Banff National Park Tea House Hike with Kids

The Double Tea House Challenge in Banff National Park

Banff National Park is home to some of the most iconic hiking trails in the Canadian Rockies. The Tea House Challenge is arguably one of the best hikes in the park. This 11.3 mile hike takes you to two historic tea houses: the Lake Agnes Tea House and the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House.

While you may already be familiar with the hike to Lake Agnes, there is also the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House. Both tea houses are popular with hikers, serving over 100 types of tea, along with sandwiches, soups, and yummy desserts. All food and supplies are carried up by staff, horses, and even helicopters. Kind of impressive.

If you’re up for a challenge, the Tea House Challenge is a must-do hike in Banff National Park!

The Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House

A Little History of the Teahouses

Lake Agnes Tea House

Built in 1901 by the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR), the Lake Agnes Tea House was designed to cater to tourists visiting Banff National Park. Named after the nearby alpine lake, it offered a scenic rest stop for hikers traveling from Banff to the surrounding mountain areas. Constructed in a rustic style with local materials, the tea house quickly became a popular destination. It continues to serve hikers today, offering homemade treats and tea in a charming, historic setting, retaining much of its early 20th-century character.

Inside of Lake Agnes Tea House

Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House

The Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House was established in 1927 by Mary Schäffer Warren, a pioneering explorer and naturalist who discovered the route to the Plain of Six Glaciers. Her vision was to provide a resting spot for travelers exploring this remote region of Banff. Built at the head of the Plain of Six Glaciers with stunning glacier views, the tea house remains a beloved stop for hikers. Its rustic charm and historic significance reflect Mary Schäffer’s efforts to make the Rockies more accessible while preserving their natural beauty.

Front Balcony of the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House

Why the Double Tea House Challenge with kids?

  • The fun of visiting two tea houses with unique stories and beautiful views.
  • A family-friendly challenge to do together – and sometimes a challenge can be motivating with kids.
  • Opportunity for kids to learn about nature (glacial history and the “how they came to be” can make the time pass and be interesting), history, and wildlife. Talk about the history of the tea houses and how they currently operate. And stay on the lookout for all sorts of wildlife along the way.

The Double Tea House Hike

The hike is an 11.3-mile loop begins at Lake Louise in Banff National Park, taking you to both tea houses along the way and a side trip up the Behive. (epic views alert!) The total elevation gain is 3,336 ft but you don’t really feel it as much as you would think over this distance.

It is a moderately challenging hike for kids with hiking experience. Our kids were 4 and 5 year old when they did this but they also had plenty of hiking experience by then. (obsessive mama hiker over here)

Hike Stats: 11.3 miles / 2,226 ft of gain / Link to Alltrails HERE

 Arriving at the Tea Houses: A Delicious Treat

The hike is packed with amazing views, but the tea houses are a whole other treat! Not only do they serve up delicious baked goods, but you’ll also find soups and salads to keep you going. You can relax in a cozy spot, enjoy incredible scenery, and soak up some serious historic charm. Plus, they lighten your backpack and fill your belly—how awesome is that? It’s a rewarding stop that helps keep you motivated!

Best Time to Hike the Double Tea House Challenge In Banff National Park


The best time to hike this trail is during the summer and early fall. By then, the snow has melted, the weather is mild and warm, and the longer days of summer offer plenty of daylight. It’s an ideal time for those who prefer a slower pace.

The trailhead begins at Lake Louise, one of the most popular spots in all of Banff National Park. Because of this, it’s essential to start early. Not only will you avoid the crowds, but you’ll also have a better chance of securing parking. We got there at 5 a.m. to ensure a spot, but it made for a long day—especially for the kid!s.

The hikes starts at Lake Louise, one of the most popular spots in Banff National Park

How to Prepare for your Hike

  • Wear Layered clothing for variable mountain weather.
  • Wear sturdy hiking shoes for rocky and uneven terrain.
  • Snacks and Water: Even though you plan to stop at both teahouses, pack plenty of snacks for kids (energy-boosting snacks like trail mix, granola bars) and enough water.
  • Sunscreen (a lot of the trail is exposed), hats, and sunglasses; bear spray is a good option, its bear territory.
  • First Aid Kit: Essential for peace of mind while hiking with kids.

Our Experience

We took our kids on the Double Tea House Challenge in Banff National Park when they were just 4 and 5 years old, and it’s still one of our all-time favorite family hikes! From starting at 5 a.m. to scrambling over rocks below the Beehive, and even taking a nap at the top, we had an amazing time together. Surprisingly, despite the early start and the 11.3-mile trek, our kids still had boundless energy by the end of the day!

Tips for a Great Hike

This was a pivotal family hike for us as we seemed to figure out how to hike as a family. We discovered the power of distraction and how conversations and games transformed our kids into power hikers. These were are major take aways:

  • Pacing and Breaks: frequent breaks, snack stops, fun games along the way – I spy, red light green light, I am thinking of an animal.
  • Encouraging Kids Along the Trail: pointing out wildlife and interesting plants, and the talking about relative topics like the glaciers.
  • When to Turn Back: Recognizing if the hike is too much for younger kids (and the option to complete just one tea house if needed) to not overdo it.

Save for your next family trip to Banff! 

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