Canoeing and Hiking Lake Louise
Banff, Alberta, Canada, Travel

Canoeing and Hiking Lake Louise

Canoeing on Lake Louise is one of the most iconic experiences you can have in Banff National Park. Instead of hiking, it’s a great way to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Canadian Rockies. During our recent stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, we had the chance to canoe as a family, and it was one of the highlights of our trip.

We arrived late morning to check into our hotel, but since our room wasn’t ready yet, we decided to start exploring by canoeing on Lake Louise. There was a short wait, and with no one in the hotel guest line, we were on the water within 5-10 minutes after paying, putting on our life jackets, and boarding the canoe.
We arrived late morning to check into our hotel, but since our room wasn’t ready yet, we decided to start exploring by canoeing on Lake Louise. There was a short wait, and with no one in the hotel guest line, we were on the water within 5-10 minutes after paying, putting on our life jackets, and boarding the canoe-1

We arrived late morning to check into our hotel, but since our room wasn’t ready yet, we decided to start exploring by canoeing on Lake Louise. There was a short wait, and with no one in the hotel guest line, we were on the water within 5-10 minutes after paying, putting on our life jackets, and boarding the canoe.

Priority Access for Fairmont Guests
One of the biggest perks of staying at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is the priority access to the canoe rental. If you’re a guest at the hotel, you’ll be directed to a separate line, and Fairmont guests are given priority over the regular queue. This makes it much easier and faster to get out on the water, especially during peak hours when the line can get long.
With life jackets on and paddles in hand, we set off to explore Lake Louise as a family. The canoeing experience is designed for all ages, and even the little ones were mesmerized by the crystal-clear water and towering peaks-1
With life jackets on and paddles in hand, we set off to explore Lake Louise as a family. The canoeing experience is designed for all ages, and even the little ones were mesmerized by the crystal-clear water and towering peaks-2
With life jackets on and paddles in hand, we set off to explore Lake Louise as a family. The canoeing experience is designed for all ages, and even the little ones were mesmerized by the crystal-clear water and towering peaks-3

With life jackets on and paddles in hand, we set off to explore Lake Louise as a family. The canoeing experience is designed for all ages, and even the little ones were mesmerized by the crystal-clear water and towering peaks.

Family-Friendly Canoeing Experience
Canoeing at Lake Louise is incredibly family-friendly. Our family of four fit comfortably in one canoe, with the two girls sitting in the middle. We were given two paddles, which made it easy for my husband and me to guide the canoe while the kids enjoyed the ride. It was wonderful to see families with even younger children, including babies, taking part in the experience, which shows how accessible and safe it is for everyone.
Canoe Rental Pricing

The current canoe pricing at Lake Louise (as of September 2024) is approximately:

  • $165 CAD for a 1-hour canoe rental
  • $155 CAD for a 45-minute canoe rental

Prices are per canoe, and each canoe can typically hold two adults and one or two small children, depending on size. (It’s always a good idea to confirm prices and availability in advance, as they can vary depending on the season or any updates made by the rental service.)

Family-friendly fun at Lake Louise! Our canoe ride was safe and accessible, even with young kids. The spacious canoes comfortably fit all four of us, making it the perfect way to explore this beautiful lake together-1
Family-friendly fun at Lake Louise! Our canoe ride was safe and accessible, even with young kids. The spacious canoes comfortably fit all four of us, making it the perfect way to explore this beautiful lake together-2

Family-friendly fun at Lake Louise! Our canoe ride was safe and accessible, even with young kids. The spacious canoes comfortably fit all four of us, making it the perfect way to explore this beautiful lake together.

Stunning Views and Photo Opportunities
Whether you’re on the water or walking along the shore, the views are simply breathtaking. A paved walkway runs along about half of the lake, offering plenty of space to stroll and capture the perfect shot of the turquoise water and distant glaciers. We found it to be a great spot for family photos, and the reflections on the lake make for stunning, postcard-worthy pictures.
Parking and Crowds
One thing to keep in mind when visiting Lake Louise is that parking is extremely limited, and the area can get crowded quickly. If you’re not staying at the Fairmont, it’s a good idea to arrive early in the morning to secure a parking spot. If you are not driving, I would highly suggest taking a shuttle into Lake Louise. The earlier you go, the more peaceful your experience will be, and you’ll have more time to explore without the crowds.
Kid-Friendly and Accessible
We were impressed by how kid-friendly the canoeing experience was. The calm waters and gentle pace made it enjoyable for the kids. The rental staff were also incredibly helpful in assisting with getting the kids in and out of the canoe safely.
Hiking Around Lake Louise

In addition to canoeing, Lake Louise offers a variety of incredible hikes that cater to all skill levels. Here are some of the best hikes to explore while visiting:

  1. Lake Agnes Tea House Hike
    This moderately challenging 7 km (round trip) hike leads you to the historic Lake Agnes Tea House. The trail takes you through the forest, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains as you ascend. The reward? A peaceful tea house nestled by the shores of Lake Agnes, where you can enjoy a hot drink and light refreshments while soaking in the incredible alpine views. This is a great option for families with older kids looking for a memorable experience.
  1. Plain of Six Glaciers Hike
    For those looking for a more adventurous and longer hike, the Plain of Six Glaciers trail is a must-do. This 14 km (round trip) hike offers breathtaking views of the glaciers and the surrounding mountain peaks. Along the way, you’ll be treated to a spectacular view of Lake Louise from a higher vantage point. At the end of the trail, you can stop at the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse, a charming spot to rest and take in the majestic scenery. This hike is best suited for families with older children or those looking for a full day of hiking.
  1. Fairview Lookout Trail
    This short but rewarding 1.6 km hike is perfect for families with younger children or those short on time. The trail leads to a lookout point that offers a panoramic view of Lake Louise, the Chateau, and the surrounding mountains. It’s an ideal spot for photos, and the entire hike can be completed in about 30 minutes to an hour.
  1. Big Beehive Hike
    If you’re up for a challenge, the Big Beehive Hike is an extension of the Lake Agnes Tea House trail. After reaching the tea house, you’ll continue up a steep switchback trail that leads to the Big Beehive, a prominent rock formation offering unbeatable views of Lake Louise from above. This hike is about 10 km round trip and is more challenging, but the views are worth the effort.
  1. Little Beehive Hike
    For those who want a slightly easier hike than the Big Beehive, the Little Beehive trail branches off from the Lake Agnes Tea House hike and offers fantastic views of the surrounding peaks and Lake Louise. The hike is about 9 km round trip and offers fewer crowds, making it a peaceful alternative with great scenery.

Lake Louise offers an unforgettable experience for both canoeing and hiking enthusiasts. From the serene waters of the lake to the scenic hiking trails that surround it, Lake Louise is a destination that truly captures the essence of the Canadian Rockies. This is one of the most photogenic places you’ll ever visit.

Every angle of Lake Louise offers postcard-worthy views. Whether you’re hiking or canoeing, the turquoise waters and towering peaks never fail to impress-1
Every angle of Lake Louise offers postcard-worthy views. Whether you’re hiking or canoeing, the turquoise waters and towering peaks never fail to impress-2

Every angle of Lake Louise offers postcard-worthy views. Whether you’re hiking or canoeing, the turquoise waters and towering peaks never fail to impress.

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