LOVELY LAKE LOUISE //
Seriously, how beautiful is that view from the shoreline of Lake Louise. Some of us dream of traveling to Europe, while other's would do anything to be on a secluded island in the Carribean. But even after this trip, I sit here dreaming of the day I'll return to Alberta, Canada! We were only there for four days, aside from flights we spent $296/each. This trip was easily one of my favorites!
The Plain of Six Glaciers Trail was the longest trail we hiked during our time in Banff. We got up before the sun came up and arrived Lake Louise as the sun was rising. It was pretty magical standing at the base of the lake watching the cool colors slowly become so warm, as the moon hovered over the mountains in the distance. The mountains were mirrored in the reflection of the water, and I could have sat there all morning. We called the trees "blurry trees" because they seemed to play an illusion on your eyes. We enjoyed the long walk along the paved trail, called Lakeshore Trail which was just in front of the Fairmont Hotel. We took our time but we were also anxious to get to the trailhead before it got crowded.
If you are limited on time or don't want to do the actual hike, I'd suggest still walking along the Lakeshore trail to take in the views from every angle. It’s hard to take in the scale of the Fairmont Chateau when you are standing in front of it. From the trail, it melts into the mountains behind it and almost becomes part of the landscape as you can see below.
CROSSING THE DELTA //
Near the base of the trailhead is a beautiful delta where the silt from the glacier runoff feeds into Lake Louise. The glacier silt, or rock flour, is what the light reflects off of in the lake giving it the turquoise color. The water in the delta is a milky white color, and the way it runs into the lake kinda makes you feel like your on a different planet. The morning light in the photo above swept over the trees and the Fairmont Chateau of Lake Louise in the most beautiful way. Every way we turned there was a photographic moment that we just couldn't pass up. The light was changing so quickly you could turn back around and take an entirely different photo. It was so worth getting up so early to see the light - in my opinion, it made all the difference. We couldn't believe how little the Fairmont looked back in the distance.
THE TRAIL //
DIFFICULTY: MODERATE
DISTANCE: 8.5 Miles round trip
ELEVATION GAIN: 2,401 feet
TIME: About 5 hours (We took our time, had lunch, and explored)
TIME OF YEAR: Best during the June-August months
DOGS: Allowed on the trail but must be leashed.
TREKKING UP THROUGH ALPINE FOREST //
On this trail the landscape changes from alpine forest to alpine meadow to glacier moraine; it's a true feast for the senses. From the start of the trail until the Tea House, it's pretty much a steady uphill climb. Once we found our pace, we did okay but still needed to make frequent stops. The trail itself was pretty narrow and rocky. There were areas where water streamed down the rocks which made the trail muddy and the surrounding rocks slippery. Once you get above the tree line, you can see Lake Louise and the Fairmont Chateau in the distance. From there you'll come to a fork, you'll want to avoid the horse path and keep to the right. The next section is along a pretty steep ridge. There are steel cables bolted into the rock for you to hold onto in case you need to. This is one area of the trail I wouldn't want to cross if it were congested with people, as it's pretty narrow.
LUNCH AT THE TEA HOUSE //
As we approached the base of the teahouse we heard the avalanches falling in the distance. We took a little break on the big, wooden benches and took in the views. When we arrived at the PLAIN OF SIX GLACIERS TEAHOUSE we were greeted by two, big lazy dogs sleeping on the patio. We worked up an appetite and headed upstairs to grab a seat on the balcony.
We read in advance that all the goods are hiked in, carried on horseback or dropped in by helicopter. There are two people who work at the teahouse at a time. One who waits on the tables, the other cooks using only propane. They hike up and work five-day shifts before heading back down to Lake Louise. Everyone had a sandwich, lentil soup, and chocolate cake. I had soup and homemade biscuits and jam. SO delicious. Of course, you also have to get the tea! I'd recommend getting up there as early as you can as things get crowded and they run out of food options quickly. Meal for 4 was just under $100. Not cheap, but absolutely worth it! Just make sure you have cash because it's cash only.
Delicious food, endless mountain views, and the sound of avalanches in the distance definitely made for one of the most memorable lunches.
ALMOST TO THE TOP //
After lunch, we filled up our water bottles in the local stream and started our final trek up the mountain to witness the Victoria Glacier up close. The last leg of the hike was very strenuous, our legs were already so sore and everything started to feel shaky. Our lunch break set us back an hour and a half which meant the trail had begun to get crowded. At times we had to stop completely to let people pass as they were coming down. Just before we made it to the end of the trail (the giant hill of loose rocks), I realized I'm still slightly afraid of heights. There was a section that was very narrow with nothing around that had me feeling a little uneasy.
After some convicing from the group, I mustered up the courage to just go! On the other side awaited loose gravel which really made me nervous. I carefully made my way up to a spot on the hill where I could sit comfortably and take in the views of the glacier. After 10 or so minutes, we started to make our way back down. That part always goes SO MUCH faster than the trek up!
TREKKING BACK DOWN //
I'd be lying if I said the hike down wasn't frustrating. By 3pm there were so many people on the trail, also so many people in flip flops that realized they weren't able to safely make the trails at a decent speed. Don't be that person, be prepared.
Our feet were all really feeling it by the time we got back down and reached the base of the lake again. We all took off our boots and submerged our feet in the ice-cold water until we couldn't take it any longer. We sat on the benches and ate our PB&J sandwiches and talked about the hike as we people watched.
We ended our time at Lake Louise by getting a much-deserved cold beer on the patio of the Fairmont. We shared some appetizers and had a lovely time enjoying one of the most beautiful views in the Rockies. It was crazy to sit there and look at the glacier in the distance knowing that our bodies took us the whole way up there and back earlier that morning.
It can be such a great feeling when you push yourself beyond what you think you are capable of. At times, I questioned if I could finish this hike, but I pushed through, and that feeling is priceless.
TIPS FOR THIS HIKE //
Arrive early before the parking lot gets full and to get on the trail before it get's too packed with bus loads of people.
If you want to stop at the tea house along the way, I'd suggest stopping before you continue to the glacier. The food is limited, and things can quickly sell out for the day.
Bring lots of light layers, hats, gloves, etc. We were here in August and it was still chilly at various points.
Wear hiking boots or sturdy sneakers, especially if you plan to go beyond the tea house. There is a lot of gravel, tree roots, etc. We saw so many people wearing sandals or thong flip flops; I can't imagine how dangerous things could get. Hiking poles might also be helpful.
Bring lots of water with you, you won't find any taps to fill up along the trail. We got desperate and filled up in the stream.
Make sure you have cash you if you plan on stopping at the tea houses.
FINAL THOUGHTS //
This was easily the most strenuous hike we did while in Alberta, it was also the most rewarding. The trail was diverse and lead us around the lake, over the delta, through the forest and left us standing in front of the Victoria Glacier while we listened to avalanches in the distance. I honestly don't know if I could paint you a picture with my words that would even justify the beauty that this trail has to offer. If you're capable of hiking a moderate trail, put this on the top of your list!
Have you hiked the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail or visited Lake Louise? Feel free to share your experiences below. =)
xx Ash
