The Plains of Six Glacier Trail, tucked away in Banff National Park, offers one of the most beautiful and ever-changing hikes in the Canadian Rockies. The trail takes you through alpine meadows, rocky paths, a quaint teahouse, and breathtaking vistas of glaciers and Lake Louise. The Plains of Six Glacier Teahouse has long been a favourite stop for hikers looking to relax with a warm drink while soaking in the beauty of the area.
This guide will provide key information on the trail, the Teahouse, including its difficulty rating, an overview of what to expect, and tips on parking to help you plan your visit.
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Plains of Six Glacier Tea Hut
- Distance: 13km roundtrip (15km to glacier viewpoint)
- Elevation Gain: 550m
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Permit: National Park Pass (purchased at national park gates or online)
- Trail Type: Out and Back
Trail Difficulty/Distance
There was a time when I would have considered this trail hard, especially before I gained more hiking experience. The first time I hiked it was in the summer heat, and the numerous switchbacks left me feeling exhausted.
These days, I’d consider it moderately challenging. There is no scrambling required and the path is clearly marked. If you plan breaks and take it slow, the trail is friendly to all fitness levels.

On my last visit, my group included people who were relatively new to hiking (but excited to try more), along with my experienced 6-year-old, and we had no issues at all, despite the questionable weather.
If you’re just visiting the Teahouse, expect to hike about 13 km roundtrip. The first 2 kilometers (4 km total) are flat and offer a more casual walk along the edge of Lake Louise. As you continue, the terrain changes to gradual forest and rocky pathways.
The trail is easy to follow with markers placed about every 1 km to show your distance from the tea house. You’ll also come across other trails that branch off from the Plains of Six Glaciers, and they are clearly marked.
To reach the glacier, it is an additional 1km from the tea house, making your total 15km roundtrip.
How to Reach Lake Louise
Reaching Lake Louise has become increasingly challenging in recent years. With the surge in tourism, Banff has implemented several changes to help manage conservation efforts and reduce congestion. There are a few different ways to get to Lake Louise: driving, taking a shuttle, bus, or joining a tour.
Car: While driving your personal vehicle is still an option, it’s becoming more difficult due to limited parking availability and high parking fees.
Shuttles: Parks Canada have recently been introduced shuttles, that service both Moraine and Lake Louise. Online reservations are highly encouraged. This service runs from June to October, and costs $8 roundtrip. Book your reservation here.
Roam Public Transit is a bus that services Banff and surrounding areas. It’s a year-round service that also goes to Lake Louise (Route 8X) and costs $10 (one-way fare). Reservations are also recommended.
Tours: Joining an organized tour to hike the Plain of Six Glacier is also a great idea. Transport to and from the trailhead is provided, as well as lunch. Book your hiking tour here.
One of the easiest ways to visit Lake Louise and get to the trailhead at dawn is by staying at the famous Fairmont Château Lake Louise.
Best Time to Visit the Teahouse
There are several factors to consider when choosing the best time to visit the tea house and hike.
The ideal weather for the hike is usually between late June and October, when the conditions are typically mild. However, the mountains are unpredictable, and the weather can change quickly at any time of year.

In recent years, wildfire smoke has become a growing issue in Alberta and neighboring British Columbia. This can make hiking difficult, as the smoke often obscures the views. Wildfires can also cause road closures, so it’s something to keep in mind when planning your trip.
My last visit to Lake Louise was in September and experienced both rain and snow, so the weather can be quite variable even in the fall. While the summer months offer the best weather, they also bring the largest crowds.
Lake Louise has seen a significant increase in tourism in recent years, leading to changes in parking and making it more difficult to enjoy the trail without dealing with large numbers of visitors.
That said, don’t worry—it’s still possible to visit and find quieter trails, especially if you plan your visit at less busy times.
Parking at Lake Louise
In recent years, the parking situation at Lake Louise has changed significantly. There used to be three parking areas: a lot at the bottom of the hill, a lower lot, and an upper lot. The lot at the bottom of the hill has been removed, and the lower lot is now primarily used for shuttle buses. The upper lot, which is smaller, remains available for parking
As of 2024, the parking fee from May to October is $36.75 per day, which is quite high.
Washroom Facilities at Lake Louise
There are washrooms available at both the lower and upper parking lots for visitors to use. Additionally, the Lake Louise Hotel has washrooms, but they are reserved for hotel guests only.
As you make your way up to the Plains of Six Glacier Teahouse, you’ll also find two drop toilets located along the trail, just before reaching the tea house. These facilities offer a basic but necessary option for hikers, especially given the remote nature of the area. It’s a good idea to plan ahead as restroom facilities along the trail are limited.
The Shoreline
The trail begins at the Lake Louise Fairmont Hotel and follows a paved path along the edge of the iconic Lake Louise for just over 2 km. This section of the trail is very easy and well-marked, making it suitable for all levels of hikers.


