Backpacking trails in Alberta

Being Jasper's highest backpacking trail, The Skyline is a great way to experience what the Canadian Rockies have to offer. Over 20.0 kms of this trail are above treeline, and the majestic views continue into what seems like unreachable distances. For those new to the sterile beauty of the crumbling rocky mountains, three days spent on this trail will serve as an excellent introduction to backpacking in the Canadian Rockies, and definitely leave you wanting more!

Maligne Pass is a wonderful alpine pass in a rarely-visited area of Jasper National Park. Maligne Pass is one of the largest alpine passes in the Rockies, dotted with tarns and wildflowers and surrounded by some of the largest peaks in the Rockies.

The Tonquin Valley is a backpacking paradise. The prize of the trip is the Ramparts, a series of 10 castellated peaks atop a 1,000 m wall of limestone, reflected in the connected Amethyst Lakes. It is also one of the few remaining areas where it is still common to see the shy and elusive mountain caribou, an endangered species.

Yes, Berg Lake isn't in Jasper, or Alberta, but it's often associated with trips to Jasper, so we included it. The Berg Lake Trail is renowned as one of Canada's best, and it would be hard to find someone who disagrees. You'll pass through lush valleys, impressive waterfalls, and rocky slopes to reach the aptly-named Berg Lake, below the towering Mount Robson. The views of the Berg Glacier toeing off into the lake are unforgettable, and the day hikes from here will take you to icefields, caves, and stunning viewpoints.

Cairn Pass is one of the most isolated passes in the Canadian Rockies, and we list this route for people that just want to get away from it all. You’re more likely to encounter bears than people on this route. Alpine meadows, the Medicine Tent River, and alpine lakes make up the variable scenery along this trip.

The trip to Nigel, Cataract and Cline Pass covers vast meadows, uniquely-coloured rock, glacial streams, and the glaciers of Cataract Pass, making it a truly unique backpacking destination. This trip takes you into the White Goat Wilderness Area, and you will be random backcountry camping, a unique opportunity for backpackers in the Canadian Rockies.

The Saturday Night Lake Loop is accessible from the town of Jasper and a great trip for beginners and families. This relatively easy backpacking circuit can be done in two or three days. The route gains elevation to High Lakes in the centre of the loop and descends again back to the trailhead.

Backpacking to Jacques Lake is a great way to find solitude without a lengthy mission. It is a short and easy hike to the campsite. The trail gains very little elevation before reaching Jacques Lake Campground, which rests next to the lake itself. Watch for Moose as they are known to frequent the area around dusk.

The Fiddle River trail starts outside of Jasper National Park in the Whitehorse Wilderness Area. This rough wilderness route is the perfect adventure for those looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in nature. The trail follows an incredible valley and leads hikers over high passes before descending to the popular Miette Hot Springs.

Fryatt Valley is a 36.8 km out-and-back route that takes backpackers through an incredible and diverse alpine landscape. It is one of Jasper’s crown jewels and offers three camping options and an alpine hut. Groups of all abilities can customize this trip to meet their needs, making this an excellent trip for all.

The backpack to Turbine Canyon and Three Isle Lake leads you through two alpine passes, canyons, glaciers, and alpine lakes. This classic Kananaskis trip offers a bit of everything for an avid Rockies backpacker.

Hiking from Sunshine Ski resort to Assiniboine Provincial Park is a bucket list trek. This backpack is incredible, and the scenery in Assiniboine is absolutely jaw-dropping. Hike from Sunshine Ski resort past wonderful Rock Isle Lake, over Citadel Pass and then down to Assiniboine Park. Once at Assiniboine make Lake Magog your base and explore this exquisite location. Hike out via Wonder Pass and Bryan Creek to the Mount Shark trailhead.

This is a Banff backpacking classic, a perfect trip to head out Friday after work and come back Sunday. Enjoy the stunning views over Lake Minnewanka while you stroll along the shore. If you plan on a 3-day trip, then head up to Aylmer Pass or Aylmer Lookout on the 2nd day before coming back on the 3rd day.

The backpacking trip to Egypt Lake takes you through the beautiful Healy pass and then down to some stunning scenery by Egypt Lake. In early summer this is a carpet of wildflowers that will amaze you. In autumn the larches turn golden and provide some of our favourite views in the Rockies.

Behind the Lake Louise ski hill is one of the best backpacking destinations in Banff National Park. Scenic Baker Lake sits at the heart of the world-famous Skoki region and makes for a wonderful backpacking trip. Alpine passes, lakes, and loads of scrambling opportunities make it a bucket list backcountry trekking destination.

A backpacking trip to Weary Creek Gap and Carnarvon Lake offers a truly wild experience in the Canadian Rockies. This is a very challenging trip, so you should be experienced in route finding and random camping. There are no official campsites in the area, so you are free to random camp where you see fit! This trip offers plenty of opportunity for scrambling, wildflower viewing, and overall sightseeing.

A backpacking trip to Glacier Lake is a great early-season objective as well as being popular with novice and intermediate backpackers. Visit one of Banff’s largest lakes on this pretty backpacking route, which can also be squeezed into a long day hike. Located on the Icefields Parkway near Saskatchewan River Crossing.

The Sawback Trail is a popular multi-day trip in Banff National Park. It has endless variations and itinerary options, which makes it excellent for those searching for a unique experience in the backcountry! This trail becomes fully booked every summer through the Parks Canada online booking system. Many sites are only equipped with five tent pads, which makes it difficult to get a spot. Luckily, there are many different options, and if you plan ahead, you’re in for the trip of a lifetime. Climb mountain passes, relax at alpine lakes, and travel through wildflower meadows and diverse forests on this bucket list trail.

The backpacking route over Sunset Pass to Pinto Lake is for the adventurous backpacker. If you are tired of overcrowded campsites and the headache of booking, this is a great next step. Backpackers in the White Goat Wilderness receive no amenities and are required to follow leave-no-trace policies on their own. This is a beautiful remote portion of Alberta’s backcountry.

This is an excellent trail for an overnight and can be modified to be made a bit more difficult. The Paradise Valley is a lesser-frequented area near Moraine Lake that offers stunning natural features such as Lake Annette and the Giant Steps. Bookings for this must be made by phone or at the Lake Louise Visitor Centre.