Townsite

Near Lake Louise · Banff National Park

Easy · Out and back · Official trail

Trail score 56 out of 100, from popularity, scenery and trail quality

About this trail

Townsite is a 1.1 km out and back trail near Lake Louise in Banff National Park. It runs 0.6 km each way. It is close to flat, staying between 1,537 m and 1,545 m. Hike Alberta rates it easy, and Parks Canada rates it easy. Allow about 20 minutes of moving time. Along the way you pass Post Hotel. Much of the route follows Pipestone River. Also used for walking and cross country skiing.

Length: 1.1km; 0.6 km each way
Elevation gain: 11m
Estimated time: 20min; Moving time
Route: Out and back
Highest point: 1,545m
Lowest point: 1,537m

Elevation profile

1,537 m to 1,545 m

Highest point 1,545 m, lowest 1,537 m, 11 m of climbing in total. Steepest sustained grade about 5% over 100 m.

Predicted coverage: 100% of route

0% LTE · 100% 5G

Longest modelled gap: 0.0 km
Model: 2024 · Natural Resources Canada

Predicted coverage is not guaranteed. It varies by carrier, terrain, weather, device and network load, and it does not guarantee emergency service.

Along the way

0.3 kmPost HotelLodge or hostel
0.4 kmHI Lake Louise Alpine CentreLodge or hostel

Good for

Hiking, Walking, Cross country skiing
Dog friendly (on leash), Kid friendly
River or creek, Hut or tea house

Rankings

Trailhead

The trail starts at 51.4250° N, 116.1813° W.

Driving directions

Banff National Park admission

National park admission required

Buy day or annual pass

Pass details

Visitors spending time in a national park need valid daily admission or a Parks Canada Discovery Pass. Admission is separate from camping, reservations, parking and other service fees.

Information checked October 21, 2026.

Official details

Before you go

Carry an offline map and plan for no service in backcountry areas. Trails close for wildlife, fire, weather and construction. Check the official sources:

Nearby trails

All 588 trails in Banff National Park

Parks Canada trail data, Open Government Licence Canada
Elevation © Mapterhorn from NRCan HRDEM (Open Government Licence Canada) and Copernicus GLO 30