Plain of the Six Glaciers Trail

Would agree that this is an easy trail. Incline is moderate all the way through with switchbacks which make it very manageable. Trail was well maintained up until just past the Tea House. Packed snow and barely icy, but spikes are a must. The last bit to the lookout had fresh snowdrift, which got about knee high. Heavy exposure at the lookout so we didn’t stay long, but the view of the glaciers was amazing.

beautiful hike. I would rate this as easy (not moderate) as it was a very gradual incline on a well paved path for the most part. the teahouse was closed when we got there, so it would be nice to know ahead but we were planning to do the hike regardless. I would do it again for sure!!! easy and stunning views all around. micro spikes are a must.

Completed on 12 Sep. barring one or two steep sections to the area house and one steep section at the end, I think this is a easy trail. There were many icy sections near the tea house. Started early and just came across one group of people but on the return to lake Louise saw lots of people heading towards the plains. My first in snow. Will try to do it again in summer to see how it looks and feels. The tea house definitely gets crowded. Cleats and crampons are very helpful these days and saw most folks having crampons around the icy section.

Great hike! Hiked it this morning (October 13) and it was the last day the tea house is open for the year. Snow on the ground but very manageable with ice grips

Great hike! Trail conditions were reasonable and definitely doable but there is considerable snow and ice. We found it helpful to wear microspikes. Such beautiful scenery and we decided to take the trail to lake Agnes on the way back which was a great decision and offered good views of lake Louise

We did this trail yesterday, 9th October. It had snowed a fair bit the day before so we had our trekkers on which really makes these sorts of conditions so much more enjoyable, dress appropriately and this trail is definitely manageable. This trail is just spectacular, you start off with a couple of kms walking around the lake, then head into some beautiful forest. There is some sections that go around a bit of a cliff that was covered in huge icicles, meanwhile every-time you look back the view of the lake gets better! After a hot chocolate at the tea house we headed to the lookout that’s another 1.4kms past it. The snow was deep and fresh here so guessing no one else had been out that far, we went about 1km but decided it was beyond our capabilities, plus the view from that point was so amazing we really didn’t mind. All in all this is one of the most beautiful trails I have been on and was a lot of fun!

I hiked this trail on Oct 10th, a couple days after the snowfall, and it was very icey. I had small crampon spikes on and was able to go almost the whole way with no issues, however, about 1 km or so before the tea house it was extremely icey on a portion of the trail that is quite narrow and along a cliff. I decided against risking my life and turned around. But the views the whole and up to this point were spectacular. I’m so glad I did the hike even if I did turn around before reaching the tea house.

Started this hike around 9am with my tour group. If you start early enough, you'll be in the shade for the first part of the hike. I was able to get by for most of the hike with regular hiking boots, but before you reach the Tea House there's a narrow cliff that's fairly ice. We suited up with ice cleats for the remainder of the trek. The tea house is absolutely charming! Bring cash if you want to purchase something. Due to the conditions, we didn't go any further than the Tea House.

Great trail with amazing views for most of it . Starts off pretty flat the first two miles before you start going uphill . Today , October 7 2019, the trail near the tea house and past it towards the lookout were covered in ice, spikes or traction devices are recommended. Make sure to stop at the tea house for a short break. They have 3 meal options with two of them being around 24.95 CAD which include drink, soup, sandwich, and dessert . You can also get single items for less .

Hiked today Oct 5, trail was dry except for the last 15 minutes- bit muddy with icey patched. Hiked to the lookout, saw an avalanche in action! Micro spikes will be needed for this part.

