Backpacking trails in Alberta
Where to Hike in Alberta
Activities in Alberta
The Canadian Province of Alberta is an outdoor-lovers paradise. World famous destinations like Jasper, Lake Louise, Waterton and Banff draw the crowds, and for good reason – they’re beautiful. Big mountains, stunning emerald coloured lakes, abundant glaciers, forests, game and fresh air make Alberta one of the best places for your upcoming holiday.
With most of the accessible Rocky Mountains in Alberta protected by national and provincial parks, a holiday in Alberta is special. There are big mountains, stunning emerald coloured lakes, glaciers, forests and fresh air. Alberta has some of the best, untouched wilderness on earth, and the ideal way to explore this wonderful province is on foot, ski or bike.
In winter, there are downhill ski areas, most famous are the ski resorts Sunshine Village and Lake Louise. Winter is not just about downhill skiing, there is also abundant xc-ski trails and exhilarating backcountry skiing options. Winter is also low season, and a trip to Alberta in winter means great hotel rates.
Summer sees Alberta’s national parks fill up with eager outdoor explorers. Luckily there is just so much nature that you only notice the crowds in a few places, the rest of the Canadian Rockies stay peaceful and tranquil. While hiking is the most popular summer activity, you can also climb, bike, canoe and kayak.
After a hard day outdoors, one of the best parts of Alberta are the great mountain towns. Full of everything from campsites to 5-star hotels, these towns allow you to enjoy some civilization, which means great coffee, good food and fun bars!
If you don't want to plan your own backpacking trip, check out these Alberta Tours for an incredible outdoor adventure! Already know where you want to visit? You can also find tours that go to Banff National Park or Jasper National Park.
Displaying 45 of 45 routes
Route guides for Hiking in Alberta
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Skyline Route Guide
Being Jasper's highest backpacking trail, The Skyline is a great way to experience what the Canadian Rockies have to offer. Over 12.4mis 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!
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Maligne Pass and Replica Peak Route Guide
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.
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Tonquin Valley Route Guide
The Tonquin Valley is a backpacking paradise. The prize of the trip is the Ramparts, a series of 10 castellated peaks atop a 3281ft 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.
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Berg Lake Trail – Backpacking Route Guide
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.
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Cairn Pass Route Guide
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.
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Nigel, Cataract and Cline Pass Route Guide
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.
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Saturday Night Lake Loop Backpacking Trail Route Guide
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.
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Jacques Lake Backpacking Trail Route Guide
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.
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Fiddle River Backpacking Trail Route Guide
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.
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Fryatt Valley Backpacking Trail Route Guide
Fryatt Valley is a 22.9mi 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.
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Sunshine to Assiniboine Route Guide
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.
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Lake Minnewanka Route Guide
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.
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Egypt Lake Route Guide
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.
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Baker Lake and the Skoki Region Route Guide
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.
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Glacier Lake Backpacking Trail Route Guide
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.
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Sawback Backpacking Trail Route Guide
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.
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Sunset Pass to Pinto Lake Backpacking Trail Route Guide
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.
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Giant Steps and Paradise Valley Backpacking Trail Route Guide
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.
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Devon Lakes Route Guide
The Devon Lakes backpack is a journey to two remote alpine lakes in the heart of Banff National Park. This backpack is beautifully isolated, being over 18.6mi from the nearest road and with 3 mountain passes in-between. This backpacking trip isn't only about the destination, however, as a full 13.7mi of the journey (over 24.9mi round trip!) is essentially above treeline with alpine meadows stretching as far as you can see.
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Gibbon, Whistling, and Healy Pass Route Guide
A backpacking trip through Gibbon Pass, Whistling Pass, and Healy Pass traverses three flower-filled alpine passes, multiple lakes and tarns, an old growth larch forest, and takes you along a trail surrounded by glacier studded jagged peaks. This is a spectacular trip, showcasing all the magnificent beauty the Canadian Rockies have to offer.
