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Hike to Big Beehive

Lake Louise, Alberta

5.0/5
based on 3 reviews

Details

Distance

6.2 miles

Elevation Gain

1710 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Jon King

Hike to this incredible vantage point of Lake Louise. 

The hike to Big Beehive begins at the base of Lake Louise.

From the parking lot, hike along the paved trail on the northeastern shore of Lake Louise.  The Fairmont Chateau Hotel will be to your right with the lake to your left.  Continue toward the junction for the Lake Agnes Trail.  Keep right toward Lake Agnes.  

The trail steadily climbs until you reach Mirror Lake.  Although small, the lake’s emerald water and mountain backdrop creates a picturesque scene.

From Mirror Lake, the trail steepens and switchbacks up to Lake Agnes Teahouse.  The teahouse is cash only (US and Canadian) and is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm during the summer and early fall months.  Lake Agnes Teahouse is an extremely popular destination so be prepared for a bit of a wait if you’d like to be seated inside. For information on the teahouse visit  http://www.lakeagnesteahouse.com/

From the teahouse continue along the western shoreline of Lake Agnes.  The trail begins to climb at the south end of the lake.  Here the trail significantly steepens. Climb the switchbacks until you reach Big Beehive.  Big Beehive offers incredible views of Lake Louise below and it’s surrounding peaks and glaciers.

From Big Beehive you can continue to Point of Six Glaciers and Teahouse and loop back along the Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail. For this adventure, simply retrace your steps back to the Lake Agnes Trailhead.

Allow 3-4 hours to complete this hike. 

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Features

Chillin
Photography
Hiking
Bathrooms
Easy Parking
Forest
Lake
Romantic
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Hike to Big Beehive Reviews

This hike was awesome! Not only do you get the amazing view from the top of the Beehive but you also hit Lake Louise, Mirror Lake and Lake Agnes along the way. Crowds slowly clear our along the way, especially after you pass the Teahouse. The trail gets pretty strenuous at the end going up with switchbacks but it’s definitely doable (we took our time and for sure a few breaks) and it TOTALLY worth it. We went in early July and there was enough snow to have a snowball fight but the trails were clear. We continued on to the Plain of Six Glaciers too from the top. Would definitely recommend!

This hike is stunning! We hiked through a starlit sky and watch sunrise from the top of Big Beehive. Worth it even in winter! There are some avalanche zones so be sure to check before you go.

Such a great hike! Definitely a moderately difficult hike. Lots of steep switchbacks towards the summit but the views are so worth it. From the top you get to overlook mirror lake, lake louise, and most of Banff. Had to hike through some snowpack in late June but didn't need any equipment. Would definitely recommend!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Devil's Thumb Scramble

Hike Fairview Mountain

Lake Agnes Tea House

Rock Climbing at Lake Louise

Plain of Six Glaciers

Hike to the Lake Louise Overlook