Big Beehive
Big Beehive
5
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5.0
142 reviews
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120
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20
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2
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Luo_Yi
Greater Perth, Australia15 contributions
Sept 2020
Call me crazy but I hiked this in the middle of a snowstorm and still gave it a 5 star rating.
My wife and I spent 2 nights at Lake Louise in September and unfortunately the weather wasn't the best. It drizzled off and on for both days but we were determined to explore as much as we could. We started out just hiking up to the Lake Agnes Tea house. The light drizzle gradually turned into snow as we hiked up which turned it into a more pleasant adventure. We stopped for a snack at the Tea House and watched the light snow turn into heavy snow squalls.
Somebody mentioned how nice the view from the beehive was so we decided to give it a try. We were wearing good hiking boots and using poles so even in the snow squalls it was manageable. The hike was steep but we paced ourselves by stopping to catch our breath at the end of each switchback. The air was cold and fresh and invigorating which made the effort totally worth it.
We didn't get to see much at the top because of the snow squalls but that just made us want to come back and try again. 10/10 will definitely be back.
My wife and I spent 2 nights at Lake Louise in September and unfortunately the weather wasn't the best. It drizzled off and on for both days but we were determined to explore as much as we could. We started out just hiking up to the Lake Agnes Tea house. The light drizzle gradually turned into snow as we hiked up which turned it into a more pleasant adventure. We stopped for a snack at the Tea House and watched the light snow turn into heavy snow squalls.
Somebody mentioned how nice the view from the beehive was so we decided to give it a try. We were wearing good hiking boots and using poles so even in the snow squalls it was manageable. The hike was steep but we paced ourselves by stopping to catch our breath at the end of each switchback. The air was cold and fresh and invigorating which made the effort totally worth it.
We didn't get to see much at the top because of the snow squalls but that just made us want to come back and try again. 10/10 will definitely be back.
Written July 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WinnipegSteve
Winnipeg, Canada105 contributions
Aug 2021
We hiked up to Lake Agnes for the teahouse, and thought we would stop there. We then convinced ourselves to give a shot at Big Beehive, and it was definitely the right decision. The views down to Lake Louise, and the Chateau, are amazing.
Note that you need to be in reasonable shape to make this hike all the way from the bottom (over 2000 vertical feet), but stopping at Lake Agnes for a rest definitely helps. You also better not be afraid of heights, because there are a number of places where you'll get butterflies! However, the actual danger is pretty low.
Note that you need to be in reasonable shape to make this hike all the way from the bottom (over 2000 vertical feet), but stopping at Lake Agnes for a rest definitely helps. You also better not be afraid of heights, because there are a number of places where you'll get butterflies! However, the actual danger is pretty low.
Written August 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jake K
Columbia, SC413 contributions
Aug 2022
Did this hike on arrival. Was overwhelmed by all the tourists at lake louise and was nice to get away from them which was accomplished with a hike. Great views from the top of this. Tough end to get to the peak/top. We took the back way down and had a great view of the lake on the descent. The lake is much prettier(tough to imagine) from above than just viewing from the shore and way less crowded. If physically able, highly recommend.
Written August 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
buttercup1211
Winnipeg, Canada1,755 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
I will be honest, I’m probably not in the best shape and this hike was really tough for me. Having said that though, it is doable, just go slow and wear proper hiking shoes and hiking steps helped me tremendously. There’s not much to see once you ascend on the other side of Lake Agnes, just a slow and steady slog to the top. Once you are at the top, keep going to the end and you will be rewarded with an amazing view of Lake Louise, Mirror Lake and Lake Agnes. We went there when the BC and US fires were in full swing and the visibility wasn’t the best, but it was still beautiful. Go early and take your time!
Written October 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CWT
Ottawa, Canada333 contributions
Oct 2020
We arrived at 9:45 on the first monday in October and there were still spots left in the main lot (although they were filling up quickly). The trail is well marked. We hiked to the Lake Agnes Teahouse first. From there we went up to the Little Beehive and then retraced our steps to the Teahouse. We had a quick lunch before hiking up the Big Beehive trail. There was a short section where it switchbacks up that I found a bit uncomfortable not being the best with heights but it would likely not bother most people. We returned by the trail through the forest that joins up with the Highline trail. This takes you back to Mirror Lake. I think this route was longer than if we had gone back to the Teahouse and down from there but I preferred that to doing the switchbacks back down. Loved the views at Lake Agnes and from the tops of both beehives.
