Lake Louise - The Climb to Big Beehive

Totally worth the hike! Big Beehive came through with that epic view.

Day 3 – The Climb to Big Beehive: One Day, One Hike & A Lifetime of Views

There are places you visit for the photo. And then there are places you hike to remember.

On our third day, we dedicated the entire itinerary to just one thing: Lake Louise. Because honestly, how many times in your life will you get to see the Rockies this way? I wanted at least one day where we earned our view; feet to the trail, breath in the trees, hearts wide open.

We arrived at 6:45 a.m., and even then, the crowds were already staking their spots. The parking lot is massive, well-marked, with plenty of restrooms (you’ll be grateful for this if you’re hiking). At the foot of the lake, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise stands like something from a postcard; grand, elegant, and lined with tourists ready to pose. We snapped a few shots at the lake’s edge, but we didn’t linger. The real beauty, we knew, was waiting higher up.

Trail Time: Lake Agnes to Big Beehive

We began at the Lake Louise Lakeshore, where the Lake Agnes Trail starts. The path winds through lush forest, steadily climbing, with glimpses of the lake below that tease what’s to come. It’s a well-worn trail, popular for a reason, manageable for most hikers, with a rewarding destination: the Lake Agnes Tea House.

This charming little stop is a lifeline. Whether it’s a cup of tea, a muffin, or just a smile, it gives you a moment to rest before pushing forward. The staff here were wonderful—cheerful, patient, and ready with trail advice. (Oh, and pro tip? Bring your own wipes. The bathrooms are there, but... rustic.)

From Lake Agnes, we kept going—onward to the Big Beehive Trail. This stretch is steeper, marked by switchbacks that test your legs and your patience. But just when you think your knees can’t take one more bend, you arrive.

Summit: Big Beehive’s Crown Jewel

The view from the ridge of Big Beehive is nothing short of spiritual. Below you, Lake Louise shimmers like liquid turquoise, ringed by trees, hugged by mountains, and framed by the mighty Victoria Glacier. You’ll see the Surprise Corner cliffs, rising dramatically in the distance. Every direction offers something humbling, something vast.

This isn’t just a photo op. This is a memory carved into your bones. We sat in quiet awe, snacked on whatever crushed granola bars we’d brought, and let the wind tell its own mountain story. Then we hiked down slowly, our calves aching but our spirits lifted.