Route: Lake Louise to Lake Agnes
Area: Alberta, Canada
Date of walk: 23rd September 2024
Walkers: Andrew and Gilly
Distance: 5.0 miles
Ascent: 1,300 feet
Weather: Mixed sun and clouds
Today’s walk was an unplanned one, but it turned out to be a truly memorable one. We were travelling from Canmore to our next base in Revelstoke. Lake Louise was on the way and our plan had been to make a quick detour to admire the iconic view along the lake, continue our journey and walk elsewhere. We parked in Lake Louise village in the busy car park near the lakeshore. At peak times this can be full, so anyone following this route should arrive early. We strolled down to the lakeshore which, as we anticipated, was heaving with tourists. However the view was incredible, one of the best to be found anywhere, and by good fortune the stunning turquoise waters were displayed in good light. Following our walks at Moraine Lake and Lake Peyto this made it a hat trick of wonderful glacier-fed lakes in as many days
As we meandered around the shore of Lake Louise we decided to walk to Lake Agnes. The opportunity was too good to miss. A route map isn’t really necessary as the trail is well signed and there’s no chance of going astray
After walking round the foot of the lake we started a long, but gentle climb uphill. We soon left the tourists behind us and although there were quite a few other walkers, the path was never crowded. Views of Lake Louise are restricted by the trees, but there are good views of the surrounding peaks. We arrived at the small Mirror Lake which is overlooked by the Big Beehive. From there we continued uphill and eventually arrived at Lake Agnes, set in a heavenly position and surrounded by towering limestone peaks. Lake Agnes Tea House is pleased to serve thirsty walkers but there was a queue to get in so we gave it a miss
From here we retraced our steps back to Lake Louise to end a fantastic walk, all the better for being unplanned
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For the second day running we drive along the wondrous Icefields Parkway to start our walk. We pause briefly to admire the view along Bow River to Castle Mountain, formerly Mount Eisenhower
Another halt in the journey at Morants Curve, where we waited in vain yesterday for a freight train to pass by. There are no public schedules so it is a matter of luck and ours was out today. A classic view nonetheless. From here we drove to Lake Louise...
A short time later, Lake Louise in all its glory, with Mount Victoria and the Upper Victoria Glacier at its head
Mount Whyte on the right, behind Big Beehive
Mount Fairview on the left
It was hard to turn our backs on such a scene, but time to be getting on with the walk...
We start the steady climb up to Lake Agnes, about 2.5 miles away
Walking above Lake Louise
Much of the route is through ancient woodland...
A glimpse of the intense aquamarine colours of Lake Louise
We pass by Mirror Lake, overlooked by Big Beehive
The path twists and turns and gives us another view of Big Beehive
Mount Victoria and the Upper Victoria Glacier
Big Beehive...
...and its neighbour Little Beehive
Looking across to Mount Lefroy
We pass by a waterfall...
We arrive at Lake Agnes, with Mount Whyte at its head
From here we retrace our steps back to the start, enjoying the wonderful views of Lake Louise for a second time...
