4.8
(240)
2,481
hikers
Little Beehive via Lake Agnes Trail
03:38
9.18km
460m
Hiking
Hike the moderate Little Beehive via Lake Agnes Trail in Banff National Park for stunning views of Lake Louise and the historic Lake Agnes T
Last updated: February 26, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
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Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
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186 m
Lake Louise
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
2.15 km
View of Lake Louise
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
3.06 km
Mirror Lake (Banff National Park)
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
3.67 km
Lake Agnes Tea House
Highlight • Mountain Hut
It's a popular destination, and the oldest tea house in Canada. As we arrived, we saw them filling their tea kettles with water, right out of the lake! There is no electricity, so it takes up to 30 minutes to get their kettles to boil using only propane. The food is all made from scratch every day and is delicious.
Tip by
4.56 km
View from Little Beehive
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
9.18 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
6.15 km
2.23 km
692 m
123 m
Surfaces
5.50 km
2.05 km
843 m
624 m
123 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (2,190 m)
Lowest point (1,740 m)
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Weather
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Today
Wednesday 6 May
14°C
-2°C
0 %
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Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to the trailhead and what are the parking options?
The trail starts at the shores of Lake Louise. Parking at the Lake Louise lakeshore can be very challenging, especially during peak season. It's highly recommended to arrive very early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Alternatively, Parks Canada operates shuttle services from the Lake Louise village to the lakeshore, which is a convenient option to avoid parking hassles.
What's the best strategy to avoid crowds and parking issues?
To secure parking at the Lake Louise lakeshore and experience the trail with fewer people, plan to arrive before 7 AM or after 4 PM. Utilizing the Parks Canada shuttle service from the Lake Louise village is also an excellent way to bypass parking difficulties entirely.
Do I need any permits or have to pay an entrance fee for this hike?
Yes, as this trail is located within Banff National Park, you will need a valid Parks Canada Discovery Pass or a daily park pass to enter the park. No additional permits are typically required for day hiking on this specific trail.
Is the Little Beehive via Lake Agnes Trail dog-friendly?
Generally, dogs are allowed on trails in Banff National Park, including this one, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Always practice Leave No Trace principles, which includes packing out all pet waste.
What is the best time of year to hike this trail?
The best time to hike this trail is typically from late spring (June) through early fall (October). September is particularly beautiful due to the larch trees turning golden. While possible in winter, conditions can be challenging with snow and ice, requiring appropriate gear like microspikes or snowshoes.
How difficult is the Little Beehive via Lake Agnes Trail, and is it suitable for families?
The trail is generally rated as moderate. It involves a consistent climb with an elevation gain of about 465 meters over roughly 9.2 kilometers round trip. While it can be challenging for beginners, its well-maintained path and numerous resting spots make it suitable for active families and those seeking a rewarding hike with stunning views.
How long does it typically take to complete this trail?
Hikers typically take around 3.5 to 4 hours to complete the round trip to Little Beehive via Lake Agnes Tea House, allowing for stops to enjoy the scenery and perhaps a break at the teahouse.
What are the main points of interest and views along the route?
This trail offers a wealth of scenic highlights. You'll start with views of Lake Louise, pass by Mirror Lake (Banff National Park), and reach the historic Lake Agnes Tea House. The ultimate reward is the panoramic 180-degree View from Little Beehive, offering an unparalleled perspective of Lake Louise and the surrounding mountains.
What is the terrain like on the trail?
The trail begins with a paved section from Lake Louise, transitioning to a well-maintained gravel path. As you ascend, it becomes more natural with sections of rocks and roots. There are several switchbacks, especially after Mirror Lake, to manage the consistent incline. The final push to Little Beehive is a steady uphill but generally manageable.
Does this trail connect with other hiking routes?
Yes, the route shares sections with and can be extended to other popular trails. You'll traverse parts of the Lake Agnes Trail and the Little Beehive Trail. It can also be part of a larger 'Beehive Circuit' that includes the Big Beehive Trail, or connect to the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail for a longer adventure.
