Lake Agnes Tea House

A historic tea house at 2,135 m (7,005 ft) on the eastern shore of Lake Agnes, one of two original CPR tea houses at Lake Louise. Built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1901 as a refuge for hikers, it is the highest-operating tea house in Canada and one of the most popular hikes in Banff National Park.

History

The lake is named after Lady Susan Agnes Macdonald, second wife of Sir John A. Macdonald. In 1886, after the Canadian Pacific Railway reached the Rockies, Lady Agnes toured the line and famously rode atop the cowcatcher for stretches to take in the view. When she visited the hanging valley above Lake Louise, she was so taken by the emerald tarn that railway officials named it in her honour. Local lore sometimes credits a “second Agnes,” Agnes Knox, a noted public speaker who visited around 1890; Lady Macdonald remains the primary namesake.

By the late 1800s the CPR was marketing the Rockies as “The Canadian Alps” to attract wealthy tourists. In 1901 the railway built a rustic log cabin at Lake Agnes as a shelter for hikers; part of a strategy to keep guests at the Chateau Lake Louise for weeks rather than days. In 1905 the CPR began serving loose-leaf tea and light refreshments; Lake Agnes became the oldest tea house in Canada and started a tradition of alpine tea that has run unbroken for over a century. The Swiss guides and Edward Feuz Jr. developed the trail network; the Highline Trail connects Lake Agnes to the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House.

By 1981 the original 1901 cabin had weathered 80 years of subalpine winters. It was carefully dismantled and rebuilt to modern standards; the builders kept the original windows, tables, and chairs. When you sit down for tea today, you may be using furniture from the turn of the century. In the mid-20th century the CPR began divesting its smaller backcountry operations. The tea house has been independently owned by local families since then; staff still hike the trail daily with fresh supplies, maintaining a way of life that has almost vanished elsewhere in North America.

The hike

Trailhead at the Chateau Lake Louise lakeshore. 3.4–3.8 km one way, 385–495 m elevation gain, 7 km round-trip. Moderate difficulty; 3–5 hours. At approx. 2.6 km, Mirror Lake; a circular tarn reflecting the Big Beehive; serves as a resting point; the trail splits (right to tea house switchbacks, left for the horse trail). Final approach: steep wooden stairs adjacent to the Lake Agnes waterfall. See the Lake Agnes Trail for a full guide including 2026 logistics, extensions, and photography tips. For stats and nearby trails, see the summer trail page.

Operational philosophy

No electricity or running water; all tasks by hand. The tea house usually operates seasonally from early summer into fall, but current dates and hours should be confirmed directly before planning around service. Bakers start early for fresh oatmeal brown bread, tea biscuits, and mountain treats. Fresh supplies are hiked in by staff; heavy dry goods arrive by helicopter resupply at season start. Staff carry garbage and recycling down on descents.

Menu

The menu is known for loose-leaf teas, Lake Agnes Signature Tea, oatmeal brown bread, tea biscuits with jam, sandwiches, and homemade soups. Payment options, prices, and menu items can change; confirm current details directly. Water is drawn from Lake Agnes, treated, and boiled before service.

Crowds

One of the busiest hikes in the Lake Louise area; queues can form early on peak days. Consider the “Tea House Challenge” loop: start early at Lake Agnes, traverse to the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House via the Highline Trail. See Lake Louise Tea House System for waste management, access, and planning.