Floe Lake and Numa Pass Route Guide

Route Description for Floe Lake and Numa Pass

Floe Lake & Numa Pass Backpack in Kootenay National Park
Backpacking to Floe Lake in Kootenay National Park is a wonderful 1-night backpacking trip. While you could reach Floe Lake in a long day hike, completing it as an overnight allows you to add the worthwhile extension to Numa Pass and fully enjoy time at Floe Lake.

Visiting Floe Lake in autumn, especially around the third week of September, is ideal for spotting golden larches. The larch trees around Floe Lake and along the trail to Numa Pass create one of the most memorable fall scenes in the Canadian Rockies.

The trail to Floe Lake starts at the Floe Lake trailhead just off Highway 93S in Kootenay National Park. This parking lot is frequently full with backpackers beginning the longer Rockwall Trail, so arriving early is recommended if you are heading to Floe Lake.

Initially, the Floe Lake trail heads southwest, crosses the bridged Kootenay River, then curves northwest. After crossing Floe Creek (bridged) and ascending moderately, the trail turns southwest, contouring around the southern side of Numa Mountain and gradually climbing alongside Floe Creek. Much of this section burned in 2003, but lush regrowth and vibrant fall colours now define the approach to Floe Lake.

The slope you’re hiking toward Floe Lake is exposed to sun for much of the day, so early season snow often melts quickly. Still, conditions at Floe Lake can change rapidly depending on elevation and weather.

After about 9.0 km of steady hiking you reach the headwall guarding Floe Lake. This switchbacked section beside a loud cascade climbs approximately 400 m over a short distance and is the most strenuous part of the route to Floe Lake. The grade is well constructed, and once at the top, Floe Lake is only a few hundred metres further.

Floe Lake campground is located on the north side of Floe Lake, with a warden campground just to the west. If backpacking to Floe Lake, the first two campsites encountered are often considered the most scenic. A valid Parks Canada backcountry camping permit is required for Floe Lake campground and should be reserved well in advance during peak season.

Exploring Floe Lake and Numa Pass

Floe Lake itself is stunning, with turquoise water framed by dramatic peaks. Several larch trees dot the shoreline near Floe Lake campground, making Floe Lake especially beautiful in autumn. However, most larches are found north of Floe Lake along the trail toward Numa Pass.

Numa Pass lies 2.7 km from Floe Lake and approximately 300 m higher. The elevation gain from Floe Lake to Numa Pass is gradual, and nearly 1.5 km of the hike travels through dense larch forest. Extending your Floe Lake trip to include Numa Pass is highly recommended.

Numa Pass is broad and treeless, offering expansive views back toward Floe Lake and across surrounding peaks. Several small high points near Numa Pass are worth exploring before returning to Floe Lake campground for the night.

After exploring Numa Pass, return to Floe Lake campground and retrace your steps from Floe Lake back to the Floe Lake trailhead on Day 2.

Planning Your Floe Lake Backpack

Permits for Floe Lake

Overnight trips to Floe Lake require a Parks Canada backcountry camping reservation. Floe Lake is a popular stop on the Rockwall Trail, so campsites at Floe Lake often book early for summer and larch season.

Best Time to Visit Floe Lake

Floe Lake is typically snow-free from mid-summer to early autumn. Late September is prime time for larches near Floe Lake and Numa Pass. Snow can linger around Floe Lake earlier in the season and return quickly in October.

River Crossings and Safety

Bridges span the Kootenay River and Floe Creek on the approach to Floe Lake. Always assess trail conditions before heading to Floe Lake, especially after heavy rainfall or early snowfall.

Is Floe Lake Suitable for Beginners?

While the hike to Floe Lake is well defined, the distance and the steep headwall make Floe Lake better suited to hikers with moderate fitness and some backpacking experience.

Sample Itinerary:

• Day 1: Trailhead to Floe Lake (one way): 10.7 km, 690 m
• Day 2: Floe Lake to Numa Pass: 5.4 km, 310 m and return to car (10.7 km, 690 m descent).

What’s New at Floe Lake in 2026

There are no major changes to access or route details for 2026. Floe Lake and the extension to Numa Pass remain open within Kootenay National Park, subject to standard seasonal conditions and Parks Canada regulations. Backcountry camping permits are still required for overnight stays at Floe Lake, and hikers should monitor weather and trail advisories before departure.

Looking for Guided Hiking Trips in the Canadian Rockies?

If you enjoy routes like Floe Lake and want to explore more of the region, consider our guided hiking tours in Canada for multi-day mountain adventures in the Rockies.