Hiking the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail

From Lake Louise to the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House

“The mountains are calling and I must go.” – John Muir

One of the most scenic hikes in the Canadian Rockies starts at the end of the Lake Louise shoreline trail and offers stunning glacier views after climbing through forests and passing moraines and gravel debris from the Victoria Glacier.

This moderate hike takes about 5 to 6 hours, including photo stops. It’s recommended to hike in groups of four, as grizzly bears are known to frequent the area. We were only two, relying on one bear bell working hard to scare them off. September is also berry season, which encouraged us to move quickly through the bushes—especially when we caught the scent of a bear!

Once out in the open, you’ll be surrounded by spectacular mountains with panoramic views of Lake Louise. Continuing higher and passing the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House, you can get even closer to the glaciers by following the Abbot Pass.

The tea house, built in 1927 for the Canadian Pacific Railway, is one of the most historic and famous buildings in the Canadian Rockies.

“Sometimes I do get to places just when God’s ready to have somebody click the shutter.” – Ansel Adams

Map

Related

• One week at Lake Louise: The Deer Lodge
• Smokey Lake Louise
• The Crown Jewel of Banff National Park: Lake Louise
• The Long Way to Lake Moraine