Big Beehive
Iconic Banff hike offering breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Louise from a unique beehive-shaped summit.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light & fewer crowds
Big Beehive
Best Time
Best light & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Banff hike offering breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Louise from a unique beehive-shaped summit.
"The Big Beehive is one of the most amazing trails you can do in Lake Louise, with stunning views!"
🚗 Early Bird Parking
Arrive before 7 AM for Lake Louise parking; it fills fast! Consider the shuttle. :car:
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Running shoes are sufficient; no technical gear needed. Stick to marked trails. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Lake Louise Vista
Summit of the Big Beehive
Breathtaking views of the turquoise Lake Louise and surrounding peaks. A true postcard moment.
Lake Agnes Tea House
En route to the Big Beehive
Historic tea house offering refreshments amidst stunning alpine scenery. A charming stop.
The Iconic Beehive Summit
Peak of the Big Beehive
Reach the distinctive beehive-shaped summit for unparalleled 360-degree mountain panoramas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Early Bird Gets the View
Trail Choice: Lake Agnes vs. Plain of Six Glaciers
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Early Bird Parking
Arrive before 7 AM for Lake Louise parking; it fills fast! Consider the shuttle. +1 :car:
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Running shoes are sufficient; no technical gear needed. Stick to marked trails. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry plenty of water, especially on warmer days. Refill stations are limited.
📸 Capture the Views
The summit offers incredible photo opportunities. Be patient for clear shots. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Early Bird Parking
Arrive before 7 AM for Lake Louise parking; it fills fast! Consider the shuttle. +1 :car:
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Running shoes are sufficient; no technical gear needed. Stick to marked trails. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry plenty of water, especially on warmer days. Refill stations are limited.
📸 Capture the Views
The summit offers incredible photo opportunities. Be patient for clear shots. :camerawithflash:
🗺️ Trail Navigation
Trails are well-marked. AllTrails app can be helpful for offline maps.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hikers consistently praise the Big Beehive for its absolutely stunning, panoramic views of Lake Louise and the surrounding mountains, calling it a must-do in Banff. While the hike is challenging with significant elevation gain, most agree it's manageable with proper footwear and preparation, and the payoff is well worth the effort. Some visitors note that crowds can be intense, emphasizing the need for an early start.
"Amazing trail that gets you to see Lake Louise in the distance and the mountains in the background. Definitely a bit more difficult to hike but nothing crazy. No need for loose rock scrambling, just a pair of running shoes is all you need."
Victor Wang
"The Big Beehive is the one of the most amazing trails you can do in Lake Louise. The trail is well marked. You can take two routes to get there. One through the Lake Louise - Lake Agnes trail and the other one is the one coming back from The plain of Six Glaciers. I would suggest to take the Lake Louise - Lake Agnes trail because the other one is harder as the entire trail will be only incline until you reach the beehive. Lake Agnes route has a gradual Incline but also some plain ground which will help you to keep your stamina. On the other hand the other trail will drain you fast & crazy. By taking the Lake Agnes route you can complete the Big Beehive and The plain of Six Glaciers Tea House together (Approx 5-6 hours hike depending on your pace). You will enjoy more if you take the first route. For me and my buddy Ninja it was our second time reaching to the top. Loved every second of the trail. Please be respectful to the environment and do not litter. Best of luck to you guys. Cheers."
Ariful Azam
"The valley was covered in clouds so you couldn’t see the lake . We were up at about 8 am, so had the mountains all to ourselves for a few minutes.
It’s charming and moderate hike to reach the top.
Lots of people on the. Way back. We started at 5:30AM from Lake Louise.
Definitely recommend early start to get a free parking and to avoid the crowds."
Marta Stashevska
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Big Beehive trail starts at Lake Louise. You can drive and park at the Lake Louise parking lot (arrive very early, before 7 AM, or even 4 AM in peak season) or reserve the Lake Louise shuttle in advance and park at the Lake Louise Ski Resort.
Yes, there is parking at Lake Louise, but it is extremely limited and fills up very early, often by 5 AM in the summer. Arriving before 7 AM is highly recommended.
You can reserve a Lake Louise shuttle 48 hours in advance. This allows you to park at the Lake Louise Ski Resort and take a shuttle directly to the lake.
