Laggan's Loop

Laggan’s Loop is an ideal "warm-up" winter trail at Lake Louise, perfect for those wanting to escape the crowded lakeshore and enter the quiet, snow-draped forest without committing to high-risk avalanche terrain.

Trail Specifications

• Distance: 1.0 km (0.6 miles) loop.
• Elevation Gain: 35 meters (115 feet).
• Average Time: 20–30 minutes in winter conditions.
• Difficulty: Easy (Green Circle).

Terrain & Direction

Laggan’s Loop (Trail #11) is a gentle forested circuit located just above the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

• Route: Start at the Lake Agnes/Mirror Lake trailhead. After about 200m, veer right following the signs for Laggan's Loop.
• Recommended Direction: Counter-Clockwise. Complete the steady climb through thick forest first, then enjoy "peek-a-boo" views of the Chateau and Victoria Glacier on the way back.

Gear Guide

• Ice Cleats/Microspikes: Prefer these 90% of the time. The trail is usually hard-packed and polished by heavy traffic.
• Snowshoes: Use these within 24–48 hours of a major snowfall (10cm+) or if you want to step off-trail into deep snow for photos.

Safety & Avalanche Awareness

Laggan’s Loop is Class 1 (Simple) Avalanche Terrain—one of the safest winter options in the area.

• No-Go Zones: Do not proceed past the back of Lake Louise toward the Plain of Six Glaciers teahouse, or past Mirror Lake toward Lake Agnes teahouse. These are Class 2/3 avalanche terrain in winter.

Scenic Highlights

• Victoria Glacier: Best viewed from the frozen center of Lake Louise before or after your hike.
• Fairmont Chateau: Capture the "castle" shot from the start of the loop where the trail overlooks the hotel's roofline.