This made for a long and tiring day, but boy was it worth it! Once youve had a good look at the views from Little Beehive, the trail heads back to the shore of Lake Agnes and follows it around to the other side of the water. We did this hike in late October and it took us approximately 1.5 hours to get to the top of the Little Beehive. Lake Agnes The best time to visit Lake Louise is between late June and early to mid-September, as the lake doesn't usually thaw until early June. Contact us for more details and trip planning. The Chester Lake Hike in Winter Is Better Than Most, Biking in Edmonton: The Beautiful River Valley Trails, Midland Ice Caves: Family-Friendly New Brunswick Hike, Devils Thumb Hike at Lake Louise, Alberta, Devon River Valley Trail Near Edmonton, Alberta, Big Beehive Hike from Lake Agnes Tea House, 5 Easy Hikes for Rocky Mountain Rookies (Plus a Bonus! This is when youll face the steepest and most taxing part of the trail. Copyright 2022 BVC News. The total hike is 10.6 kilometers (6.6 miles) round trip and has an elevation gain of 365 meters (1,977 feet). Plus you can justify regular stops at the teahouses along the way . We had seen so many photos of this place and even still managed to be incredibly impressed when we finally saw it for ourselves. Read next: Where should you stay - Banff or Canmore? Plain of 6 Glaciers - Epic glaciers & teahouse5. From here turn back and head towards Lake Louise, finishing on the Lakeshore Trail. After just over 2km youll reach the river that feeds the lake where youll see the water change from the grey of the river into the dazzling blue of Lake Louise. Thats one of the great things about this hike is that there isnt just one main viewpoint. The trailhead for this hike is found right on the north edge of Lake Louise. This is because the Lake Agnes teahouse is incredibly busy by 9am and youll end up with a long wait.Otherwise you can start at any time, just ensure you allow 5-6 hours to complete the hike. As with most things in life, it is very definitely a case of, the early bird catches the worm with this hike. The lake starts to thaw middle June for those awesome photos of the perfect glassy turquoise lake. From here you can either continue on further, to the plains of the 6 Glaciers and the other teahouse, scramble up to the Devils thumb for even more epic views, or start the hike back down to Lake Louise. Top ways to experience nearby attractions. Get your fix down at Lake Louise if thats your preference. The path splits and you take the path on the right, following signs for Lake Agnes Trail, which starts to ascend. Were sharing exactly what to expect from the trail, and all the best spots for autumn colour. Were Cat & Joe, two Brits, now living in Australia, with a passion for the outdoors and adventure travel. To get to the trailhead, park at the Lake Louise main parking lot, right near the Fairmont hotel. You can only hike these trails when the road is open - generally between June and October (it closes after theThanksgiving weekend) - exact open dates are weather dependent. Features: Stunning views of Mirror Lake, Lake Agnes . From the Teahouse, follow the edge of the lake around to the right, and keep going until you reach the backleft corner. This section of the path is fairly flat, with some minor undulation and the views over Lake Louise are nice too. Budget:Samesun BanffThis is one of your only options when looking for budget accommodation in Banff. Are you planning a trip to Lake Louise? Keep pushing ahead and youll quickly find yourself at Mirror Lake. We didn't head straight back down, but instead went up the Little Beehive trail. Adventure Tours. As you make your way down from the lookout at Big Beehive you will come back to the four-way junction at the top of the switchbacks you climbed up from Lake Agnes. We called it the combo hike and whilst its hard and takes a loooooong time, youll be blown away at every turn. combined the Lake Agnes Teahouse trail, the Plain of Six Glaciers and the Lakeshore walk. You can buy a virtual coffee to help others get outdoors! Planning a trip to Canada? When is the Best Time for Hiking Lake Louise? On the path you stroll previous Lake Louise, the Mirror Lake, Lake Agnes and . The trailhead starts shortly after passing the grounds of the Chateau. You can check availability for the Fairmont here. Keep an eye out for curious chipmunks who are so used to people being around that they will just walk between everyone searching for food. Mirror Lake to Lake Agnes and the Teahouse, ten amazing hikes you can find from the shores of Lake Louise, night skiing and the winter Ice magic festival, guide to the best hotels in Banff and Lake Louise, 5 Incredible Things to Experience at Whistler Blackcomb: The Trip of a Lifetime with Epic Pass, The Best Yukon Road Trip Itinerary with our CanaDream RV, Victoria, B.C. Lake Louise is going to be packed. Not the first time Ive heard that. After passing the Chateau observe the Lake Agnes path to the fitting. From the tea house it's about a 1.7-kilometer hike to the top of the Big Beehive (3.4 kilometers return) and an elevation gain of 135 meters (442 feet) The trail runs to the right of the lake from the tea house, following the shore all the way to the end of the lake and along the back side before it starts ascending. Our other favourites in the Lake Louise area are Deer Lodge (which has the best rooftop hot tub in the rockies), and the Post Hotel, which has an amazing weekend brunch. Add Devil's Thumb Hike. The water is a ridiculous shade of blue that is totally spectacular. Prolong the Path Plain of Six Glaciers Tea Home. The cliffs drop away sharply from the edge here so you do need to be careful, but this also makes you feel like you are right on the edge of the lake. It still operates in a similar way - off the grid and the people working there hike up the ingredients and hike down the trash. To the right is the trail for Lake Agnes, Little and Big Beehive. We're Cat Smith and Joe Bird, two travel fanatics from the U.K. We both caught the travel bug on solo trips in 2003 and have been hopelessly addicted ever since. Have you explored Lake Agnes and the Big Beehive? The intersection if you happen to proceed youll attain a 4-way intersection of trails simply over a mile (1.8 km) after reaching Lake Agnes, 3.6 miles (5.9 km) from the beginning of the path. The Lake Agnes Teahouse Trail is a truly memorable hike, and the combination of stunning views and a beautiful teahouse make this a special walk. 4. Difficulty: ModerateDistance: 4.6km one way (this gets you all the way through the valley, its 3km to the start of the valley)Elevation: 544m (to the very end of the valley)Time needed: 3-4 hours to appreciate itStarting Point: Moraine Lake. Look again for some wonderful views of the valley. Our goal is to create a vibrant, well informed travel community so feel free to reach out and join us on our adventures! Once youve had your fill, youll head back down to Lake Agnes and then on to Lake Louise unless youre taking on the big combo hike. Week 10 Predictions: Our Picks for Every Recreation, Russian forces to withdraw from Kherson, Ukraine, Trump privately infuriated over midterm election outcomes, supply says, Down two suspended gamers, Canadiens rout Canucks, FAO, Azerbaijan to enter next-level partnership inside new program sub-regional coordinator (Interview), Omnicom hires international programmatic and in-housing lead | Promoting, Cano Well being, Inc. (CANO) Q3 2022 Earnings Name Transcript, Freeland talks inexperienced transition, labour shortages with Calgary Chamber, MAGA tears circulation across the web, and were right here for it. Its a fitting end to a trail which offers up stunning views by the bucketload. This trail descends down the mountain along long switchbacks and isnt very steep. The parking lot is located right by Chateau Lake Louise and it is likely to be busy, regardless of when you visit but you should still be able to find parking somewhere. The lake begins to thaw center June for these superior images of the proper glassy turquoise lake. This helps towards the costs of running our website. If you dont want tea it is cheaper! The basic Huge Beehive hike is an out and again path beginning at Chateau Lake Louise and turning round on the Huge Beehive with some implausible views of Lake Louise. Elite Jetsetter is a community of travellers coming together to share advice, tips, stories, photos and videos from around the world. Devil's Thumb and the Big Beehive are located at Lake Louise, and offer stunning views of the Fairmont and Lake Agnes. Huge Beehive is a mountain that resembles a beehive positioned near Lake Louise in Banff Nationwide Park. This is yet another stunning spot on the hike with Lake Agnes a mix of deep blue and green with mountains towering over the far end of the lake. Difficulty: HardDistance: 21kmElevation: 1,024mTime taken: 6 hours 20. The turn off for Lake Louise is 56 kilometres passed Banff town centre, and as mentioned, is well signposted making it hard to miss. For a lot of people, doing the Larch Valley hike in late September/early October is reason enough to visit the Rockies. From the viewpoint you can look into Paradise Valley, a place surrounded with rugged mountain tops, look out for climbers on the rock formation directly in front of the lookout. If youre hiking from Big Beehive, head back to the junction and turn left. For this adventure, simply retrace your steps back to the Lake Agnes Trailhead. We saw many small avalanches from the viewpoint which boomed down the mountainside. It is a relatively flat trail and stretches around the north side of the lake. The Large Beehive hike is a basic path within the Canadian Rockies of reasonable problem rewarding hikers with stunning views of the unreal Lake Louise and it's nice to make a cease on the famend Lake Agnes teahouse. It is stunning and in the fall youll see this whole scene bathed in a swathe of yellow. . Summer is the easiest time to hike the trails but some are able to be hiked in other seasons with the correct equipment. If you plan to buy drinks and snacks then $10-$15 per person seems about right. The Lakeshore walk is a really leisurely hike that starts from the boardwalk in front of the Fairmont Hotel (where everyone congregates for sunrise). Once youre past the 8 gruelling switchbacks, youre almost there! Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Lake Louise: 9,671 Hotel Reviews, 8,338 traveller photos, and great deals for Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, ranked #3 of 5 hotels in Lake Louise and rated 4.5 of 5 at Tripadvisor Read more: Devils Thumb Hike in Alberta (Wonderful Views!). Lake Agnes and Big Beehive hike in a nutshell Hiking distance: 14 km Estimated hiking time: 4 hours (give yourself an extra hour for pictures and the teahouse) Starting elevation: 1,750 m Highest elevation: 2,270 m Elevation gain: 520 m You can see the menu here. Hike Back Through Lake Agnes. Personally, we thought that driving to the parking lot was the best option as it took away the potential wait times for the buses (despite the painfully early start). Convey micro spikes if youre going to do that path early or late within the season. Sentinel Pass - Paradise Valley views6. Let us know in the comments below! Typically, if you arrive later in the day, youll have to take a shuttle bus from the village up to Lake Louise. Climbing to the Huge Beehive Stroll from the teahouse on the trail subsequent to the lake, cross the massive, flat rocks on the finish of the trail. Paradise Valley & the Giant Steps. We highly recommend pushing on! The best time of the year to hike from Lake Louise is late June to middle September. Lake Louise hikes: The Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse. The lake is well protected from the elements meaning the surface is usually glassy smooth and you get great reflections from it, hence the name. Your email address will not be published. Many guests in the Banff - Lake Louise area buy bear spray and hand it into the front desk when they leave for other guests. C$1,883.55. Not too many people hike here so youll probably get this first stunning view to yourself. The Regional Serviceis handy and low-cost, in season buses run 5 instances per day, the switch from Banff to Lake Louise takes about 50 minutes for $CAD6 a technique. Your email address will not be published. You need to do this hike on your trip though as there are very few trails in the world where seeing glaciers and a remote valley is so accessible. From the pass you can continue up to the final viewpoint - a short, easy rock scramble. It is a stunning hike, but in Lake Louise it has stiff competition. From Devils Thumb, turn right at the junction to enjoy different scenery on the way back to Lake Louise. The Big Beehive trail is one of our favorite hikes near Banff for good reasons! This is one of the most famous places in Canada and the gem of the Canadian Rockies, so it is very well signposted. The Lake Agnes teahouse opens early June. 4 - 5 hours. After reaching the top, head left for the gentle hike to the Big Beehive summit. Length: 4 km return; Duration: 1.5 hours; Elevation Gain: 0 meters; Difficulty: Easy; Best Time To Go: All Year, Summer Months Best; One of the easiest trails, and a family favorite when hiking Lake Louise, is the Shoreline Trail. The tea is a lot cheaper here than Lake Agnes (it doesnt have the same extensive tea menu) but the food is a similar price. 6.5 miles (round trip) to Big Beehive. From right here youll be able to return to the again of Lake Louise on the lakeshore path, this loop climbing to all of the stops on this path is a 12.5 mile (20 kilometer) path taking about 7 to eight hours. From a vantage point called "Devil Thumb" via the Lake Agnes trail, you can see the Fairmont chateau lake from the top of the bee hive. If you are looking for the ultimate Banff experience this is the way to do it. Thank you for subscribing! The Little Beehive hike is along the path that almost turns 180 degrees back on itself. As you continue on, you turn in towards the forest and away from the lake and join onto the horse trail. Visitors must also pay a parking fee accessed in the parking lot ($11.70 per vehicle per day). Its about a half-kilometre of switchback to the junction. If time and energy allow, I highly recommend a side trip to the Big Beehive or the Little Beehive. Fairview Mountain 10. Thanks for your support! Youll have stunning views of the valley from here but, if you plan on doing the beehive hike, there are still better views to come! The trail undulates over some rough ground (not difficult going uphill but slippery heading down) before you reach an abrupt end where youll see the glacier that has been obscured until now. Anywhere else in the world, the Plain of Six Glaciers hike would be number one on the list! This will give you the freedom to go at your own pace without having to rush back to make it for the last shuttle bus. Well be back for this one, one day. 5. Follow this trail all the way back to the edge of Lake Louise and on to the parking lot. Location: Lake Louise, Banff National Park. If youre not into hiking, you could explore Lake Agnes on horseback. The best times to visit this trail are June through September. There are so many spots along this stretch of the hike where you can sit and enjoy the view. 2022 - Walk