Written October 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jonique Life
Australia1,826 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
This hike is over 10km and quite steep in some sections but very beautiful and easy to follow. We would definitely recommend coming up here so you can see the most phenomenal views of Lake Louise, Lake Agnes and the Mirror Lake. It’s hard but worth it, especially with the switch backs and steep inclines. Bring water and snacks, or even get something at the Lake Agnes cafe, if you are willing to wait a while. Be sun smart also, it’s very exposed! Make sure that you go past the hut at the top for better views!!! Don’t be scared to do so, it’s worth it.
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“Jonique Life” If you find value in our reviews please consider following our social media outlets on Facebook and Instagram as we highlight magical places you can add to your ever growing bucket list.
Written June 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cypins
Louisiana263 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
One of the highlights of our trip to the Canadian Rockies and as we did so many things that is saying something! The hike is a little steep especially on the switchbacks after the Lake Agnes Tea House but just stop and take a few breaks because it is all worth it when you reach the top. Simply stunning views of Mirror Lake and Lake Louise from a birds eye view. Pictures certainly do not do any justice of the true beauty. This is an absolute must do for anyone who visits Lake Louise and can do so hiking. Tip: If you stop at Lake Agnes Tea House they only take cash so bring some!
Written August 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sabine D
Neu-Ulm, Germany7 contributions
Aug 2024 • Friends
Be sure to do it! The ascent is strenuous (as a non-climber), but quite feasible. So don't worry. I (57) really have knee problems, but the up/down was really ok with sticks. There are good rest options and ultimately the incredible view from above of Lake Louise compensates for every effort 😅 My Canada highlight. So just let's go ❤️
Automatically translated
Written September 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeanie E
Mnemba, Tanzania345 contributions
Jul 2023
This is a big hike, but you can take it at your own pace. Do it and enjoy each stage/view. Take the whole day to do it and it will be time well-spent. The views are wonderful. The top of the Big Beehive feels very solid and you can see a lot without getting right next to the edge where you could feel queasy. The forest you walk through is heavenly. I even submerged myself in Lake Agnes :)
Written August 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
World-travel-MS
Sydney, Australia548 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
Did this hike up to the big beehive and back down in approx 3 hours (including photo time). The hike up to Agnes tea house is fairly easy however the hike up to the big beehive is difficult. It is very steep and rocky terrain. Take it slowly and wear proper shoes. The views are well worth it! There isn’t much of a view from the tea house so definitely keep going to the big beehive as it’s well worth it
Written August 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, am planning a trip to Banff in June 2024.... definitely doing the big beehive, but thinking about setting of super early, maybe half three am, to catch sun rise from the top....any thoughts views?
Written November 10, 2023
The big beehive is facing toward northeast direction, so the sun should be rising slightly on the right side of the big beehive.
When I searched "big beehive hike sunrise" on google, I ran into a few photos, all of which seemed to be taken at the sunrise. The views still look good but I don't know if you will be able to see the iconic turquoise color on the lake that early in the morning.
I personally did this hike in the afternoon, at around 4 PM, and the water color was just stunning.
Written November 11, 2023
Is this trail accessible in Late June? Just wondering if there is still snow at that time.
Written March 27, 2021
Hello, I’m traveling alone to Banff in mid-late September. I want to do this hike, but I’m a bit worried about the safety aspect with bears. Any thoughts on whether this is a busy enough or safe enough trail to do alone?
If not, any suggestions on how to link up with others for a group hike?
Thanks!
Written August 8, 2020
So this may sound silly but along this but would you say there are suitable places to stop for a restroom break behind a bush/tree?
I suffer from a medical condition where I need to go often but don’t want to let it ruin my fun! I have a major fear of having to urinate outside but I need to get over this and start living so the more hidden away the better!
Thanks in advance
Written July 7, 2019
There are a lot of trees on this hike. Should be plenty of locations to do your thing.
Written July 7, 2019
Diane
London, Canada
Hi there, so wondering, our group of 4 will just be wearing our good old Asics Kayano Running shoes or similar....will we be able to do the hike to the beehive in just our runners? I don't really want to go out and buy hikers just for the 5 days that we are in Banff!
Written July 28, 2018
I was just in the area and the trail is doable in tennis shoes/gym shoes as long as it hasn't been raining.
Written July 30, 2018
How long does the hike take from Lake Louise
Written February 5, 2018
It took my friends and I 3 hrs round trip, but it really depends on how good a shape you’re in and how many times you stop. The elevation gain is pretty tough at the end and there are beautiful things to stop and see along the way.
Written February 5, 2018
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