Hiking Lake Agnes, Lake Louise
Banff National Park, Alberta
Lake Louise is a short and beautiful drive from Banff. It doesn’t have the hustle and bustle that a town like Banff does and despite being so close to a big city like Calgary, it really feels like you are in the middle of the wilderness of the Canadian Rockies. The Lake Louise ski area is one of the best in Canada during winter but in summer, it is equally beautiful for biking, hiking or even just taking the Gondola to see some great views of nature and wildlife. Lake Agnes is one of the most popular and most rewarding hikes you can do in Banff National Park.
The Lake Agnes Trail is a nice gentle hike perfect for those who have not been keeping themselves fit by the bar fires during winter. All you need for this walk is a bottle of water and good, light shoes. The first 1.6km is a very gentle but mesmerizing trek through subalpine forest. If you have an interest in trees and vegetation, you are more or less going to be in heaven here! At 1.6km, you will see views of Fairview Mountain and can usually see a few more extreme hikers who have crawled to the summit to get unique views of gorgeous Lake Louise.
Lake Agnes itself will appear after 3.5km. The origin of the name of the lake is actually quite interesting. Two ladies – Agnes Knox (A Toronto elocutionist) and the Prime Ministers wife Lady Agnes MacDonald both believed they would be the first woman to be shown the lakes. As luck would have it, both shared the same first name making it easy to name the stunning Lake. Equally stunning in winter and summer, Lake Louise in Banff National Park is an absolute gem and hiking Lake Agnes is a great way to truly see why.