While not direct, you can explore options like Parks Canada shuttles or regional bus services that connect to Lake Louise from Banff townsite. Check local transit schedules for details.
Lake Louise is about a 45-minute to 1-hour drive west of Banff townsite. The trailhead for the Big Beehive is at Lake Louise.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a Parks Canada Discovery Pass is required for all visitors entering Banff National Park. You can purchase passes online or at park gates.
There is no separate fee for the Big Beehive trail itself, but you will need a Parks Canada Discovery Pass to enter Banff National Park. Parking at Lake Louise may also have a fee.
The Big Beehive trail is accessible year-round, but it is most popular and safest to hike during the summer months (June to September) when trails are clear of snow.
You cannot book tickets for the Big Beehive hike itself. However, you can reserve parking spots or shuttle tickets for Lake Louise in advance during peak season.
Be aware of wildlife in the area and always maintain a safe distance. Stick to marked trails and pack out everything you pack in to preserve the environment.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Big Beehive hike is generally considered moderate to hard, with significant elevation gain. It involves switchbacks and steep sections.
The hike to the Big Beehive is approximately 10-12 km round trip and can take 4-6 hours, depending on your pace and any stops.
The elevation gain for the Big Beehive hike is around 540-723 meters (1770-2370 feet), with some sources citing up to 880m for combined Beehive hikes.
The most iconic view is the panoramic vista of Lake Louise from the summit. You'll also see surrounding mountains and valleys.
Yes, many hikers combine the Big Beehive with the Lake Agnes Tea House hike, and some even extend to the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House for a longer day.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon offer the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and capturing the beauty of Lake Louise.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for mountain details. Don't forget extra batteries!
Yes, numerous viewpoints along the trail offer stunning perspectives of Lake Louise and the surrounding mountains. The summit provides the most dramatic panorama.
Drone usage is restricted in national parks. Always check Parks Canada regulations before flying a drone to avoid fines.
The view of Lake Louise from the top, the historic Lake Agnes Tea House, and the switchbacks leading up to the summit are all highly photogenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you decide to tackle the Big Beehive, start very early to avoid crowds and heat. Pack plenty of snacks and water, and take frequent breaks. The Little Beehive is a fantastic alternative for families, offering stunning views with less exertion.
💰 Budget Travelers
+1Packing your own food and water is essential, as options at Lake Louise and the tea houses can be pricey. Consider staying in more budget-friendly accommodations in nearby towns like Canmore or even further afield in Calgary if you're on a tight budget, and plan your day trips accordingly.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Bring a wide-angle lens to encompass the vast landscapes and consider a telephoto lens for capturing details of the mountain peaks. The switchbacks leading up to the summit also offer unique photographic opportunities. Don't forget extra batteries and memory cards!
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Big Beehive Trail System
Alternatively, you can approach the Big Beehive from the Plain of Six Glaciers trail. This route is significantly steeper and more challenging, consisting of a continuous incline until you reach the beehive. While it offers a more direct ascent, it can be more draining. Many hikers choose to ascend via Lake Agnes and descend via the Plain of Six Glaciers, or vice versa, to experience both routes.
For those seeking a less strenuous experience, the Little Beehive trail offers similar stunning views with a shorter distance and less elevation gain, making it a great option for families or less experienced hikers.
The Importance of Early Starts and Parking
+1If you miss out on parking, the Lake Louise shuttle service is a viable alternative. It's essential to reserve shuttle tickets in advance, typically 48 hours prior to your visit. This service allows you to park at the Lake Louise Ski Resort and take a dedicated shuttle directly to the trailhead, saving you the stress of finding parking at the lake.
Starting early not only secures your parking but also allows you to experience the trail with fewer crowds, offering a more serene and enjoyable hiking experience. You might even have moments of solitude at the summit, which is a rare treat during peak season.
What to Expect at the Summit and Beyond
At the summit, you'll find a wooden structure, a clear indicator that you've reached the top. This is an ideal spot for photos, a well-deserved rest, and to simply soak in the grandeur of the landscape. Be prepared for wind at the higher elevations.
For those with energy to spare, the Big Beehive can be combined with other nearby hikes. The Lake Agnes Tea House is a popular stop on the way up or down. Some adventurous hikers also extend their journey to the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House, creating a longer, more comprehensive day of exploration in the Lake Louise area.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit