What to expect while Hiking to Devil’s Thumb and the Big Beehive

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Devil’s Thumb and the Big Beehive are located at Lake Louise, and offer stunning views of the Fairmont and Lake Agnes. Along the trail there are 3 lakes, a waterfall, and the Lake Agnes Teahouse for a mid-morning or afternoon snack. Below I share what to expect while hiking to the Devil’s Thumb and Big Beehive.

• Distance: 12.9km
• Elevation: 883m
• Difficulty: Hard
• Time to complete: Approx 4 hours

How to get there

The trail starts in front of the Fairmont Lake Louise.

Paid parking is at Lake Louise, or you can take a shuttle to Lake Louise if the parking lot is full. To get a parking spot and to avoid the crowds, aim to arrive early (before 8am).

The night before our hike, we stayed at the Deer Lodge which is a 5 minute walk away. If your budget allows, you can spend the night at the Fairmont which is directly in front of the Lake. Spending the night before in Lake Louise will save time on driving all the way from Banff in the morning.

Suggested Reading: 7 day itinerary for Banff and Jasper

Tips for hiking Devil’s Thumb and Big Beehive

• There are no group hiking restrictions for this trail. I went with my husband, so we were 2 people who did this hike.

• It is a very busy trail, so try to start hiking by 8am to avoid the crowds. We reached the Lake Agnes Teahouse at 9am and the patio was already full (but there were no lines).

• Always bring your bear spray with you! And make noise while hiking if there is no one around.

• Bring cash for the Teahouse. Credit cards are not accepted.

• Wear lots of layers! I brought a small puffy jacket that was light and easy to carry, and a hat. While we were at the top a cloud passed by and it snowed. Then once the cloud passed it was back to sunshine.

• Bring a poncho. This was an excellent item to bring because it started to rain on our way back, and this kept us dry.

• Bring water and snacks, and wear your sunscreen.

• Download the AllTrails App so that you can track where you are on the trail

What to expect while hiking to Devil’s Thumb and Big Beehive

The beginning of the trail

While looking at the lake, you will walk to the right. It starts off as a paved walkway next to the lake, and then gradually switches to a groomed trail.

For the first 2.3km, the trail has a series of long and gradual switchbacks through the forest. During this section, there isn’t much for views since you are in the trees, but occasionally you will see Lake Louise peeking through.

Mirror Lake

After about 2.5km of hiking through the forest, you will reach Mirror Lake. This lake is beautiful on a clear day because it is as reflective as a mirror. The Big Beehive is the backdrop to the Lake, and it is impressive to see how tall it is. Take a moment to walk around the lake, and get pictures.

After Mirror Lake, you will hike another additional 2.5km to get to the Lake Agnes Teahouse. This section of the trail is also through the trees.

Lake Agnes Teahouse

Before you reach the Teahouse, you will come across a gorgeous waterfall. This waterfall is located at the bottom of a staircase that will lead you to the Lake Agnes Teahouse.

The Lake Agnes Teahouse overlooks Lake Agnes. It has an outdoor patio which fills up very quickly, but there are lots of spots to sit and eat around the lake too.

Try to get to the Teahouse before 9am, and bring cash with you. There are also portable toilets onsite too.

From Lake Agnes to the Big Beehive

After Lake Agnes, you will continue on the righthand side along the Lake for about half a kilometre. Once you reach the end of Lake Agnes you will begin the steep climb up a series of switchbacks. The switchbacks are in the open so you can have nice views of Lake Agnes the entire way up.

Big Beehive

When you reach the top of the switchbacks, you will see a 4 way path intersection. To the left is the Big Beehive, to the right is the beginning of the trail to Devil’s Thumb, and straight ahead is the trail to the Plain of Six Glaciers which will eventually lead you back to Lake Louise.

On this hike, we did not continue to the Plain of Six Glaciers and instead went back the way we came. However, if you have the time and energy I would recommend continuing your hike along this route (after hiking the Big Beehive and Devil’s Thumb).

I would recommend going to the Big Beehive first, since you are practically there already. At the 4-way intersection turn left and walk a few meters along a pretty level (but rocky) terrain and you are there! From the Big Beehive are incredible views of Lake Louise and the Fairmont.

Take some time walking along the trail until you get to a wooden hut. There are lots of spots to get good photos.

Devil’s Thumb

Now for the most challenging part of the hike! This is not for the faint of heart. Once you reach the intersection again continue on to the Devil’s Thumb (which will now be straight ahead).

The Devil’s Thumb trail is not marked on the sign posts that you see along the trail. At the time of writing this (August 2021), there was a tree blocking the path so you will need to climb over it.

Shortly after you begin the trail, you will need to climb up a very short but literally vertical rocky wall.

Once you pass this obstacle, you will then walk along a very narrow trail that gradually goes up and around to the backside of Devil’s Thumb. The drop off is very steep, so I would not recommend doing this in the rain or snow because it can be very dangerous.

This narrow trail then turns into another very challenging section of the Devil’s Thumb trail. It becomes VERY steep, and the drop off is very scary! Take your time and follow the pathway that takes you closer to tree. There are roots sticking up that you will need to climb over, and loose rock, so go slow.

You are ALMOST at the top once you pass this section! The trail then turns very rocky and becomes somewhat of a scramble. Veer to the right to go uphill to the summit. There are large boulders and very rocky terrain. It is very easy to lose the path here, which I know I did. But it’s not hard to get lost since you are almost at the peak and there is nowhere to go but up the boulders.

At the peak, the views are spectacular. Overlooking Lake Louise and Lake Agnes. You will even see the glacier that flows into Lake Louise, and the mountain range surrounding you.

You will need to go back the way you came, but surprisingly for me it was easier than the way up.

Returning back

After you return from the Devil’s Thumb hike, you have two options for returning back to your car:

Option 1 – You can turn right at the 4-way intersection to return via the Plain of 6 Glacier’s hike. It had started to rain on our way back from Devil’s Thumb, so we weren’t up for hiking back this way since it will add more time and kilometres to your hike. BUT, it will take you along the glacier that runs into Lake Louise, and along the pathway next to Lake Louise, so it will be very scenic.

Option 2 – The second option is to simply just return the way you came. And whatever you do, do not try and take any shortcuts along the horse path back down (the horse path turn-off is near Mirror Lake). The sign says it’s shorter but it’s really not. Since the horses use this route the ground is uneven and full of horse poop AND it’s confusing to know where to go.

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Have you ever been hiking to Devil’s Thumb and Big Beehive? Or do you have any questions about it? Let me know in the comments below!

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