This Guide to Banff National Park Larch Hikes includes everything you need to know about the trails to Larch Valley, Fairview Lookout, Lake Agnes and Little Beehive. I’ve also made suggestions of places to stay after your day of hiking. These hikes are located near each other just off Lake Louise Drive. Book a weekend away and head in this direction the third week in September to do a couple of these trails and see the larches at their peak vibrant colour. You’ll get spectacular pictures with the views and the golden larches. Dress with contrasting colours so that you stand out against the yellow trees.
Table of Contents
Larch Valley
Location: The hike is located at the start of Moraine Lake.
Parking: Personal vehicles are no longer permitted to drive to Moraine Lake.
Here are your options:
- Book a sunrise shuttle with Moraine Lake Bus Company or Fairview Limousine
- Book a Parks Canada Shuttle online to arrive between 6:30 A.M. to 11 A.M. at Moraine Lake
- You can take public transportation if you’re staying in Banff
- You can hike or bike to the lake
Washrooms: There are outhouses near the parking lot. They often are not the cleanest as they get used by multiple people who don’t necessarily consider the next visitor. I suggest stopping at the washrooms at the Visitor Centre in Lake Louise for a better experience.
Hike: It’s a nine-kilometre hike to Larch Valley with an elevation gain of 560 metres and an eleven-kilometre hike up to Sentinel Pass with a 749-metre elevation gain. It’s an in-and-out hike for both.
If you catch the early bus for sunrise, you’ll need to wait until 9 A.M. for the lodge to open to get a coffee and enjoy it in the seating area outside. There is no place to sit inside. Bring warm layers such as Merino 250 Top Base Layer 1/4 Zip Long Sleeve to keep you warm in the meantime.
Getting Up the Hill
The hike takes three to four hours to complete depending on how many pictures you take and how many breaks you need. It’s rated as a difficult hike as it goes steadily uphill but with many breaks and a reasonable fitness level, you can easily hike up to the valley.
The hike starts to the right of Moraine Lake upon arrival. The trail will take you up a steep ascent on long switchbacks. As you go up, you’ll get glimpses of Moraine Lake’s beautiful turquoise colour down below through the trees. It might be exhausting for the first part of it but remember the trail is leading you to a beautiful larch landscape. With many people on the trail, you’ll likely have to step aside to let faster hikers go by. On some parts of the trail, there’s little additional room for two-way traffic, so it might be a bit cramped when you meet traffic going in the opposite direction.
Initial Viewpoint
We got a sprinkling of snow that covered the larches near the top of Larch Valley when we arrived. As time went on, the clouds opened up and we saw the mountains peaking through. It was a spectacular sight. The sun shined through and created some magical pictures.
The trail continues gradually and showcases the beautiful panoramic views of the larches after the initial steep incline. People will start to disperse as they take breaks at different locations throughout the valley.
The views of the Banff Larch hikes are spectacular the further up you hike. You’ll notice the golden larch trees show up in abundance.
Tip: Leave no trace and stay close to the trail when taking a break. It’s important to avoid damaging vegetation, prevent erosion, and minimize confusion for hikers by limiting side trails.
Reaching Larch Valley
The views are breathtaking in Larch Valley with yellow golden larches surrounding hikers. The snow on the tip of the mountain peaks makes it even more picturesque. This is one of my favourite hiking trails in the fall and is popular for a good reason.
Tip #1: Dress for the weather. You could encounter snow on your outing, so be prepared with proper clothing and footwear! It might be warm at the parking lot below but you’ll reach cooler temperatures hiking up towards Larch Valley. I was wearing a winter hat since the temperature dropped considerably once we reached the valley near Minnestimma Lake.
As we walked back down, the sun melted the snow and the golden larches popped out! It was awesome to see a different view with the snow melted.
If you have time and want an extra challenge, as long as the weather cooperates, hike up to Sentinel Pass!
Fairview Lookout
Location: Hike from the Lake Louise parking lot towards the left of Lake Louise.
Parking: There is paid parking in the Lake Louise parking lot but it fills up quickly. Arrive early to secure yourself a spot or consider taking the shuttle.
Washrooms: There are washrooms at the west end of the Lake Louise parking lot.
Hike: It’s a short and steep 9.2-kilometre hike up and back.
Get in Shape
This is a short but steep trail. Before attempting this hike, you’ll want to get in shape with other gorgeous hikes near Banff. You’ll leave from the Lake Louise parking lot and head up the mountain. The trail is steep the entire way. You’ll be able to see the Lake Louise ski hill across the valley as you climb.
The larches will slowly make an appearance as you make your way higher up the mountain.
Look back to see the gorgeous views and the larches as they appear.
The trail will reach a small plateau at the saddle (just past this picture) allowing a view of the beautiful larches in the valley before heading straight up a scree slope.
Tip: Stop when you feel you’ve surpassed your comfort zone on Banff Larch hikes like this one. The small plateau offers fantastic views and a place to stop to wait for the others to summit and get back down. Remember to congratulate yourself for reaching this destination, it’s an amazing accomplishment!
Appropriate Footwear
The scree slope wasn’t too bad with the correct hiking footwear with grips on the bottom of our hiking boots. Otherwise, it could have been difficult, especially since it was snowing by the time we reached Fairview Lookout.
