Snowshoeing to Fairview Lookout, Lake Louise

Fairview Lookout Snowshoe Trail takes you to a picturesque viewpoint overlooking Lake Louise.

For a short snowshoe trail with lots of snow, head to Fairview Lookout at Lake Louise. The trail is most beautiful after a big dump of snow and best done on a clear day, so you can enjoy the view of the lake and Chateau Lake Louise. Although the trail is mostly in the trees, we had tons of fun jumping in snowdrifts on the side of the trail! Allow extra time if snowshoeing with kids, so you have plenty of time to play in the snow!

Route Description

Starting near the Lake Louise boathouse, look for the Fairview Lookout / Saddleback / Mount Fairview sign. After about 500 hundred metres, take the signed turnoff for Fairview Lookout. From here, the trail gets steeper and narrower, but not crazy enough to require heel lifts on your snowshoes. As you get closer to the lookout, you will get occasional views of the top of Mount Fairview (a great summer hike). The trail is mostly in the trees, so it’s a good choice for a windy day.

You can’t miss the lookout with its viewing platform, benches and interpretive signs. Take a photo (or three) and return the way you came. Do NOT continue past the lookout as it is avalanche terrain!

Fairview Lookout Snowshoe Trail At A Glance

Distance: 2 km return
Elevation Gain: 100 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Washrooms: At the parking lot
Chariot Friendly? No. Although the first part of the trail is chariot friendly (with ski attachments), after the turnoff, the trail is too narrow for a Chariot, especially since this is quite a popular trail. Child carrier pack recommended.
Parking: Main public parking lot at Lake Louise
Trailhead: Look for the trailhead sign for Fairview Lookout / Saddleback / Mount Fairview near the Lake Louise Boat House.

Safety Note: Do NOT go past the lookout as there are dangerous avalanche slopes beyond!

This quick and fun trip can be combined with the Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail or Mirror Lake. If the lake is frozen, you can snowshoe on Lake Louise! Read more about it in this story: Ski, Skate, Walk, or Snowshoe on Lake Louise.

Where to Eat

Enjoy an apres-snowshoeing snack at the Chateau or Laggan’s, our favorite mountain bakery.

What to Bring

For a complete snowshoeing pack list, see our Snowshoeing Gear List (printable list available!).

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