© Banff Lake Louise Tourism / Paul Zizka
© Banff Lake Louise Tourism/Paul Zizka
Winter Trails in the
Lake Louise Area
Deer Lynx WolfHare
Deer LynxElkHare
LynxElk WolfHare
Deer LynxElk Wolf
Deer Elk WolfHare
© Banff Lake Louise Tourism
© C. Douce
Bow Summit
Lake Louise
WINTER
THE SEASON
TO PLAY IN...
Welcome to winter in Banff National Park, Canada’s
rst national park. Whether you’re here for a family
adventure or a relaxing getaway, there is no better way
to experience the Lake Louise area’s pristine mountain
landscape than on foot. Lace-up your boots, wax up
your skis, strap on a pair of snowshoes and enjoy one
of our many winter trails.
SEASON
Although snow can fall at any time of the year in Banff
National Park, optimal skiing and snowshoeing runs from
mid-November to early April. Lower elevations in the park
may be available for hiking year-round.
CROSS-COUNTRY TRAILS
Cross-country ski trails are groomed regularly, especially
after a fresh snowfall. Trails are classied as novice, easy,
more difcult or most difcult based on the nature of the
terrain and width of the trail. Please look at the map legend
for trail difculty ratings as some trails contain sections of
varying levels of difculty. Actual difculty can vary day to
day depending on snow conditions.
HIKING AND SNOWSHOEING TRAILS
Most of the hiking and snowshoeing trails outlined in this
guide follow summer hiking trails. They are not groomed or
maintained during the winter season and may be slippery.
Weather can change quickly and dramatically in Banff
National Park. Be prepared to adjust your activity based
on current conditions. As a general rule, if there is fresh
snow, conditions may be better suited for snowshoeing;
if the snow is old and well-travelled, it may be better for
hiking.
If you’re looking for trails not in this guide, consult with
Parks Canada visitor centres for more trip planning
assistance.
More things to do
in Lake Louise…
More things to do
in Lake Louise…
LAKE LOUISE VISITOR CENTRE
Spend time learning about the history of Lake Louise. The
Lake Louise Visitor Centre has exhibits focusing on the
geology of the Canadian Rockies. View an interactive video
featuring Dr. G.O. Morph, and discover gems on the history,
wildlife, and avalanches in the area. The Visitor Centre also
has maps, brochures, permits, backcountry reservations,
up-to-date weather, trail, avalanche and road reports, and
event information.
XPLORER’S PROGRAM
After a day of trail blazing, kids and their families can
continue their exploration of Banff National Park through a
learning challenge to become a Parks Canada Xplorer. Pick
up an Xplorer’s booklet lled with fun activities like quizzes,
crossword puzzles, and scavenger hunts to discover cool
facts about Banff National Park. Once 6 out of 16 activities
are completed, children aged 6 to 11 are eligible to become
an Xplorer’s member by participating in a formal or informal
ceremony to receive a certicate and special souvenir.
Those interested in sleuthing their way through the park can
visit the Parks Canada Visitor Centre in Lake Louise to pick
up their booklet.
Cross-Country Ski Trails
TRAILS IN LAKE LOUISE (See Map A)
1
1
Moraine Lake Road
15.6 km return, 250 m elevation gain.
Double trackset with skating lane
Climbing steadily, this trail includes both gently rolling and
hilly stretches. Tracksetting ends at a viewpoint of Consolation
Valley and the Ten Peaks. Beyond the viewpoint, the road
crosses large avalanche paths.
2
2
Fairview
4.6 km one way, 60 m elevation gain.
Single trackset
A beautiful trail, the Fairview runs through sections of open
clearings and snow-draped woods. It’s also possible to make
a 7.5 km loop (160 m total elevation gain) using the Fairview
trail, the Moraine Lake Road and the Tramline trail: the
recommended direction is counter-clockwise.
3
Tramline
4.8 km one way, 195 m elevation gain.
Double trackset
This trail runs from valley bottom to Lake Louise at a steady 3%
rise, following the old grade of the tramline that once connected
the train station and the Chateau Lake Louise.
4
4
4
Lake Louise Loop
4.1 km loop, 15 m elevation gain.
