背 包 客 充 電 站 小溪春深處，萬千碧柳蔭。不記來時路，心託明月，誰家今夜扁舟子？長溝流月去，煙樹滿晴川。獨立人無語，驀然回首，紅塵猶有未歸人。春遲遲，燕子天涯；草萋萋，少年人老；水悠悠，繁華已過了；人間咫尺千山路。行到水窮處，坐看雲起時。涼淨風恬，人間依舊，細數浮生千萬緒。 （＜浮生千山路＞ 陳幸蕙詞 ）

503愛的鼓勵 2訂閱站台

Lake Agnes is hidden in a hanging valley high above Lake Louise. In addition to its own charms, which include a teahouse, the two Beehives provide breathtaking views of Lake Louise and a broad stretch of the Bow Valley.

As you walk along the shoreline of Lake Louise, the trail to Lake Agnes branches right just beyond the hotel, then climbs steadily through dense subalpine forest. After 1.7 kilometres ( 1.1 miles ), the first switchback marks a break in the trees where you have a clear view down to the pale turquoise water of Lake Louise. Another one kilometre ( 0.6 miles ) of forest-enclosed climbing brings you to Mirror Lake, a tiny lake with dark, layered cliffs of the Big Beehive looming above. The two trails leading off in opposite directions from Mirror Lake both converge at Lake Agnes; the left option is slightly shorter and steeper than the traditional route to the right. Regardless of which route you choose, the final climb to Lake Agnes is completed on one of two steep, wooden staircases, which surmount a cliff band beside a waterfall created by the lake’s outlet stream. Arriving at the narrow opening where Lake Agnes tumbles from its basin, the lake appears in its entirety, stretching westward to a jagged mountain backdrop.

The original Lake Agnes Teahouse was constructed in the early 1900s. The present-day version was built in 1981. It serves refreshments and light snacks from mid-June to early October and is one of the big attractions for many who do this hike. While its covered balcony is a relaxing place to sit and admire the view, it is usually very busy. The area surrounding Lake Agnes abounds with wildlife of the upper subalpine forest, especially those species who like to be where people are eating. Least chipmunks, golden-mantled ground squirrels, Clark’s nutcrackers, and grey jays congregate around the teahouse looking for an easy meal. Hoary marmots and pikas, who whistle and cheep from the rocky slopes above the lakeshore, are somewhat less corrupted by humanity.

From the teahouse, it takes around 15 minutes to reach the western end of Lake Agnes, where a rough trail switchbacks up a ridge. Traverse eastward ( take the left fork ) along the ridge’s rocky spine to a gazebo-style shelter at the top of Big Beehive. Though somewhat obscured by trees, there are views over the Bow Valley and down to Lake Louise, over 500 vertical metres ( 1,640 feet ) below. Total distance between the teahouse and Big Beehive is 1.6 kilometres ( one mile ); allow 40 minutes one way. ( Do not attempt to shortcut down from the gazebo viewpoint in any direction; there are dangerous cliffs on all sides. Return back along the ridge the way you came. )