The Ultimate Adventure: Hiking to Lake Agnes Tea House and Little Beehive

Nestled in the heart of Banff National Park, the Lake Agnes Tea House and Little Beehive hike is one of the most popular and rewarding hikes in this National Park. The 5 mile round-trip hike takes you through stunning alpine scenery, including towering peaks and crystal-clear lakes. Ready to add this to your Banff Itinerary? Continue reading to learn everything you should know before hitting the trail!

The Trailhead

This trail is located in the Lake Louise area. Parking is limited at Lake Louise and fills up very fast. We’re talking by 7:00am- 7:30am the spots will be full. If you are planning to drive there you need to get there before 7:00am to ensure you get a spot! You may get lucky at other parts of the day and be able to snag one, but I wouldn’t count on it. The other way to see the lake is to take a shuttle in. The two main options are taking Roam from the town of Banff or through Park Canada.

The trail begins to the right of Lake Louise, pass the Fairmont Hotel. You see a paved trailed on the right headed through the trees, that’s the trail you want to be on.

You should see signs saying ‘Lake Agnes Tea House Trail’ point up. There is another trail to the left that heads around the lake, that’s not the one you want to be on.

Lake Agnes Tea House-The Trail

The best advice I can give you is to take your time on this trail and set a comfortable pace for yourself. Start out too strong and you’ll be exhausted halfway up the mountain. The trail will steadily gain elevation all the way up, while it’s not a crazy grade, it is relentless and can be tiring for some. The trail itself is pretty wide, allowing people to pass easily. Always stick to one side of the trail and be respectful of people going the opposite way.

You will follow the paved trail around a few switchback, getting glimpses of Lake Louise as you go higher. Soon you’ll come to mirror lake, a small lake that reflects Big Beehive that is looming behind it. At this intersection you can head either left or right, both will take you to the Tea House. I personally took the trail to the right and have heard that is the easy option. From here its only around 15-20 minutes to the tea house.

After about 2.3 miles, you’ll climb a long flight of stairs before finally reaching Lake Agnes Tea House. The tea house offers a variety of refreshments, including tea, coffee, sandwiches, and pastries. They do accept cash (US & CA dollars) and cards. If you use a card there will be a small service charge, however if you use US dollars, there is no conversion. Lines at the Tea House can be pretty long, but I found most of the line was actually for to go orders vs eating in. We were in line for maybe 10 minutes before being seated. The earlier you go the less crowded it will be but it is a very popular hike so you should always expect to see a lot of people in this area.

Little Beehive

If you’re feeling up for it, you can continue on to the Little Beehive, a small summit that offers even more breathtaking views. The hike to the Little Beehive takes about 30 minutes from the tea house. It’s a bit steeper than the first part of the hike, but it’s well worth the effort for the incredible views. Once you get close to the end, there are multiple areas that offer incredible views of the lake and the mountains. It’s a great place to sit, rest, and eat your lunch before heading back down.

Lake Agnes Tea House- Things to Know

The Tea House is open seasonally, typically from June to early October. Check the opening hours before your visit.
While you can enjoy tea and snacks at the tea house, it’s a good idea to bring your own water and some snacks.
The weather in the Canadian Rockies can be unpredictable. Dress in layers and be prepared for sudden changes in weather. I’d also recommend wearing hiking boots.
Be respectful of the environment and follow the “Leave No Trace” principles. Don’t litter, stay on designated trails, and be mindful of the local plant and animal life in the area.
Carry bear spray– even if bears aren’t active in the area, it’s always best to be prepared.

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