Pros & cons
PROS
- Historic 1927 backcountry tea house with sweeping glacier views
- Fresh-baked scones, soups and tea after a rewarding hike
CONS
- Cash-only; card payments are intermittent at best
- Prices run high and waits can be long at midday
Overview
Perched above Lake Louise at the end of the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail, this rustic, off-grid tea house serves simple, homemade food with a front-row seat to active glaciers and towering cliffs. Built in 1927 by Swiss guides for early railway guests, it still feels authentically backcountry: supplies are hauled in by foot or helicopter and staff live onsite for the season.
The Hike In
From the Lake Louise lakeshore, you’ll follow a flat 2 km warm-up along the water before climbing the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail. It’s about 5.5 km (each way) with moderate gain. The payoff is huge—panoramas of the Victoria Glacier, waterfall-laced cliffs, and the wide alpine valley that gives the trail its name.
Food, Vibe and Facilities
Expect a short, focused menu: teas, baked goods (the scones are beloved), hearty soups, sandwiches and desserts. Seating is cozy inside with additional outdoor spots. This is very much a backcountry operation—no electricity, no Wi‑Fi, and basic pit toilets nearby. Service can slow down during the lunch rush, but the atmosphere is part of the charm.
Wildlife and Safety
You’re in prime grizzly country, with common sightings of marmots and pikas in the rocks and occasional mountain goats higher up. Carry bear spray, hike in groups when possible, and keep food secure. Seasonal avalanche hazards exist outside summer—check the Banff National Park trail report before you go.
Why It’s Special
Compared to the busier lakeshore, the tea house feels remote and peaceful, with glacier views you just can’t get from the road. Many hikers say it’s quieter than the Lake Agnes Tea House, and the sense of “earning” your tea makes the experience.
Season and Hours
The tea house typically operates June to early October, weather permitting, generally 9 AM–5 PM. It’s closed outside this period.
Best Time to Visit
- Go on weekday mornings during summer and early fall to beat crowds and snag a seat.
- Start early so you’re up before the midday rush and safely back before afternoon weather shifts.
- Parking at Lake Louise is notoriously tight—plan ahead so you’re not arriving late and hungry.
What to Bring
Cash (CAD/USB noted), layers for fast-changing mountain weather, water, and bear spray. Expect no cell service and very limited card connectivity if any.
Where it is
51.3936, -116.2728Tips for Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House
- 01Bring cash; connectivity is unreliable and card payments may not work.
- 02Start from Lake Louise early to avoid parking hassles and lunch lines.
- 03Check the Parks Canada trail report for avalanche and wildlife advisories.
- 04Carry layers and rain gear—weather flips quickly in this alpine valley.
- 05Bring bear spray and hike with others; this is prime grizzly habitat.
Amenities
Near Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House
All places →All trails →
0 mi awaySix glaciers viewpointFront-row views of Victoria and Lefroy glaciers above Lake LouiseScenic Viewpoint · Restroom
0.5 mi awayPlain of Six GlaciersClassic glacier-valley hike capped by a rustic teahouse and big viewsRestroom · Food
1.5 mi awayDevil's ThumbUnsigned scramble with jaw-dropping views of Lake Louise and AgnesScenic Viewpoint
1.7 mi awayMount VictoriaThe glacier-draped giant towering above Lake Louise and the Six Glaciers
2.1 mi awayPlain of Six Glaciers TrailFrom Lake Louise to roaring glaciers and a rustic teahouseModerate · 8.6 mi · 4.5 hr
2.1 mi awayLake Agnes Tea HouseClassic Lake Louise climb to a cirque lake and historic tea houseModerate · 4.4 mi · 3 hr
2.1 mi awayDevil's ThumbUnsigned scramble above Lake Louise with twin lake and glacier viewsChallenging · 7.9 mi · 5.9 hr
3.4 mi awayGreat Divide Trail (Lake Louise)Wide, flat old highway to the Continental Divide—great year-roundEasy · 12.4 mi · 4.5 hr
