Tourist hotspots can be a bit of a buzzkill, right? The crowds, the parking, the chaos —sometimes it’s enough to turn you off before you’ve begun. And yes, Lake Louise is one of these hotspots. Yet one worth putting up with the crowds! Especially because, once you get past the lake foreshore there is so much more to see. We didn’t just want to see the lake and snap a photo—we wanted to experience it from above!
From the Chateau, we chose a combination of Lake Louise hikes; the Big Beehive, Devil’s Thumb and Plain of Six Glaciers. These trails offer jaw-dropping views of Lake Louise and take you through forests, alpine wildflower meadows, and past glaciers.
In this guide, we’ll share where we camped nearby, how we scored parking at the Chateau, and the trail details that will help you discover the best of Lake Louise.
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Alpine Start To Get Lake Louise Parking
Lake Louise Chateau has a large public parking lot, but finding a spot can be challenging as it’s usually full before sunrise.
The only way to beat the crowds is with an Alpine start. While it doesn’t guarantee a completely empty lake—since the shuttle also runs a pre-dawn service—it does ensure you’ll be at the lake and starting your hike before most people arrive, leading to a much better experience.
Alpine Start is often used in mountaineering or long hikes and refers to an early rise. Typically before dawn, making the summit by sunrise and allowing maximum daylight hours.
After weighing the options for shuttle buses and tours, we decided that camping in Lake Lousie Village the night before and parking at the Chateau was the easiest and most flexible choice for a full day of exploring.
Lake Louise Chateau parking opens at 3 AM and offers ticketed parking till 7 PM, so overnight parking isn’t allowed. We used iOverlander and found Lake Louise camp overflow area which is just a 12-minute drive from the Chateau. It’s a no-frills spot – a large parking lot with a drop toilet—but it’s proximity to the Chateau made it perfect for our early start.
WHERE TO CAMP
Location: Lake Louise Camping Overflow
Cost: $12/night with an honesty box registration
Hours: Checkin after 6pm and checkout before 8am
Amenities: 1 drop toilet
We used the free iOverlander app to find places to stay during our road trip in the Rockies, and found it extremely useful. It saved us multiple times when campgrounds were booked out and we needed last-minute alternatives. Use filters to search for campgrounds, wild camping spots, rest areas, and showers.
Travelling in a van gave us the flexibility we needed to avoid the crowds on many occasions. We set an alarm for 4 am and arrived at the Chateau parking lot before 4:20 am to claim our spot for the day. Plenty of parks were still available, but I wouldn’t leave it much later than 5 AM. We paid for a ticket and crawled back into bed for a quick nap before getting up for sunrise. From the parking lot it is an easy stroll down to the lake to watch as the first sunrays kiss the surrounding mountain peaks over the lake.
ALL-DAY PARKING AT LAKE LOUISE
Cost: Tickets are purchased via the ticket vending machine for $36
Parking Hours: 3am – 7pm
Location: Parking Lot
Other Transport Options
Parks Canada provides a shuttle service from Lake Louise Park and Ride, located at the Lake Louise Ski Resort. You can check out the shuttle options here.
Regular tickets can be reserved however these often need to be booked in 4-6 weeks in advance! There are a small number of tickets left available for last-minute bookings but getting your hands on one of these tickets is near impossible. It’s like waiting by your computer to buy a ticket to Glastonbury, they book out almost immediately!
Last-minute tickets are released at 8 am two days before the scheduled service.
National Parks Permit
You can purchase passes and permits at any Parks Canada location, with options for specific parks, daily access, or an annual pass. If you’re road-tripping through Canada, I highly recommend the Discovery Pass, which covers all National Parks. The Discovery Pass is an annual pass priced at $151.25, and it’s well worth it—especially considering individual passes would have cost us $22 per day ($11 per person).
During our 10-day road trip, we used the Discovery Pass to hike and camp in:
- Mount Revelstoke National Park
- Glacier National Park
- Yoho National Park
- Banff National Park
- Jasper National Park
Devils Thumb and the Big Beehive Hike For Epic Views
We chose the Devil’s Thumb and Big Beehive hike, found on AllTrails, as the ultimate way to experience Lake Louise in all its glory. This trail covers the popular routes to Mirror Lake and the Lake Agnes Teahouse, and then ventures beyond the typical tourist path, leading you through alpine wildflower meadows and up to rocky, scrambling summits. It’s a hike that promises a day filled with breathtaking views of Lake Louise and unforgettable experiences.
Distance: 12.7km out and back
Duration: 5.5 hours
Elevation: 2,445m
Difficulty: Medium
Alltrails: Devils Thumb and The Big Beehive
Preparing for the Hike – Gear and Essentials
- Rain/wind coat – regardless of the forecast, the weather in the mountains can change last minute and the wind at the summit can be chilly. I always have a raincoat in my pack “just in case”
- Fresh running water is available along the hike to refill your bottle. I carry a Water-To-Go bottle with built-in filter on every hike giving me confidence to drink untreated water wherever I am LEARN MORE. Needing to carry just one bottle keeps my day bag nice and light.
