This was an amazing trail. We went from around Lake Louise to Mirror Lake to Little Beehive and then Lake Agnes Tea House and then around Lake Agnes to Big Beehive and from there to Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House and finally Six Glaciers Viewpoint and then back. It was a long hike – taking us most of the day – since we stopped quite often to take in the magnificent views and to eat at one of the tea houses. The scenery was just breathtaking. At one point, on the route to Plain of Six Glaciers tea house, we passed the side of the mountain just covered in wild flowers. Other than being long, the majority of the hike was not too difficult with the exception of the section from Lake Agnes to Big Beehive. That section was a rather challenging hike up. The other parts of the hike did not have such a steep grade. If I had to give a recommendation, it might be to turn around after the Plain of Six Glaciers tea house. The approx 2 km to Six Glaciers Viewpoint wasn’t as spectacular as the rest of the walk and while not difficult to get to, it was difficult coming back down – as all the gravel made it somewhat slippery and so was slow going. (Uphill on a slippery slope is easier than downhill on the same slope.) Also, the end of the viewpoint is not marked, which was surprising. Almost all other main points had some signage. There are outhouses (restrooms) near both tea houses. Note: On All Trails, this is called the Plain of Six Glaciers – Big Beehive – Lake Agnes Tea House trail.

We hiked with Backroads to the Tea House with a group of 18. We were 49 to 69 years old. Varying hiking levels. We made it that’s all that counts! We witness thunder melting snow off the glacier! Magical!

I started this hike at around 8 AM. The first 2 km of the hike is flat and you walk around the lake (Lakeshore trail). After walking about 20 minutes, you will reach a point where the rock flour is draining into the lake, which is so cool to see. Then, you will go through a wood boardwalk, and at this point, you leave the lake behind you. The trail then goes through trees and forests with a gradual uphill. In about an hour since the departure (about 4 km in), you will reach a junction where the uphill trail on the right side would lead to the Big Beehive. After this point, you start to see the open views of Victoria Glacier and the glacier on top of Mount Lefroy. There are some switchbacks on a few places but none of them is too steep. Then, you will reach the teahouse. I took about 1 hour and 40 minutes to get to the teahouse but that included a few breaks, so if you are a fast hiker, you may get there in 1.5 hours or even less. You can either stop your hike here and go back or continue to the Abbot Pass Lookout for another 1.4 km. I continued to the lookout. Right after leaving the teahouse, you will pass through some trees and in about 5 minutes, you will see a sign that says the trail is not maintained beyond this point. Continue your hike and the trail gets a bit narrower and rocky but nothing dangerous at all. The views will open up and you will get to see the north aspect of Mount Lefroy, which looks majestic. The "trail" then becomes full of rocks and stones and will naturally end after a slight uphill climb. On your back, you can see the tiny Lake Louise and the Fairmont hotel, your front is the Victoria Glacier, and you can also see the "Death Trap" with the Abbot Pass where the Abbot Pass Hut used to be located. I personally couldn't reach the official end of the trail because the wind was SO strong to the point that made me a bit hard to breathe so I had to turn back, but a few people in front of me continued on. I think I stopped maybe about 100 m before the end of the trail. I still got to see the Death Trap and glaciers so I was happy. After I came back to the trailhead, it was 12:05 PM so it took 4 hours for the entire hike with several breaks and photo stops. The views were stunning and it was so amazing to see the majesty of Mount Lefroy and the surrounding glaciers at a close distance. Looking them far from the Lake Louise didn't make me realize how massive the sceneries were, so I definitely recommend this hike. For me, I felt this hike was easier than the Big Beehive hike, even though the distance was longer. Amazing hike!

If you are not staying lakefront at Lake Louise, then plan on arriving early for parking. We arrived at 6:30 to snag a parking spot before the lot closed. The weather was a mixed bag with a bit of rain and snow. The lakefront at sunrise was very busy. The crowds thinned as we made our way along the lake to the Plain of Six Glaciers. As we hiked along, we heard what sounded like thunder. As we got deeper into the canyon, we realized the boom was the sound of snow falling away from the glacier. We hiked to the very end of the trail past the teahouse for a closer view of the glacier. All along the trail were views back down the canyon to Lake Louise.

Stunning views at the viewpoint. Relatively easy hike if you exclude the last rocky uphill section which seemed quite dangerous and can be skipped. Did a loop from the Plain to Highline, then Big Beehive, Lake Agnes and Mirror Lake.