Plain of Six Glaciers Hike near Lake Louise
The Plain of Six Glaciers hike which ends near the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse above Lake Louise is a beauty. But the crowds are there unless you pick your times – early mornings, late afternoons or in the fall when the crowds have dispersed. It’s an interesting hike because of the views it affords of Lake Louise from a different angle and the glorious glaciers near the end point.
The Plain of Six Glaciers hike to the Teahouse starts on the path by the turquoise-coloured waters of Lake Louise. Initially you have to cut and duck through the tourists to get anywhere.
If you can get over that then you’ll be treated to the sights of Mt. Lefroy and Mt. Victoria along with six glaciers – some of which look like they could break off into pieces at any time. There are wildflowers around too – not in copious quantities but enough to add some colour to the hike.
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Plain of Six Glaciers Hike summary
Distance: 13.8 km return or 8.6 miles.
Elevation gain: 380 m or 1,245 feet.
Time needed: 3 – 4.5 hours.
Level of Difficulty: Easy if you’re a regular hiker.
Trailhead: The trail to the Plain of Six Glaciers starts on the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise side of the lake. See below for getting to the trailhead.
Dogs allowed: Yes, on a leash.
If you’re not a hiker: You can get up to the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse on horseback. So do it. This is one spectacular part of Banff National Park that is well worth a visit.
An option from the tea house: Hike a further 1.3 km past the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse to arrive at the Abbot Pass viewpoint. It will add another 50 m of elevation gain to the day and you need an extra hour to do the out and back.
More hiking options: From the Plain of Six Glaciers trail you can add in a loop that allows you to visit the Lake Agnes Teahouse too.
Don’t forget: Even though it’s a busy hike, I’d recommend packing easy to access bear spray. Put it in a bear spray holster so you don’t set it off accidentally.
Permits: You will need a Parks Canada pass. The Discovery Pass is your best bet if you’re planning more than a half dozen visits in a calendar year.
Guided hikes: Would you prefer a guided hike to the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House? Sign up for one with includes lunch.
Trail reports: Check trail conditions before you begin your hike.
Don’t forget: Always take the 10 hiking essentials.
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Getting to the Plain of Six Glaciers trailhead
A few years ago, getting to the trailhead for the Plain of Six Glaciers hike wasn’t issue. Drive up to the parking lot. Park. Hike to Lake Louise and start walking. Those days are over. Try one of the following ways to get to Lake Louise.
Stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
If you spend a night at the Fairmont, then you’ll have easy access to the Plain of Six Glaciers hike. You still have to pay for parking at the Fairmont.
Park at Lake Louise
It’s a 4 km one way drive from Lake Louise Village to the Lake Louise public parking lot via Lake Louise Drive. However, the parking lot fills early, often by 7 AM so plan to get there as early as you can or opt for a 4 PM start if it’s the height of the summer. Avoid weekends. Overnight parking is not permitted.
From June until October you have to pay to park at the Lake Louise parking lot. It’s $36.75, even if you just park for an hour.
Book a Parks Canada shuttle
Reserve a Parks Canada shuttle that operates between May 17th and October 14th, 2025. (Reservations open April 16, 2025 at 8 AM MT.) Park your vehicle at the Park and Ride at Lake Louise Ski Resort.
The park will release additional seats via a rolling window, at 8 a.m. two days prior to your chosen departure day. Tickets are good for a one hour window. Your ticket includes “return shuttle service from either Lake Louise or Moraine Lake back to the Park and Ride when you are ready.”
The shuttle runs every 30 minutes with the final return bus from Lake Louise Lakeshore to the Park and Ride is at 7:30 PM.
Use ROAM transit
You can also take ROAM transit from Banff to the Lake Louise Lakeshore. You must reserve your seat on this bus too. Fares in each direction are approximately $10 per adult, $5 per senior and youth aged 13 – 18.
For detailed information on how to visit Lake Louise (and Moraine Lake) car-free read How to Get to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
The hike to the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House
The trail to the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House is well signed. Start by heading on the paved path to the right of Lake Louise – if you’re facing the lake. The trail hugs Lake Louise for the first 2 km.
When you reach the cliffs at the end of the lake you’re likely to see some climbers. It’s fun to stop and watch them for a while.
There are a few intersections on the trail – all signed – so as long as you can read you’re fine.
Basically you climb straight up the valley. For much of the Plain of Six Glaciers hike you continue to see Lake Louise and even the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise looking more and more miniscule the higher you go. You may also see black dots on the lake. They’re the canoes you can rent.
There is one section on the hike with a slight drop-off – hence the reason for the metal cables, but really it’s wide enough that all hikers should be able to handle it. Just take your time.
Near the end of the Plain of Six Glaciers hike, you’ll reach a set of switchbacks that are steeper than anything else you’ve hiked. But that also means you’re almost at the end of the main trail! And the mountain scenery is excellent.
Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse
The Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse doesn’t come into view until you round a bend by a largish stream – 5.5 km from the start of the Plain of Six Glaciers trail. If you don’t have your heart set on eating at the Teahouse then bring a picnic lunch and park yourself on one of the nearby benches and admire the sights.
From the Teahouse it’s reportedly another 1.6 km to the high viewpoint. The last half kilometre or so was closed when I did it with a sign saying that the slope was unstable. I’ll respect that.
Keep in mind the following for the teahouse
Seasonal operation: The Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse only operates on a seasonal basis beginning sometime between mid-June and early July depending on snow conditions and running through to Thanksgiving weekend in mid-October.
