Lake Louise Hike: Plain of Six Glaciers, Big Beehive & Lake Agnes
If you’re up for a rewarding day with some of the most spectacular views around the Lake Louise area, this Lake Louise hike is for you. At approximately 18.5 km with just over 1,000 metres of elevation gain, it’s a worthwhile challenge that combines natural beauty, historical charm, and a sense of adventure.
🥾 Lake Louise Hike at a Glance
📍 Location: Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Alberta
🥾 Trail Route: Plain of Six Glaciers → Highline Trail → Big Beehive → Lake Agnes Tea House
📏 Distance: Approximately 18.5 km loop
⛰️ Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,000 metres
⏰ Time Required: 6–8 hours
💪 Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
📅 Best Time to Hike: June to September
🍁 Trail Conditions: Well-maintained mountain trails with some steep sections and exposed viewpoints
🍵 Highlights:
- Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House
- Big Beehive Viewpoint
- Lake Agnes Tea House
- Stunning views of Lake Louise
- Mountain glaciers and alpine scenery
- One of the most rewarding day hikes in Banff National Park
⭐ Worth It? Absolutely. If you’re looking for a full-day adventure that combines Lake Louise’s most iconic viewpoints, two historic tea houses, and spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery, this is one of the best hikes in Alberta.
Why This Is One of the Best Lake Louise Hikes
If you’re up for a rewarding day with some of the most spectacular views around the Lake Louise area, then this hike is for you. At approximately 18.5 km with just over 1,000 meters of elevation gain, it’s a worthwhile challenge that combines natural beauty, historical charm, and a sense of adventure.
There are two old teahouses along the way, one at the Plain of the Six Glaciers and another at Lake Agnes. Lunch at the Plain of the Six Glaciers is lovely, just note that both teahouses are often cash only.
Planning Your Lake Louise Hike
Parking at Lake Louise
Parking at Lake Louise is tough and expensive at around $36/day. We arrived shortly after 6 a.m. and found only a few spots left, so plan accordingly.
Lake Louise Shuttle
Alternatively, there’s a shuttle bus system which is well worth booking in advance: Lake Louise Shuttle Info.
What to Bring
This is a full-day mountain adventure, so a little preparation goes a long way. Weather conditions can change quickly in the Rockies, even on sunny summer days.
We recommend bringing:
- Plenty of water (at least 2 litres per person)
- Snacks or a packed lunch
- Cash for the tea houses
- A light rain jacket or extra layer
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- A hat for sun protection
- Comfortable hiking shoes or boots with good traction
- A camera or phone for photos
- Bear spray and knowledge of how to use it
Although the trails are well maintained, you’ll be covering approximately 18.5 kilometres with over 1,000 metres of elevation gain. Being prepared will make the day much more enjoyable and allow you to fully appreciate the spectacular scenery along the way.
Trail Overview
- Start by traversing the western lake shore, then gradually ascend to the 1927 Plain of the Six Glaciers Teahouse, about 5.5 km in.
- Continue for another ~1 km beyond the teahouse for stunning views of the glaciers.
- This section is out and back, so if the teahouse is full, you can always try again on your return.
Plain of Six Glaciers Hike
The trail begins along the shoreline of Lake Louise, where the turquoise water and surrounding peaks provide an incredible start to the day. As we continued toward Plain of Six Glaciers, the crowds gradually thinned and the scenery became even more dramatic. Looking back across the lake offered some of our favourite views of the entire hike.
The final approach to the tea house is especially rewarding. Surrounded by towering mountains and glacier-carved valleys, it feels like stepping into another world. We found this section of the hike to be quieter and more peaceful than the Lake Agnes area, making it one of our favourite parts of the day.
Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House
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Highline Trail to Big Beehive
On the way back, take the Highline Trail and the connector (steepest ascent) to the Big Beehive for the best views of Lake Louise.
Big Beehive Hike
Big Beehive Viewpoint
Lake Agnes Tea House
From there, descend to Lake Agnes, check out the second teahouse, and continue your descent back to the Chateau.
Plain of Six Glaciers vs Lake Agnes
Choose Plain of Six Glaciers if:
- You prefer fewer crowds
- You want glacier views
- You enjoy longer hikes
Choose Lake Agnes if:
- You want a shorter outing
- You want quick access to a tea house
- You’re hiking with less experienced hikers
The Plain of the Six Glaciers trail is usually much quieter than the Lake Agnes area, which is packed in summer. If you’d prefer to avoid the crowds, simply return via the same route for a quieter hike.