However, it can get quite congested, especially during peak times, as it’s one of the most popular spots in the area. The path is partially shaded by trees, but it’s wide enough to allow multiple people to walk side by side.
As you walk, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the lake, watching visitors canoeing from one end to the other.


At the far end of the lake, you’ll find a popular spot for mountain climbers, adding a bit of adventure to the scenery. However, this area also comes with some warnings about loose rocks and the potential for avalanches, so it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings.
Treeline/Mountain
After the shoreline, the trail begins to climb and the landscape shifts dramatically. The path takes you through forested areas and eventually leads you above the tree line, where the views open up to spectacular vistas of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.


The terrain becomes more rugged and challenging here, with steeper sections and rocky paths. The higher you go, the more you’ll feel the sense of wilderness, as the crowds thin out and the scenery becomes even more breathtaking.


As you approach the mountain, you may encounter wildlife, so be sure to keep a safe distance and stay aware of your surroundings.
The Teahouse
The teahouse was built in 1927 and has been privately owned and operated since 1959. It’s opened seasonally, from June to October.

It doesn’t have electricity, and everything is cooked on propane stoves. While debit is sometimes accepted, there’s an extra $4 fee per transaction. When we visited, their machine was down, so they only accepted cash. Their website has the most recent updates regarding payment options.

The teahouse has two levels. The lower level has picnic tables and some seating, while the upper level offers both outdoor and indoor seating.
The tables are small, meant for two people. There’s a covered veranda where you can relax. The stairs to the upper level are steep, so be careful, especially with small children or anyone with knee issues.

At the teahouse, you can enjoy a variety of teas, treats, and savory snacks. Some of the teas include Cream of Earl Grey, Strawberry Green Tea, and Peppermint. There’s always a soup of the day, as well as homemade chocolate cake, which is a fan favourite and huge!
The Glacier
If you choose to continue past the Teahouse (which is completely optional), you can reach the final viewpoint of the Plains of Six Glaciers. This section of the trail becomes less defined and steeper, with rocky terrain that may not be suitable for everyone. It’s about a 1 km walk to the viewpoint.


I’ve hiked to the glacier before, but on my most recent visit, I decided to skip it since it was snowing heavily when we arrived at the tea house. While the glacier is beautiful, I wouldn’t say it’s the highlight of the trail.

Essentials tips for Visiting Lake Louise
Lake Louise is stunning, but it’s also become much busier and more crowded. Here are some tips to help you navigate the crowds and make your hiking experience more enjoyable:
- Opt for Plain of Six Teahouse instead of Lake Agnes Teahouse if you want to avoid large crowds. While it’s beautiful, its accessibility makes it a popular spot, especially in the summer. You can expect long wait times for a table—sometimes over an hour—and the washroom facilities there are limited.
- Plan your visit on weekdays, and try to arrive before 8 a.m., as parking fills up quickly. When we arrived just after 7:30 a.m., the upper parking lot was already starting to fill. Alternatively, visiting in the late afternoon (after 3 p.m.) can be a good option, as the morning crowds start to leave, and parking spots become available. Around 3 p.m., we noticed several spaces open up.
- Consider taking the shuttle if you want to avoid the hassle of parking
- Most visitors tend to stay along the shoreline of Lake Louise, so don’t be discouraged by the crowds there. Once you venture onto the trails, you’ll find much quieter, less crowded areas to enjoy.
- Be prepared for all kinds of weather—mountain conditions can change quickly.
- Bring bear spray and stay alert for wildlife in the area.
- Pack out all your trash—leave no litter behind.