Starting from the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, this trail climbs through alpine meadows to the historic Plain of Six Glaciers teahouse before continuing to a dramatic glacial moraine. Views of Victoria Glacier and the surrounding peaks are extraordinary.
The Plain of Six Glaciers Trail is one of Banff National Park's most celebrated day hikes, beginning at the eastern shore of Lake Louise in Alberta's Rocky Mountains. The trailhead is accessed from the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise parking area, roughly a 3.5-hour drive west of Calgary on the Trans-Canada Highway. Day-use parking fills early in summer; Parks Canada recommends arriving before 7 a.m. or using the Lake Louise Ski Resort shuttle bus that operates seasonally. A valid national park pass is required for entry.
The trail climbs 14 km return with 365 metres of elevation gain, rated moderate for most fit hikers. From the lakeshore, the well-maintained gravel path follows the turquoise waters of Lake Louise before entering a subalpine forest of Engelmann spruce and alpine fir. The surface transitions from packed gravel to rocky moraine terrain in the upper section. At around the 5.5 km mark stands the historic Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse, a Parks Canada–licensed backcountry teahouse open from late June to early October, serving hot beverages and light meals (cash only).
Beyond the teahouse the trail becomes rougher, crossing glacial moraine with loose rock and minor scrambling. The upper viewpoint at approximately 7 km provides a striking panorama of Victoria Glacier, Mount Victoria, and the hanging glaciers of the Continental Divide. Named for the six visible glaciers — Aberdeen, Upper Lefroy, Lefroy, Upper Victoria, Lower Victoria, and Pope's — the plain is one of the most dramatic glacial landscapes accessible on foot in the Canadian Rockies. No technical equipment is required in summer; in early season, snowfields may linger above the teahouse and microspikes are advisable.
Water from glacial streams is available along the route but should be filtered or treated. There are no rescue huts on trail; the teahouse provides the only shelter in poor weather. Cell service is absent beyond Lake Louise village. Wildlife including grizzly bears, black bears, and hoary marmots are commonly encountered — bear spray is strongly recommended and may be rented from the Chateau Lake Louise activity desk.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Banff National Park, Alberta
- Best season
- Late June to early October
Highlights
- Lake Louise views
- Victoria Glacier
- Abbot Pass viewpoint
- historic teahouse (open late June to early Oct)
Tips for visiting
- Arrive before 7 a.m. or book the Parks Canada shuttle bus to avoid parking closures at Lake Louise — the lot fills by mid-morning on summer weekends.
- Carry cash to the teahouse; it operates cash-only and does not accept cards or digital payment.
- Wear microspikes or traction devices in early season (before late June) when snowfields persist above the teahouse.
- Bring bear spray — grizzly and black bears frequent the upper moraine; it may be rented near the Chateau.
- Filter or treat any stream water; glacial runoff is silty and can carry pathogens.
- Afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August; plan to descend from the upper moraine by 2 p.m.
When to visit
Mid-July to mid-September offers the most reliable snow-free conditions and the highest chance of the teahouse being open. Early mornings before 9 a.m. are significantly less crowded than midday arrivals.
Accessibility
The Plain of Six Glaciers Trail is not wheelchair- or stroller-accessible. The lakeshore promenade from the Chateau to the trailhead is paved and relatively flat, but beyond that point the surface becomes unpaved gravel and then loose rock and moraine, making it unsuitable for wheelchairs or mobility aids.
Frequently asked questions
Is a permit or reservation required to hike the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail?
No trail permit or reservation is needed for this day hike. A valid Parks Canada national park pass (individual or family) is required for entry into Banff National Park and can be purchased at the park gate or online before arrival.
Can the teahouse be relied upon for lunch?
The Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse is open from late June to early October, serving tea, hot chocolate, soups, and baked goods for cash only. Hours vary and the teahouse occasionally closes for bad weather; carrying personal food is advisable as a backup.
Is this trail suitable for children?
The lower section to the teahouse (around 11 km return) is manageable for older children with hiking experience. The rocky moraine above the teahouse requires careful footing and is best suited to confident young hikers or adults.
How serious is bear activity on this trail?
Bear encounters are a genuine possibility — both grizzly and black bears use this corridor regularly. Hiking in groups of four or more, carrying bear spray, and making noise on blind corners is strongly advised throughout the season.
When is the trail typically snow-free?
Mid-July through mid-September offers the most reliable snow-free conditions. The trail is often snow-covered or icy before late June and after mid-October, particularly on the upper moraine above the teahouse.