Fairview Mountain
Lake Louise Lakeshore Area
Summit at 2,744 m via Saddleback Pass. Steep talus and scree above the pass; false summits on final ridge. North face is vertical cliffs; return the way you came. Golden larch late Sept; traction, layers, poles for shoulder season. Bear spray mandatory.
Read the full guide in the Encyclopedia
A true "hiker's summit." Standing at 2,744 m, the top of Mt. Fairview provides a 360-degree panorama that includes the entire Lake Louise valley, the Bow Valley, and the icefields to the north.
The Route Experience
After reaching Saddleback Pass, the trail turns sharply upward. The final 400m of elevation gain is over steep scree and talus. There is no technical climbing, but it is a grueling physical test.
- The False Summits: Be prepared for several "false summits" before you reach the true top.
- The View: Looking straight down 1,000m to the turquoise dot of Lake Louise is an unforgettable experience.
Safety & Warnings
- Weather: Conditions at the summit can be 10-15°C colder than at the lake. Snow can fall here in any month.
- Trekking Poles: Essential for the descent over loose rock to save your knees and prevent slips.
Photography Tips
- The 360 Panorama: Use your phone's panorama mode to capture the full scale of the Rockies.
- Summit Cairn: The classic "I made it" shot with the summit register or cairn.