Iceline Trail, Yoho National Park.
At Canadian Rockies Experience, we believe Banff National Park is a hiker’s paradise — a place where stunning landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and towering peaks combine for unforgettable adventures. For those looking to explore beyond the crowded, easy trails and into the alpine. We’ve curated a guide to three of the best hard hikes in Banff National Park.
Hard Hike #3
Big Beehive Viewpoint, Lake Louise, Banff National Park
Lake Agnes to Big Beehive
Distance: 10.3km/6.4 Miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 540m/1771ft
Terrain: Forested trail, stone steps, steep final ascent Starting from Lake Louise, this route first leads you to the cozy Lake Agnes Teahouse — a perfect stop for a quick break. From there, push on to the Big Beehive, where the climb intensifies but rewards you with an unbeatable aerial view of Lake Louise’s vibrant, glacial blue waters. This trail combines iconic scenery with a sense of accomplishment that’s hard to beat.
Hard Hike #2
Sentinel Pass, Banff National Park- Overlooking Larch Valley
Larch Valley with Sentinel Pass- Banff National Park
Distance: 11.6km/7.2Miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 725m/2378ft
Terrain: Forest switchbacks, alpine meadows, rocky pass Starting from the shores of Moraine Lake, this hike winds through the larches (especially stunning in the fall when they turn golden yellow) before ascending to Sentinel Pass — a high, rocky saddle between Pinnacle Mountain and Mount Temple. The views are worth the burn in your legs, rewarding you with an incredible panorama of the Valley of the Ten Peaks below.
Hard Hike #1
Iceline Trail- Looking down to Takakkaw Falls, Yoho National Park
Iceline Trail, Yoho National Park.
Distance: 20km/12.4 Miles Round trip
Elevation Gain: 710m/2320ft
Terrain: Steep forest climb, rocky alpine paths, glacial views. One of the most scenic, high-elevation routes in Yoho National Park, the Iceline Trail offers non-stop jaw-dropping views of glaciers, waterfalls, and towering peaks. The climb is demanding but pays off with panoramic sights of the Yoho Valley and Takakkaw Falls — one of Canada’s tallest waterfalls. For experienced hikers looking to feel on top of the world, this is the trail.
Ready to Hit the Trails?
At Canadian Rockies Experience, we specialize in creating personalized, luxury hiking adventures — ensuring you experience these stunning landscapes with expert guidance, top-notch equipment, lunch included and unparalleled comfort in private vehicles we will pick you up from your accommodation and drop back safe and sound.
Let us take care of the logistics so you can focus on enjoying the journey. Ready to explore Banff’s best trails with us? Reach out today to start planning your perfect Canadian Rockies adventure!
Author Information:
Matthew is an Interpretive Guides Association (I.G.A) Guide. Matt is Passionate about the Canadian Rockies and sharing all that it offers with his guests.