, don’t feel like you have to go in and enjoy a cuppa tea. The space is small and there was a line to get a table, so we had to wait a bit. We did eventually get a table and order some tea, but we didn’t feel like it was necessarily worth the wait. Good tea, a nice moment to rest our feet, but it wasn’t a necessity. If you’re up there and there isn’t a line, go for it! That said, don’t feel like you need to go in.
One last thing: there is an outhouse at the top of the trail. If you do get a cup of tea, it is particularly useful.
Lake Agnes & Views Along Lake Agnes Trail
Moraine Lake and Lake Louise Tips
That’s it – my best Moraine Lake and Lake Louise tips! If you’re visiting Banff, these spots are obviously a must-see. The crowds are there for a reason! If you know what to expect and plan properly, you’ll have a great experience at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. Again, be sure to look at my 6 day Banff itinerary for more tips on visiting this Canadian national park.