Completed today October 4th, Mid afternoon. Had to use upper overflow parking at Lake Louise but no problem getting a spot there. Trail from hotel around the lake was busy as usual, but at the far side of lake and across the boardwalk is where I found peace! Saw maybe 10 people coming down as I went up. Snow grains falling on and off but no accumulation. Trail conditions were great, mostly damp to dry, with a bit of mud in shaded areas. Did not encounter any ice until less than 10 minutes from tea house. The upper area around the tea house is mixed ice patches. I did not have crampons and managed fine without them in both directions. Just had to be cautious on the way down. Air temp was around 2-3 degrees with some wind. Still some yellow leaves showing but they won't last long. Great fall hike!

hiked this trail this morning. started about 830. Lakeshore trail to P6G trailhead offered nice views of Lake Louise, very still and blue this morning. P6G was an easy hike. some incline in spots, but not icy until 1/4 - 1/2 mile before the teahouse where snow was constant. Donkey droppings were common on the trail. many sections were very rocky and easily scaled with clear spots for footing. Occasional cracking and booms resonated through the canyon from the glaciers moving about and the ice breaking. we heard a large thunderous clap as we sat for tea and brunch. the food was delicious. shortly after, a hiker said she was right near the spot further up the trail where the small ice fall happened. trail down was fine. we used microspikes near the top where it was icy and left them on for the whole hike down, which was quick. nice morning hike with a nice variety of scenery. tried recording the hike but poor gps signal with phone.

Beautiful scenery. The trails were rough at times. Alot of incline going up, way back is so much faster. The higher you go up the more icy and slippery it is.

Trail was very icy starting the last mile to the Tea House. Recommend bringing/renting spikes/crampons and walking poles. Otherwise the trail was in great shape!

What a day of hiking with Mary. Started out on the Six Glaciers hike. Made it to the tea house, had tea and apple caramel pound cake. Went on to the overlook. On the way back we took the Skyline trail to the Big Beehive trail up to the Big Beehive. Great views. Then hiked down to Lake Agnes and stopped in at the tea house there. Had hot chocolate and tea biscuits and jam. Took the trail down to Mirror lake then back to the Chateau Lake Louise. Had to use crampons several times. Wouldn’t have been able to negotiate some trails without them.

Absolutely beautiful!

Sep 26, 2019, left the lake at 7am. It rained as we walked around the lake from the hotel. As we got closer to the teahouse it snowed. Very slushy. By 11am it had mostly melted. Winter is coming... :)

This was an enjoyable hike up to the lookout. You start along lake Louise to the back and then you begin the uphill climb. It’s a good path with plenty of people on it. Once you walk through a forested area you arrive at the open alpine area and get great views of the lake behind and the glacier in front. We stopped off at the tea house which was busy and then continued another 1.5km to the lookout - make sure you don’t miss that bit! Although it was cold, if you continue to the end you get an incredible view of the glacier and the hut.

Beautiful trail , busy . Did the park and ride , never again haha took about almost 3.5 hours of additional time . Next time I will leave home earlier. Saw a few avalanches that was kind of cool .

We hit the trail at sunrise and we are glad we did; we took an hour for lunch and hanging out at the look out and on our way back the trail was packed!!! It was a super nice treat to hook up with the highline trail on the way back. The trail is well maintained and we highly recommend going to the look out!!

Beautiful hike to the glacier. Very crowded.

We heard from many locals that this is the # 1 hike in Banff. It did not disappoint! Starts with a quiet flat road along Lake Louise but quickly changes to an entirely uphill 4 miles to the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House. Most paths were clear, a little mud and horse manure, a few times the path gets really thinned out and exciting towards the top. Option to continue past the tea house to see the glacier, this was cool but not necessary. Way back is all downhill and quicker but requires more technical footwork to not slip down the rocks. MUST wear hiking shoes and be of moderate fitness level to complete. Did not see any wildlife except for 1 bird, and not a ton of vegetation, but met many hikers along the way. Views of Lake Louise and the glacier unlike ever seen in any other place. A staple Banff hike!! P.S. Started at Lake Louise sunrise at 6:30 am, the parking lot fills quickly, advise doing this hike early when it’s chilly and not mid day or afternoon.