Mount Fairview Summit hike
View PhotosMount Fairview Summit hike
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Get the complete Lake Louise experience from the summit of Mount Fairview. This trail is packed with incredible views of the lake, stunning scenery and nearby glaciers. Although the hike is short, it rises quickly on a challenging incline – so be ready!
Getting there
Drive up the hill towards Chateau Lake Louise and park in one of the lots to the left of the Chateau. PARKING IS LIMITED and is often full by 8am. Parks Canada offers shuttles from the Lake Louise Overflow Parking Lot.
About
When to do | June through October |
Backcountry Campsites | No |
Toilets | Trailhead |
Family friendly | No |
Route Signage | Average |
Crowd Levels | Moderate |
Route Type | Out and back |
Mount Fairview Summit
Elevation Graph
Weather
Route Description for Mount Fairview Summit
Start in the Lake Louise parking lot and head to the left of the lake, towards the canoe rental. Follow the signs indicating “Saddleback” into the forest – you will pass the Saddleback on the way to Mount Fairview.
Here, the trail is well defined, rising quickly through the forest. At this point, there are limited sights to take in and after roughly 1.2mi you will be given a choice of an easy or steep route. We recommend ascending up the steep route and returning via the easy route, however the difference is minimal. You do get slightly better views on the easier route.
The path will start to emerge from the trees in another 0.5mi (1.7mi). At this point you will have already gained approximately 1558ft of elevation and the trail will braid into many paths, some more direct than others. Please follow Parks Canada advice, and stay on the switchback trail to prevent erosion.
At 2.1mi (1919ft of elevation gain) you will reach “Saddleback”, and there is a sign indicating the entry to Paradise Valley (here you can link up with the trip to Lake Annette or Giant Steps).
From this point, opt to travel up Mount Saddle to your left for great views of Paradise Valley and Mount Temple, or you can head right and begin the 1312ft ascent towards Mount Fairview. The path up Fairview is a well-defined switchback, and the more direct routes are from those descending, going off-trail.
Over the next 0.9mi you will gain an additional 1214ft of elevation, which will feel like more due to the quick rise. Once reaching the summit, bask in the truly astounding view. Directly 0.6mi below is Lake Louise, with the trail to the Plain of Six Glaciers clear and the Beehives above. Directly across is Mount St. Piran, overshadowed by Mount Niblock, and to your left is a cluster of glaciers and peaks. Finally, behind is Mount Temple. Even on a cold blustery day, one could spend an hour or more just looking around, taking in the many magnificent sights.
Be careful to return the way you came, as there is no hiking route in any other direction. Although it may look possible, there are dangerous cliffs that prevent descent. Once returning to Lake Louise, head straight to the Chateau’s famous Lakeview Lounge and enjoy a drink as a reward – we suggest a Cucumber Collins.
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.
Insider Hints
Start your hike early in summer. We recommend being parked at the Lake Louise parking lot no later than 9am, and if possible, at 8.30am.
The deck at Deer Lodge is usually a much quieter location to enjoy a snack or drink after the hike, especially if you arrived after 9am, as you are probably parked near the Lodge anyways.
If you forget your snacks, stop at Laggan’s in Lake Louise Village for fresh baked items. For long days, a pizza bagel provides great energy!
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Richy_travels 4 years ago
The views are a perfect combination of glaciers, lakes, and marvelous scenery.
Fitzgerald Hikes 4 years ago
Bit of a grind getting up to the summit, especially in the wind. Sublime views, though- Temple and everything beyond. Worth the push!
noraliu 4 years ago
Another great hike around Lake Louise! It never cease to amaze me!
Hiking-eh 4 years ago
Mount Fairview is a massive mountain located on the south shore of Lake Louise with spectacular views. A must do!
Grant Ko. 4 years ago
A bit challenging but the spectacular views are outstanding.
Jackson D. 4 years ago
Excellent trail Nice views from the summit. Initially tough, but manageable.
Mildred G. 4 years ago
It was a short but thrilling hike. Climbing up was a rush, I got exhausted and made some baby fats cry. Totally awesome!
MissGiggles 4 years ago
Mount Fairview is a massive mountain located on the south shore of Lake Louise with spectacular views.
Frinces L. 4 years ago
Beautiful hike. The trail was decent and it's shorter than we expected. Either way, we never run short of beautiful views. Enjoyed this hike a lot.
Rosemery Ash 4 years ago
It was quiet when I did the hike. Everything was calm and serene.