Mountain Adventure Program – Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Allow us to show you around our incredible backyard.
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise has a long and proud guiding tradition. Join one of our accredited naturalists for a hike of your choosing. The first guest to reserve decides where the hike goes. Venture out for a classic walk up to a lookout point or take a more leisurely walk around Lake Louise. The choice is yours. The Mountain Adventure Program is offered to guests eight years and older.
Please note that some activities may be temporarily unavailable due to government and health restrictions. For updates on available activities, outlets and hours of operation, please see our Concierge Guide.
WINTER TOURS
POWDERFEST SNOWSHOEING
Winter is king amid the peaks of Banff National Park. With an average annual snowfall of over 3m, this area is superb for trying this ancient and efficient mode of travel. If you can walk, you can snowshoe! After gearing up and being briefed on the basics, we will venture into the forest and look for signs of creatures that have adapted to the harsh winter conditions. Learn how to read the tracks of different animals. Snowshoes and poles included.
ELEVATION: Trail Varies
DISTANCE: Trail Varies
DURATION: 3 hours
NIGHT OWL SNOWSHOE
Secret spots and unique discoveries await us after dark. Journey into the woods on snowshoes and enter a world of stillness and mystery. If the skies are clear, we will take the time to show you some of the great constellations that wheel overhead: Cassiopeia, the Great Bear and Orion the Hunter. Snowshoes, poles and head lamps are included.
ELEVATION: Trail Varies
DISTANCE: Trail Varies
DURATION: 2 hours
HIKING THE ICEFALLS OF JOHNSTON CANYON
Marvel at stilled waterfalls and dazzling pillars of blue as you explore the surprising magic of this winter wonderland. Our day begins with a 30 minute drive to the trail head located on the scenic Bow Valley Parkway. Transportation and ice cleats included. Parks Canada Covid-19 protocol advises Johnston Canyon visitors to wear masks anytime you come within 2 meters of someone not from your house hold. Due to potential overcrowding Parks Canada reserves the right to close access without warning.
ELEVATION: 135m / 440ft
DISTANCE: 5.4 km / 3.4mi
DURATION: 5 hours
GUIDED CROSS-COUNTRY SKI LESSONS
Imagine yourself skiing along a quiet trail surrounded by mountains blanketed in snow and ice. Before you hit the trails take a lesson to fine tune your skiing abilities. These lessons can be tailored to those who have never been on cross-country skis or to advanced skiers seeking to improve their technique. Ski rentals (including boots and poles) are included.
ELEVATION: Trail Varies
DISTANCE: Trail Varies
DURATION: 1.5 hours
SUMMER TOURS
HALF DAY GUIDED HIKES
LAKE AGNES TEAHOUSE
This is one of the most popular hikes in Banff National Park and for good reason. On the way up, pass Mirror Lake tucked under the sheer cliffs of the Big Beehive. At the Tea House, we have the option to enjoy some of the fresh baked goods whilst enjoying the breathtaking back drop.
ELEVATION: 385m / 1,260ft
DISTANCE: 7 km / 4.4 mi
DURATION: 4 hours
SADDLEBACK PASS
Starting from the shores of Lake Louise, this trail climbs moderately to steeply at times and heads towards a pass between Mount Fairview and Saddle Peak. At the top, stop at the “hidden guides viewpoint” for a snack while enjoying some of our most spectacular views.
ELEVATION: 610m / 2,000ft
DISTANCE: 7.4 km / 4.6 mi
DURATION: 4 hours
PAGET LOOKOUT
Paget Lookout is located in Yoho National Park. The well-maintained trail is surrounded by rugged terrain and features wildflowers and forest. The steep switchbacks can be challenging but you will be rewarded with beautiful views of Sherbrooke Lake and the Cataract Valley. Sit back and relax at the Fire Lookout cabin and watch the dramatic braiding of the Kicking Horse River as it flows through the valley, before our descent.