Short, Steep and Beautiful
If you’re looking for a short hike that offers views and amazing beautiful larches in the fall then this hike is for you. It is steep and will require you to be fit but it’s absolutely worth the effort to get to the summit. You’ll be able to see Lake Louise if you’re brave enough to look down.
Tip: Make sure to have the appropriate gear (warm layers and footwear) as it can get cold and snowy at the summit. The weather changes quickly in the mountains. Always be prepared with a fleece or down jacket and a windbreaker on Banff Larch hikes.
Lake Agnes & Little Beehive
Location: Lake Agnes & Little Beehive trail is located to the right of Lake Louise in front of the Chateau.
Parking: Parking is limited. Either get up super early to guarantee yourself a paid parking spot or take a shuttle.
Washrooms: Flushable toilets can be found in a few buildings near the parking lot.
This is the spectacular view seen from Lake Louise.
Tip: Make sure to wear contrasting colours to stand out against the background.
This is the steep trail to reach Lake Agnes Tea House. You’ll need to pack your patience as you hike up one behind another as this is a popular trail in the fall.
Tip: Horses share part of this trail; beware of horse poop as you hike.
Lake Agnes Tea House
Hiking to Lake Agnes Tea House is a 7.4-kilometre trail return with a 384-metre elevation gain.
Tip: There’s a likely chance you’ll need to wait in line as it will be busy but worth the wait if you wish to eat the delicious tea house food for lunch. There is some seating indoors but there is also some outside. Bring your layers to avoid getting cold if you’re seated on the patio.
This showcases inside the Lake Agnes Tea House. There are enough tables to sit approximately twenty people indoors.
Two outhouses are found just north of Lake Agnes Tea House on the way to the Little Beehive. The staff need to bring toilet paper up with them every shift so please use it sparingly. There is typically a line and a long wait time for the outhouse during the busy season. Keep that in mind when heading there.
Banff Larch Hikes includes beautiful lake views with larch trees just near Lake Agnes Tea House. It’s a wonderful place to capture pictures.
Looking back at the Big Beehive. It’s a harder trail with steep sections and switchbacks but the views are amazing at the top if you decide to hike it.
When we visited, we added Little Beehive which totalled 9.2 kilometres and 535 metre elevation gain. The Little Beehive is a great extension to see the golden larches at their peak. With the turquoise down below, it made for spectacular pictures.
Accommodations
Here are accommodation recommendations after completing these beautiful Banff Larch Hikes.
Hi Hostel Lake Louise
If you’re looking for cheaper accommodations, the Hi Lake Louise hostel offers dorms and rooms available for your convenience. Private rooms start at $155 and dorms start at $50. Some private rooms have a shared washroom or you can get a private room with an ensuite bathroom for an extra $15 if you book early enough. They feature a kitchen with amenities making it easy to get ready in the morning before heading out hiking.
After the day is done, you could head to Bill Peyto’s Cafe, their on-site restaurant, for a bite to eat. They have a wonderful lounging area with a fireplace if you want to chill after an awesome day of hiking. It’s a great place to meet travellers from around the world if you’re up for conversations. I’ve enjoyed my stay here in the past and would recommend it.
Baker Creek Mountain Resort
Baker Creek Mountain Resort, a fifteen-minute drive south of Lake Louise is nestled in the forest surrounded by mountains along Highway 1A. It offers a wide variety of accommodations from suites to cabins. Depending on the accommodation booked, a jacuzzi might be found to relax after a long day of hiking. I especially like it after a day hiking in cooler weather. Cozy up next to the fireplace to warm up or read a book on the couch. This nice getaway has starting prices of $400 and up per night. Although an expensive weekend, it’s a special way to treat yourself to a romantic weekend with your partner. Check out other nice places to stay in Alberta.
Tip #1: Plan ahead to save money for your adventurous getaway.
Tip #2: Save money at restaurants by booking a room with a kitchenette to cook meals in your room.
Lake Louise Inn
The Lake Louise Inn offers a wide variety of accommodations depending on what you’re looking for. I’ve stayed here quite a few times.
Final Thoughts
Which hikes do you feel like doing? Larch Valley has stunning views of the valley with 360° of golden larches. Fairview Lookout is steeper to get your heart racing but also provides different landscapes and a view of Lake Louise from high up. Lake Agnes will provide you with a delicious treat if you stop for lunch at the Tea House. The vibrant larches against the turquoise lake at the Little Beehive will offer amazing photo opportunities. Regardless of which trail you choose, you can’t go wrong. You’ll get exercise and fantastic pictures to potentially hang on your wall at home. Time to plan a trip and marvel at the superb scenery of the Alberta mountains.
Additional Links
- 4 Best Larch Hikes
- 9 Extraordinary Winter Wonderland Banff National Park Activities
- Guide to Four Seasons in Banff National Park
- Best Downhill Ski Day in Lake Louise
- 5 Awesome Outdoor Skating Rinks
Trip Ressources
- Book your flights with Expedia
- Book your hostel through Hostelworld.com
- Book your hotel with Booking.com or Hotels.com
- Book your vacation rental with Vrbo
- Book your experiences through TripAdvisor or Manawa
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