Plain of Six Glaciers
Lake Louise Lakeshore Area
Widely considered the reward-to-effort king of Lake Louise. Expansive alpine vistas, glacier sounds, and a historic teahouse. Bear spray mandatory. Travel not recommended until June or July due to avalanche hazard. Teahouse: cash only, opens June 1.
Read the full guide in the Encyclopedia
Widely considered the reward-to-effort king of Lake Louise. This trail takes you deep into the high-alpine heart of the valley, where you can hear the roar of avalanches and the cracking of ancient ice.
The Route Experience
After following the lakeshore, the trail begins a steady ascent through a forest of subalpine fir and Engelmann spruce. It eventually emerges onto a lateral moraine—a ridge of rock left behind by the retreating glacier.
- The Teahouse: Built by Swiss Guides in 1924, this historic stone teahouse serves fresh scones and tea. It is cash only and has no electricity.
- Abbot Pass Viewpoint: Continue 1.5 km past the teahouse to the "End of Plain" for a close-up view of the lower Victoria Glacier and the death-defying Abbot Pass.
Safety & Logistics
- Avalanche Hazard: This trail crosses several significant avalanche runout zones. It is generally not safe to hike until mid-June. Check trail reports before heading out.
- Wildlife: This is prime Grizzly habitat. Groups of 4 or more are highly recommended.
Photography Tips
- Glacial Silt: From the moraine, you can see the distinct "milky" color of the water where the glacier grinds rock into fine powder.
- The Giants: Capture the scale of Mt. Lefroy and Mt. Victoria towering 1,000m above the trail.