Illustrative artwork — an impression of Banff — Plain of Six Glaciers & Lake Louise, not a literal photograph.
The Plain of Six Glaciers is one of two classic day hikes that climb out from the shore of Lake Louise in Banff National Park, Alberta, the other being the trail to Lake Agnes — both switchback into alpine terrain and pass a historic, hike-in tea house along the way. Because both routes start and end at the same lakeside trailhead, the real lodging question is where you base yourself before and after, not where you sleep on the mountain.
Why hike here
What makes this pair of hikes special starts before you even leave the shore: Lake Louise's turquoise color comes from glacial rock flour suspended in the meltwater. The Plain of Six Glaciers trail climbs through forest before opening onto a rocky viewpoint facing a wall of hanging glaciers — a vantage most visitors to the lake never see past the postcard shoreline. Partway up, a historic, cash-only tea house offers a seasonal resting point before the final push. The Lake Agnes trail, starting from the same shore, climbs instead to a small alpine lake tucked beneath cliffs, with its own tea house on the water. Both routes put you in bear country, so carrying bear spray and making noise matters here too.
Getting there
The gateway is Calgary, whose international airport connects hikers to the Banff area; from there, the route runs west along the Trans-Canada Highway into Banff National Park, where a park entry pass is required for every vehicle. The trailhead for both the Plain of Six Glaciers and Lake Agnes hikes sits right at the Lake Louise shoreline. Parking there is limited and routinely fills before breakfast through the summer months, so hikers who want a spot close to the trailhead need to arrive early in the day rather than counting on space showing up later.
Where to stay
The realistic options, closest-to-the-trail first. Book through the official links — we don't list prices or availability because they change all the time.
Illustrative — evokes the setting, not a specific property. For example: The lakeside château and other hotels in the Lake Louise and Banff areas
Hikers who want to walk to the trailhead from a lakeside room.
The village of Lake Louise and the town of Banff have the most rooms; book far ahead.
Park-area lodging (official visitor info)For example: Parks Canada campgrounds near Lake Louise and along the Bow Valley
Campers basing near the Lake Louise trailheads.
Popular Rockies campgrounds; reserve as soon as dates open.
Parks Canada reservationFor example: Historic hike-in tea houses on the two classic loops (cash, seasonal, no road)
Day hikers wanting a warm drink and snack mid-hike — not overnight lodging.
Reached only on foot; bring cash and don’t rely on them for meals.
Hike-in only (seasonal)Permits & rules
No permit is needed for the day hikes, though a park entry pass is required to be in Banff. This is bear country — carry bear spray, make noise, and check for trail restrictions.
Gear you'll want for this trip
Matched to the terrain and conditions here. Real products — check current price on Amazon.
Common questions
Do I need a permit to hike to the Plain of Six Glaciers or Lake Agnes?
Neither the Plain of Six Glaciers nor the Lake Agnes trail requires a hiking permit — both are day hikes starting from the Lake Louise shoreline. You do need a valid Banff National Park entry pass for your vehicle, checked at the park gates on the drive in. If you plan to camp overnight nearby, Parks Canada campgrounds in the area require their own reservation.
Where can I stay near Lake Louise?
The best-known option is the lakeside Château Lake Louise, right at the trailhead, along with other hotels in the small Lake Louise village nearby. Many hikers instead base themselves in the town of Banff, a short drive away, which has a wider range of hotels. For campers, Parks Canada operates reservable campgrounds near Lake Louise and throughout the Bow Valley.
What's the best time of year to do these hikes?
Both trails are best hiked from June through September, when the route is clear of snow and the tea houses along the way are open for the season. Outside that window, sections at higher elevation can hold snow and ice well into early summer, so check current trail conditions before you go. This is bear country year-round, so carry bear spray and make noise as you hike, regardless of season.
Complete gearsets for this trip
Full curated kits built for exactly this kind of hike — what to bring, why, and links to similar gear.
Lodging details are compiled from official parks, refuge associations and reservation systems and can change without notice. We publish no prices, availability or ratings — always confirm current information on the official site before booking or setting out. Product links are affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you; prices and availability are shown on Amazon. See our affiliate disclosure.