The Big Beehive Hike From Lake Agnes Tea House

Hiking the Big Beehive Trail

The Big Beehive Trail Hike begins at the world-famous Chateau Lake Louise and heads up past the jade waters of Mirror Lake then onto the rustic charm of the Lake Agnes Tea House. ( see The Lake Agnes Tea-house Hike HERE

How hard is the Big Beehive hike?

Once you have reached the lovely waterfall and Teahouse above, you have hiked 7.6 km. with an elevation gain of 1,312 +feet. I must say the steady incline was a bit daunting at times although the stop at Mirror Lake and a couple of other breathers were enough to carry on. However, the view of the Big Beehive from Mirror lake had me question how the heck people get up to that point.

The Teahouse is another great place for a well-deserved break, enjoy the view, refresh with a dip in the lake, a beverage, or munch down one of the delicious sandwiches or nachos from the menu.

The hike from the Teahouse to the Beehive is 2.7 km with an elevation of 800+ ft of steady incline once reaching the other side of the lake.

The path leading to the switchback is a rocky one, then it’s time for the elevation to begin. The well-beaten trail is narrow and a bit sketchy in spots although manageable. I urge you to carry on as there are some spectacular views to be had above, making the task so worth the effort put forth.

The view from the trail

Follow the rocky pathway alongside the lake. which will lead to a spectacular view of the cirque where the glacier-fed waters trickle down to the lake.

Rocky mountain ground squirrels are prevalent around these rocky slopes and often stop for a photoshoot.

The view of the tea house from this angle provides a new perspective of where it sits on the water’s edge. The switchback trail overlooks Lake Agnes from various viewpoints as well as the unique peaks of Devil’s Thumb where you can also add on another 1.6 km and hike this difficult terrain to amazing views of both Lake Agnes and Lake Louise as well as the huge glaciers along the backside of the trail.

The summit

Once you reach the top there will be 3 trails leading to the left, right and ahead. Take the trail to the left where the rocky path of cool rock formations will guide you to the Beehive peak.

Continue to the peak where a well constructed wooden gazebo will offer some shade to cool off after the long hike. Enjoy the view of Lake Louise and the panoramic mountain range which will leave a feeling of accomplishment seeing just how far you’ve come.