Over six years of living in Alberta, I didn’t make it to Lake Louise very often in the summer. If you’ve never been, you should know it’s both wildly beautiful and usually very crowded. That being said, planning an early-morning visit should be on everyone’s list (at least once). The Big Beehive hike is one of the most popular trails near Lake Louise, and for good reason. The payoff is spectacular, with sweeping views over the lake and the surrounding Rocky Mountains. Despite the crowds, it’s a genuinely worthwhile day hike!
Last Updated: January 2026
Lake Louise is going to be packed. The thought of crowded trails ran through my mind as I planned the Big Beehive hike. That’s why I left Calgary around 4am and reached the Lake Louise parking area around 6 o’clock on Canada Day 2021. In peak summer months, visitors are often hard-pressed to find a parking space. To my surprise, the main parking lot was nearly half full when I arrived (I guess many others had the same idea!). But don’t let the crowds keep you away if you’ve never been. Lake Louise is a truly spectacular place.
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Big Beehive Trail Map
About the Big Beehive Hike (Lake Louise, Banff National Park)
Location: Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Alberta
Distance: 10 km out and back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: 640 metre gain
Time: 3 – 5 hours
Family-friendly: Yes, for older children but not stroller-friendly.
Dog-friendly: Yes, but must be kept on a leash.
Features: The Big Beehive hike offers stunning views of Mirror Lake, Lake Agnes, and the world-famous Lake Louise. Visitors will hike through the forest up to the Lake Agnes Tea House nestled beside the water, and then continue hiking up switchbacks to reach the top of Big Beehive. You will find spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery on a relatively easy hike near Lake Louise. Enjoy lunch at the Lake Agnes Tea House or bring food to eat on the summit.
Finding the Big Beehive Trailhead at Lake Louise
You shouldn’t have much trouble finding the Lake Louise Parking Area. If you’re driving from Calgary, head west on the Trans Canada Highway for about 170 km, passing by the exit for Banff town. After about 2 hours of driving, take the exit toward Lake Louise. During peak season from May to October, parking in Lake Louise can be more difficult than the hike itself…. Arrive early or during the week to avoid large crowds. From the parking lot, walk toward the west side of Lake Louise for the Lake Agnes Trailhead. Just follow the signs.
Note: If you don’t want to deal with parking, you can book a shuttle from the Lake Louise Ski Resort to Lake Louise. Shuttle reservations usually open in April for the season, and typically operate daily from mid-May to mid-October.
Big Beehive Hike: Trailhead to Lake Agnes Tea House
Big Beehive via Lake Agnes Trail is a heavily trafficked and well-maintained route. Depending on how early you arrive, you might even have the trail all to yourself. I did for the first hour or so. After leaving the lake, the Big Beehive hike begins on a gravel path through the trees with periodic viewpoints. I’d consider this section fairly easy for regular hikers. At the beginning, I met Margaux and Lucas from Ontario (originally from France) and we enjoyed chatting and hiking together. After the scenic Mirror Lake, there’s a small waterfall before a set of wooden stairs leading up to Lake Agnes Tea House. If you’re a tea drinker, take your pick from 100 different teas and boost your hydration game!
Read next: Healy Pass Trail in Banff National Park
Big Beehive Hike: Lake Agnes Tea House to the Summit
When you’re ready to leave the tea house, it’s only a couple of kilometres to reach the Big Beehive summit. Follow the trail along the north shore of Lake Agnes with consistent views of the lake and the mountains above. One of my favourite views is from the west side of the lake looking toward the tea house. Then you’ll come to a half-kilometre of switchbacks that might be challenging for beginners. Don’t worry, it won’t take long before you’re at the top. From there, head left onto the easy final stretch to the Big Beehive summit.
Overall, Big Beehive is around 11 km and takes between 3 to 5 hours, depending on how long you relax at the tea house and the summit. Margaux and Lucas convinced me to join for the hike and scramble up Devil’s Thumb, a side trail if you want a more adventurous route. Truthfully, it didn’t take much convincing… but it wasn’t easy.
After the Big Beehive summit, you have a few different trail options at the junction. As I mentioned, Devil’s Thumb offers impressive views of Lake Louise and Lake Agnes, or you can return on the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail and find a second tea house (I haven’t been but hear good things). Or lastly, you can follow the switchbacks down and check out Little Beehive before heading back to Lake Louise.
Read next: Devil’s Thumb Hike in Banff National Park
What to Bring for the Big Beehive Hike
While this is one of the easy hikes in Banff National Park, visitors should bring day hiking essentials to have a safe and fun experience. I crossed paths with several unprepared visitors (flip flips, no day pack, no water…). I suggest bringing a day pack with water (I like this reservoir) and snacks to keep you going. Wear hiking boots or trail runners, and bring hiking poles if you want extra stability. I like to wear a Buff to keep the sweat out of my eyes in the summer. And I bring a small first aid kit (just in case).
Read next: 10 Day Hiking Essentials: What to Bring on a Hike
Wildlife in Banff National Park
Banff National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elk, big-horned sheep, and black and grizzly bears. Even on popular hikes like the Big Beehive, it’s possible to cross paths with a bear and other wildlife. Always keep a respectful distance from wild animals for your own safety and the well-being of the animals. Never feed wild animals and help preserve this ecosystem, allowing for many more years of enjoying Banff. It’s not a bad idea to carry bear spray in a holster (and know how and when to use it).
Know Before You Go
Park Pass: Bring a Parks Canada Discovery Pass or pay the daily rate before arriving in the parking area. You can purchase the pass at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre or online. Lake Louise visitors must also pay a parking fee.
Parking: Parking is available in the Lake Louise parking area. Arrive early during peak season to find a space.
Shuttle: If you don’t want to deal with parking, you can book a shuttle through Parks Canada from the Lake Louise Ski Resort or through Roam Transit from Banff.
Toilets: Washroom with flush toilets available beside the Lake Louise parking area.
Pets: Dogs are permitted on the trail but must be on a leash. Please pick up after your pet.
Trail Conditions: Check the trail conditions before heading out.
Navigation: Lake Louise has plenty of trail signs, and the Lake Agnes Trail is easy to follow. To learn more about the area, pick up the Gem Trek Lake Louise and Yoho map.
Horseback Riding: You can also explore Lake Agnes on horseback. I passed by some riders while hiking up to the tea house.
Canoeing: When you’re finished on the trail, canoe rentals are available at Lake Louise.
Have you hiked the Big Beehive Trail in Banff National Park? How was your experience? Leave a comment below!
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Thomas Coldwell has always been fond of the outdoors. He loves hiking, paddling, and camping, and thoroughly enjoys creating outdoor adventure resources for people like you. Originally from Nova Scotia, Thomas has lived in four Canadian provinces (NS, NB, ON, AB) and has travelled in 20 countries and counting.
