Details: Lake Agnes and Plain of the Six Glaciers

Amazing views of Mount Lefroy, Mount Victoria and six glaciers along with a trip to scenic Lake Agnes and the Big Beehive are the highlights of this terrific loop hike in the Lake Louise Valley.

Trailhead to Lake Agnes

Distance from Trailhead: 2.2 miles (one way)

Ending/Highest Elevation: 7,003-ft.

Elevation Gain: 1,283-ft.

To reach the trailhead for Lake Agnes, walk northwest along the east shore of Lake Louise (5,680-ft.) past the Chateau Lake Louise. The lakeshore offers breathtaking views down the length of the lake to Mount Victoria (11,364-ft.), Mount Collier (10,603-ft.) and Popes Peak (10,370-ft.). On a calm morning the high peaks adorned with glaciers are perfectly reflected in the lake’s turquoise waters.

Follow the broad walkway as it curves to the left (west) along the lake’s northwestern shore. After walking 0.2 miles reach a junction and a trailhead sign. Turn right (northwest) on the trail marked for Lake Agnes Tea House and the Big Beehive.

The broad trails climbs on moderate to moderately steep grades through spruce-fir forest up the northwestern slopes of the Lake Louise Valley. At 1.75 miles reach a trail junction and Mirror Lake, a small pond set beneath the sheer cliffs of the Big Beehive.

Turn right at the junction toward Lake Agnes and the Beehives. Beyond Mirror Lake the trail continues its ascent up a series of switchbacks. Openings in the trees offer glimpses of the high peaks rising to the west.

At 2.0 miles pass a trail branching right (north) that climbs to the Little Beehive (7,250-ft.). The 0.75 mile round-trip detour climbs to an overlook with fine views that extend northwest toward the head of the Bow Valley, southeast to the summits rising above the Banff area and east to Mount Richardson (10,122-ft.) and the high peaks of the Slate Range.

Soon the Lake Agnes Trail ascends two steep wood staircases that climb over a cliff with a waterfall on Lake Agnes’ outlet stream. At the top of the stairs is a narrow opening where the outlet stream flows out of the basin. Ahead views open to Lake Agnes nestled at the foot of a pretty cirque anchored by Mount Whyte (9,809-ft.) and Mount Nublock (9,703-ft.) to the west. The Devils Thumbs, an interesting rock formation, rises to the east of Mount Whyte.

The popular Lake Agnes Teahouse, at 2.2 miles, offers sublime views of the lake. Unfortunately the place is typically a mob scene. My advice is to walk past the tea house and find a quieter spot along Lake Agnes’ north shore to take a short break.

To the Big Beehive

Distance from Trailhead: 3.3 miles (one way)

Ending/Highest Elevation: 7,450-ft.

Elevation Gain: 447-ft.

To continue to the Big Beehive and/or the Plain of the Six Glaciers, follow the trail traversing the north shore of the Lake Agnes. At 2.6 miles the trail curves around the head of the lake and then climbs short switchbacks up scree cover slopes to a saddle between the Big Beehive and the Devils Thumb at 3.0 miles.

To visit the Big Beehive (7,450-ft.), turn left at the saddle and follow an undulating trail east along the ridge crest for 0.25 miles to an overlook with a gazebo at the end of the ridge. Here views extend east to Slate Range. Lake Louise lays 1,770-ft. below on the valley floor. Numerous overlooks along the ridge offer views of Mount Victoria, Mount Lefroy, Mount Aberdeen and Haddo Peak towering above the south side of the Lake Louise Valley. Retrace your steps back to the saddle after enjoying the views.

To the Plain of the Six Glaciers Viewpoint

Distance from Trailhead: 11.2 miles (loop)

Ending/Highest Elevation: 7,490-ft.

Elevation Gain: 974-ft.

From the junction on the saddle between the Big Beehive and the Devils Thumb, walk uphill (south) on a trail that climbs through trees to a shoulder on the ridge extending from Mount Whyte at 3.6 miles.

From the ridge the trail descends steep switchback through viewless forest to a junction with the Highline Trail at 4.2 miles. Turn right (west) on the Highline Trail toward the Plain of the Six Glaciers. The trail to the left ascends to Mirror Lake in 0.6 miles and returns to Lake Louise in 2.4 miles.

The Highline Trail travels through forest for 0.3 miles and then breaks from the trees. In the open meadows great views open to Fairview Mountain (9.000-ft.), Haddo Peak (10,070-ft.), Mount Aberdeen (10,335-ft.) and Mount Lefroy towering above the south side of the valley. Mount Victoria fills the skyline at the head of the valley (to the west). These peaks are part of the massive cirque ringing the Lake Louise valley. Remnants of the glaciers that once filled the valley cling to the peak’s steep slopes and summits. Below the trail a glacial outwash plain, the glacial sediments deposited by the retreating glacier, and the remains of ancient moraines fill the valley floor.

At 5.3 miles the trail joins the Plain of the Six Glaciers trail coming up from the valley floor. We continue straight ahead (west) on the Plain of the Six Glaciers trail. At 5.7 miles the trail briefly travels along the top of a moraine before ascending to the Plain of the Six Glaciers Tea House, rest area and nearby outhouses. A rest area with benches and nearby outhouses near the Tea House offers a convenient place to take a break before continuing the hike.

Beyond the Tea House, the trail traverses the base of a large avalanche chute on the slopes of Pope Peak. Soon the trail starts ascending on moderate to moderately steep grades through stunted conifers and then rocky meadows. Along the way enjoy grand views of Mount Aberdeen, the Lefroy Glacier, the Mitre and Mount Lefroy. Waterfalls fed by glacial meltwater plunge down the sheer slopes.

The final trail segment climbs steeply along a lateral moraine to the overlook at 6.9 miles. Here you are standing below the sheer cliffs of Mount Victoria. The peak soars overhead. Mount Lefroy towers above the valley to the west. The Victoria Glaciers clings to the slopes of Mount Victoria and flows motionlessly down the valley between the peak and Mount Lefroy to the valley floor. Along the valley floor, huge crevasses crisscross the glacier, which is mostly covered with gravel and rock debris.

After enjoying the views, the hike returns via the Plain of the Six Glacier and the Shoreline Trail along Lake Louise, reaching the trailhead at 11.2 miles.