Big Beehive, Banff National Park

An incredible hike! I would rate this hike an intermediate hike given that it’s not too long and the only difficult portion is after the Lake Agnes teahouse to the Big Beehive. The trail starts on the right side of Lake Louise with a well labelled sign that points you where to go. The first portion to Mirror Lake was a steady incline for about 45-60 mins. From Mirror Lake to Lake Agnes teahouse is about a 20 minute hike with a steep staircase just before reaching the teahouse. From the teahouse to the Big Beehive you will go around the lake through some snow and then towards 10 steep switchbacks. These switchbacks are quite steep but dry when we went. We recommend bringing hiking poles to do this hike. Once you’re done the switchbacks about 10 minutes flat hike to the view point. Amazing hike and highly recommend everyone try it!

I’d rate this hike as Moderate difficult until Lake Agnes/Tea House. First milestone is the mirror lake (a tiny pond). Full view of the beehive mountain. Elevation gain of about 500 feet. Second milestone is Lake Agnes and Tea house. There’s also a little waterfall up there. This lake is big. And nice coffee and sandwiches at tea house. Elevation gain about 1100 feet maybe. Next leg of the hike gets harder and sketchy. Steepest part of the hike with elevation gain of about 500 feet within 1.5 kilometres. Not as many trees on the trail from this point, so loose soil. You’ll need hiking shoes to safely hike from here. At some sections, trail is barely 6 inches wide. Please don’t hike with running shoes. Once you ascend to the top, the view is stunning and makes it worth the effort. Good luck!

Good moderate hike from Lake Agnes, signs are clear. Multiple routes exist so recommend doing your research. Could be icy in some places so back pedaling may be wise. Beautiful views and colors with a 2-3 pm arrival. For parking, I didn't pay at Lake Louise, but I parked at a small camping lot about 1.5 mi back down Lake Louise drive. There's always spots there and it's worth the 3 mi round trip to save money and time.

The view can’t be beat! First time hiking this trail and we found it difficult and LONG! We’re fit but not avid hikers and found the incline difficult. We started at 7:30 am and completed the whole trail by 11:30 am. But everything is worth it once you get to the top and see the view.

An enjoyable and moderate hike. Our views were hindered a bit by the smoke bit it was still an enjoyable outing and worth it to get various lookouts out to Lake Louise. An unsurprisingly busy hike but still worth the time if you're looking for a medium difficulty trail. Took the long way around back down and saw less foot traffic with more wildlife including some far off mountain goats that you might be able to see in picture 1:)