Lake Annette

Start the Lake Annette trek in the Paradise Creek parking lot, keeping in mind that this lot can fill up by 9 am in summer, so make sure to get there early. Additionally, there are often hiking restrictions due to bears, and thus you may be required by Parks Canada to hike in a group of at least four in Paradise Valley and the Valley of Ten Peaks. If you don’t already have the minimum group requirement, just wait by the entrance to the trail to link up with other hikers.

Leave the parking lot by the well-defined path. Continue on this route through the fragrant forest along Paradise Creek. Here, you will get small glimpses of the beautiful mountains that are awaiting you. After 3.5mi and 761ft of elevation gain, you will reach the top of the crest which includes a stunning view of Lake Annette with Mount Temple rising from its stunning azure waters. We’ve yet to see a photo that has done this view justice, so take a break and enjoy the scenery – and if you’re brave, take a swim!

Turn your attention up the valley to engulf the views that will continue to unfold. From here, you can opt to venture onwards, eventually reaching the Giant Steps Waterfalls. To get to the Giant Steps, continue through the forest, crossing the river multiple times, each time with more spectacular views of the head of the Paradise Valley and surrounding mountains. At 5.7mi (6867ft) head right and downhill towards Giant Steps, reaching these marvels at 6.2mi (6755ft). This is a great place to have lunch, and there are many wonderful views to savor.

Return back from Lake Annette the way you came, making sure to soak up all the varying views you didn’t see on the way up!

Want to find more amazing Lake Louise hikes? Check out the Plain of the 6 Glaciers, Sentinel Pass, Morraine Lake or the Skoki Lakes hike.