Plain of Six Glaciers
Plain of Six Glaciers
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
423 reviews
Excellent
371
Very good
38
Average
9
Poor
4
Terrible
1
Sian58_13
Ashcott,United Kingdom154 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
Fantastic walk… but wear walking boots. It starts off gently alongside Lake Louise but does increase gradient steadily although not as steep as the alternative tea house walk. When you get to the cute tea house I would recommend pushing onwards up to the viewing place which is quite a lot extra but so worth it! The walk back down is very slippy as on loose moraine. You can see Piku if you look very carefully. Reward yourself with a delicious cake at the tea house ( compost toilets also available). If you have time it’s possible to go along to Lake Agnes and that tea house rather than retrace your steps. Best walk we did!!
Written October 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DanielPofMI
Williamston, MI2,126 contributions
Aug 2022
I had heard about doing a loop including both the Lake Agnes and Plain of Six Glaciers teahouses, so I entered from All Trails the Lake Agnes Trail to Plain of Six Glaciers Trail Loop. While it does make a loop, I think it was the harder way. After having a tuna sandwich and vegetable soup at the Lake Agnes teahouse (very tasty!), the route took us around the far end of Lake Agnes then up over a ridge. This was somewhat grueling. Some of us turned around while going up and decided to head back to the Lake Louise bus stop. I later discerned there was an easier trail from the Lake Agnes teahouse going down that would have put us on a more level trail to the Plain of Six Glaciers. So if you're planning to do the loop and don't want it to be too tough, do a little research ahead of time and pick out the easier trail.
Written August 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
claire t
Congleton, UK139 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
What an experience, we hiked up from the back of the lakeshore, had a break at the teahouse before going on to the Lookout point, which was a bit more hard going as it was on loose ground at the end. On the return we used the connector trail to lake Agnes, which was a bit of a grueller after the first half but again worth it. It took us about 4 hours.
Written August 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim B
Grapeview, WA1,351 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
We hiked up here by starting on the trail along Lake Louise. Once you leave the far end of the lake, it starts heading up toward the glaciers and at times can be a bit more strenuous than the "moderate" trail as advertised.
With that said, once up at the top, the views are worth the effort of the hike. We were able to see a few avalanches on the distant glaciers and the sound was amazing to hear.
Leaving here we hiked to Lake Agnes on the Highline Trail, which also included quite a bit more climbing than we expected.
With that said, once up at the top, the views are worth the effort of the hike. We were able to see a few avalanches on the distant glaciers and the sound was amazing to hear.
Leaving here we hiked to Lake Agnes on the Highline Trail, which also included quite a bit more climbing than we expected.
Written October 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CWT
Ottawa, Canada338 contributions
Oct 2020
This might have been my favorite trail during our Banff stay. We arrived on the first tuesday in October. We had no problem getting a parking spot as there was a slight drizzle that day so it was not too busy. The trail is well marked. The first 2k is the trail along the Lake Louise shoreline. The next section is in the forest along the river. You exit the woods and then start heading up to the Teahouse. Elevation is slow and steady. At the Teahouse, my husband went all the way to the viewpoint (very windy!) while I only went ⅓ of the way. We had hot drinks at the Teahouse and a nice chat with the owner before heading back. There is one short section where the trail is alongside a cliff but you can avoid it by taking the trail the horses use - the split is not obvious on the way there but it’s signed on the way back. I loved how the trail had different sections, each of which was scenic in their own way. Everything was well marked.