Be patient: Because of staffing issues, they may only be able to offer “to go” food but that can vary from day to day.
What they serve: The teahouse serves light lunches, desserts, and beverages.
Payment: They take Canadian cash – and you can get some at the ATM in the Fairmont Chateau. They now accept a credit card using Square but charge $4 per transaction.
Hours of operation: In July and August they are open from 9 AM – 6 PM and in June, September and October from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Cool to see: You can often see avalanches from where you sit at the Plain of the Six Glaciers Teahouse.
Animals you might see on the Plain of Six Glaciers hike
The most common animals you’ll see on the Plain of Six Glaciers Hike are hoary marmots, pikas, chipmunks, and ground squirrels.
Occasionally you might see a mountain goat on the mountain cliffs as you get close to the tea house. If the trail is busy you won’t likely see a grizzly bear but you might see their scat. If it’s steaming, it means its close by, so get together with other hikers, and make a lot of noise. Chances are high the bear will take off.
Recommended reading: Tips for Staying Safe in Bear Country
Location map of the Plain of Six Glaciers hike
Where to stay in the Lake Louise area
If you want to avoid shuttle altogether book the upscale Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
If you want to stay on Moraine Lake, then the Moraine Lake Lodge is your only option.
If you don’t mind taking the shuttle or you have horseshoes and manage to snag a parking spot then there are many more options. Paradise Lodge & Bungalows would be a great choice and not far from the lake – in fact walking distance for some.
Or try Baker Creek by Basecamp near Johnston Canyon.
More Alberta hikes you’re sure to love&
- 18 of the Best Banff Hikes You Can Do in a Day
- The Lake Agnes – Big Beehive Hike
- 10 Breathtaking Lake Louise Hikes, Banff National Park
- Lake Annette – Paradise Valley Hike & Camp
- 10 Favourite Day Hikes in BC and Alberta
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I loved seeing your photos from this hike! I just hiked this trail two weeks ago in Banff and it was so challenging but amazing. I loved seeing the glaciers so close up and it was pretty awesome to witness an avalanche while sitting at the tea house. What an incredibly beautiful trail!
Thanks for sharing your experiences.
@Brittany Lucky you catching an avalanche too. You must be in great shape after all your hikes!
We may have finally found a common point between us Leigh. I absolutely love Lake Louise, and I’m seriously considering using my free Fairmont nights this year at the Chateau. Now the odds of me hiking 5.5 km to get to one of the more eclectic looking tea houses that I’ve ever seen seem small (and the odds of my riding a horse that far seem only slightly better), but I’ll admit that your pictures have stimulated my curiosity. If you ever get that feeling that somebody is cursing you under their breath, you’ll know that I decided to try this trail.
@Steve There’s nothing wrong with just relaxing while you visit – though with kids maybe an easy paddle out in one the canoes would be fun. Just give me a head’s up if you go so I can listen for that little voice of yours.
We hiked this when it was half under snow and arrived just as they were closing. They must have seen my crestfallen face and obliged with a hot chocolate and scone on the upstairs verandah. The whole garden was under snow. It was a beautiful and sometimes scary hike. I agree that L.L. would be great at any time of year. I love your photo of the teahouse with all the people and bunting. So different than when we were there.
@Evan If you haven’t been to the Banff-Lake Louise area then you’re in for a treat. Early fall is also beautiful with the yellow larches and fewer people.
@Marcia It was a grand day of hiking though it definitely would have been even better without the crowds.
The color of the lake is amazing. Not sure if I’d be up for that hike, but it sure looks beautiful.
Not such a hard hike Sabrina – and the higher you go the better the view.
The views here are absolutely breathtaking, Leigh. It also sounds like it was a perfect hike for you, your daughter and your dog.
More inspiration from you to spend more time outdoors. Such beautiful landscapes. I really like your flower photos as well.
@Jenna Since Calgary does have long winters I do my best to take advantage of the weekends and explore. I’m loving the wildflowers too.
I wish I could say that I’ve hiked about Lake Louise! Beautiful photos. I can just picture myself at the tea house after such a great hike. It really sounds like just the right level & time for me. Nice that you could share that activity with your daughter, too.
@Cathy Sitting down at the teahouse after a hike up – especially with your significant other – would make for a memorable outing. I saw plenty of smiling faces.
Beautiful photos! My husband and I hiked to the Lake Louise Tea House on Thanksgiving weekend the fall of 1994 and I remember it being beautiful and not too crowded! That’s the last time that I was in Alberta too – we really have to get out there with the kids!
@Lisa I think it’s time to return – plus there are so many other brilliant hikes in the area.
@Mary Some of the nearby hikes are famous for their larches – but then those trails can get busy too. Fortunately there are loads of trails not far from Lake Louise where you can lose the crowds after a mile or so.
@Mette The highest point you reach is at an altitude just under 7000 feet. There’s still lots of oxygen!
Beautiful landscape. Wonder what altitudes you reach?
Your recent posts of Lake Louise and the nearby areas is really making me want to visit soon. Every scenic picture just looks breathtaking. I love those wildflower pictures. Thanks for the heads-up on the crowds. I bet it’s gorgeous during Fall with the leaves changing.
Beautiful shots, Leigh. I did this hike back in 1973 when I lived in Banff. It is a beauty.
@Nancie I bet the crowds were a fraction of what they are today.