Included: An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area A full day of hiking Not included: Transportation Accommodations Meals and snacks

How fit do I need to be?

This trek is suitable for strong intermediate-expert hikers or scramblers. Intermediate hikes will see a little more change in elevation and hikes will start to increase in length, hiking anywhere between four to eight miles. Advanced hikes are full-day treks with steep descents and challenging switchbacks. Keep in mind, the weather in summer can be very hot and you’ll also be packing a daypack filled with water and other things you’ll need throughout the day.

Waiver and release of liability

Liability waivers are a standard part of all guided outdoor adventures. Recently, the requirements have become a bit more rigorous for ACMG guides—meaning that you’ll need to agree to the signing of the waiver at the time of booking. Prior to booking, we ask you to review the waiver . During the checkout process, you’ll have to acknowledge the risks and agree to the signing of the waiver. You are required to bring a printed copy on the trip. Please note that signing and agreeing to the terms of the waiver is required in order to join this adventure. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us prior to booking.

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 50-60L bag) Hiking poles Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity) Sturdy hiking boots or shoes Spare clothes for layering Waterproof rain jacket Sunhat Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.) Headlamp or flashlight Sunglasses Camera — optional, but recommended Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and prices: For the group adventures, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 8:1. It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate. All prices are per person. The cost does not decrease as the group grows. Hiking in the Six Glaciers can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to the Plain of the Six Glaciers, most people fly into Calgary International Airport. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle to Banff. Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the guide shop in Banff or a predetermined location. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.

Safety measures and insurance

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection . To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible , simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner ! Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered. Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

Plain of the Six Glaciers | Alberta

Trekking in the Plain of the Six Glaciers

5.00

Hiker glacier walking in the Plain of six glaciers

The Plain of the Six Glaciers is one of Banff National Park’s most beautiful and panoramic advanced trails.

Rear view of a young man standing by a mountain lake, Lake Louise, Banff national park, Canada.

Experience the stunning Athabasca Glacier on foot with an experienced ACMG mountain guide

From $130 ()

Book now

Duration

1 day

Season

March through November

Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Reviews
Things to know

The Plain of the Six Glaciers is one of Banff National Park’s most beautiful and panoramic advanced trails. The winding road to Victoria North Glacier and the hike up to the beautifully quaint Six Glaciers Tea House are effortless and relaxing, with some great scenery to enjoy along the way. Beyond the teahouse, the high elevation gain is a bit of a challenge, but anyone willing to take on the trail’s rocky and icy terrains will be rewarded with some of Alberta’s most stunning nature and awesome lookouts. Visitors also get to experience a true piece of history — the ancient ice on the Victoria North Glacier and its numerous streams are a joy to look at and learn about. And once you put your crampons on and finally walk the glacier, you’ll get so lost in the vistas you’ll never want to come down. Learn more about hiking in the Canadian Rockies from Greg Hill, ACMG ski guide extraordinaire and soon-to-be assistant rock climbing guide.

Adventure highlights

Learn about the fascinating geology of the Canadian Rockies
Marvel at the stunning views from the Victoria North glacier
Take the chance to touch ancient glacier ice and drink pure glacier water right from the source

Itinerary

Download itinerary

Join a certified ACMG mountain guide for a full day of exploring the stunning Victoria North Glacier. Enjoy a relaxing and scenic drive to Lake Louise, after which you’ll get the chance to visit the famous teahouse. Proceed trekking to an elevation of 2,400 meters, while marveling at the soaring ridges and glacier views. The Plain of the Six Glaciers and the surrounding high peaks of the Canadian Rockies are symbols of Canadian wilderness and beauty — experience them the right way.

Trekking in the Plain of the Six Glaciers

Adventure Brochure

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If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

Meet your guide

5.00

Alpine Air Adventures

You’re never on your own in the Banff wilderness because the experienced professionals from Alpine Air Adventures are here to guide you. While they know how to have a great time, they’re always mindful of advanced safety practices. They’re committed to showing each of their guests the best of the Rockies while protecting them every step of the way.

5.00(2 reviews)

Jeffrey S.

|July 2024

April D

Highlight of our vacation in Banff!

I highly recommend this guided hike! We were able to experience the beauty of the mountains in a way that we would never have been able to do on our own. It is UNBELIEVABLY gorgeous- a must-do!! Our guide, Jeff, is very professional and came prepared with everything we needed – hiking poles, ice axes (it snowed just before our hike), a fabulous lunch, and even a couple of spare hiking jackets for those of us who were over-dressed and needed something more appropriate to wear. The hike itself was challenging/adventurous, but still very manageable for the inexperienced. When we remember our trip to Banff – this will be the day we remember the best:)

Show all reviews

Things to know

Included:
- - An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - A full day of hiking
Not included:
- - Transportation
  - Accommodations
  - Meals and snacks
This trek is suitable for strong intermediate-expert hikers or scramblers. Intermediate hikes will see a little more change in elevation and hikes will start to increase in length, hiking anywhere between four to eight miles. Advanced hikes are full-day treks with steep descents and challenging switchbacks. Keep in mind, the weather in summer can be very hot and you’ll also be packing a daypack filled with water and other things you’ll need throughout the day.
Liability waivers are a standard part of all guided outdoor adventures. Recently, the requirements have become a bit more rigorous for ACMG guides—meaning that you’ll need to agree to the signing of the waiver at the time of booking.

Prior to booking, we ask you to review the waiver. During the checkout process, you’ll have to acknowledge the risks and agree to the signing of the waiver. You are required to bring a printed copy on the trip.

Please note that signing and agreeing to the terms of the waiver is required in order to join this adventure. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us prior to booking.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
- - Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 50-60L bag)
  - Hiking poles
  - Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  - Sturdy hiking boots or shoes
  - Spare clothes for layering
  - Waterproof rain jacket
  - Sunhat
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  - Headlamp or flashlight
  - Sunglasses
  - Camera — optional, but recommended
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and prices:
- - For the group adventures, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 8:1.
  - It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate.
  - All prices are per person. The cost does not decrease as the group grows.
Hiking in the Six Glaciers can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to the Plain of the Six Glaciers, most people fly into Calgary International Airport. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle to Banff.

Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the guide shop in Banff or a predetermined location. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Day Trips Cancellations
Fully refundable within the initial 48 hours from booking, unless the trip date is less than 7 days from the time of the booking.
Cancellations up to 7 days prior to the trip date are refundable 100%.
Cancellations within 7 days prior to the trip date are non-refundable.