If you're planning on visiting Lake Louise, it may be worth it climbing up Fairview Mountain for a whole new perspective of Lake Louise and the surrounding geography. 

 

Your hike begins along the boardwalk of the lake on by the Canoe/Kayak rentals shack. You will encounter several junctions, but continue going straight. The trail to Saddleback is about 3.5 km with an elevation gain of 600 m. Near the beginning of the trail, you will encounter your first junction that splits off into Fairview Lookout or an alternate option to continue straight towards Fairview Mountain and Saddleback Trails. Pick the latter. This trail will proceed into several avalanche zones, forested areas and open meadows. Through several kilometers of climbing, you will find yourself at the end of the Saddleback Trail, which splits left into the Sheol Valley Trail or right towards Fairview Mountain.

 

Making your way up Fairview Mountain, the trail is unclear and ill-defined, which makes it challenging to navigate up to the summit. The trail consists of a ton of loose scree that poses as a challenge for some hikers.

 

It is important to note that descending the mountain on the northeast side will result in a potential rescue. Please be careful!

 

I hiked Fairview Mountain during the start of June, but still encountered winter conditions up top! Descending became a challenge as a system blew in and dumped about 30 cm of snow onto the area. Route finding may be crucial for those hiking up the toward the summit in unfavourable conditions (i.e. snow) as some trails become covered.