Double trackset
This loops features a wide open trail across frozen Lake Louise,
followed by a fun “up & down” trip back through the woods –
just 100 metres uphill from the lakeshore walking path. Use
the Fairview – Lake Louise Connector trail to ski directly from
the parking lot onto the lake. Tracksetting ends at the back of
the lake, as the trail up the valley crosses large avalanche paths.
5
5
5
5
Upper Telemark
1.4 km one way (65 m elevation loss).
Double trackset
This trail has several steep and technically demanding hills. If
you nd them too imposing, they can be avoided by taking the
“Hillside” bypass. Start in front of the Chateau Lake Louise as if
going to Lake Agnes, then turn right onto trail #5. Once up and
behind the Chateau, ski steeply down to the Great Divide and
Lower Telemark trails.
6
6
Great Divide or “Old 1A”
20 km return, 60 m elevation loss.
Double trackset with skating lane
Mostly at, but trending gently downhill, this trail takes you
to the “Great Divide” – the BC / Alberta border at km 7. From
here, you can continue into Yoho National Park another 3.5 km
(irregular grooming) to the Lake O’Hara parking lot.
7
7
Peyto
2.2 km one way, 45m elevation loss.
Double trackset
The trail starts at the upper Deer Lodge parking lot, and
connects skiers to the Great Divide and Lower Telemark trails
on a gentler grade than trail #5.
8
Lower Telemark
4.0 km one way (110 m elevation loss).
Double trackset
Park at Great Divide trailhead, ski 700 metres, and turn right at
the #8 trail sign. After 4.0 km of twists and turns, exit back onto
the Great Divide trail, and turn left to return to your vehicle.
9
9
Bow River Loop
6.6 km or shorter versions of the loop, no elevation gain.
Single trackset
Mostly at, following the river. To start, park near the Station
Restaurant or just past the campground kiosk, or use the
connecting trail from the Post Hotel or the Samson Mall. This
is a multi-use trail.
10
Campground Loop
2.2 km outer loop, 15 m elevation gain.
Double trackset with skating lane
This trail loops around and through the campground on gentle
terrain. For access, park just past the campground kiosk.
11
Townsite
0.7 km one way, no elevation gain.
Double trackset
This short trail provides access to the northwest end of Village
Road, near all the village hotels.
20
Pipestone Loop
13.3 km loop, 190m elevation gain.
Single trackset
Watch for the occasional tight corner and be cautious on
the hills. The recommended direction for the outer loop is
counter-clockwise.
21
Hector
3.0 km one way, 95 m elevation gain.
Single trackset
This trail features good views at both a major re protection
clearing and tranquil Pipestone Pond.
22
Drummond
2.7 km one way, 24 m elevation loss.
Single trackset
If you need a breather, this is the only at trail in the Pipestone
trail system.
23
Merlin
2.3 km one way, 55 m elevation gain.
Single trackset
Watch for the old pioneer log cabins along this leg of the
Pipestone.
TRAILS ON THE BOW VALLEY PARKWAY
(See Map C)
12
Baker Creek to Protection Mountain
Campground
3.5 km one way, no elevation gain.
Single trackset
This trail, (labelled “#2” on site), runs parallel to the parkway,
and starts across the road from the Baker Creek Chalets.
12a
Protection Mountain Campground
to Castle Mountain Lookout
6.4 km one way, 15 m elevation gain.
Single trackset.
This new single track set trail links the two existing cross
country ski trails on the Bow Valley Parkway. Travel this unique
path to discover a new perspective on the original auto-route
through Banff National Park.
13
Castle Junction
8.7 km of trails, 31 m elevation gain.
Single trackset
The trail runs from Castle Mountain Lookout to Castle Junction.
At the junction, a series of interconnected single track set trails
wind through spruce forest.
Hiking and Snowshoeing Trails
TRAILS IN LAKE LOUISE (See Map A)
14
Lake Louise Lakeshore
4 km return, no elevation gain.
Starting in front of the Chateau Lake Louise, this trail features
classic views and at lake’s end, a 100 m tall frozen waterfall.
15
Fairview Lookout
2 km return, 100 m elevation gain.
This steep trail ends at a viewpoint overlooking historic Chateau
Lake Louise. Start by facing the Lake at the World Heritage Site
rock. Look left and follow the trail signs for Fairview Lookout.
