The Big Beehive hike is one of the best trails out of Lake Louise, and it takes you straight past Lake Agnes Tea House on the way up. I have done this trail four times now, and it remains one of my favorites. Here is exactly what to expect, from the first switchbacks to the view at the top.
4 to 6 Hours Total Out and Back
10.8 km/ 6.7 miles
645 m/ 2116 ft
Medium Difficulty
Late June to Early October
- 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
Lake Louise sits about 45 minutes from Banff by car, but parking is genuinely one of the hardest parts of this whole day. The lot fills early and once it is full, you are turned away. I take the 8X Roam bus from Banff townsite instead, and I would recommend leaving on an early bus if you can. A more convenient alternative would be booking a ride with a local shuttle company, though it will cost more.
An 8:20am departure got me to Lake Louise a little after 9am. From the bus stop, walk past the Fairmont Chateau along the lakeshore and the Lake Agnes trailhead sign will be on your right within a few minutes.
The Hike
From the Lakeshore to Mirror Lake
The first stretch of the Big Beehive hike follows the Lake Louise lakeshore before turning into the forest. It is wide, well maintained, and definitely the most crowded part of the whole day since it overlaps with everyone at the main lakeshore. Once the trail leaves the shoreline and starts climbing, it does get a lot less chaotic. However it is still busy, since everyone heading to Lake Agnes is on the same switchbacks with you.
The upside is that as you gain elevation, you get glimpses of Lake Louise’s brilliant glacier blue water through the trees beside you.
About 2 km in, the trail reaches Mirror Lake, sitting right below the the Big Beehive itself. It is small, more of a pond really, and it is the less scenic of the lakes on this trail. Still a great place to catch your breath before the trail keeps climbing toward Lake Agnes.
Continuing to Lake Agnes Tea House
From Mirror Lake, the trail splits into two options that both end up at Lake Agnes. I usually take the one on the right since it has a bit more elevation gain but somewhat fewer people. Either way, you will end up merging onto a trail where you will see a small waterfall next to a set of wooden stairs bringing you right up to Lake Agnes and the tea house.
Lake Agnes itself is genuinely gorgeous, framed by the jagged peaks behind it and the historic 1901 tea house sitting right on its shore. The tea house area gets crowded fast in summer, and there is a very long line, so I just bypass it. There is a well maintained outhouse just up the trail on the right side of the lake if you need one before continuing.
Along the Shore of Lake Agnes
Past the tea house, the trail follows the north shore of Lake Agnes and this is where things get quieter and more scenic at the same time.
By early July there can still be a bit of leftover snow along this stretch, and the back end of the lake tends to run a little wet underfoot. Nothing that needs special gear, just watch your footing.
The Switchbacks Up to Big Beehive
This is the hardest part of the Big Beehive hike, and it will feel harder than it should because your legs are already tired from everything before it.
It is steep, a bit exposed in places, but thankfully the distance is relatively short in reality. That combination makes it feel tougher in the moment than it actually is. Looking down at Lake Agnes while you climb is a good excuse to pause and catch your breath.
At the top of the switchbacks the trail levels out at a junction with three directions. One leads to Devil’s Thumb, one drops down the Highline Trail toward Plain of Six Glaciers, and on the left is the short final stretch out onto the Big Beehive itself. If you have extra time and energy, the Devil’s Thumb trail from this junction involves a real scramble section and is only worth it in good footwear and dry conditions, so I would treat it as a bonus for another visit rather than something to add onto this trail on your first time through. However, it is incredibly scenic and one of my top favourite views ever.
If you want a far less crowded though more difficult option starting from the same Lake Louise lakeshore, you might also love our guide to Mt Fairview and Saddleback Pass, a hidden gem which is even more spectacular in larch season.
View at the Top of Big Beehive
The Big Beehive lookout is where this hike earns its reputation. You get an open, elevated view straight down onto Lake Louise, with the lake looking an unreal blue against the surrounding mountains. Every time I have been up here, the water below has this melted blue cotton candy ice cream color to it, and it’s truly incredible to see.
I always find a flat rock along the edge here and eat lunch looking out over the lake. A cute chipmunk or two usually comes checking for scraps, since people have likely been feeding them even though it’s not allowed in the National Park.
Another fun animal encounter up here is the birds. I’ve seen Steller’s jays around this lookout on past visits, and on this trip a Clark’s nutcracker landed on a nearby tree while I ate, close enough to get a good look at its gray body and black and white wings. You will likely spot either species hanging around this trail, though there is never a guarantee with wildlife.
The Way Back Down
For this hike, simply retrace your steps back down through Lake Agnes and Mirror Lake to the lakeshore. The descent goes quickly since it is mostly downhill from here. If you have enough time and energy left, you can connect to the Plain of Six Glaciers trail for a longer loop, which I cover in a separate guide for anyone tackling both in one day.
Tips
Start early if you can. This trail is one of the busiest in Banff National Park by mid morning, and an early start also means avoiding the heat if it will be a hot summer day. Bring cash if you want anything from the tea house, since it does not accept cards.
Carry bear spray and know how to use it before you go, since this is active wildlife habitat even on a popular trail. Pack layers, since it may be somewhat cooler and windier up at Big Beehive than it is down at the lakeshore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Big Beehive hike hard?
It is rated moderate to difficult, mainly because of the steep switchback section near the top. However, it’s very safe and highly worthwhile. Most reasonably fit hikers can manage it in 4 to 5 hours round trip.
Can I get to Lake Louise without a car?
The Roam Transit Route 8X bus runs from Banff townsite to Lake Louise, and Parks Canada also operates a seasonal shuttle from the Lake Louise Park and Ride. Both options are more reliable than trying to find parking in summer. There are also private shuttles you can book, which cost more but are likely the most convenient option.
How much does Lake Agnes Tea House cost?
Tea, soup, and baked goods are available for purchase, though prices run higher than average since everything is hiked in by staff. The tea house is cash only, so bring Canadian dollars.
Can you combine Lake Agnes and Big Beehive into a loop?
Yes, from the Big Beehive junction you can connect to the Highline Trail and continue toward Plain of Six Glaciers instead of returning the way you came. That version is a longer full day hike rather than the shorter out and back covered here.
Is Big Beehive worth the extra climb past Lake Agnes?
Most hikers who do both agree that Big Beehive has the better view of the two, since you get an elevated look down over all of Lake Louise. Lake Agnes is worth seeing on its own, but Big Beehive is the highlight for many people including myself. It’s also less crowded than the Lake Agnes lakeshore viewpoint.
When is the best time to hike Big Beehive?
Late June through early October is the hiking window, with July, August, and September having the best conditions. Early season visits can still have snow on the upper switchbacks, so check trail conditions before you go. In 2026 there was snow all throughout June, making the trail unsafe.
