teahouse hikes, lake louise
 

Can anyone share their experiences hiking to either the Lake Agnes teahouse or the teahouse on the Plain of Six Glaciers trail? I am interested in how the hikes compare in terms of duration and strenuousness, and how delicious the teahouse food is upon arrival. I will be with a family of five of varying ages and degrees of fitness and I am researching to see if either is appropriate for our group. <BR>Thanks for much for any comments or advice! <BR>

We (Dad, Mom, 11 and 9 yr old) hiked the Six Glaciers last summer. None of us are serious hikers and three of us had never hiked such a hike before and survived although it took some encouragement half way up. All agreed that it is well worth the effort and a must do, if you have the time. We took a leisurely 5 hour return hike including having a snack at the Teahouse (Good, wholeseome but not gourmet - everthing is packed up to the Teahouse and the staff live up there for periods of time). I think serious hikers can do it in 2.5-3 hours. The views are awesome. Make sure to take water and some snacks. <BR>The trail continues past the Teahouse for, I seem recall, 2 kms and gets you closer to the Glaciers. It is steep in some sections but well worth it. <BR> <BR>Can't comment on Lake Agnes. There are connecting trails such that avid hikers could go to both Teahouses on the same day.

My husband and I are so-so fit and we survived. The views are amazing, and the hot chocolate at the tea house was an excellent reward. The food was good and simple, very good if you think that they don't have electricity up there. We saw some wildlife too: mountain goats. <BR>I haven't done the Lake Agnes hike but I've read that it's a bit harder than Plain of the Six Glaciers.

Be prepared for the prices at the teahouses! I overheard a family of 5 order soup and sandwich for lunch at the Lake Agnes teahouse, and it came to over $45 (this was 2 weeks ago). We've done both hikes, and I would say that Lake Agnes is shorter, but the view is less rewarding.

Thanks very kindly to everyone who <BR>responded with such helpful info!