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Turbine Canyon Route Guide
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.
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Weary Creek Route Guide
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.
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Skoki Mountain Loop Backpacking Trail Route Guide
The Skoki Mountain Loop is an excellent and variable backpacking trip for all. It can be done in either direction and can be completed over 3-5 days, depending on your choice of campsites. Be sure to stop into the rustic Skoki Lodge, which is now defined as a National Historic Site.
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Elk Lakes and Petain Basin Route Guide
Petain Basin, just past Elk Lakes, is a wonderfully remote and isolated meadow lying at the base of some of the tallest peaks in the Rockies. Backpacking to Petain Basin gives you access to one of the largest waterfalls in the Rockies, just a short hike from the campground!
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Rae Lake Route Guide
Rae Lake is often completed as a day-hike, however it is a great place for a quick backpacking trip. Lying at the base of gigantic Mount Rae, Rae Lake is a wonderful place to spend a night, take a swim, and admire the wildflowers and larch forest on nearby ridges.
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Big Elbow Loop Route Guide
The Big Elbow Loop trip is a classic Kananaskis backpacking trip. This is an easy trip that takes you into country between Highway 66 and Highway 40. The Big Elbow backpack offers scenic campsites next to the Elbow River with wonderful scrambling opportunities near each site.
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Tombstone Lakes Route Guide
Resting at the base of jagged Tombstone Mountain, the Tombstone Lakes are a spectacular sight, and the journey to them along the open upper reaches of the Elbow River is equally scenic. If you’re looking for a beautiful, short backpacking trip in the Kananaskis, this should definitely be one you consider.
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Elbow Lake Route Guide
A family backpacking trip to Elbow Lake is one of the best backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies. Elbow Lake is a stunning lake, access is just over 1.2mi from the car and there is a nice easy walk along the Elbow River as a daytrip. If you’re looking for your first backpack with your kids, this is it!
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Lillian and Galatea Lakes Route Guide
Another classic Kananaskis backpacking trip is the backpack to Lillian and Galatea Lakes, with a side-trip to Guinn’s Pass. For years this was a yearly Friday-night classic, finish work, get to the trailhead and get to pretty Lillian Lake. The real highlight of this backpack highlight is the easy Saturday daytrip to Upper Galatea Lakes and nearby Guinn’s Pass, both incredible places. This is another great backpack if you’re just getting into backpacking.
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Point Campground and Upper Kananaskis Lake Route Guide
Backpacking around Upper Kananaskis Lake is another classic introductory backpack in Kananaskis. While this trail is often done as a day hike, it is so pretty that doing it as an overnight makes it a great way to test your gear and enjoy the stunning outdoors.
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Hidden Lake Backpacking Trail Route Guide
Hiking to the Hidden Lake Campground is a great way to ease your way into backpacking or give your little ones a taste of sleeping in the woods. It is a short distance from the trailhead and boasts subalpine terrain, wildlife viewing, an alpine lake, and wildflower meadows along the way. For a short trail, Hidden Lake Trail is not to be missed!
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Bryant Creek Shelter Route Guide
The hike to the Bryant Creek Shelter is a simple and well-marked backpacking trail that is excellent for all abilities. Staying at the shelter makes for a uniquely different backcountry experience. There are excellent day hikes that leave from here, and this is an excellent jumping-off point for Mount Assiniboine.
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Taylor Lake Backpacking Trail Route Guide
Backpacking to Taylor Lake is a premier overnight trip in Banff National Park. This trail may lead straight uphill to its destination, but only for a short distance. You’ll work hard to get there with plenty of time to relax and recover. This is one of the few campsites in the Banff backcountry that is located at a lake, so pack your fishing gear—you’ll need it here.
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Shadow Lake Route Guide
The backpacking route to Shadow Lake follows Redearth creek and can be modified in many ways. There is a straightforward trail that leads hikers to the Shadow Lake campground. Another campground exists at the 3.7mi marker along Lost Horse Creek if families wish to break up the route. This is a great out-and-back overnight that is rewarded by jaw-dropping scenery.