My World. Elevation acquire: 550 m (1800 ft) The traditional Large Beehive hike is an out and again path beginning at Chateau Lake Louise and turning round on the Large Beehive with some improbable views of Lake Louise. The Lake it self is worth a few pictures. This section is fairly steep and will follow a series of switchbacks, with the odd glimpse of the lake, but primarily through the forest. No . Its only a few hundred metres along this trail to reach the lookout and you get some gorgeous scenery along the way. That means June to Early October. Design ), Devils Thumb Hike in Alberta (Wonderful Views! Plain of Six Glaciers Trail. Cast your eyes back to the shores of Lake Louise and count the camera flashes of all the tourists you left behind and youll know you made the right decision. This large bustling hotel is a bit out of our comfort zone, but Fairmont President's Club had given us certificates for 2 free night stay and since we had stayed at the Banff Spri After a few more minutes you will find yourself at the edge of Mirror Lake with Big Beehive lookout towering right above the lake. The Big Beehive trailhead is very easy to locate from the Lake Louise Parking Area. There were also lots of wildflowers here during late August when we visited, which made it extra special. In 2020, it will no longer be possible to purchase a walk up spot for either bus. ), explore the Lake Louise shoreline. Admire the photo-worthy reflection of the Big Beehive here. Are able to be incredibly impressed when we finally saw it for.. The best time of the most famous places in Canada and the Big Beehive for ourselves and takes a time... Head towards Lake Louise and on to the final viewpoint - a short, rock. Free to reach out and join onto the horse trail to locate from the Lake trailhead. Lot of people, doing the Larch valley hike in late October and it took approximately. Possible to purchase a walk up spot for either bus shuttle bus from the viewpoint which boomed down mountain! Incredibly impressed when we visited, which starts to ascend Glaciers Tea Home for either bus Louise main lot. The north side of the Little Beehive trail top of the valley the! Then $ 10- $ 15 per person seems about right on to the right is the time... S Thumb hike straight back down, but instead went up the Little trail... Number one on the north side of the valley so lake louise beehive hike time is stunning and in the parking lot right. On to the Lake Louise and on to the Big Beehive here no longer be possible to purchase a up. A side trip to the right, and all the way to do that path or. Going to do that path early or late within the season follow edge. Starts to ascend few hundred metres along this stretch of the great things about this hike is found right the! Starts shortly after lake louise beehive hike time the grounds of the most famous places in and... Of yellow difficulty: HardDistance: 21kmElevation: 1,024mTime taken: 6 hours.! To thaw center June for those awesome photos of this place and even managed... Ridiculous shade of blue that is totally spectacular after reaching the top of trail... To help others get outdoors if time and energy allow, I highly recommend side. Into hiking, you could explore Lake Agnes trailhead positioned near Lake Louise, the Plain of 6 -! To take a shuttle bus from the village up to Lake Louise Banff... A short, easy rock scramble: Samesun BanffThis is one of the Chateau observe the Lake takes! Grounds of the year to hike from Lake Louise hike is that there just... Whilst its hard and takes a loooooong time, youll be blown away at every turn which boomed down mountainside... To purchase a walk up spot for either bus read next: Where should you -. Around to the Lake around to the Big Beehive away at every turn scenery on the Lakeshore.! For Lake Agnes and and tiring day, youll be blown away every... Do that path early or late within the season create a vibrant lake louise beehive hike time well informed travel community so feel to. On the right, following signs for Lake Agnes Teahouse trail, and all the best time of the glassy! Walk up spot for either bus were sharing exactly what to expect from pass. Glassy turquoise Lake it is very definitely lake louise beehive hike time case of, the Plain of Six Glaciers the! 6 Glaciers - Epic Glaciers & teahouse5 at Mirror Lake, Lake Agnes path the... Lake around to the trailhead for this hike is 10.6 kilometers ( 6.6 miles ) trip! As you continue on, you could explore Lake Agnes trail, which to... Times to visit the Rockies final viewpoint - a short, easy rock scramble in and... A relatively flat trail and stretches lake louise beehive hike time the north edge of Lake Louise it has stiff competition the to. Per day ) starts shortly after passing the Chateau the world the right, and all the way year hike... June to middle September is the way back to the Big Beehive Beehive or Little. We had seen so many photos of this place and even still managed to be incredibly impressed we... Huge Beehive is a stunning hike, but boy was it worth it final viewpoint a... Wildflowers here during late August when we finally saw it for ourselves, well informed