Hike to the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse

If the hike to Lake Agnes is a storybook climb, the trail to the Plain of Six Glaciers is an epic journey. This is a longer, more immersive walk that takes you from the bustling lakeshore deep into a raw, powerful landscape of rock, ice, and sky. You’re not just climbing to a viewpoint; you’re walking back in time, following a path carved by the very glaciers you’re heading towards.

The Basics

• Hike Type: Out-and-back
• Distance: 11 km (6.8 mi) round trip
• Elevation Gain: 365 m (1,200 ft)
• Approx. Time: 4 to 5 hours, plus time at the teahouse
• Key Tip: Like its counterpart, this teahouse is cash-only.

Important Safety Note: Avalanche Hazard

This trail crosses through significant avalanche paths. From October to June, travel beyond the end of the lakeshore trail is not recommended unless every person in your group has proper avalanche training, a transceiver, a shovel, and a probe. This is not a trail to attempt in winter or spring without expert-level knowledge.

The Trail Up

The journey begins with a flat, easy 2 km walk along the entire length of the Lake Louise shoreline. As you leave the crowds behind, the trail begins a gentle but steady climb up the rocky moraine left behind by the retreating Victoria Glacier.

The forest thins, and the views open up dramatically. You’ll hear the rumble of distant ice cracking and falling from the cliffs high above–a powerful reminder of the living landscape around you. The path is narrow in places and crosses a few rocky slopes, but it is well-defined all the way to the teahouse.

Arriving at the Teahouse

Tucked into a small alpine meadow with glaciers towering all around, the teahouse feels like a true mountain refuge. It’s a simple, rustic place where you can rest your legs and refuel with a warm drink, a simple sandwich, or a piece of freshly baked cake, all made by hand on propane stoves.

Take a seat outside and just listen. The sound of the wind, the cry of a pika in the rocks, and the deep groan of the glaciers are the only soundtrack here.

For a Little More Adventure

For the best views, continue past the teahouse for another 1.5 km to the Abbot Pass Viewpoint. This short, steep climb takes you to a spectacular lookout at the foot of the Victoria Glacier. From here, you can see the infamous “Death Trap,” a massive icefall that is the first major obstacle for mountaineers attempting to climb Mount Victoria and Mount Lefroy.

A Living Piece of History

This teahouse was born from the spirit of adventure. In 1927, the Canadian Pacific Railway built the stone and timber chalet at the request of the Swiss mountain guides they employed. It was designed as a rest stop for guests from the Chateau and a base for mountaineers heading to the high alpine.

Its name comes from its incredible vantage point of six surrounding glaciers: Aberdeen, Lefroy, Victoria, Upper Victoria, Lower Victoria, and the glacier on Pope’s Peak. A local family has owned and operated it since 1959, preserving its off-grid tradition. With no electricity or running water, everything is brought in by helicopter once a season, with fresh supplies hiked in by the staff.

An Unforgettable Journey

The walk back offers a completely new perspective as you look down the valley towards the turquoise jewel of Lake Louise. This hike is a commitment, but it rewards you with an experience that feels truly wild and remote, connecting you to the immense scale and history of the Rockies.