Warning: return via the same path; the loop option is not safe in
the winter due to avalanches.
16
Louise Creek
5.6 km return, 195 m elevation gain.
This is the best pedestrian option from the village to the lake.
From Samson Mall, walk along Lake Louise Drive to the Bow
River bridge. Cross and look for the trailhead on the downstream
(south) side of the bridge.
17
“Highline” Trail to Paradise Creek
9 km return, 60 m elevation gain.
An excellent snowshoeing option. The trailhead is the same
as Fairview Lookout, but at the Lookout turnoff, continue for
another 40 metres on the main trail then turn left when you see
the horse trail sign.
Avalanche risk: rated as Simple Class 1 terrain – at km 1, the
trail crosses the runout zone of an avalanche path which rarely
runs.
18
Mirror Lake, via Lake Agnes hiking trail
5.4 km return, 295 m elevation gain.
From the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, follow the main Lake
Agnes trail as it rises through the forest. Sections of this portion
of the trail cross avalanche terrain.
Avalanche risk: Beyond Mirror Lake, the trail is rated as
Challenging Class 2 terrain for avalanche exposure and travel
requires appropriate training and equipment.
19
Taylor Lake (map C)
12.6 km return, 585 m elevation gain.
This challenging trail ends in a scenic hanging valley below
Mount Bell. Start at the parking lot 18 km east of Lake Louise
or 8 km west of Castle Junction on the Trans-Canada Highway.
Warning: Connecting trails to O’Brien Lake or Panorama Ridge
take you into avalanche terrain.
26
Laggan’s Loop
1 km loop, 50 m elevation gain
Head up the Mirror Lake trail approximately 60m on the right
On the sunny side of Lake Louise, gaining elevation along the
‘benches’ of the Little Beehive, trek through the mature sub-
alpine forest and explore the quiet serenity.
TRAILS IN BOW SUMMIT AREA ON
ICEFIELDS PARKWAY #93N (See Map B)
24
Peyto Lake viewpoint
1.5 km return, 25 m elevation gain.
From the parking lot there are two loops. Start by following
either the unplowed upper road or take the ofcial trail from the
north end of the parking lot. From the viewpoint, a second loop
runs through gladed forest.
25
Bow Lake Meadows
8 km return, 80 m elevation gain.
Park near NumTiJah Lodge. From the lot, snowshoe past the
lodge for about 150 metres and then turn north on the old horse
trail into the meadows. This trail is difcult to nd once it’s
snow covered, so expect to nd your own route and break trail.
Trail Classification
Novice
• Suitable for any type of visitor.
• Little or no elevation gain or loss.
Easy
• Suitable for any type of visitor.
• Little or no elevation gain or loss.
More Difficult
• Suitable for most visitors with some experience
and at least an average level of tness.
• May experience moderate elevation gain with
some short steep sections.
Most Difficult
• Suitable for experienced visitors with above average
level of tness.
• May experience major elevation gain with long
steep sections.
*Note: Easy and moderate trails can become difcult
trails due to weather change, icy conditions and poor
visibility.
Wildlife
Winter offers a unique glimpse at wildlife because prints in
the snow reveal the story of their movements. Learn how
to identify a few tracks and nd out whose habitat you’re
sharing.
It’s a challenge for wildlife to survive through a Rocky
Mountain winter, but you can help make it easier. Give
wildlife lots of space and resist the urge to approach.
Observe animals from a distance with binoculars or a
telephoto lens.
Lynx
Wolf
eer
Hare
Elk
D
You Are In A Special Place
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
Safety is your responsibility. There are always hazards involved
with outdoor recreational activities, especially during the
winter. Be prepared. Even short trips around the village of Lake
Louise can have serious consequences. Minimize your risk by
planning ahead.
• Ask for advice at the Lake Louise Visitor Centre regarding
current trail conditions, weather and trail classications.
• Check the trail reports online pc.gc.ca/trails. The trail
report is updated as conditions change, rates their overall
condition as well as lists warnings and closures; cross
country ski trails include a grooming report.
• Study trail descriptions and maps before starting out and
always choose a trail suitable for the least experienced
member in your group.
• Tell somebody where you’re going, when you will be back
and who to call if you don’t return.
• Be prepared for emergencies and unexpected changes in
weather.
