Banff National Park Canada

Lake Agnes and Plain of Six Glaciers

A loop above Lake Louise that links two classic trails and their seasonal tea houses: up to Lake Agnes beneath tall peaks, across the Highline Trail, and on to the Plain of Six Glaciers before returning along the lakeshore.

  • 14.3 km
  • About 5 h
  • moderate
  • Best Jul–Sep

Photo: learningis1st · CC BY-SA 4.0

At a glance

Lake Louise Lakeshore to Lake Agnes, across the Highline Trail to the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail, and back to Lake Louise Lakeshore

Distance
14.3 km · 8.9 mi
Time
About 5 h
Difficulty
Moderate
Route
Loop

Plan your trip

Best months: Jul–Sep

Permits & fees
No trail permit is needed, but you need a national park pass to visit Banff; shuttle tickets do not include park entry. Checked October 2026.
Getting there
As published for 2026 (checked October 2026): the Parks Canada shuttle to Lake Louise Lakeshore ran from May 15 to October 12, reservation only, from the Lake Louise Park and Ride at the Lake Louise Ski Resort (free parking for shuttle holders). Fares were CA$12.75 per adult, CA$6 per senior and CA$4 per youth, plus a CA$3.50 online reservation fee. Parking at the Lakeshore cost CA$42 per vehicle per day in the same period and often fills before sunrise. Roam Transit Route 8X runs from the town of Banff to Lake Louise year-round.
Good to know
  • The tea houses at Lake Agnes and the Plain of Six Glaciers are privately run and open from mid-May until just after Canadian Thanksgiving in mid-October.
  • These trails cross avalanche terrain: Parks Canada advises against hiking them from November to mid-May, and in May and June you should check the trail report before you go.
  • From Lake Agnes you can add a side trip to the Little Beehive (0.9 km one way) or the Big Beehive (1.5 km one way) for views over Lake Louise.
  • Lake Louise is extremely busy from May through October, especially on holidays and weekends; have a backup plan.

Reviews & tips

No reviews yet — be the first to share how Lake Agnes and Plain of Six Glaciers went.

Sign in to review Lake Agnes and Plain of Six Glaciers or add a tip.

Tips from hikers

No tips yet. Water sources, transport, huts — what should the next hiker know?

Sources

Official figures where published; other numbers are measured on the map and approximate. Conditions and rules change — confirm with the official source before you go.