Fairview Mountain
challenging Lake Louise trail

Fairview Mountain

A demanding summit hike offering one of the most expansive panoramas in the Lake Louise area.

๐Ÿ“ Distance 5 km one way
โฌ†๏ธ Elevation Gain 990 m
โฌ‡๏ธ Elevation Loss 85 m
โฑ๏ธ Time 5-6 hrs
๐Ÿ“… Season summer
๐Ÿ”๏ธ Difficulty Challenging

About This Trail

Beyond Saddleback Pass, the route to Fairview Mountain's summit involves a steep scramble up loose scree to reach nearly 2,745 metres, where the panorama is simply staggering. Lake Louise appears as a tiny turquoise gem far below, while the full sweep of the Bow Range, the Ten Peaks, and distant icefields stretches to every horizon. This is a serious undertaking requiring strong fitness, proper footwear, and fair weather for safe passage.

Highlights

Summit at nearly 2,745 mLake Louise bird's-eye viewBow Range and Ten Peaks panorama

Trailhead Information

๐Ÿ“
Starting Point

Lake Louise parking

๐Ÿš—
Vehicle Required

This trail is not accessible by public transit. A personal vehicle or taxi is required.

Trail Location

Safety Tips

๐Ÿป

Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Bears are active throughout Banff National Park.

๐Ÿ“‹

Check trail conditions on the Parks Canada website before heading out.

๐Ÿ‘ฅ

Tell someone your hiking plan โ€” where you're going and when you expect to return.

๐Ÿงฅ

Bring layers. Mountain weather can change rapidly, even in summer.

๐Ÿ’ง

Carry at least 1 litre of water per person. There are no water stations on most trails.

Check Latest Trail Conditions

Always check the official Parks Canada page for current conditions, closures, and advisories before heading out.

View on Parks Canada โ†’