AVALANCHES:
You don’t need to venture far to be in avalanche terrain.
Avalanche hazard begins in November and persists through
May. Designated winter trails follow portions of summer hiking
trails but not all sign-posted destinations are safe for winter
travel. If you are planning to travel in areas beyond the trails
described in this publication, you may be in avalanche terrain.
Make sure you have the appropriate knowledge, skills and
rescue equipment when travelling in backcountry terrain.
For information about a trail you’re considering, contact a
Parks Canada Visitor Centre and visit pc.gc.ca/avalanche
and avalanche.ca for ratings, maps, and forecasting tools.
TRAIL ETIQUETTE:
• Do not walk or snowshoe on ski tracks, travel beside them
• When climbing, please yield the right of way to descending
skiers
• Keep to the right when meeting oncoming skiers
• When taking a break or if you fall, move off the trail as
quickly as possible
• When passing say “track please” and pass on left side
• Leave no trace. Pack out all garbage.
DOGS:
If you are planning to take your dog out on the trail, please
respect the following:
• Dogs must be kept on leash and under control at all
times. Dogs can add stress to wildlife; just the sight of
a dog can remind some animals of predators like wolves
and coyotes.
• Pick up after your dog and use the waste bins provided.
• Dogs must stay on the far outer edge of track set and
groomed trails.
• Dogs are not allowed on the following groomed ski trails:
(1) Moraine Lake Road, (2) Fairview, (3) Tramline,
(5) Upper Telemark (6) Great Divide, (7) Peyto and
(8) Lower Telemark.
Contact Information
PARKS CANADA LAKE LOUISE VISITOR CENTRE
201 Village Road, Samson Mall, Lake Louise Village
Winter hours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Thursday to Sunday
403-522-3833
pc.gc.ca/banff
Environment Canada Weather Forecast: 403-762-2088
Alberta Transportation Road Report: 511 (in Alberta)
or Out-of-Alberta 1-855-391-9743
BC Road Report: 1.800.550.4997
Avalanche Bulletin: avalanche.ca
Attractions: Banff Lake Louise Tourism, 403-762-8421
banfakelouise.com
EMERGENCY
In case of emergency, call 911 or
Banff Dispatch 403-762-4506
Cell and satellite phones are not always reliable throughout
the park.
© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada
Winter Trails in the Lake Louise Area.
Catalogue No: R64-372/2015E
ISBN: 978-1-100-25744-0
Également offert en français
Mount Niblock
2976 m
9764‘
Mount Whyte
2983 m
9787´
Devil’s Thumb
2458 m
8065´
Little Beehive
2225 m
7300´
Sheol Mountain
2776 m
9108´
Haddo Peak
3070 m
10073´
Mount Aberdeen
3152 m
10342´
Saddle Mountain
2433 m
7983´
Fairview Mountain
2744 m
9003´
Mount St. Piran
2649 m
8691‘
Big Beehive
2270 m
7448´
LAKE LOUISE
SKI AREA
Fish Creek to
Skoki Backcountry
VILLAGE
OF LAKE
LOUISE
VILLAGE
OF LAKE
LOUISE
Chateau
Lake Louise
Chateau
Lake Louise
5
Banff
Banff
Jasper
Field
G R E A T D I V I D E
ALBERTA
BRITISH COLUMBIA
0
0 1
2
Kilometres
Miles
Lake O'Hara
Parking Lot
LAKE LOUISE
BOW
RIVER
River
Louise
Creek
Pipestone
Paradise
Creek
Lake Agnes
Mirror
Lake
Mud
Lake
Herbert
Lake
Pipestone
Pond
Bath
Creek
1A
1A
93
93
Add hiking trail dots from the
Warden Station symbol near the
end of Sheol Road to connect with
the pedestrian overpass over the
Trans-Canada Highway (shows
that you can walk or ski from
village over the highway using the
pedestrian overpass and connects
to Pipestone Trail.
20
20
20
20
20
7
4
2
17
18
5
6
6
5
7
8
8
8
6
2
4
4
15
14
23
22
22
21
21
3
16
16
3
3
1
1
10
10
9
9
9
11
9
9
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this guide with others.