What essential gear should I bring for this hike?
For this moderate hike, it's advisable to bring sturdy hiking shoes, layers of clothing as weather can change quickly, water, snacks, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), and bear spray. A camera is also a must for the incredible views!
Nearby routes
Trail Reviews
Fantastic tour! Lake Louise is very busy, but the higher you go, the better it gets. The lake has an incredible color. The two other lakes on this tour (Lake Agnes and Mirror Lake) are also worth a visit. At the end, you'll be rewarded with another magnificent view!
I actually wanted to climb The Big Beehive (2270 m), but there was still too much snow there. My feet kept sinking 1 m into the snow, the trail was unclear, and there are avalanche warning signs everywhere. On The Little Beehive and along the trail there are many lookout points with fantastic views of Lake Louise. I was at Lake Louise at the same time in May 2003. Back then, it was summer temperatures and the snow was completely gone. This time, there was still a lot of snow, and the lake was frozen over. That's just a matter of luck in the mountains.
Starting at the quite spectacular main spot in Banff National Park, Lake Louise, we climbed a fairly steep and trail-heavy path up to Lake Mirror, and from there, we continued to Lake Agnes at an elevation of 2125m. A truly magnificent tour... Better and more than we expected, with consistently spectacular views of and within the Rocky Mountains.
This hike is highly popular, so it is advisable either to get up early in order to be able to park in the Lake Louise parking lot, or to book (long in advance) the shuttle that connects the village to the lake. Lake Louise (named Ho-run-num-nay (Lake of the Little Fishes) by the Stoney Nakota First Nations) is a glacial lake located in Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. Located 11 km (6.8 mi) east of the border with British Columbia, Lake Louise is located 5 km (3.1 mi) west of the Hamlet of Lake Louise and the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1). Lake Louise is named after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta (1848-1939), Queen Victoria's fourth daughter and wife of the Marquess of Lorne, who served as Governor General of Canada from 1878 to 1883. The turquoise color of the water comes from rock flour carried into the lake by meltwater from the glaciers that overlook the lake. The lake has a surface area of 0.8 km 2 (0.31 sq mi) and is drained by the 3 km long Louise Creek into the Bow River. The Fairmont's Chateau Lake Louise, one of Canada's grand railway hotels, is located on the eastern shore of Lake Louise. It is a luxury resort hotel built in the early 20th century by the Canadian Pacific Railway. Lake Miror and Lake Agnès are also accessible from Lake Louise. A path runs along the Fairmont castle and rises briskly on a drop of almost 400 m towards the two lakes. Mirror Lake is a very small lake located near the Dudswell and Bishopton area. Lake Agnes has an area of 0.52 km2 and is located approximately 3.5 km from Lake Louise. A teahouse is on the eastern shore at an altitude of 2,134 m. A hiking trail continues down the north rim, turning 180° before beginning the ascent of the Big Beehive.
Lake Louise, Mirror Lake and Lake Agnes together form an impressive lake landscape in the Canadian Rockies known as the "Lakes in the Clouds". Lake Louise is world famous for its turquoise waters, which get their unique colour from glacial sediments. The Victoria Glacier feeds the lake and creates a stunning backdrop. Mirror Lake is on the hiking trail between Lake Louise and Lake Agnes. It is known for its mirror-smooth surface, in which the Big Beehive rock is impressively reflected. Lake Agnes is located in a hanging valley at an altitude of 2,135 m. The historic Lake Agnes Tea House has stood here since 1905, offering hikers a break. The three lakes are connected by scenic hiking trails. The climb from Lake Louise via Mirror Lake to Lake Agnes is a popular hiking route with magnificent views. The combination of crystal-clear mountain lakes, majestic peaks and historical elements makes this lake landscape a unique natural experience in the Canadian Rockies.