For years, hiking The Big Beehive in Banff National Park had been on my bucket list. But I didn’t just want to check it off—I wanted to experience it as a family. I waited until my kids were 10 and 12 and felt we could safely and confidently make it to the top. There was something about standing at the summit, looking out over the famous turquoise waters of Lake Louise, that I knew would be unforgettable. And let me tell you… this hike was everything I hoped for and more.
If you’re looking for an epic hike in Banff that offers stunning views, fewer crowds, and a serious sense of accomplishment, The Big Beehive is it! It’s strenuous but absolutely worth every single step.
Here’s everything you need to know to tackle this hike, plus some tips to make the most of your adventure.
Getting to The Big Beehive Trailhead
Lake Louise is one of the most visited spots in Banff National Park, which means crowds and parking can be a nightmare. We wanted a stress-free experience, so we booked a shuttle ride instead of dealing with the limited parking situation.
Pro tip: If you’re planning to hike here, arrive at sunrise. It’s 100% worth the early wake-up call to experience the beauty of Lake Louise before the crowds descend.
We arrived just as the first light hit the lake, and the peacefulness of that moment set the tone for the entire hike.
Where to stay:
Johnston Canyon Lodge and Bungalows is a cozy and charming stay with incredible access to hike Johnston Canyon and is also close to Lake Louise and Banff. Although we had our own vehicle, we didn’t want to mess with trying to park at Lake Louise. We hired a car service that picked us up at Johnston Canyon Lodge and Bungalows and dropped us off at Lake Louise. Our same driver picked us up after our hike and I highly recommend this for convenience and to be able to avoid the crowds.
Choosing the best to stay in the Banff and Lake Louise area can feel overwhelming. Here are our favorites:
Even more convenient and if your budget allows, we have loved staying at both Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and Paradise Lodge and Bungalows.
The Hike Begins: From Lake Louise to Mirror Lake
The trail starts directly from the shores of Lake Louise and immediately heads uphill. It doesn’t take long before your legs start feeling the climb!
At first, the trail winds through a dense forest, offering occasional glimpses of Lake Louise through the trees. The first major payoff comes at Mirror Lake. This small but stunning emerald-green lake is where you’ll get your first clear view of the Big Beehive towering above you. It’s a great spot for a quick break and some photos before continuing the climb.
Lake Agnes & The Famous Teahouse
From Mirror Lake, the trail continues to gain elevation as you make your way toward Lake Agnes. Along the way, you’ll pass a beautiful waterfall and a wooden staircase leading up to one of the most famous stops on this hike: the Lake Agnes Teahouse.
By the time we reached the teahouse, a line had already formed before it even opened. We decided to skip it for now and keep going toward the summit so we could enjoy the view at the top with fewer people. (Spoiler: This was the right choice!)
The Climb to The Big Beehive Summit
Once you reach Lake Agnes, the views start getting even more incredible. The lake itself is stunning, especially in the summer when it’s surrounded by wildflowers.
But from here, the real challenge begins.
To reach the Big Beehive summit, you follow the trail along the shoreline of Lake Agnes before climbing a steep, rocky path with multiple switchbacks. This part of the hike will literally take your breath away—both from the incline and the views!
The Summit: A Moment to Remember
After pushing through the switchbacks, we finally reached the Big Beehive summit. And the best part? We had it almost entirely to ourselves.
Standing at the top, overlooking the vibrant turquoise waters of Lake Louise from high above, was absolutely surreal. We took our time, found a perfect spot for a summit picnic, and just sat there, taking it all in.
This was the moment I had dreamed of. And sharing it with my family made it even more special.
The Journey Back & A Well-Earned Treat
We had originally considered continuing to Devil’s Thumb or the Plain of Six Glaciers, but we knew we had pushed ourselves enough for the day. Instead, we made our way back down and stopped at the Lake Agnes Teahouse for a post-hike treat.
The teahouse is cash only and serves a variety of teas, sandwiches, and baked goods. It was the perfect way to refuel before finishing the hike back down to Lake Louise.
By the time we got back to the lake, the crowds were everywhere. The peaceful, empty shores from that morning were long gone, and we were so grateful we had started early.
Everything You Need to Know Before Hiking The Big Beehive
Distance & Elevation
• Total Distance: ~6.5 miles (10.5 km) round trip
• Elevation Gain: ~1,765 feet (538 m)
• Time Required: 3-6 hours, depending on pace and stops
Difficulty Level
Moderate to strenuous. The first part of the trail is easier, but the final climb to the Big Beehive is steep and demanding.
Best Time to Hike
• Summer & Early Fall (June – September) offer the best conditions.
• Arrive before sunrise to beat the crowds and enjoy a peaceful experience.
What to Bring
✔️ Sturdy hiking boots (trail can be rocky and uneven)
✔️ Layers (weather changes quickly in the mountains)
✔️ Plenty of water & snacks
✔️ Cash for the Lake Agnes Teahouse
✔️ Camera (trust me, you’ll want it!)
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