Is This Hike Worth It?
Absolutely. If you’re looking for a full-day adventure that combines Lake Louise’s most iconic viewpoints, two historic tea houses, and spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery, this is one of the best hikes in Alberta.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Plain of Six Glaciers, Big Beehive, and Lake Agnes hike?
The complete loop is approximately 18.5 kilometres and typically takes between 6 and 8 hours to complete. The exact time depends on your pace, the number of stops you make for photos, and whether you spend time enjoying lunch or refreshments at either of the historic tea houses.
Is the Big Beehive hike difficult?
The Big Beehive portion of the hike is considered moderate to difficult due to the elevation gain and length of the overall route. While the trails are well maintained, hikers should be prepared for some steep sections, particularly on the connector trail leading to Big Beehive. The reward is one of the most spectacular viewpoints overlooking Lake Louise.
Can you visit both tea houses in one day?
Yes. One of the highlights of this route is that it allows hikers to visit both the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House and the Lake Agnes Tea House in a single day. Many hikers choose to stop for lunch at one tea house and enjoy a snack, tea, or dessert at the other.
Which tea house is better: Plain of Six Glaciers or Lake Agnes?
Both tea houses offer a unique mountain experience, but they feel quite different. The Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House tends to be quieter and surrounded by dramatic glacier scenery, while the Lake Agnes Tea House is often busier and located beside beautiful Lake Agnes. If time allows, visiting both is part of what makes this hike so memorable.
What is the best time of year to hike Plain of Six Glaciers and Big Beehive?
The best hiking season is typically from June through September when the trails are generally snow-free and the tea houses are operating. July and August offer the warmest weather but are also the busiest months. Starting early in the morning helps avoid crowds and improves your chances of finding parking.
Do you need to take the Lake Louise shuttle?
Not necessarily, but many visitors find it to be the easiest option during peak summer months. Parking at Lake Louise fills very early and can be expensive. If you do plan to drive, arriving before sunrise or shortly after 6 a.m. is recommended.
Is the Plain of Six Glaciers trail crowded?
The Plain of Six Glaciers trail is usually quieter than the Lake Agnes area. Many visitors stop at Lake Agnes Tea House and never continue farther into the valley, making the Plain of Six Glaciers section feel more peaceful and less crowded.
Is this one of the best hikes in Banff National Park?
Absolutely. Few hikes combine glacier views, alpine lakes, mountain scenery, historic tea houses, and iconic viewpoints in a single day. For hikers looking for a full-day adventure near Lake Louise, this route is one of the most rewarding hikes in Banff National Park.
Where to Stay Near Lake Louise
We often stay at this little gem, Storm Mountain Lodge (book here). A rustic cabin complex that oozes pioneer charm. The individual cabins, each with their own wood-burning stove, offer a cozy retreat that feels both timeless and welcoming. One of our favorite touches is the common cabin, which serves as a social hub where guests can gather, relax, and swap trail stories.
Dinner at the lodge is always a highlight. The menu is thoughtfully curated with local Canadian fare, often featuring Buffalo and Elk, and every dish is presented with care and attention to detail. It’s the kind of place where you feel both grounded and indulged in an authentic slice of the Rockies.
More Alberta Adventures
Planning a longer Rocky Mountain getaway? These Alberta travel guides will help you discover even more incredible destinations, hiking trails, and local experiences.
Canmore Alberta Travel Guide
Just a short drive from Banff National Park, Canmore offers stunning mountain scenery, excellent restaurants, outdoor adventures, and a more relaxed atmosphere. Our complete Canmore travel guide covers everything you need to know before visiting.
Things to Do in Canmore
From scenic hikes and river walks to wildlife viewing and local attractions, discover the best things to do in Canmore throughout the year.
Best Restaurants in Canmore
After a day of exploring the Rockies, treat yourself to one of Canmore’s fantastic restaurants. From casual cafés to memorable dining experiences, we’ve rounded up our favourite places to eat.
Grassi Lakes Hike
Looking for another spectacular Alberta hike? The Grassi Lakes Trail is one of the most beautiful and accessible hikes in the Canadian Rockies, featuring turquoise lakes and incredible mountain views.
Kinney Lake Hike, Mount Robson Provincial Park
If you’re heading west into British Columbia, the Kinney Lake Trail offers breathtaking views of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, and is one of our favourite day hikes in the region.
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