Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House

A historic stone tea house at 2,100 m on the Plain of Six Glaciers, commissioned by the Canadian Pacific Railway and Edward Feuz Jr. as a way-station for mountaineers bound for Abbot Pass Hut. Built in 1924 (completed 1927), the two-story stone structure has been privately owned and operated by the same family for over 60 years.

The hike

Trailhead at Chateau Lake Louise lakeshore. ~5.5 km one way (11 km round-trip), 360–370 m elevation gain, 4–6 hours. See the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail for a full guide including 2026 logistics, avalanche safety, and the End of Plain viewpoint. For stats and nearby trails, see the summer trail page. Unlike Lake Agnes, the route begins with a flat stroll around the entire Lake Louise shoreline; at the back of the lake, steady ascent through glacial delta and lateral moraines. The trail is exposed; views of avalanches and icefalls off Mount Victoria and Mount Lefroy. A horse trail offers a less exposed alternative.

The “Plain.” A vast amphitheatre of rock and ice; six glaciers visible: Victoria, Lefroy, Fuhrmann, Popes, Aberdeen, and Lower Victoria. Alpine meadows bloom in July and August.

Operational philosophy

The tea house usually operates seasonally from early summer into fall, but current dates and hours should be confirmed directly before planning around service. Food is handmade on-site. Staff live in the backcountry, hike supplies in, and hike trash out. No electricity or running water.

Compared to Lake Agnes

Lake Agnes is shorter, steeper, forested, “fairytale” (turquoise tarn, log cabin); the more “instagrammable” of the two but heavily crowded. Plain of Six Glaciers is longer, exposed, “raw” and “rugged”; grey moraine, massive glaciers, a refuge among colossal peaks. Generally quieter with more outdoor seating. Both moderate; P6’s lateral moraine section may be unnerving for those with a fear of heights. See Lake Louise Tea House System for the Highline/Tea House Challenge loop.