Excursions

As part of IPICS 2026, we are offering three choices of excursions to Lake Louise through White Mountain Adventures on Thursday, October 15. The price of the excursion is included in the IPICS registration fee.

Option 1: Lake Louise Lakeshore Guided Walk at Lake Louise 

The path begins at the front of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, where the lake’s turquoise water stretches out toward glacier-clad peaks. The trail is wide, flat, and well -maintained, following the northern shoreline of the lake. It’s perfect for families, casual walkers, or anyone looking for postcard-worthy scenery without a strenuous climb. At the far end of the lake, you’ll reach the delta where glacial meltwater flows in, often creating braided streams over grey silt. The return walk offers a new perspective, with the grand Chateau framed against the shimmering lake. The Fairview Lookout trail begins at the boat dock area on the south side of the lake. Immediately, the path enters dense spruce forest and begins a short but steady uphill climb. At the top, you emerge onto a wooden platform with a spectacular elevated view of the historic chateau on the lake.

Duration: Full day (5-6 hours including transportation) 

What to Bring: Comfortable hiking shoes, layered clothing, water, camera. A box lunch is provided.

  • 9:15 WMA Guide Spot Time Banff Centre Professional Development Centre

  • 9:30 Meet group, waivers, board vans for Lake Louise

  • 10:30 Arrive Lake Louise, begin guided Lakeshore stroll

  • 11:30 Return to start, begin Fairview Lookout guided hike

  • 12:30 Board vans for return to Banff

  • 13:00 Stop at Coral Creek on Bow Valley Parkway to enjoy hiker's lunches

  • 13:45 Continue return shuttle to Banff

  • 14:30 Arrive Banff, end of program

Option 2: Guided Lake Agnes Teahouse Hike Including Return Transportation from Banff 

Discover the magic of Lake Louise on this full-day guided hiking adventure to Lake Agnes, one of Banff National Park’s most beloved alpine lakes. With round-trip transportation provided from Banff, you can relax and enjoy the scenic journey into the Canadian Rockies while your professional interpretive guide shares stories of the region’s history, wildlife, and geology. Your hike begins at the world-famous Lake Louise lakeshore, a turquoise jewel framed by soaring mountain peaks and glaciers. From there, you’ll ascend a well-maintained forest trail, gradually climbing through lush subalpine forest. Along the way, your guide will interpret the natural surroundings, pointing out native plants, wildlife habitats, and traces of the area’s fascinating cultural past. After approximately 3.5 km of hiking (with 400 meters of elevation gain), you’ll arrive at Lake Agnes, a serene mountain lake nestled beneath jagged peaks. Here you can enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Niblock and Mount Whyte, and if open, stop for a refreshment at the historic Lake Agnes Tea House — a rustic alpine lodge that has been welcoming hikers since 1905. Following time to rest, explore, and take in the alpine scenery, the group will hike back down to Lake Louise, where your return transportation to Banff awaits. 

Duration: Full day (6-7 hours including transportation) 

What to Bring: Comfortable hiking shoes, layered clothing, water, lunch /snacks (Tea House purchases cash only), camera. A box lunch is provided.

  • 9:00 WMA Guide Spot Time Banff Centre Professional Development Centre

  • 9:15 Meet group, waivers, board vans for Lake Louise

  • 10:15 Arrive Lake Louise, begin hike to Lake Agnes

  • 12:15 Arrive Lake Agnes, enjoy hiker's lunch lakeshore

  • 13:00 Begin return hike to parking area

  • 14:30 Board vans for return to Banff

  • 15:30 Arrive Banff, end of program

Option 3: Plain of 6 Glaciers Guided Hike at Lake Louise 

Your adventure begins at the iconic turquoise waters of Lake Louise, ringed by dense spruce -fir forest and overshadowed by the majestic Victoria Glacier. The trail initially follows the lake’s northern shoreline on a wide, packed path . At the far western end of the lake, the gravel path narrows and begins a gentle but steady incline. The trail becomes rockier as you traverse beneath Mount Lefroy and Mount Victoria. The landscape is raw and rugged — alpine terrain shaped by relentless glacial erosion. As you gain elevation, the views behind you open dramatically: Lake Louise shrinks into a jewel-like dot framed by forest and the Chateau. After several switchbacks, you arrive at the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House, a historic log cabin built by Swiss guides in 1924. It’s a welcome rest spot before the final push, offering hot drinks, simple meals, and unbeatable scenery. (Note: cash recommended, as they operate with limited resources.) From the tea house (typically closed by Oct 15, but still a nice stop for the hiker’s lunch included) the trail continues another 1.5 km through scree and moraine. This section feels truly alpine — minimal vegetation, cool winds funneling off the ice, and vistas that grow more dramatic with every step.  The final viewpoint sits on a rocky rise with sweeping views of the 6ix glaciers for which this iconic trail is named. 

Duration: Full day (7-8 hours including transportation) 

What to Bring: Comfortable hiking shoes, layered clothing, water, lunch /snacks (Tea House purchases cash only), camera. A box lunch is provided.

  • 8:30 WMA Guide Spot Time Banff Centre Professional Development Centre

  • 8:45 Meet group, waivers, board vans for Lake Louise

  • 9:45 Arrive Lake Louise, begin hike to Plain of 6 Glaciers

  • 12:15 Arrive P6 viewpoint, enjoy hiker's lunch lakeshore

  • 13:00 Begin return hike to parking area

  • 15:30 Board vans for return to Banff

  • 16:30 Arrive Banff, end of program