How to Hike the Big Beehive & Plain of Six Glaciers Loop

The Big Beehive and Plain of Six Glaciers loop combines the two best trails out of Lake Louise into one genuinely epic day, and it is entirely doable if you plan it right. I have done this exact combo as a single outing, catching an early bus and not finishing until mid afternoon. Here is how to actually pull it off, including which direction to hike it and real photos of the trail.

• Trailhead: Lake Louise Lakeshore
• Parking: Lake Louise day use parking lot which will usually be full
• Transit: Roam Transit Route 8X from Banff or the Parks Canada shuttle from the Lake Louise Park and Ride. Or book with a shuttle company which will cost more but is likely the most convenient choice.
• Permit: Banff National Park Pass required

Getting There

This is a long day, so getting an early start matters more here than on either trail individually. I caught the 8:20am Roam Transit bus from Banff townsite and was on the trail by 9:15am, which gave me enough daylight to not feel rushed at all. I recommend not attempting to park at Lake Louise because the lot fills very early and once it is full, you are turned away. A bus or shuttle is definitely the most reliable option.

The Hike

Choosing Your Direction

You can hike this loop in either direction, starting with Lake Agnes and Big Beehive first, or starting with Plain of Six Glaciers first. I did Lake Agnes and Big Beehive first, and I would recommend that order to most people.
The climb through the forest to Lake Agnes is the least scenic part of the day. You’ll want to do that section as early as possible to beat the crowds, since it’s the busiest part of the hike. Everything after that just keeps getting better.

Lake Louise Lakeshore to Lake Agnes and the Big Beehive

This section follows the same route covered in our full Lake Agnes and Big Beehive guide, so I will not repeat every detail here. In short, you climb from the Lake Louise lakeshore past Mirror Lake to Lake Agnes Tea House. Then continue along the shore of Lake Agnes before a steep switchback section brings you to the Big Beehive lookout.

I took a proper break here, about 30 minutes for lunch, since this is an ideal and extremely scenic rest stop before the connector trail toward Plain of Six Glaciers. If you want the full trip report for this section, including trail stats and tea house details, we cover it in our dedicated Lake Agnes and Big Beehive hike guide.

The Connector Trail to Plain of Six Glaciers

From the three way junction at the top of the Big Beehive switchbacks, instead of heading back down toward Lake Agnes, take the less travelled trail that descends toward the Highline Trail and Plain of Six Glaciers. This section is genuinely one of the most peaceful parts of the whole loop, and it is far less crowded than anything you have hiked so far that day.

The trail here is rockier and a bit narrower than the main Lake Agnes trail, but the payoff is genuine peace and quiet. I went long stretches without seeing another hiker, which is a rare thing to say about anywhere near Lake Louise. There were a few very shallow stream crossings and small waterfalls along the way, plus wildflowers scattered through the meadows as the trail eventually merges and leads to the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House.

Pack more food than you think you need for a day this long, since your appetite and energy will both take a hit by the time you reach this section.

Plain of Six Glaciers to the Final Viewpoint

Once you merge onto the Plain of Six Glaciers trail, you are on the same route covered in our standalone Plain of Six Glaciers hike guide. From here the trail continues past the tea house, narrows through a rockier unmaintained stretch, and eventually reaches the viewpoint at the base of Mount Victoria’s glaciers.

The Return Along the Lower Lakeshore

From the final viewpoint, retrace your steps back down through the Plain of Six Glaciers trail past the tea house. Rather than climbing back up toward Big Beehive, take the lower trail that stays closer to Lake Louise for the return to the trailhead.

The final section is flatter and faster than anything else in the loop, which is a welcome change by the end of the day. You will get great views of Lake Louise from the shore as you approach the finish, a nice way to close out a long day on your feet.

Managing Your Energy Across the Full Day

The biggest challenge of this loop isn’t any single section. It’s pacing yourself across three destinations in one outing. I found that taking a real, decent break at Big Beehive and eating a proper meal I’d brought with me made a noticeable difference for the second half of the day.

Bring more food and water than you would for either trail individually, since there’s no reliable resupply beyond the two tea houses, and both are cash-only, expensive, and have limited options. Plan for 6 to 8 hours total including breaks, and if you’re hiking in September when the days are shorter, consider bringing a headlamp or flashlight in case you take longer than expected.

Tips

Start as early as you can. This loop takes long enough that an early start is the difference between a relaxed day and a rushed one, especially if you want to be done by a decent time. Carry bear spray and know how to use it. This is always important when hiking anywhere in Banff.

Bring a proper lunch and extra snacks. If you’d rather break this loop into two easier days, check out our trail guides here for the standalone Big Beehive and Plain of Six Glaciers Hikes.

Frequently Asked Questions