Written October 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nick D
Calgary, Canada1,310 contributions
Jul 2020
we've done this hike at various times of the year and it is always different. This time, in July, we still had to pass over a small ice area but had a glorious warm walk. There are three more significant uphills and a great view of the hanging glaciers all around - none broke off this time. Can't wait to go back
As an aside the parking at Lake Louise has been severely restricted. We were at the parking area at 815 and the first level of the parking lot was almost full and when we got back (1230ish) they had been turning cars away
As an aside the parking at Lake Louise has been severely restricted. We were at the parking area at 815 and the first level of the parking lot was almost full and when we got back (1230ish) they had been turning cars away
Written August 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jessica p
Westlake, OH128 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
This was a great hike. Wonderful views. Good distance. Some nice uphills Nice to stop at tea house. Go early to escape the crowds (ie 730 am) The trails are a bit narrow at places
-Make sure you bring water because there is none.
-Wear reasonable shoes
-Big spray
It is long enough and steep enough that you feel you have been on a real hike. There were parts as average
-Make sure you bring water because there is none.
-Wear reasonable shoes
-Big spray
It is long enough and steep enough that you feel you have been on a real hike. There were parts as average
Written March 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
must_travel_soon_10
Mississauga, Canada1,626 contributions
Sep 2020
We've had limited hiking experiences and I thought our hikes in Oahu with ocean views was amazing, but this hike surpasses anything we have experienced. The bar is now set very high. Going uphill, the mountains and glaciers are so amazing. Going downhill, the alpine and Lake Louise is spectacular. We had a 5 hour round trip from the Fairmont and were able to enjoy dinner there afterwards. Moderately busy, most people were respectful and practiced physical distancing as much as possible. All my future hikes will be compared to this one. Parking is plentiful and adequate, but fortunately not all those people were on the trail. Trek to the outlook past the tea house is an hour round trip and well worthwhile. Physical fitness is a definite benefit to enjoy this hike.
Written September 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patti L
12 contributions
Jul 2020
This was a highlight for my husband & I! I had hiked this trip years ago, and wanted the Horseback experience this time. Our guide (Ariana?) was fabulous - guided us thru some tricky ascents. Amazing views! We got stopped by so many hikers on the way who said they would have chosen the horseback option rather than hiking the 15km round trip (which is also great if you have 'good knees'). Stables are 3 min. walk from Chateau Lake Louise, so very convenient. And 15% off price right now during COVID.
Written August 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trekbud
Loughborough, UK1,053 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
I really enjoyed the hike up to the viewpoint of the plain of six glaciers. It was fairly moderate in ascent but eventually reached a great view point. However, you don’t need to make it all the way there to enjoy the scenery.
I found the trail less busy (once we were past the end of the lake) than the Beehive and Agnes trails.
I found the trail less busy (once we were past the end of the lake) than the Beehive and Agnes trails.
Written October 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andtra S
Fort Collins, Colorado2 contributions
When does this trail open for the year
R1chardN
Surbiton, UK614 contributions
The trail opens in July but the date varies depending on the weather. I thin you have to weigh up your desire to be there quickly and being able to take the trail in safety. If you are taking a guide - I suggest you ask them.
mrsbeau123
Burlington, VT1 contribution
Hi‐ Anyone have experience hiking this trail with kids ages 5-8? Would you recommend it for kids? They like hiking, but just hesitant about the length of time. Thoughts?
Thanks!
fadamek
Canmore, Canada137 contributions
For a 5 year old it may be tough. You can do a lot of stops between. As an earlier reviewer said, you can always turn around and go back. The whole way is spectacular. It is worth a try.
dvindika
Sydney, Australia9 contributions
Hello, I'm planning to do this in August (Next week). How can I get here from Banff? Can I take the 8X service and then use the same to come back? And is hiking boots a must? I was planning to bring a pair of Salomon speedcross only. Thanks!
Sara W
New York City, NY65 contributions
Hi we drove there so I cannot answer that question but in regards to footwear my husband work hiking boots and I wore regular sneakers. Hiking boots are probably the better option especially if it’s raining but I managed perfectly well in sneakers.
cincifoodie
Cincinnati, OH202 contributions
I am visiting Banff in the middle of March and are planning some hikes. What kind of footwear should we bring? Hiking boots, ice cleats, snowshoes?
