Hiking to Lake Agnes and the Big Beehive
Hiking to Lake Agnes and the Big Beehive
The Big Beehive is a geological feature that looks like a beehive (right); it’s situated right next to Lake Louise. One can get a bird’s eyes view of the Lake Louise surrounding from the top of the beehive. The trail starts at the Lake Louise shore line, climbing up steeply right away into a heavily wooded area. When we start the hike at 9:30AM, the temperature is still in the low 60s (the overnight temperature went down to the 40s). The quick ascend warms us up right away, almost immediately, we start shedding our outer layer jackets.
The trail leading up to Lake Agnes is all shaded, providing some relief to the climb. About half way up, the trail turns into a combined hiking and horse trail. The aroma is at times pungent (yes, it stinks), and we have to walk around the surprise packages. Both the Lake Agnes Trail and the Plain of the Six Glacier trails allow horses, which is a big negative in my book.
Lake Agnes with Tea House in the Far Distance
By the time we arrive at the Lake Agnes teahouse, there is already a crowd. The temperature is getting into the 70s and we are getting too warm for tea. There is a group of boulders right by the lake shore, they are arranged like a set of table and 2 chairs, providing just the right spot for lunch sandwiches. The local chipmunk is quick to greet us and search for free hand outs. These buggers are not afraid of human at all, they poke their nose really close to whatever you’re holding out at them, including a camera!
Anything for me?
After lunch, we start on the second leg of the ascend, climbing up a steep set of switchbacks to the top of the beehive, a rather short 1.7km hike but it involves a 100m (330 feet, about 33 stories) elevation gain. The switchbacks are precarious at some areas; the trail is narrow at times and the surface can be slippery with loose sandy surface. This part of the trail is quite exposed and warm.
View of Mt. LeFroy from Big Beehive
By the time we get up to the top, we are greeted by the magnificent view. We can see Mt. LeFroy and Mt. Victoria on one side, remembering that we were just on the other side of those two mountains a couple of days ago. Another 100 feet further on the trail, we reach the edge of the Big Beehive; there is a red roof shelter. Going a few more feet beyond the shelter, the view of Lake Louise opens up completely below, with Chateau Lake Louise right along the northern shore. We can see tiny ant size canoes on the lake; the milky green color of the lake surface makes the tiny canoe dots stand right out.
Lake Louise
We linger up there for about 30 to 40 minutes. By the time we reach back down to the trailhead, it is already 3:30PM. Time for our favorite éclair from the Chateau Deli. This deli has become our favorite shop for sandwiches and desserts. Afterwards, there is enough time for a quick shower before dinner.
Chateau Lake Louise as Viewed from the Lake Side
For dinner, we are trying out the Deer Lodge right next to the chateau. The Deer Lodge is run by the same company who runs the Emerald Lake Lodge, so we have high hopes for a nice dinner.
Deer Lodge Dinning Room Waiting Area
Our dinner consists of a game meat plate for appetizer; it has pâté, venison, elk salami, and smoke duck. For entrees, we have bison rib eye and elk strip loin. The dinner is the best we have so far. All the game dishes are prepared well, although the serving size is smallish for American standard. «««¶
Elk Strip Loin from Deer Lodge
Tuesday, July 21, 2009