This loop hike in Banff National Park is astounding! With just a little over 8 miles of hiking, you can see multiple glacial lakes, visit two teahouses, and enjoy fabulous alpine views all the way! Check out our Hiking Tips and Gear page to prepare for this epic “Two Teahouse Hike” in Banff. And see our Banff National Park guide for more details on accommodations, Moraine Lake, the Bow Highway, Johnson Canyon, and Banff Town.
First Leg: Lake Louise Shoreline to Lake Agnes Teahouse
The hike leaves from the shoreline of Lake Louise, near the Chateau Lake Louise. (For information on Lake Louise and Banff sights, including getting there, passes and fees, please see our guide to Banff National Park.)
To begin your hike, follow the shoreline from the Chateau Lake Louise around the right side (when facing the lake) to signs to the Lake Agnes Teahouse.
The first leg of the hike is to the Lake Agnes Teahouse. To get there, you will first hike 2.1 miles from the Lake Louise shoreline. The hike is uphill almost all the way and a moderately difficult climb. But the views of Lake Louise below, and the fantastic evergreen forest surrounding you, make it all worthwhile.
Around the 1.8 mile mark, you arrive at the aptly named Mirror Lake. This is a popular rest stop and a beautiful place to drink some water and rest your legs.
The hike from here to Lake Agnes is steeper with switchbacks. Shortly before arriving at the Lake Agnes Teahouse, you pass a beautiful waterfall. The area at the base of the falls can become crowded.
A 57-stair climb then brings you up to the lake and the Teahouse. The exquisitely scenic lake, which lies just beyond the Teahouse, is surrounded by jagged mountain peaks.
Since the Teahouse is an iconic hiking destination, lines for food, drink and toilets here can be long. We opted to enjoy snacks our own snacks and then hike on to the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse.
Second Leg: Lake Agnes Teahouse to Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse
The hike from the Lake Agnes Teahouse to the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse is about 2.5 miles. The trail first descends until you can once again see Lake Louise and the chateau in the distance. The views down to the lake as you continue up the valley are breathtaking.
Soon you begin a steady climb to the Plain of Six Glaciers. This area is exposed along a ridge, but not difficult. Within .6 miles of the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse, the trail begins a significant climb until you reach the Teahouse.
The Teahouse sells coffees and teas, cheese sandwiches, tea biscuits, and scones. Sit on the porch or at one of several adjacent picnic tables to relax and rejuvenating.
While the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse is a popular hiking destination, it does not feel crowded. There is plenty of space to spread out at tables inside (upstairs), on the porch, and in the area around the porch.
Lines are shorter at the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse (no line when we visited).
The vistas are outstanding, with views of multiple glaciers.
There are pit toilets up the hill to the left of the Teahouse near the trail where you hiked in. You can also fill your water bottles at the Plain of Six Glaciers.
Third Leg: Plain of Six Glaciers to Glacier Views and Back to Plain of Six Glaciers
From the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse, there is a trail that leads about .6 mile further up to views of the glaciers. You’re up here – why not get the epic views?
Fourth Leg: Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse to Chateau Lake Louise
From the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse back down to the Chateau Lake Louise is a 3.3 mile (5.3 km) hike. You’ll be glad to be traveling downhill by this point, although the steepness in places is hard on the knees. Watch out for loose rock too, as it can be slippery.
The first sections of the trail are exposed, and the afternoon sun can be hot and dehydrating. Wear your hat and drink plenty of water. But the hiking is epic, with vast sweeping panoramas of mountains, glaciers, and shimmering Lake Louise far below. The miles go quickly.
Finally, you arrive at the end of Lake Louise where the glacial melt runs into the lake. The scenery here is surreal, with silt “beaches” and marshes, making it a fantastic place to take a break and snap some photos.
From here, the white Chateau glimmers in the afternoon sun, and the surrounding mountains are breathtaking. Follow the shoreline 1.8 miles (2.9 km) back to the Chateau Lake Louise. You’ve completed your “Two Teahouse Hike” in Banff! Treat yourself to a sandwich, coffee or pastry at The Guide’s Pantry inside the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. You earned it!
Other Related Guides
Icefields Parkway – Banff and Jasper National Parks, Alberta, CA
Kootenay National Park along the Windermere Highway
(Also, see the Official Banff Park page).