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+ 194

Lake Agnes and Plain of Six Glaciers Loop

Hiking Trail

Hard
8.54 mi
1,972 ft
A full-value loop combining the best of Lake Louise's scenery, and both of its famous teahouses.

A trip to Lake Louise is incomplete without a hot drink and cake at a teahouse set high in the mountains. Inspired by inns of the Swiss Alps, two classically styled teahouses are unique fixtures of Banff National Park. You can hike to one or the other, or you can link them both in a long day hike that captures the best of Lake Louise’s subalpine scenery. This loop begins from the main trailhead area near the chateau. If you go first to Lake Agnes, you’ll confront a steep hill on a well-kept, wide path through the forest. You’ll pass a small lake, Mirror Lake, before continuing up to Lake Agnes and the teahouse, both dramatically framed beneath sheer rock walls. Stop here for your first refreshment. Next, a flat walk around the lake leads to very steep switchbacks on a rougher trail, soon reaching a saddle where you can choose to make a side trip to the panoramic summit of Big Beehive. From there, a quick descent through thick forest leads to Highline Trail, which then makes a gradual descent to the Plain of Six Glaciers. Along the way, you’ll enjoy constant views over berry bushes that cover the slopes, toward snowy summits of surrounding peaks and glaciers clinging to their sides. The Plain of Six Glaciers lies just ahead, as does another stop for tea. This teahouse is set back in the forest, but near a meadow overlooking the plain. The rock-strewn expanse collects meltwater and debris that cascades from the cirque of glaciers visible above. You can continue along the trail, past the teahouse, for more elevated views over the plain, looking back at Lake Louise. To return, take the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail, which loops back to the chateau at lower elevation, joining the ever-popular Lakeshore Trail along the way. Sources: Written by Jesse Weber
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Strava Routes

Route and Elevation

Segments

NameDistanceElev. Diff.Avg. Grade
To the Tea House2.06 mi1,270 ft11.6%
Lake Louise to 1st switchback0.98 mi548 ft10.6%
Hwy 1 A Climb0.57 mi351 ft11.6%
Highway 1A Climb0.19 mi213 ft20.9%
Lake Louise Drive Climb0.39 mi167 ft8.1%
Moraine Lake Rd Climb0.79 mi466 ft11.0%
Lake Louise Dr Climb0.30 mi344 ft21.4%