Lake Agnes and the Big Beehive

From the car park walk to the Chateau and take the Lake Agnes Trail up forested switchbacks, past little Mirror Lake, to the Lake Agnes Tea House. Follow the lake's north shore to its far end, climb to the col behind the Big Beehive and go out along the ridge to the stone shelter above Lake Louise. Back at the col, drop down steep switchbacks to the Highline Trail, turn right, and take the signed connector left to the lakeshore, which leads back to the Chateau. The loop goes anticlockwise.

It is 12.2 km round with 762 m of ascent; allow about 5½ hours. The grade is Hard: steep switchbacks and steps, and a sharp descent from the col.

There is a cliff edge by the shelter. Parks Canada reported snow and ice on the Beehive switchbacks on 3 to 4 October 2026, and advises against these trails, which cross avalanche terrain, from mid-October to mid-June. The tea house closes after Thanksgiving, 12 October 2026, and takes cash only. Carry bear spray. A Parks Canada pass is needed.

Lakeshore parking costs $42 a day until 12 October 2026 and is full by sunrise in summer. The Parks Canada shuttle from the Lake Louise Park and Ride runs until then and must be booked. Roam bus 8X from Banff runs all year.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.