Panoramic views from the Consolation Lakes hike near Lake Louise, Banff National Park
Panoramic views from the Consolation Lakes hike near Lake Louise, Banff National Park

Consolation Lakes hike

Around Lake Louise
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Mountain on the Consolation Lakes Hike in Lake Louise, Banff National ParkMountain from the Consolation Lakes Hike in Lake Louise, Banff National ParkMountain top from the Consolation Lakes Hike in Lake Louise, Banff National ParkMan climbing over rocks on the Consolation Lakes Hike in Lake Louise, Banff National ParkConsolation Lakes Hike in Lake Louise, Banff National ParkForest and mountain at the Consolation Lakes Hike in Lake Louise, Banff National ParkRocky trail of the Consolation Lakes Hike in Lake Louise, Banff National ParkLake views of the Consolation Lakes Hike in Lake Louise, Banff National ParkWarning sign on the Consolation Lakes Hike in Lake Louise, Banff National Park

Consolation Lakes hike

Distance: 3.6mi
Elevation: 443ft
Time: 1.5-2h

Difficulty Rating:

User Ratings:
9.8 Overall Rating
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The Consolation Lake trail is a favorite family hike near Lake Louise, and can be paired with the Moraine Lake Rockpile and Lakeshore hike. Hike along Babel Creek to Consolation Lakes, which are fringed with stunning glacier clad mountains.

Consolation Lakes Hike Map

Getting there

If you want to park at Moraine Lake, your best bet is to get there before 6am. To get there, take Lake Louise Drive from Lake Louise Village for 1.2mi, then turn left on Moraine Lake Road and follow for 7.6mi. Most people end up taking the public transportation.

I’ve done this 50 people have done this
I want to do this 162 want to do this route

About

When to do

May through October

Backcountry Campsites

No

Toilets

Trailhead

Family friendly

Yes

Route Signage

Average

Crowd Levels

Moderate

Route Type

Out and back


Consolation Lakes
Elevation Graph


Route Description for Consolation Lakes

Parking at Moraine Lake is extremely limited, and the best bet is to aim to get to Moraine Lake before 6am if you want to park.

There are paid shuttle options to Moraine Lake Parking lot.  These are available from the Lake Louise Village and the Lake Louise Overflow Parking lot which is where traffic will be redirected to once the Moraine Lake Parking Lot is full. There is nowhere to line up if access is blocked to Moraine Lake Road.

You can also ride a bike to Moraine Lake, and it’s a beautiful ride.

From the Moraine Lake parking lot, follow signposts leading off to the left towards Consolation Lakes. Continue on this route by crossing the bridge and follow the trail, noting that this hike often requires hiking in groups due to bear activity.

This path is well-maintained and the scenery is excellent as you hike below the Tower of Babel on your right and then through a boulder field that leads to a pleasant forest walk. You’ll be surprised how quickly the crowds of Moraine Lake melt away and you can enjoy the solitude and beauty of the Canadian Rockies.

The landscape opens as you approach Lower Consolation Lake. Many people stop here, however you can continue to Upper Consolation Lake via either side of the lake. We recommend taking the route through scree, as the other side can be quite wet.

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

  • Try to begin before 8am or after 5pm for fewer crowds and better access to parking.

  • Pair this hike with Moraine Lakeshore and Rockpile for a wonderful morning.

Comments

Elmer J. 4 years ago

I know I would never forget this place. I can't compare it with other hikes.

10.0 Overall Rating
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Chris F. 4 years ago

Perfect place to relax and chill. There are lesser crowds compared to Morraine.

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Leonard J. 4 years ago

There are wonderful sightings along Babel Creek. Every step was worthwhile.

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Uzma Hasaam 4 years ago

This is an easy hike around Lake Louise with scenic mountains and lake views.

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DesireeD. 4 years ago

We did this a few years ago, and we had some pleasant walk around the lake.

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2h 00m Time Taken
MayP 4 years ago

We had some pleasant and peaceful time in the Consolation Lakes.

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2h 30m Time Taken
PeterHopkins 4 years ago

Easy hike with remarkable views. I'm glad there wasn't much crowd.

10.0 Overall Rating
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3h 00m Time Taken
MartiniC 4 years ago

There were plenty of hikers when we came here. I advise visiting earlier on peak seasons if you want to have more fun.

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3h 00m Time Taken
Jeffrey Reagan 4 years ago

Such an excellent hike! We saw a bear around the area.

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LukeMc 4 years ago

Would love to come back again someday; it's the perfect place to spend a day and absolutely gorgeous.

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30 Comments Show all

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