Discover the Canadian Rockies on a guided hike to the historic Lake Agnes Tea House, perched at 2,135 m beside a glacial lake. Enjoy a sit-down lunch, alpine waterfalls, and the iconic overhead view of Lake Louise from the Big Beehive summit.
About this activity
Highlighted reviews from other travelers
Incredible experience! The Big Beehive viewpoint was absolutely worth the extra climb. Our guide was knowledgeable about the local ecology and kept a great pace for the group. Highly recommend.
Best thing we did in Banff! The Tea House lunch was magical — sitting beside a glacial lake at 2,100m with fresh-baked scones and tea. Our guide stopped us at all the right spots and told us things we never would have known on our own. Read more
What you'll do
Highlights
- Enjoy lunch at the historic Lake Agnes Tea House, serving hikers since 1905
- Reach the Big Beehive for a panoramic overlook of Lake Louise below
- Hike past Mirror Lake, alpine waterfalls, and old-growth forest
- Receive hiking poles, snacks, water, and expert trail interpretation
- Spot wildlife and learn about Rocky Mountain ecology from your certified guide
- Small-group experience with comfortable hotel pickup and drop-off from Banff or Canmore
Full description
Your morning starts with a pickup from Banff or Canmore. Settle into a comfortable van with your small group as your guide introduces the day ahead and shares background on Banff National Park and the Lake Louise area.
After arriving at Lake Louise, you'll walk past the Fairmont Chateau and along the turquoise shoreline before the trail begins climbing through dense evergreen forest. Your guide sets a comfortable pace, pointing out glacier-carved features, local wildlife patterns, and the wildflowers and birdlife along the way.
As you gain elevation, views of Lake Louise and Victoria Glacier open up through gaps in the trees. The trail passes Mirror Lake, a small alpine lake tucked beneath the rounded peak of Big Beehive, before a final section of switchbacks and a wooden staircase deliver you to Lake Agnes.
The Lake Agnes Tea House has been serving hikers since 1905, making it one of the oldest tea houses in Canada. Perched at 2,135 meters beside a waterfall and a glacial lake ringed by Mount Whyte, Mount Niblock, and the Devil's Thumb, this is where you sit down for lunch. Your guide has arranged everything allowing you to choose from a selection of loose-leaf teas, fresh-baked goods, and hearty options while taking in the alpine scenery.
After lunch, the group continues to the Big Beehive viewpoint. The additional climb is rewarded with what many consider the most iconic overhead view of Lake Louise in all of Banff, the turquoise lake, the glacier, and the Chateau far below, framed by peaks stretching to the horizon. Your guide adjusts this portion based on group ability and conditions.
The descent follows a varied route for different perspectives, and your guide manages the timing so you're back at the trailhead before the afternoon crowds peak. The drive back to Banff passes through the Bow Valley with opportunities to spot wildlife along the way.
You'll return to your hotel by mid-to-late afternoon with the rest of the day free. Your guide will share recommendations for restaurants and activities in town.
What's included
Meeting point
Your guide will pick you up directly from your hotel lobby in Banff or Canmore. You will receive a confirmation message with your exact pickup time 24 hours before the tour. Please be ready in the lobby 5 minutes before the scheduled time, as the van departs promptly.
Open in Google MapsImportant information
- Sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes with ankle support
- Layers and a rain jacket (mountain weather changes quickly)
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
- Small daypack for personal items
- Cash for additional Tea House purchases (no cards accepted)
- Moderate fitness level required. The hike covers 7.4 km round trip with 400 m elevation gain.
- The Tea House is typically open from early June to mid-October, weather permitting.
- Not suitable for children under 6 or guests with mobility limitations.
- Tour operates rain or shine. Only cancelled in unsafe conditions (full refund provided).
Cancellation policy
Frequently asked questions
Customer reviews
Perfect half-day tour. Our guide knew the best spots for photos and the small group size meant we could actually take our time. The Tea House lunch was a highlight!
Incredible experience! The Big Beehive viewpoint was absolutely worth the extra climb. Our guide was knowledgeable about the local ecology and kept a great pace for the group. Highly recommend.
Great tour overall. The Tea House was charming and the views were stunning. Only reason for 4 stars is we didn't make it to Big Beehive due to weather, but the guide handled it well.
We did this as a family and it was one of the best things we did in Banff. The pickup was right on time, the guide was fantastic, and the Tea House was such a unique experience. Can't recommend enough.