Drew
Los Angeles, CA242 contributions
You can also rent Yak traxs in town if needed. We did the hike with just regular hiking books (not water proof) and were fine. The trail is packed so getting wet is less of an issue. Its the ice that will be the big deal. (freeze/thaw... not your friend) Enjoy the views.
Hi! Visiting Canada for the first time we want to do the hike at the Six glaciers is it a good idea to visit in December??
gonecoastal
Canada50 contributions
We visited in the Summer and it snowed lightly. Unless extremely prepared and experienced, I would not recommend in December.
Jonathan L
6 contributions
Has anyone done this recently? Coming here next week (june 2nd)
g8rslp01
Zephyrhills, FL315 contributions
We did it last June (early). What is your question?
Damian G
Singapore, Singapore14 contributions
My bud and I plan to do this trail sometime soon (end May) , but I see that the Parks Canada website has this trail listed as “not recommended” due to the avalanche risks past the lake. Has anyone done this trail during this part of the year and has any tips for our plan? We both don’t have experience with avalanches.
AlbertaLakeLouise.com
Lake Louise, Canada
The Fairview Lookout is a short alternative in the Lake Louise area if you're looking to avoid avalanche risks near the end of May. If you have a vehicle, the Castle Lookout (about 25 minutes away from Lake Louise in the direction of Banff) is one of the recommended early season hikes since the snow clears faster.
Theresa043
68 contributions
4 active adults want to do this end of June. Is this a loop? Start at Lake Louise and take the Plain of Six to teahouse than coming down do we take Beehive Trail? Just confused on the trail. We would like to make a loop.
Any suggestions?
AlbertaLakeLouise.com
Lake Louise, Canada
To make a longer loop on the way back from the Plain of Six Glaciers, take the junction on the left to go to Big Beehive. From there, you continue on to the Lake Agnes tea house (and can even go to Little Beehive if you have the energy.) From the Lake Agnes tea house continue back down to the Lake Louise lakeshore. There is a nice map after hiking for the first 30 minutes at the back of Lake Louise.
Matthew L
West Harrison, IN135 contributions
We are planning to visit Banff in early July. We have a 10 year-old and 13 year-old daughter. They both are in great physical health and have hiked with us at Bryce and Zion National Parks. Would this hike be too tough for them?
JBRetired
Apple Valley, CA457 contributions
How far is it to the tea house. Glacier lookout? Would you know the elevation gain?
clairef246
Aliso Viejo, CA123 contributions
We hiked to Plain of Six Glaciers tea house in late June. There are two tea houses. Our round trip from the Chateau was 7.58 miles with 1,187 ft elevation gain. Beautiful hike. The sights AND smells were amazing. Had to cross a few sheets of ice. Walking sticks and hiking shoes recommended.
Plain of Six Glaciers (Lake Louise) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Plain of Six Glaciers
- We recommend booking Plain of Six Glaciers tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 6 Plain of Six Glaciers tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Plain of Six Glaciers:
- 7-Day Small Group Tour: Canadian Rockies and National Parks (From $1,750.00)
- Private Guided Hiking in Banff (From $143.33)
- Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Lake Louise and Calgary (From $6.40)
- Discover the Lake Agnes Tea House Trail with a Guided Audio Hike (From $5.27)
- Smartphone Audio Driving Tour between Lake Louise and Revelstoke (From $6.40)
- Hotels near Plain of Six Glaciers:
- (3.46 mi) Paradise Lodge & Bungalows
- (4.36 mi) Post Hotel & Spa
- (5.88 mi) Moraine Lake Lodge
- (2.73 mi) Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
- (9.15 mi) Baker Creek By Basecamp
- Restaurants near Plain of Six Glaciers:
- (0.23 mi) Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House
- (1.87 mi) Lake Agnes Tea House
- (2.70 mi) The Walliser Stube
- (4.35 mi) Post Hotel Dining Room
- (2.70 mi) Lakeview Lounge