BOW LAKE
PEYTO LAKE
Observation Peak
3174 m
10414´
Jasper
Lake Louise
Mount
Jimmy Simpson
2966 m
9730´
Mount Thompson
3084 m
10119´
24
25
93
93
0
10
2
Kilometres
Miles
5
7
7
4
14
4
15
2
3
16
6
8
5
4
7
LAKE
LOUISE
Chateau
Lake
Louise
Deer
Lodge
26
26
Baker Creek Chalets
Lake Louise
Radium Hot Springs
0 5
Kilometres
Miles
0 3
Rockbound
Lake
Tower
Lake
Castle Mountain
2766 m
9076’
Castle
Junction
Castle Mountain
Lookout
BOW
RIVER
1A
13
Smith
Lake
Taylor
Lake
1A
93
19
Banff
12
12a
Cross-Country Ski Trails
TRAILS IN LAKE LOUISE
1
1
Moraine Lake Road (map A)
15.6 km return, 250 m elevation gain. Double trackset with
skating lane.
2
2
Fairview (map A)
4.6 km one way, 60 m elevation gain. Single trackset.
3
Tramline (map A)
4.8 km one way, 195 m elevation gain. Double trackset.
4
4
4
Lake Louise Loop (map A)
4.1 km loop, 15 m elevation gain. Double trackset.
5
5
5
5
Upper Telemark (map A)
1.4 km one way, 65 m elevation loss. Double trackset.
6
6
Great Divide or “Old 1A” (map A)
20 km return, 60 m elevation loss. Double trackset with
skating lane.
7
7
Peyto (map A)
2.2 km one way, 45 m elevation loss. Double trackset.
8
Lower Telemark (map A)
4.0 km one way, 110 m elevation loss. Double trackset.
9
9
Bow River Loop (map A)
6.6 km or shorter versions of the loop, no elevation gain.
Single trackset.
10
Campground Loop (map A)
2.2 km outer loop, 15 m elevation gain. Double trackset
with skating lane.
11
Townsite (map A)
0.7 km one way, no elevation gain. Double trackset.
20
Pipestone Loop (map A)
13.3 km loop, 190 m elevation gain. Single trackset.
21
Hector (map A)
3.0 km one way, 95 m elevation gain. Single trackset.
22
Drummond (map A)
2.7 km one way, 24 m elevation loss. Single trackset.
23
Merlin (map A)
2.3 km one way, 55 m elevation gain. Single trackset.
TRAILS ON THE BOW VALLEY PARKWAY
12
Baker Creek to Protection Mountain
Campground (map C)
3.5 km one way, no elevation gain. Single trackset.
12a
Protection Mountain Campground
to Castle Mountain Lookout (map C)
6.4 km one way, 15 m elevation gain. Single trackset.
13
Castle Junction (map C)
8.7 km of trails, 31 m elevation gain. Single trackset.
Hiking and
Snowshoeing Trails
TRAILS NEAR LAKE LOUISE
14
Lake Louise Lakeshore (map A)
4 km return, no elevation gain.
15
Fairview Lookout (map A)
2 km return, 100 m elevation gain.
16
Louise Creek (map A)
5.6 km return, 195 m elevation gain.
17
“Highline” Trail to Paradise Creek (map A)
9 km return, 60 m elevation gain.
18
Mirror Lake, via Lake Agnes hiking trail
(map A) 5.4 km return, 295 m elevation gain.
19
Taylor Lake (map C)
12.6 km return, 585 m elevation gain.
26
Laggan’s Loop (small inset)
1 km loop, 50 m elevation gain.
TRAILS IN BOW SUMMIT AREA
ON ICEFIELDS PARKWAY #93N
24
Peyto Lake viewpoint (map B)
1.5 km return, 25 m elevation gain.
25
Bow Lake Meadows (map B)
8 km return, 80 m elevation gain.
Legend
Ski Trails
Novice
Novice Track & Skating
Easy
Easy Track & Skating
More Difficult
Most Difficult
Hiking/Snowshoe Trails
Parks Canada Visitor Centre
Warden Office
Viewpoint
Pedestrian Overpass
Downhill Ski Area
RV Campground
Parking
Washroom/Privy
No Dogs
MAP A
VILLAGE OF
LAKE LOUISE
MAP B
BOW LAKE
AREA
CHATEAU
AREA
5
MAP C
BOW VALLEY AREA
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