The Plain of Six Glaciers trail is one of the finest day hikes in the Canadian Rockies. Starting from the far end of Lake Louise, this 10.6 km return trail leads through glacier-carved terrain to a historic backcountry tea house perched at 2,100 metres — with views of six glaciers and some of the most dramatic mountain scenery you'll ever witness. It's less crowded than the Lake Agnes trail but equally rewarding.
Trail Overview
Distance: 10.6 km return (5.3 km one way)
Elevation Gain: 365 metres
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 4–6 hours round trip
Trailhead: Lake Louise Lakeshore (far end of the lake)
The Route
Lake Louise Lakeshore (First 2 km)
The trail begins with a flat, paved walk along the north shore of Lake Louise. The turquoise water, Victoria Glacier ahead, and the surrounding peaks make this section a destination in itself. The path gradually transitions from paved to a well-packed dirt trail as you reach the far end of the lake.
The Moraine & Switchbacks (2–4 km)
Beyond the lake, the trail enters a lateral moraine — a field of boulders and gravel deposited by glacial activity. The landscape becomes increasingly raw and dramatic. You'll cross several avalanche paths (look for debris in early season) before the trail begins switchbacking up to the tea house.
The Tea House & Viewpoint (4–5.3 km)
The Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House sits on a rocky shelf at 2,100 metres with commanding views of the Victoria Glacier, Upper Victoria Glacier, Lefroy Glacier, Lower Victoria Glacier, Pope's Glacier, and Aberdeen Glacier — the six glaciers that give the trail its name.
The Tea House
Built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1924, this rustic stone tea house is one of two backcountry tea houses in the Lake Louise area (the other being Lake Agnes). It's operated by a small team who pack in all supplies by horse and on foot — there's no road access and no electricity.
- Menu: Hot tea, coffee, hot chocolate, homemade soups, sandwiches, baked goods (lemon poppy seed cake is legendary)
- Payment: Cash only
- Hours: Approximately 9am–5pm daily, mid-June to early October (weather dependent)
- Seating: Indoor and outdoor — the outdoor patio with glacier views is spectacular
Beyond the Tea House
If you have the energy, continue past the tea house for another 1.3 km to a stunning viewpoint at the toe of the Victoria Glacier. The trail narrows and crosses loose scree but the up-close views of the glacier and surrounding ice-clad peaks are extraordinary. You'll hear the glacier creaking and groaning — a humbling reminder of the ice's immense power.
Best Time to Visit
- July–August: Best conditions, tea house open, full trail accessible. Start early to avoid afternoon crowds
- September: Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, tea house typically open until early October
- Early June: Trail may have snow patches, especially in the upper sections. Tea house may not be open yet
Trail Tips
- Start at the Lake Louise parking lot or take the shuttle — parking fills by 8am in summer
- Bring cash for the tea house and layers for the exposed upper sections
- The trail is not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs beyond the lakeshore section
- Carry bear spray — grizzly bears frequent the avalanche paths along this trail
- Combine with the Lake Agnes Tea House trail for an epic double-tea-house day (the "Big Beehive" connector links them)
Book your accommodation near Lake Louise on Expedia to be perfectly positioned for an early start on this trail.