Lake Agnes Tea House
Lake Agnes Tea House is a popular destination for hikers and tourists.
Location
Lake Agnes Tea House is situated on the shores of Lake Agnes.Lake Agnes was named after the original First Lady of Canada, Lady Agnes MacDonald, and she was the wife of Canada's first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald. The beauty of Lake Agnes so delighted Lady MacDonald when she visited it in 1886 that it subsequently bore her name.
Both Lake Agnes and the tea house are located in Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada, at an elevation of 2,135 m above sea level.
History
The Lake Agnes Tea House was built in 1901 by the Canadian Pacific Railway as a refuge for hikers. It started serving tea in 1905 and has been called the oldest teahouse in Canada.The original log building was replaced in 1981. The new structure features windows, tables, and chairs from the original building.
Tourism
The Lake Agnes Tea House is only accessible on foot or horseback through what is informally called the Lake Agnes Tea House Trail. Lake Agnes Tea House staff carry fresh food supplies to the teahouse daily. Dry goods are flown in annually by helicopter.Before arriving at the lake and tea house, visitors must complete a forested 3.5 km hike. The Lake Agnes Tea House hike has an elevation gain of 400 m. The trail itself is marked and trafficked.
Lake Agnes Tea House is open from June to October; the teahouse is not operational in the cold winter months.