Lake Agnes Tea House

📍Location: Banff, Canada

Visiting this teahouse situated at an altitude of 2135m took us nearly 2 hours. We started at 6:45 AM from Lake Louise while it was still dark, each holding a flashlight 🔦 and hiking up the trail. From darkness to daylight, we experienced changes in humidity and light in the forest, chatting and encouraging each other along the way, with an unwavering determination to reach the top.

The trail wasn't particularly difficult; it was a gradual ascent but required stamina and endurance. For us, who seldom hike for such a long time, it took some effort. Along the way, many experienced hikers who seemed to fly past us highlighted our anxiety about pacing. Weather in the mountains can change quickly, and during the two-hour journey, we faced rain and sleet, which was less idyllic than imagined. We finally reached the teahouse at 8:40 AM, and the feeling of achievement was beyond words.

Of course, since this is a food review, we must comment on the food. The teahouse features classic log cabin architecture, and there's a small mountain lake beside it called Lake Agnes, providing stunning views. While ordering from the server, it started raining again, and a rainbow 🌈 appeared over the lake. This is an experience no other restaurant can offer, unique to this place.

The four of us ordered:

• Tuna Sandwich (CAD12)
  A simple whole wheat sandwich stuffed with tuna. Although it was pure tuna without other mix-ins, the seasoning was decent, making it a plain yet delicious choice.

• Homemade Hummus Sandwich (CAD12)
  Whole wheat bread filled with chickpea hummus and pickles 🥒. The hummus was acceptable, but the pairing with pickles was an acquired taste; it tasted better without them.

• Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows (CAD5.5)
  The marshmallows were already melted into the hot chocolate when served. It was quite sweet, but went well when eaten alongside the sandwiches.

The food here is straightforward and not particularly outstanding, but perhaps because of the effort it took to get here, it tasted exceptionally good. Especially knowing that the fresh ingredients were brought up by the staff every morning on the same path we hiked, it makes one feel grateful regardless of what is served.

We left the teahouse at 9:15, by which time a long line had formed outside. Since there are no other shops in the area, it's recommended to hike up early. Finishing breakfast early leaves you time to explore other trails.

⚠️ Cash only, both USD and CAD are accepted.
⚠️ Apart from the sandwich wrapping paper and drink cups, any trash brought up must be taken down yourself, as even the garbage is painstakingly carried down the mountain by the staff!