- Hiking boots or trail runners. Both options are fine as long as you have a sole with a good grip
- Snacks and lunch. The hike will take a minimum of 5 hours, depending on how often you stop to admire the scenery. Make sure you have enough food to sustain your energy levels over the day. There are two teahouses on this trail which serve baked goods and sandwiches. They are a great option for breakfast or lunch and a lovely historical experience to have on the mountain. Make sure you take cash to pay and be prepared to wait for a table.
- Walking poles (optional)
- Downloaded maps on AllTrails
- Sunscreen and bug-repellent
Lake Louise
Walking down to Lake Louise for the first time is an experience that takes your breath away. Almost too beautiful to be real. When we arrived, the early morning calm meant there was only a small crowd, giving us plenty of space to soak in the stunning surroundings. A lone kayak glided across the water that perfectly reflected the towering mountains in the still lake. As the sun rose higher, it cast a warm glow on the peaks, making the scene even more magical.
Lake Agnes Teahouse via Mirror Lake
Distance: 3.7km
Elevation Gain: 385m
Difficulty: Easy
The hike begins by following the water’s edge of Lake Louise, leading you to a sign pointing towards Lake Agnes, where the trail ascends into the forest. This section is popular, with wide, well-maintained pathways and a steady elevation gain. Many visitors to Lake Louise hike this part to reach the Lake Agnes Teahouse, making it the busiest portion of the trail.
As you continue, you’ll pass Mirror Lake, a serene spot perfect for a quick photo with the Big Beehive towering above it.
We took a break for a pre-packed snack at Lake Agnes, though many hikers opt to stop for breakfast at the Teahouse.
Cool Fact: This teahouse was built in 1901 and started serving tea to hikers in 1905. The log cabin has been rebuilt since but still has some of the original windows, tables and chairs. Today it’s family-run, serving homemade soups, fresh baked goods and a selection of over 100 teas. Staff hiked to work and stay in staff accommodation in the loft above the teahouse. Be willing to wait in line for a table and bring cash.
Lake Agnes Teahouse → The Big Beehive
Distance: 1.7km
Elevation Gain: 145m
Difficulty: Moderate
From this point, the trail wraps around Lake Agnes, offering incredible views of the Big Beehive and Devil’s Thumb towering above. Take a moment to soak in the beauty of the lake and the surrounding mountains—it’s absolutely breathtaking.
The trail becomes more challenging as you tackle the steep switchbacks leading up to the saddle between Big Beehive and Devil’s Thumb. But it’s only a short section. From the saddle, a short, easy trail takes you to the Big Beehive viewpoint. Here you get stunning vistas of both Lake Louise and Lake Agnes, framed by the majestic peaks surrounding them.
The Big Beehive → Devil’s Thumb
Distance: 1.4km
Elevation Gain: 161m
Difficulty: Difficult
Head back to the trail junction on the saddle and follow the opposite trail to Devil’s Thumb. This section ramps up the challenge with steeper switchbacks and some rock scrambling. As you approach the top, the trail narrows into a loose dirt and rock path, more like a goat track. Take it slow and steady, and be sure to leave space between yourself and the hikers ahead in case of falling rocks.
With a decent level of fitness, you can definitely conquer this part of the hike. We saw people of all ages and fitness levels making their way up. Don’t let the scramble deter you—the view from the top is definitely worth it! Plus, the peaceful solitude at the summit is a reward in itself, as many hikers don’t venture as far as Devil’s Thumb.
The Return Journey → Lake Louise
From this point, the AllTrails map will take you back down to the saddle and return to Lake Louise by the same trail you came.
We chose to change trails here and continue down to the Plain of 6 Glaciers which then follows the edge of Lake Louise back to the carpark.
Plain Of Six Glaciers
This section of the trail is much more undulating, leading you through alpine meadows painted purple with wildflowers and offering stunning views of Victoria Glacier.
The final stretch gets a bit steeper, but it’s nothing compared to the climb up Big Beehive or Devil’s Thumb. At the top, you’ll find a picnic area with toilets and another charming Teahouse. These Teahouses are truly impressive when you realise that they operate without electricity, and everything is hiked in and out by the staff. They add a touch of history and authentic mountain culture to the hike.
As you walk back along the lake’s edge, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the unique colour of the water. You can see waterfalls cascading from the glacier creating streams that run into the lake below. The glacier’s movement over the rocks underneath results in the bedrock being ground into a fine powder that stays suspended in the water, making the streams appear milky gray. Once these suspended particles reach the lake, they reflect sunlight, creating the incredible shades of blue that Lake Louise is famous for.
Lake Louise ended up being one of our favourite hiking experiences in the Rockies. The ever-changing landscapes, the mix of difficulty and challenges, and the breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains from above. I’m so happy we opted for an entire day exploring the area rather than just visiting the lake. That 4am start was absolutely worth it!
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