The Plain of Six Glaciers is a popular hike beginning from Lake Louise. It’s a moderate trail that passes the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse only 300 metres before the final viewpoint. If you bring cash you can stop at the teahouse for a snack or a cup of tea or coffee. You can also connect with other popular routes in the area such as the Highline Trail to Lake Agnes or the Big Beehive for a longer and more in depth exploration of the area.
Plain of Six Glaciers Hike Summary
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 11.6 km round trip
- Elevation: 595 metres
- Trail type: Out-and-back
- Time: 3.5-5 hours
- Trailhead: Lake Louise Lakeshore Parking Lot (Also accessible by transit)
Getting to the Trailhead
To arrive at the Lake Louise trailhead, you can drive, take the shuttle, or take Roam 8X (Lake Louise — Banff Express). It is generally recommended to take the shuttle or the Roam bus as parking is very limited and fills up quickly. As well, parking fees for a single vehicle at Lake Louise are $36.75 in addition to a park pass.
The Roam transit route stops in downtown Banff at the High School Transit Hub, at Lake Louise Village, and at Lake Louise Lakeshore. This is a great option if you are staying in Banff. If you are driving from Calgary, I recommend making a reservation on the shuttle and parking there.
Detailed Trail Description
The Plain of Six Glaciers hike begins on the Lake Louise Lakeshore trail. Follow the signs for Plain of Six Glaciers along the right side of the lake. You’ll be walking with Lake Louise to your left for the entire length of the lake (about 1.7 km), before you leave the Lakeshore trail and join the Plain of Six Glaciers trail.
This trail begins to ascend towards the glaciers shortly after reaching the end of the lake. We did this hike in the rain in late June, so the glaciers ahead blended into the clouds. They emerged from the fog as we got closer.
Much of this trail is rocky, with a few patches of stubborn snow that you have to cross. If you have micro-spikes (especially if you are hiking in the early season), then you may wish to bring them. We did okay without them, but we did have to watch our step in a few slippery spots.
Just before the final viewpoint of the trail you will reach the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse. This iconic log cabin offers hikers a light lunch, dessert, or beverage as a treat for their exertion. It is a cute spot and a great place to eat lunch, even if you brought your own. We ate at the picnic tables outside as the teahouse was pretty quiet. There were a few hikers out, but overall the trail was less busy due to the rain.
