Little Beehive Hike: Adventure Awaits in Banff

Last updated on September 1st, 2024 at 03:42 am

Nestled within the stunning landscapes of Banff National Park, the Little Beehive Hike offers an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike. With its breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, and a chance to stop by the charming Lake Agnes Tea House, this hike is one of the best that Banff has to offer.

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There are a few route variations of the hike to Little Beehive. Below is the route I highly recommend.

Route map for Little Beehive To Lake Agnes Tea House by Ashlyn Hayes on plotaroute.com

Getting to the Trailhead

The journey to the Little Beehive Hike begins at the iconic Lake Louise, one of the most photographed spots in the world. To get to the trailhead, drive to the Lake Louise parking area. It’s advisable to arrive early in the morning as this is an incredibly popular trail. You cannot park a private vehicle at the Lake Louise parking lot, you must secure shuttle tickets.

For more information on the Lake Louise shuttle see Ultimate 3-Day Banff Itinerary: Experience the Best of the Canadian Rockies.

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The Hike Up to Little Beehive

The Little Beehive trail is listed as a moderate hike, suitable for most fitness levels. The entire round trip is about 5.7 miles and 1,900 feet of elevation gain. The well-maintained trail starts at Lake Louise quickly begins a dramatic ascent, offering picturesque views along the way.

The base altitude of Lake Louise, where the hike begins, is 5,200 feet. If possible, plan this hike later in your itinerary to allow yourself to adjust to the altitude if you live at a lower altitude. However, we did this hike on the second day of our trip and we were all totally fine, so don’t stress if you don’t have time to acclimate to the elevation.

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Mirror Lake on the Little Beehive Hike

About halfway up your ascent to Little Beehive, you’ll encounter Mirror Lake. This small, reflective lake provides a great spot for a short break and some stunning photos. Continuing onward, you’ll reach the junction where you can choose to hike to either the Big Beehive or the Little Beehive. The trails are clearly labeled. For this adventure, we’ll head towards the Little Beehive.

The trail winds through dense forests of pine and spruce, offering shade and the chance to spot some of Banff’s wildlife, including chipmunks, marmots, and occasionally, bears. It’s essential to carry bear spray and know how to use it, just in case.

Reaching the Little Beehive

The final ascent to the Little Beehive is rewarding. As you climb higher, the trees begin to thin out, revealing panoramic views that stretch as far as the eye can see. At the summit, you’ll be greeted with spectacular vistas of Lake Louise, the Chateau Lake Louise, and the surrounding mountain ranges. A hike during late July or early August will take you through stunning fields of alpine wildflowers.

The Little Beehive, named for its shape resembling a beehive, stands at an elevation of 2,269 meters (7,444 feet). From this vantage point, you can see the turquoise waters of Lake Louise below, and you will notice the appearance of the lake changes from its more green-tinted color at the base. It’s a spectacular view framed by towering peaks and lush forests. The summit offers several excellent spots for photography, so be sure your camera is well charged.

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Little Beehive Hike to Lake Agnes Tea House

After enjoying the summit, it’s time to descend to the historic Lake Agnes Tea House. The teahouse is located 7,005 feet above sea level. The trail down is equally picturesque, leading you through meadows and forested areas until you reach the shores of Lake Agnes.

The Lake Agnes Tea House, built in 1901, offers a delightful respite for hikers. This charming, rustic tea house serves a variety of teas, soups, sandwiches, and homemade baked goods. The tea house sits right on the shore of Lake Agnes and is absolutely worth a stop. There are no roads to access the tea house, meaning employees carry in and carry out all supplies and trash.

The tea house operates on a cash-only basis, no credit cards are accepted. They accept either Canadian or American currency. It can get quite busy, so be prepared for a bit of a wait during peak hours. The wait, however, is well worth it for the unique experience and the chance to enjoy a meal with a view of the serene Lake Agnes.

After enjoying a meal at the tea house, you finish your descent through a section of dense forest back to Lake Louise.

Practical Tips and Advice for the Little Beehive Hike

Before you embark on the Little Beehive Hike, here are some practical tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:

Pack Wisely: Bring plenty of water, snacks, a map (I always download the hike on AllTrails), a first aid kit, and layers of clothing to adapt to changing weather conditions. Even in summer, temperatures can vary significantly. And of course, make sure bear spray is on your packing list.
Footwear: Wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip, as the trail can be uneven and slippery in places.
Hiking poles: Consider bringing hiking poles. They can help significantly.
Weather Considerations: Check the weather forecast before you go. Mountain weather can change rapidly, and it’s essential to be prepared for rain, wind, or sudden temperature drops.
Leave No Trace: Follow the principles of Leave No Trace. Pack out all your trash, stay on designated trails, and respect wildlife.
Kid Friendly?: This hike would be friendly for older kids if they’re accustomed to hiking. This hike would be tough for younger kids due to the elevation gain. You could use a hiking backpack to carry younger kids on your back. This hiking carrier is my favorite.

Conclusion

The Little Beehive Hike is a moderately challenging hike in Banff National Park offers a perfect blend of adventure, natural beauty, and a touch of history. From the initial climb through lush forests to the breathtaking views at the summit, and the charming stop at Lake Agnes Tea House, this hike provides a memorable experience for all who embark on it.

If you only have time for one hike during your visit to Banff it needs to be this one. It checks all of the boxes and I guarantee you will be happy you did it!

My group did the Little Beehive Hike as part of our 3 day trip, and you can find that full itinerary here.

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