Details: Plain of the Six Glaciers

Lake Louise and its massive cirque are the stars of this hike highlighting the jaw-dropping scenery of the Lake Louise Valley. The awe inspiring overlook at the end of the hike is surrounded by impressive peaks and glaciers displaying Mother Nature’s raw beauty and power.

To Plain of the Six Glaciers Viewpoint

The hike to the Plain of the Six Glaciers starts on the broad crowded pavement along the east shore of Lake Louise. Here views stretch the length of Lake Louise to Mount Victoria (11,364-ft.), Mount Collier (10,603-ft.) and Popes Peak (10,370-ft.). On a calm morning the high peaks adorned with glaciers are perfectly reflected in the lake’s turquoise waters. This section of the lakeshore is extremely crowded with visitors taking photos of the stunning scene.

Follow the broad walkway as it curves to the left (west) along the lake’s northwestern shore, past the Chateau Lake Louise. After walking 0.2 miles reach a junction and a trailhead sign. Continue straight ahead (west/southwest) on the Lakeshore Trail. The trail branching to the right (northwest) leads to Lake Agnes Tea House, the Little Beehive and the Big Beehive.

The Lakeshore trail is typically crowded with a multitude of strollers. Start your hike early to avoid the crowds.

At 1.4 mile reach the head of the lake where great views extend the length of the lake to the Chateau Lake Louise. A short distance beyond the lake, pass a rock wall popular with climbers.

The path, now referred to as the Plain of the Six Glaciers Trail, ascends the valley on easy to moderate grades, passing the large delta where the glacier’s meltwater stream has deposited gravel and other debris as it flows into Lake Louise. Soon the trail ascends above the creek, traveling through spruce-fir forest and meadows.

After 2.4 miles the trail emerges from the trees to glorious views of the cirque at the head of the valley, anchored by Mount Victoria. Haddo Peak, Mount Aberdeeen, the Miter, Mount Lefroy and the Lefroy Glacier fill the skyline to the south. Below the trail the remains of ancient moraines and a glacial outwash plain, the glacial sediments deposited by the retreating glacier, fill the valley floor.

At 2.7 miles the trail passes the junction with the Highline Trail, branching right toward the Big Beehive and Lake Agnes. We continue straight ahead, ascending the Plain of the Six Glaciers trail on moderate grades. The grade abates briefly at 3.0 miles as the trail traverses narrow ledges along a rugged cliff. Beyond the ledges the climb resumes as we briefly travel atop a moraine before ascending to the Plain of the Six Glaciers Tea House at 3.6 miles. Benches and outhouses near the Tea House offer a convenient place to take a break before continuing the hike.

Beyond the Teahouse, the trail traverses the base of a large avalanche chute on the slopes of Pope Peak. Soon the trail starts ascending on moderate to moderately steep grades through stunted conifers and then rocky meadows. Along the way enjoy grand views of Mount Aberdeen, the Lefroy Glacier, the Mitre and Mount Lefroy. Waterfalls fed by glacial meltwater plunge down the sheer slopes.

The final trail segment climbs along a lateral moraine to the overlook at 4.35 miles. Here you are standing below the sheer cliffs of Mount Victoria. The peak soars overhead. Mount Lefroy towers above the valley to the west. The Victoria Glaciers clings to the slopes of Mount Victoria and flows motionlessly down the valley between the peak and Mount Lefroy to the valley floor. Along the valley floor, huge crevasses crisscross the glacier, which is mostly covered with gravel and rock debris.

After enjoying the views, retrace your steps to the trailhead, for an 8.7 mile round-trip hike.