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Wonder Pass Loop Backpacking Trail Route Guide
Backpacking the Wonder Pass Loop is an excellent way to see the Mount Assiniboine area. Rather than taking a point-to-point route, many hikers choose this superb lollipop trail. Backpackers can work their way up Bryant Creek and take Assiniboine Pass right into the heart of Assiniboine Provincial Park. From here, the trail gains Wonder Pass and descends to the magnificent Marvel Lake below before rejoining Bryant Creek. The roughly 32.3mi lollipop is best spread out over four days.
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Egypt Lake to Twin Lakes Backpacking Trail Route Guide
Choosing the Egypt Lake to Twin Lakes route is a great way to dive into Banff’s expansive backcountry without settling for a single destination. Many hikers stop at Egypt Lake as it is one of the most sought-after destinations in the area, but continuing to Twin Lakes connects multiple passes, alpine lakes, and incredible wildflower meadows along the route. This is a must-do.
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Mystic Pass Backpacking Trail Route Guide
If you are interested in the Sawback Trail but don’t have 5-7 days to complete it, try out the three-day Mystic Pass Trail. This trail begins at Mount Norquay and travels up Forty Mile Creek to summit Mystic Pass. It descends on the north side of the pass to join Johnston Creek and continue on to Johnston Canyon.
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Mystic Lake Backpacking Trail Route Guide
This route is a great out-and-back that can be done as a single overnight or three nights by cutting the mileage in half for a family affair. It takes up part of the Mystic Pass horseshoe circuit by starting and ending at one trailhead. Mystic Pass and Mystic Lake are the highlights of this route.
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Elk Lake Backpacking Trail Route Guide
The Elk Lake Trail begins at a popular trailhead for Cascade Mountain Scramble and the Cascade Amphitheatre Hike. It might seem like a busy trail at the beginning but once you reach the Elk Lake Junction, the day hikers will disappear, and you will find the peace of the forest soon after.
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Merlin Lake Backpacking Trail Route Guide
The backpacking route to the Merlin Lake Trail follows the main Skoki route and covers all the popular landmarks in the area. Climb both Boulder and Deception passes and hike alongside Ptarmigan Lake on your way to the incredible Skoki Valley.
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Og Lake Backpacking Trail Route Guide
The Og Lake backpacking trail is a great option for those who can’t make a reservation at the busy Lake Magog campsite. The long journey to Og Lake is worth it. You will be rewarded with jaw-dropping views of Mount Assiniboine and extensive day hiking options. Consider this destination a gem of the Rockies.
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Pharaoh Creek Backpacking Trail Route Guide
The Pharaoh Creek backpacking trail follows the same route that many take to reach Egypt Lake and it’s cascading counterparts. The trail takes Healy Creek up and over the wildflower mecca of Healy Pass before descending to Egypt Lake and continuing along Pharaoh Creek. This is a scenic trip that has the possibility to join surrounding trails.
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Snake Indian Falls Backpacking Trail Route Guide
Hiking to Snake Indian Falls is an excellent backcountry trip that travels along the North Boundary Trail. It is a place of rugged wilderness and wildlife activity, frequented by horse groups. Enjoy stunning scenery en route to Snake Indian Falls on this multi-day trip.
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Brazeau Loop Backpacking Trail Route Guide
The rugged and wild Brazeau Loop travels along the border of Jasper National Park and White Goat Wilderness to create a lollipop route. This trail crosses three high mountain passes over roughly 49.7mi gaining and losing elevation consistently. This is reserved for those looking to step up their backpacking experience and try their best at a longer and rougher trail.
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Wates-Gibson Hut Backpacking Trail Route Guide
The route to the Wates-Gibson hut covers the gorgeous southern section of the Tonquin Valley in Jasper. There is an option to make a small lollipop and see some of the other landmarks in the valley on your return. Pass by Astoria campground on your way to the hut.
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