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Lake Agnes Tea House
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
Lake Louise224 Banff Ave
Banff, AB T1L 1K5
(403) 762-1550
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
7 reviews for Lake Agnes Tea House
7 reviews in English
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Review from Eric B.
6/6/2011
Getting here is half the fun! It was a glorious Fall day when I took the loop from Lake Louise to Lake Agnes (and the Tea House), and onwards to the Plain-of-Six Glaciers (and another Tea House) and back down. I'm also a fast hiker (even at this altitude) and was back from this 8.5 mile hike well before the suggested days journey.
Lake Agnes was named in honour of Lady Agnes Macdonald, second wife of Canada 's first prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald. Lady Agnes visited the small lake in 1886, and her words, "This is lovely!" still ring true today. Hikers are treated to a mixture of trail that begins in old-growth forest of spruce and fir before leading to an open view of the waters below (the magical blue of glacier-fed Lake Louise). Further up the trail, slightly less than one kilometre from the teahouse, Mirror Lake appears offering a nice view. The "Beehive" looms above and the waterfall from Lake Agnes is a nice photograph. The trail continues up the right side of the waterfall, and leads to the rustic and happily busy teahouse.
My hike was very enjoyable, drop dead gorgeous in many spots, and offered wonderful Tea House hospitality. The prices are a little higher, but considering what it takes to keep one of these seasonal places running, it's still a great value for the money. Don't forget your layers as weather conditions rapidly changed during my sojourn. -
Review from Monica K.
North York, ON
3/17/2011 14 photos
I LOVE THIS PLACE!
Lake Agnes Tea House is another one of the primary reasons why I love Alberta so much. I enjoyed the experience so much, I did it twice. Mind you I was exceptionally out of shape this summer, so the hike was a very difficult one for me, albeit it wasn't even a difficult track. It was very embarrassing to see little kids, mothers with strollers (yes... a stroller) and even people in their mid-sixties run/speed-walk past me...
However, the whole experience was extremely rewarding. There are at least two stops to make on the way up, one for The Mirror Lake and one for the small Waterfall. At the very top sits a really adorable Tea House, which always seems to be pretty busy. Tea is another thing I am very fond of, and Lake Agnes Tea House had a surprisingly large selection. Choosing one is definitely a hit or miss but the ones I tried were super good. Though I really wish I could remember the names... It might also be good to know that they ONLY ACCEPT CASH! Of course... and they most definitely don't have wifi... which in this case is a GOOD thing. Enjoy the view, enjoy the company, enjoy the tea, and fall in love with the experience.
They also have cold drinks, soups, sandwiches, and snacks, but it's called a Tea House for a reason. The tea is best and the price for it is definitely reasonable for the unique experience in a beautiful place like this one. Also, there are sooo many golden-mantled ground squirrels up there (cute little chipmunk-like creatures). They get pretty close to you and one of them even nibbled on my friend's toes. Om nom nom nom nom! Don't fear, they're harmless unless you really piss them off!
Interesting fact: They bring up all the supplies about once a week on horses and no the staff do not have to hike up and down the mountain to get to work every day. They have a separate lodging area up there where they stay for the week or so. -
Review from Greg G.
10/29/2009
Despite it being closed, it's getting a 5 star review.
My only beef is the valet parking. I had to walk a few kilometers uphill (one way luckily), as the road was too narrow to drive up. It was October, and the trail was icy. Still, my dad and I hiked up despite the repeated spills and freezing weather.
At the top, the view was priceless. The teahouse itself was beautiful, and the boarded windows matched the decor. I brought a sandwich from the deli back at the Fairmont, and one of the customers attacked me and stole a piece of it. He flew away and was never seen again.
I documented this.
http://www.facebook.co...
I recommend the hike to anyone, be it off-season or on. -
Review from Trevor E.
Calgary, AB
8/9/2010
Aside from its location and its decent tea, the tea house doesn't have much else going for it.
When we went it was quite busy and at least 45 minutes to get a server to stop and ask out orders.
The tea was quite nice, but the hot chocolate and stale cookies were not worth the wait.
Consider the tea house only as a place to relax after the hike rather than a place to consume food and drink. -
Review from T C.
Lloydminster, AB
5/2/2010 3 photos
So So Pretty!
A great spot to rest before continuing on the climb up to the Big Beehive. -
Review from Jacquee p.
8/8/2008
After a long hike up the mountain from Lake Louise and the Fairmont you come to this oasis of a clear lake and the most amazing view.
The tea house was super crowded when we went and you have to wait for a seat on a log stool or at a picnic table.
We were so hungry from the hike that we had practically everything on the menu:
apricot tea
biscuits with honey butter
scones
cookies
tuna sandwich
pb&j sandwich
And it was all well executed for being in such a remote place! The staff has to pack everything in and out everyday! Snaps all around for the staff!
BEWARE: The squirrels are totally cute and small and furry but they are aggressive! They will jump onto your table and take a scone like it was theirs to begin with. Nevermind the cash that you put out for that, you are in their hood and they will take what they want! -
Review from Ginny M.
7/11/2009
Now who could give a teahouse in the middle of a hike less then 5 stars. The view, the babbling brook, the lake, and hot tea. We also had an apple crumble which was sweet and delicious with the tea. The staff is very friendly and this was a great place for a break before the hike continues to the Big Beehive.
