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Lake Agnes Teahouse - Big Beehive

Lake Agnes Teahouse - Big Beehive near Banff, AB

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This trail was given a rating of 5 out of 5 stars

11 kms
4hours
moderate
Hiking, Snowshoeing
Summer, Fall
Banff, AB

Hermanater

LARGER MAP

NTS Map: 082N08

There are various routes to take to complete this trail. I will try to describe the trail I took.

The trail to Lake Agnes is very popular and you will be with many people. Do not let this discourage you. The sights on this trail are worth it.

The trail head (Elev. 1731 m) is located 0.5 km from the Chateau along the shore side trail. The trail is broad and well maintained. The trail follows a steady incline for 2.6 km to Mirror Lake (Elev. 2027 m). Just before Mirror Lake you will come across a wooden barrier/gate. At this junction, go to your left about 100 meters to Mirror Lake. From here on you may encounter horses and what they leave behindÂ….

Behind Mirror Lake is the Big Beehive. From here you can go left and find a junction to the highline trail and the Lake Agnes Teahouse, or you can go right and head to the Little Beehive, Mount St. Piran or the Teahouse.

Going to the right for about 0.4 km you will find a junction. The right will take you to the Little Beehive (Elev. 2210 m and Mount St. Piran (Elev. 2650 m). To the left you will see a waterfall and the Teahouse. Go to the left for about 0.4 km to the stairs at the waterfall which will lead you to the teahouse (Elev. 2134 m).

From here on you will encounter fewer people since most have the teahouse as their final destination.

Follow the trail around the north side of the lake. You will end up at a step switchback that takes you to the saddle between Devil's Thumb (Elev 2458 m) and the Big Beehive (Elev. 2270 M). This trail and switchback is approximately 1.1 km.

The unmarked trail to the right goes up around the back side of the Devil's Thumb. The trail is 0.7 km long and involves some sections of scree. The view is supposed to be magnificent.

To the left is the Big Beehive. There is no real trail to the hut at the top but after 0.6 km you will find it.

From the Big Beehive/Devil's Thumb junction, head down the south side of the saddle (the side away from Lake Agnes). The trail goes down some switchbacks and is narrow and tougher to navigate. This part of the trail is not as well maintained as the first part going to the teahouse. At the 0.9 km mark you will encounter the Highland / Mirror Lake junction. The right trail leads to the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail. Going left for about 1 km, you end up at Mirror Lake.

From here it is about 3.1 km back to the Chateau.

Unfortunately there was a lot of smoke in the air when the attached photos were taken.

Current conditions:

Directions:

From The Lake Louise Chateau, follow the shore line path for about 500 meters.

By Posted By: kaylalar-son - Tue Aug 17 23:06:08 EDT 2010 Not Rated Upside great trail, when on the top of big beehive the trail can connect to another trail that goes to plains of the 6 glaciers. Tea house has really good food , there are also great views of lake louise. Downside trail is very busy at noon hours and parking is also impossible to find. this trail is used by horses also so watch out for droppings and lines of trail riders.

By Posted By: blocken - Tue Feb 02 18:28:32 EST 2010 Not Rated Question Big Beehive in the Winter?Is this accessible in the winter time on snowshoes? It says it is but looking at pictures of the area seems like it would be quite steep with snow?

I'm planning on going there next weekend staying at the Fairmont and would love to get some time up there.

Any help regarding this would be greatly appreciated.
thanks.

By Posted By: tadams - Tue Jul 07 13:39:53 EDT 2009 Upside Beautiful views, very friendly critters at teahouse and summit, very well maintained trails, multiple route options with varying difficulty. Downside The trail can get quite busy... but it's well worth putting up with. Comment The teahouse itself can be very congested, hike prepared and pack some back up snacks in case you decide not to wait in line, or for a seat.