Tower Lake

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Hard
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
5-7h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
16.1 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
831 m
User Ratings
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Directions to Trailhead
Tower Lake Hike

The hike to Tower Lake is great for those who don’t have the time or energy to trek all the way to Rockbound Lake. It is also a wonderful turn around point for folks who change their minds. It is a beautiful alpine lake that sits below the impressive Eisenhower Tower—a popular climbing objective.

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Route Description for Tower Lake

Tower Lake sits at a slightly lower elevation than Rockbound Lake and is a great destination when snow is still holding at high elevations or if you just don’t want to hike all the way to Rockbound lake. It is less busy than many of the other hikes along the Bow Valley Parkway, so if you are looking for solitude, you’ll be happy you picked this trail.

Start hiking from the trail sign and follow the wide dirt trail. You will pass a junction for Silverton Falls, which is a great short detour if interested. Stay on the main trail and make your way to Tower Lake. The trail narrows after about 5.0 km and reaches a meadow that will lead hikers directly to Tower Lake.

The scenery at Tower Lake is incredible, and the massive Eisenhower Tower stands high above the lake, creating a drastic landscape. Head back the way you came on your descent.

Want to find more amazing Lake Louise hikes? Check out the Plain of the 6 Glaciers, Sentinel Pass, Morraine Lake or the Skoki Lakes hike.

Getting to the Tower Lake Trailhead

To get to the Tower Lake trailhead from Banff, travel westbound for 32.0 km on the Trans-Canada Highway to Castle Junction. Take the exit and turn right. At Castle Mountain Chalets, turn right onto the Bow Valley Parkway. Take your first left turn into the parking lot for Rockbound Lake. This is where your trail begins.

Route Information

  • When to do

    June-October

  • Backcountry Campsites

    No

  • Pets allowed

    Yes - On Leash

  • Family friendly

    Older Children only

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    Moderate

  • Route Type

    Out and back

Tower Lake Elevation Graph

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Tower Lake Reviews

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