#27 – Canadian Rockies Day Hikes: Big Beehive Loop Trail
- Location: Banff National Park
- Trailhead: Lake Louise
- Type: Lollypop Loop (Out-n-back with a large difficult loop)
- Rating: Difficult
- Total Distance: 6.5-miles
- Trailhead Elevation: 5,780′
- Total Elevation Gain: 1,930′
- Recommended Time: Half-day
- Recommended Season: Mid-June to Late-September
Lake Louise
The Lake Louise area of Banff National Park is well known for its beauty. The lake itself, while very beautiful, resembles more of a theme park than a national park with the massive Fairmont Chateau resting on the shores of the picturesque lake. To add to theme park madness the small parking lot is overwhelmed daily by visitors and buses shuttling tourists to and from the lake from miles away. However, this area of the National Park does have a lot of beauty and even a little solitude for those who are willing to sweat a bit in search of it. One of the best places to seek solitude is atop the Big Beehive Mountain via the Big Beehive Loop Trail.
Big Beehive Mountain Top
For those who venture up to the top of Big Beehive Mountain, they are rewarded with the best aerial views of not only the iconic Lake Louise but also Lake Agnes. There is a shelter at the top for when inclement weather rolls in quickly. From this vantage point, the surrounding landscape of the Canadian Rockies is laid out before hikers in a scene that would rival any the world over. This makes the Big Beehive Loop Trail one of the best day hikes in the Canadian Rockies.
Hike Counterclockwise
The path to the top of the Big Beehive is steep and has loads of switchbacks on either side of the mountain top. Whichever direction you choose to hike it will be a difficult climb, but we suggest going counterclockwise. This direction leads up to Lake Agnes first which is a much more beautiful approach and allows you to visit one of the famous Lake Louise Tea Houses. Once over the top of the Big Beehive, those seeking more adventure can do so by taking the Highline Trail west to the Plain of Six Glaciers. This would turn this half-day journey into an epic full day of hiking adventure.
Beautiful! I enjoyed your description.