Big Beehive

Length: 6.4 miles (10 km)

Elevation Gain: 2,122 ft (646 m)

Date Hiked: July 26, 2020

The Big Beehive hike is an obvious choice when visiting Banff, but beware—this is a VERY popular hike in the summertime and goes through avalanche territory in the winter. The trailhead starts at Lake Louise, so at the peak of summer, you want to get there early (like 6 or 7 am) to get a parking spot. There's another parking lot before you get to the lake as well if you don't mind an extra 10 minute or so walk.

This trail is well marked and maintained so you shouldn't have any issue navigating, but I always recommend downloading the trail map from an app like All Trails just in case. You never know where you might lose service, and I've heard of people getting lost on the easiest of hikes.

Be prepared for a steady incline the entire three or so miles up to the top. One nice thing about this hike—in addition to the ah-mazing views the entire time—is the Lake Agnes Tea House! Note: make sure you either have cash or a credit card. They don't take debit and we learned the hard way. You don't have to splurge on mountain tea to take in the view though.

To continue to Big Beehive, you'll follow the trail to the right of the lake taking you to the back. If you bring a dog, be careful because you encounter a lot of big, loose rocks where water flows through. It can be a little tricky for them. You'll then continue up a few switchbacks until you reach the top where you can either go left to continue along Big Beehive or the right which takes you up even further to Devil's Thumb. We skipped Devel's Thumb because we had Ella and the mileage/climbing we'd done was enough for her.

There are plenty of spots at the top of Big Beehive to sit and have a snack while soaking in the views. Again, this is a very popular hike so try to get there early to beat the rush. You will absolutely run into people on the tight switchbacks who do not know how to share the trail and are clearly novice hikers so just mentally prepare and try not to get frustrated.

If you decide to tackle this one in the winter/springtime to avoid the crowds, make sure you're AST 1 certified in case of an avalanche! Winter at Lake Louise is truly magical and worth the visit if you have the opportunity.