Backpacking the Banff Highline Trail
Take 8 days to explore the backcountry of Banff National Park
Guided
Backpacking the Banff Highline Trail Overview
Backpacking the Banff Highline Trail is a quintessential Canadian Rockies adventure, and this tour takes you across countless unforgettable kilometres, walking underneath stone giants, across flower-dotted meadows, and past shimmering alpine lakes.
The Backpacking the Banff Highline Trail tour will push you physically, but it’ll be worth every step when you hike underneath the awe-inspiring Mount Assiniboine, crest the Continental Divide, and gaze at the crazy quartzite ridge of the Front Ranges. Every night, you’ll pitch your tent underneath a canopy of stars and the slumbering mountains. This is an unforgettable journey and one that tends to sell out quickly - don’t wait to book your spot!
Trip highlights
Take on the Banff Highline Trail over 8 days, a challenging but highly rewarding trek.
Discover remote mountain scenery full of peaks, lakes, meadows, and dramatic ridgelines.
Hike underneath the constant watch of the “Matterhorn of the Rockies,” Mount Assiniboine.
Camp each evening in the Canadian backcountry, disconnecting from it all to fully experience the mountains.
Day By Day Itinerary
You’ll meet the day before you begin hiking to go over the trip details and make sure your gear is all ready to go. Get a good sleep tonight!
- Overnight Location:
- None
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- None
Today’s the day! Get going with a pickup in the morning to the trailhead. You’ll begin your hike near Vista Lake, climbing up to Arnica Ridge past Arnica Lake. You’ll start to see Mt. Assiniboine nearly 100 km in the distance. Hike down to Twin Lakes before the final climb of the day, reaching Gibbon Pass (2300m) and its extensive meadows.
Drop down to Shadow Lake to set up camp and rest up.
- Overnight Location:
- Camping in Banff National Park
- Distance:
- 14km, 1100m elevation gain, 830m elevation loss
- Meals:
- Lunch, dinner
Waking up in paradise, you’ll start the day with a hike to Ball Pass and through the Whistling Valley, named for the whistling marmots in the area. Keep going past Haiduk Lake, admiring the view of Mt. Ball.
Head down to Egypt Lake, where you can swim, fish, and relax after setting up camp.
- Overnight Location:
- Camping in Banff National Park
- Distance:
- 14km, 480m elevation gain, 300m elevation loss
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Leaving Egypt Lake, you’ll start climbing to Healy Pass (2330m), where you’ll hike through extensive alpine meadows. Hike through Simpson Pass, then grind it out to Wawa Ridge overlooking Sunshine Meadows. The Monarch viewpoint here is one of the best of the whole trek!
Cross the Sunshine ski area through the meadows, then make a short climb over Quartz Ridge to your campground for the night.
- Overnight Location:
- Camping in Banff National Park
- Distance:
- 19km, 630m elevation gain, 350m elevation loss
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Sip your coffee from the sleeping bag, then get ready to walk through the meadows leading up to Citadel Pass (2360m). From here, enjoy the long descent into the Golden Valley (1960m) and continue through the unique Valley of the Rocks. The day ends with a gentle ascent toward the Mount Assiniboine area.
- Overnight Location:
- Camping in Banff National Park
- Distance:
- 16.4km, 400m elevation gain, 600m elevation loss
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
This day is yours to fully enjoy the Assiniboine area—whether you prefer a relaxed rest day or exploring the trails. You can stroll through the meadows or take on a scramble up Nub Peak, where the views of Mt. Assiniboine are unforgettable. Later, treat yourself to tea and cake at the Lodge before heading back to camp.
- Overnight Location:
- Camping in Banff National Park
- Distance:
- 8-14km, variable elevation gain
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Enjoy another full day to discover the beauty of Mt. Assiniboine Provincial Park. After exploring, wrap up the day with tea and cake at the Lodge before returning to camp. Distance and elevation will depend on the group’s preferences.
- Overnight Location:
- Camping in Banff National Park
- Distance:
- 8-14km, variable elevation gain
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Your last full day is going to be a big one! Pack up camp one last time, then head over Wonder Pass (2395m), descending steeply past three gorgeous lakes. Stop for lunch, then hike the final 12 km to the Mt. Shark trailhead. This is the stopping point of your 8-day trek- congratulations!
You’ll drive back to Canmore, where the group can opt to go out for dinner together to celebrate the trip.
- Overnight Location:
- None
- Distance:
- 26km, 280m elevation gain, 690m elevation loss
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch
Tour Map
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Inclusions
Included
- 6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 6 dinners are included. If you have special dietary requirements, these may incur an additional fee.
- Accommodations for 6 nights are included in shared tents. Accommodations before or after the tour are not included but can be booked as a supplement. You should arrive to Canmore one day before the tour start for a briefing.
- This tour starts and ends in Canmore, from where all necessary transfers are included. You are responsible for getting to tour starting location yourself.
- Tents
- Guide services
Not Included
- Flights
- Meals, drinks, or snacks
- Travel insurance
- Optional excursions
- Visas if required
- Anything not mentioned as included
- GST (5%)
Optional Extras
- Special dietary requirement meals
Non-Standard Cancellation
- 60 days or more prior to departure: the cancellation fee will be 10% of the total trip cost (at least $150 CAD).
- 59 days or less prior to departure: the cancellation fee will be 100% of the total trip cost.
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These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
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FAQ
We rate this tour as a 4/5. This tour is not recommended for beginner hikers. You should have experience hiking and a high level of fitness to enjoy this tour, as you’ll be hiking for up to 26 km each day or consecutive days at high elevations and sleeping in very basic conditions, as well as carry a backpack of up to 16 kg (35 lbs).
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 6 dinners are included. If you have special dietary requirements, these may incur an additional fee.
Yes, you will carry everything you need, as well as a share of the common food and equipment.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip. Please verify that your insurance covers the included activities on this tour. Get your Travel Insurance.
Fly into the Calgary International Airport (YYC). We recommend you rent a car or book a shuttle as there is no included transportation between Calgary and the meeting point on this tour.
Yes, you will be led by an experienced guide.
The tour ends in Canmore. You will be responsible for finding your own way back to the airport after the tour.
We’ve given a basic gear list below, but please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about your gear, as you’ll need to carry it!
- Boots
- Multiday pack (55-75 litres)
- Pack cover
- Daypack
- Water bottle or bladder (1-2 litres)
- Sunglasses
- Sleeping bag and sleeping pad
- Pillow
- Sunscreen, SPF lip balm
- Camera
- Headlamp with fresh batteries
- Blister kit
- Earplugs
- First aid items (guides carry a first aid kit, but you may bring your own Band-Aids and anti-inflammatory medication if desired)
- Personal toiletries, including hand sanitizer
- Bug spray
- Plastic mug, bowl, and eating utensils
- Trekking poles (optional)
- Toque
- Insulated jacket
- Fleece jacket
- Hiking pants
- Light footwear for creek crossing or camping
- Hiking socks
- Long underwear
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
The best time to visit the Rockies for this tour is in August when the weather in the mountains is at its warmest and sunniest.
Why book Backpacking the Banff Highline Trail with 10 Adventures?
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Accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - all taken care of so you can focus on making memories.
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