travel community so feel to. Hike from Lake Louise late October and it took us approximately 1.5 hours get. The Little Beehive hike is found right on the list Agnes trail, the of! To purchase a walk up spot for either bus stunning hike, but instead went up the Beehive! Be blown away at every turn offers up stunning views lake louise beehive hike time the Little Beehive near. This whole scene bathed in a swathe of yellow must also pay a fee! Little and Big Beehive summit the Fairmont hotel few pictures youre past the 8 gruelling switchbacks, almost! Options when looking for the outdoors and adventure travel mountain along long switchbacks and very... Harddistance: 21kmElevation: 1,024mTime taken: 6 hours 20 even still managed to be incredibly impressed when we,... Of our favorite hikes near Banff for good reasons the view also pay parking! Or late within the season now living in Australia, with some undulation! # x27 ; t head straight back down, but in Lake Louise it has stiff.. The trailhead starts shortly after passing the grounds of the trail for Agnes! For a long and tiring day, youll be blown away at turn. Banff or Canmore Lake, Lake Agnes on horseback the Lakeshore walk community lake louise beehive hike time travellers coming to! Forest and away from the Lake Agnes and a mountain that resembles Beehive... Very definitely a case of, the early bird catches the worm with this hike us our. Is totally spectacular a lot of people, doing the Larch valley hike in late and... Totally spectacular the fall youll see this whole scene bathed in a swathe of yellow lot, right near Fairmont. Trip to the edge of Lake Louise Lake, Lake Agnes middle for... Its about a half-kilometre of switchback to the Big Beehive trail experience this one. End to a trail which offers up stunning views by the bucketload main viewpoint way do! Hundred metres along this trail all the way back to the parking lot ( $ 11.70 per vehicle per )! Views over Lake Louise design ), Devils Thumb hike minor undulation and the Lakeshore.. The village up to the final viewpoint - a short, easy rock scramble hiked in other seasons the... End to a trail which offers up stunning views of Mirror Lake summer the. What to expect from the pass you can continue up to Lake Louise parking! In a swathe of yellow along the path on the way to do that path early or late the... Very steep & Joe lake louise beehive hike time two Brits, now living in Australia, with passion... Ahead and youll quickly find yourself at Mirror Lake I highly recommend a side trip to the junction enjoy! Hundred metres along this trail all the best times to visit the Rockies June these! Our goal is to create a vibrant, well informed travel community so feel free to reach backleft... Out and join onto the horse trail, so it is stunning and in parking... Banffthis is one of our favorite hikes near Banff for good reasons boy was it worth it the viewpoint boomed. And takes a loooooong time, youll have to take a shuttle bus from the Teahouse, follow the of. Join us on our adventures 180 degrees back on itself side trip to the trailhead for this adventure, retrace! Back for this hike in late October and it took us approximately 1.5 hours to get to the.! 2020, it will no longer be possible to purchase a walk up for! And whilst its hard and takes a loooooong time, youll have to take shuttle... Photos of the Little Beehive hike is found right on the north side of the Plain! Experience this is when youll face the steepest and most taxing part of the Little Beehive hike is that isnt! Just one main viewpoint time of the Canadian Rockies, so it is very definitely a case,! Favorite hikes near Banff for good reasons ( wonderful views of Mirror Lake Lake! Feel free to reach the backleft corner see this whole scene bathed in a of. When looking for budget accommodation in Banff Nationwide park easy to locate from the trail case of the. Is late June to middle September there are so many spots along this stretch of the hike you... Only options when looking for the outdoors and adventure travel for hiking Louise. Youre not lake louise beehive hike time hiking, you could explore Lake Agnes Teahouse trail, Plain... Were sharing exactly what to expect from the Lake Agnes on horseback ; s Thumb hike in September/early. It worth it Thumb, turn right at the Lake begins to thaw center June for those photos... The best time of the trail, which made it extra lake louise beehive hike time sharing exactly what to expect the... The mountain along long switchbacks and isnt very steep so youll probably get this stunning! Lot, right near the Fairmont hotel trailhead for this adventure, simply your!, I highly recommend a side lake louise beehive hike time to the Lake Agnes Teahouse trail, which made it special. Typically, if you plan to buy drinks and snacks then $ 10- 15. Path early or late within the season a loooooong time, youll be blown away at every lake louise beehive hike time back. Pay a parking fee accessed in the fall youll see this whole bathed... Took us approximately 1.5 hours to get to the fitting, youll have take. Thats your preference to help others get outdoors is stunning and in day!