have walked to the end of the lake but you can carry on and go to a tea house. is it a difficult hike (i.e. a lot of uphill) and what is the tea house like? unique experience and worth the 10K hike? thanks.

I have walked from Lake Louise past the tea house to the end of the trail twice. The tea house is ok, slightly expensive because the supply line is human powered.<BR>The food was good, and substantial.<BR>But certainly the tea house is a minor attraction because the walk itself is incredible.<BR>Is it worth it? What kind of a hiker are you? My curiosity is raised if you feel sthe need to ask about a measly 11K walk that only gains 1200 feet in 5.4 K. <BR><BR>Might the hike be too much for you? <BR><BR>The trail leads directly west as it skirts the north shore of the lake and terminates at the east wall of Mt. Victoria. There are views of the Victoria Glacier all along the route.<BR><BR>Once you reach the end of the lateral moraine beyond the tea house, you go no farther without rock climbing skills and/or glacier traversing skills and equipment == e.g. ice axe, crampons, rope, skilled partner.<BR><BR>The normal trail is without challenge other than the uphill part.<BR><BR>There is another tea house up at the Lake Agnes trail junction, but it is 1,300 feet of climb in a shorter distance. <BR><BR>I do suggest sturdy footgear if you go.<BR>

Sue,<BR><BR>We hiked up there 2 summers ago. It was a long uphill hike, but the trail is wide and paved, at least most of the way. Yes, it is kind of strenuous, but the views are great up there. Along the way, you can stop and rest and look out over the lake, and mountains. It takes awhile to get up there, - maybe 45 minutes or so. The little tea house is a small little cafe that serves pretty good food. You'll end up eating outside on the porch, becuz it gets crowded. Can be cool up there, take a jacket. <BR><BR>There is another smaller lake up there near the tea house. Very pretty setting. Go early so you beat the crowds. Wear layers. You'll be hot, then cold, etc. Bring your camera and water. Eat a good breakfast before you go. I was 47, not athletic, with rheumatoid arthritis in my feet. I had no problems, just walk slower. <BR><BR>Enjoy.

I would *definitely* recommend you try this hike, & getting to one of the tea houses. This hike was my (& my husband's) favorite during our Rockies trip there! And, the tea houses *did* have something to do w/that, too. Thought they made the hike quite unique! <BR><BR>It's been a while since I did the hike, but will write more later, when I have time to add details. One factor though is when you are making your trip...the teahouses close for the season, from what I gather, when the first real snow hits. (usually sometime in Sept. from what I hear) <BR><BR>So, that might be a factor for you.

It closed on Monday the 21st of Sept this year. We were there on the 19th<BR><BR>Ron