What's better than standing at the edge of a turquoise lake, the early sun painting the peaks gold, and knowing your only task today is to follow a trail into the mountains?

That's the kind of day you can expect at Banff National Park in summer. But to really experience it—not just see it—you'll want to lace up your boots and hike.

The Lake Louise area and neighboring Yoho National Park (a short drive across the Alberta–British Columbia border) offer two of the most unforgettable trails in the Canadian Rockies: the Plain of Six Glaciers and Lake Agnes trails. Here's how to do them right—and why the journey is worth it.

Lake Louise: More Than Just a Pretty Picture

Everyone's seen photos of Lake Louise—its glowing blue water framed by the Victoria Glacier. But what the photos don't show is the hum of paddles gliding through the water, the quiet wind across the alpine, or the sense of awe when you're alone on the trail, far above the crowds.

Canoe rental on Lake Louise is one of the classic experiences here. It's not cheap—expect to pay about $145 USD/hour for non-hotel guests (as of summer 2025)—but it's worth it for the serenity. The lake opens for canoeing between 8:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. in peak season (mid-June to early September), but arrive before 9 a.m. if you want to avoid long waits and heavy crowds.

Now, about that hike…

1. Plain of Six Glaciers Trail: For Big Views and Bigger Reward

Distance: 9.1 miles (round trip)

Elevation gain: 1,300 ft

Trailhead: Right at Lake Louise shoreline

Time: 4–6 hours, depending on pace and stops

The Plain of Six Glaciers trail is your best ticket to Banff's high alpine. It starts at the lake but quickly takes you away from the shoreline and into the backcountry, with steady elevation gain and non-stop views. You'll pass steep cliffs, glacier-fed waterfalls, and views of the hanging glaciers above.

About 3.5 miles in, you'll reach the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House, a charming, rustic wooden cabin first built in 1927. They serve tea, soup, and baked goods (no electricity here, everything is flown in or hiked up)—but bring cash and your own snacks just in case they run out or lines are long.

Local tip: Bring layers. Even in July, snow patches are common up top, and wind can make it feel 10–15°F colder than at the lake.

2. Lake Agnes Trail: A Shorter Hike with Big Payoff

Distance: 4.7 miles (round trip)

Elevation gain: 1,300 ft

Trailhead: Same as Six Glaciers—Lake Louise shoreline

Time: 2–3 hours

Lake Agnes is the "starter trail" for many visitors, but don't let that fool you. Yes, it's popular. Yes, it's accessible. But it's also stunning. The trail winds through a dense forest before opening to Mirror Lake, then continues up switchbacks to Lake Agnes, nestled beneath dramatic peaks.

Here, too, you'll find a historic tea house (built in 1901), known for its wooden deck and mountain views. The menu is similar—simple, homemade, and cash-only.

Pro tip: If you have the energy, continue up the Beehive trails (Little or Big Beehive) for jaw-dropping overhead views of Lake Louise. It adds another mile or so but transforms the hike from "lovely" to "legendary."

Don't Skip Moraine Lake—But Plan Ahead

If Lake Louise is the icon, Moraine Lake is its wilder cousin. The best time to go? Sunrise. You'll watch the Ten Peaks light up in soft pinks and oranges, reflected in water so clear it barely looks real.

Here's the catch: Moraine Lake is no longer accessible by private vehicles. You'll need to book a shuttle, bike in, or take a guided tour. Shuttles run from Lake Louise Ski Resort starting around 4 a.m., and you'll need to reserve your spot weeks in advance at peak times. Prices are about $9–$11 USD per person, depending on the provider.

Worth it? Every single time. Just bring a headlamp, warm jacket, and thermos—you won't regret it.

Yoho's Emerald Jewel: Hiking in the Quiet of Yoho

Crossing into Yoho National Park, just a 30-minute drive from Lake Louise, brings fewer crowds and a slower pace. Here, Emerald Lake steals the show. With its mirror-like water and forested trail circling the entire lake (3.5 miles, flat and easy), it's perfect for an afternoon wind-down after a longer hike.

You can also rent canoes here—at a slightly better rate than Lake Louise (about $95 USD/hour). Fewer people means more time to float and fewer Instagrammers at every angle.

Transportation Tips: Don't Get Caught Without a Ride

Summer in Banff means crowds—and vehicle restrictions. As of 2025, both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake require advance reservations for shuttle access. You can't drive directly to Moraine Lake at all anymore.

1. Book in advance at Parks Canada Reservation System or tour providers.

2. Parking at Lake Louise fills by 7 a.m.—earlier on weekends. Arrive early or book a shuttle.

3. Roam Transit runs regional buses ($2–3 USD per ride), including to nearby Canmore. A great option if you're staying outside the park.

When's the Best Time to Go?

Late June through early September is ideal. Trails are mostly snow-free, tea houses are open, and lakes are at their most vibrant. July brings wildflowers and longer daylight (sunrise around 5:30 a.m., sunset near 10 p.m.), but also more crowds.

Early July or late August strikes the best balance between accessibility and elbow room.

You Don't Have to Do It All

It's easy to feel like you need to check off every hike, every lake, every photo spot. But Banff isn't about collecting experiences—it's about slowing down long enough to feel the wind, hear the water, and let the vastness of it all sink in.

Maybe you hike to a tea house. Maybe you just sit at the lake and breathe it all in.

Either way, you're not missing anything. You're already in it.