ELEVATION: 520m / 1,705ft
DISTANCE: 6 km / 3.6 mi
DURATION: 4 hours
FULL DAY GUIDED HIKES
BIG BEEHIVE
This breathtaking hike is accessed from the Lake Agnes teahouse trail. Through a series of switchbacks, we gradually rise in elevation and are rewarded with unbelievable views of alpine lakes and rich forest canopy. Once at the summit prepare for panoramic bird eye-views of not just beautiful Lake Louise, but of the Bow Valley.
ELEVATION: 521m / 1,710ft
DISTANCE: 10.3 km / 6.4 mi
DURATION: 6 hours
PLAIN OF SIX GLACIERS & TEA HOUSE
This spectacular hike can be turned into a loop that includes walking up to Mirror Lake and then traversing across the less frequently travelled ‘Highline Trail’. After conquering the ascent, we arrive at the Tea House for fresh baked goods whilst looking out over the six glaciers located at the back of Lake Louise.
ELEVATION: 335m / 1,100ft
DISTANCE: 11 km / 7 mi
DURATION: 6 hours
MOUNT FAIRVIEW
Starting from the shores of Lake Louise, we hike up the moderately steep Saddleback Pass trail. At the pass we take a break and fuel up for the ascent to come. Numerous switchbacks deposit us on the summit for spectacular views in all directions.
ELEVATION: 1,000m / 3,000ft
DISTANCE: 10 km / 6 mi
DURATION: 8 hours
YOHO ICELINE
The Yoho Iceline trail is for the adventurous soul. This advanced full-day hike is the longest we have to offer for the athletic breed. With quick elevation gain you reach unparamounted mountain trails, jaw dropping waterfalls and uniquely carved glacial peaks and valleys. Located in Yoho National Park, this trail is a 30-minute drive from Lake Louise. This trail is appropriately named “Yoho”, meaning “awe and wonder” in Cree.
ELEVATION: 889m / 2,916ft
DISTANCE: 20 km / 12.4 mi
DURATION: 8 hours
HELEN LAKE
At the exquisite setting of Helen Lake, we stop, relax and soak in the alpine splendor. For those with a little extra energy, we can continue up to a high ridge crest for an unobstructed 360 degree view. It is simply one of the best hikes in Banff National Park.
ELEVATION: 550m / 1,800ft
DISTANCE: 6 km / 3.7 mi
DURATION: 7 hours
CANOEING
SUNRISE CANOE
After an early morning wake-up call, venture outside for an unforgettable opportunity to canoe on Lake Louise at the break of dawn. Enjoy the stillness of the water, the crispness of the air, and the great photo opportunity this excursion affords.
DURATION: 1.5 hours
VOYAGER CANOE EXPERIENCE
Canoes are a historic way in which to experience the lake, as they have been on the water for over a century. Paddle on the sparkling Lake Louise from the comfort of our authentic 26’ cedar strip group canoes. As you journey across the lake, your guide will share local stories about the wildlife, the indigenous people and the early explorers.
EVENING CANOE EXPERIENCE
The Evening Canoe Experience is designed for guests who want to avoid the crowds and experience an authentically local activity to end their day. Grab a snack and soak up the serenity from the middle of the lake.
DURATION: 1 hour
PRIVATE GUIDING
Experience a memorable adventure with your family! Fully certified private guides take individuals or groups on customized excursions: local sightseeing or walks/hikes. These tours are only available on certain days of the week. Consult with the Concierge to create your perfect and unforgettable Canadian Rockies experience.
PRICE:
1-2 people Half Day (4 hours) = $250
3-4 people Half Day (4 hours) = $325
5+ people Half Day (4 hours) = $325 + $49 per adult and $25 per child
1-2 people Full Day (6 hours) = $350
3- 4 people Full Day (6 hours) = $425
5+ people Full Day (6 hours) = $425 + $75 per adult and $25 per child CANCELLATION: 24 hours
To book any of our activities please contact the Concierge team.
MAKE YOUR STAY ALL ABOUT ADVENTURE
Step into our backyard and create your own mountain adventure! Receive a $100 activity credit per night with our Mountain Adventure Package – bring the family, bring your friends and explore all that Lake Louise and Banff National Park have to offer. Soak up Lake Louise’s rich mountaineering history by joining one of our accredited naturalists for a Guided Mountain Adventure.