Day 2 (Wednesday) started early so we could park at the lake of Lake Louise. We got there about 9:15 am, with few spaces left at the parking lot. The viewing area on the eastern shore of the lake, by the Fairmount Lake Louise, was already mobbed.

We started along Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail but decided to escape the major part of the mob and hike to Lake Agnes and the Lake Agnes teahouse instead. The roundtrip is 7 km (4.5 miles) with an elevation gain of 400 m (1300 ft) to an elevation of 2135 m (7005 ft). The route also goes past Mirror Lake and the impressive Beehive mountain.

View on the way up.

The path was a steady and mild grade up to Mirror Lake.

Our first real stop was Mirror Lake. That’s Big Beehive on the left.

Another shot of Big Beehive.

The gang at Mirror Lake.

There were a few switchbacks getting to Lake Agnes, but again nothing steep. A glimpse of the waterfall by Lake Agnes.

Closer to our goal.

Almost at the Teahouse.

Lake Agnes was crowded as well, but nothing compared to Lake Louise. The teahouse had both indoor and outdoor seating, and we snagged an indoor table. We had wraps and tea and lemonade. By the way, the crew packs the food up and the garbage down. After lunch we headed back down.

Lake Agnes.

The teahouse.

On the way down, we marveled at the color of Lake Louise.

The Fairmount.

Next we drove to Lake Louise Ski Area north of the town of Lake Louise. We took gondola/chairlift to the top (both are on the same line and the rider can choose). We wandered around a little. The initial plan was to walk to one or both of the two lookout trails, but we were tired and the views were dimmed by smoke anyway. We did walk a little (through the bear electric fence around the viewing area) up one to the left looking at the mountain.

On the way up. So green with streams here and there.

Lake Louise from the lift.

After coming back down, we drove to Canmore, did more shopping, and made chicken with fennel and onion and lemon for dinner.