Lake Agnes and the Big Beehive

Lake Agnes

This popular hike leads to lovely Lake Agnes set at the foot of a scenic cirque. Extend the hike by climbing to panoramic viewpoints atop the Big and/or Little Beehives. Optional return via the Highline features fabulous views of Mount Victoria and the Victoria Glacier.
See Trail Detail/Full Description

• Distance: 4.4 miles (round trip) to Lake Agnes
  6.5 miles (round trip) to Big Beehive
  8.0 miles (loop) to Lake Louise via Highline/Plain of Six Glaciers
  
• Elevation: 5,720-ft. at Trailhead
  7,003-ft. at Lake Agnes
  7,450-ft. at Big Beehive
  7,480-ft. at Lake Louise via Highline/Plain of Six Glaciers
  
• Elevation Gain: 1,283-ft. to Lake Agnes
  447-ft. to Big Beehive
  -1,760-ft. to Lake Louise via Highline/Plain of Six Glaciers
  
• Difficulty: moderate
• More Hikes in:
  Banff / Lake Louise / The Canadian Rockies

Why Hike Lake Agnes and the Big Beehive

This popular hike climbs through forest with intermittent views of Lake Louise to the Lake Agnes Tea House at the foot of Lake Agnes. The pretty lake is cradled at the base of a cirque formed by Mount Piran (8,692-ft.), Mount Niblock (9,761-ft.), Mount Whyte (9,784-ft.) and the Big Beehive.

Extend the hike by walking around the lake and then climbing to the Big Beehive a high ridge with great views of Lake Louise and the surrounding peaks. Return the way you came or, for variety, descend the Highline Trail to the Plain of the Six Glaciers trail, enjoying the view of Mount Victoria and the Victoria Glacier. Turn left at the Plain of the Six Glaciers junction and return to Lake Louise. Note that this is an extremely popular trail and can get quite crowded, especially in the area around the Lake Agnes Tea House.

Strong hikers will want to continue along the Plain of the Six Glaciers trail to the viewpoint at the base of Mount Victoria. See the Lake Agnes – Plain of the Six Glaciers Loop for more information.

Elevation Profile

Trail Resources

Trail Detail/Full Description / Trail Photo Gallery / Trail Map

Basecamp(s) Information:
Banff / Lake Louise

Region Information:
The Canadian Rockies

Other Hiking Regions in:
Alberta / British Columbia