Backpacking near Mount Assiniboine
Go backpacking underneath the staggering Mount Assiniboine
Guided
Backpacking near Mount Assiniboine Overview
Mount Assiniboine is likely the most iconic peak in the Rockies, and the Backpacking near Mount Assiniboine tour is an adventure that puts this mountain at center stage! Despite delivering a true backcountry experience, this tour is suitable for less experienced hikers and backpackers- where better to have your first backpacking experience than the Mount Assiniboine area?
Hop into a helicopter and fly into some of the most sublime scenery in the world. Hike through the eerie Valley of the Rocks, climb to Citadel Pass, and cross down into the lush meadows of the Sunshine area. The whole time, the vast peak of Mount Assiniboine keeps you company. Each evening, you’ll camp under the endless mountain sky, trading stories with your group and savouring the peace of the wild. With each step you’ll access even better scenery, and your camera is guaranteed to be full by the time you triumphantly return to Canmore. The Backpacking near Mount Assiniboine tour is a must-do!
Trip highlights
Hike underneath the watch of one of the most iconic peaks in the Canadian Rockies, Mount Assiniboine.
Experience world-class terrain without needing to be an experienced backpacker.
Spend each night cozied up in a new campsite, unplugging from it all and relaxing in the wilderness.
Walk along some of the most stellar trails in Banff National Park, surrounded by towering mountains.
Day By Day Itinerary
Start on a high note! From Canmore, take a helicopter world away to a land of lush meadows, turquoise lakes, snow-covered glaciers, and rocky peaks. you’ll land right beside the historic Assiniboine Lodge.
Once you’ve set up your tents, walk to nearby Sunburst and Cerulean Lakes. Their names give a hint to their beauty!
- Overnight Location:
- Camping in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park
- Distance:
- 2km
- Meals:
- Lunch, dinner
Choose from a selection of day hikes to help you gradually acclimatize to the altitude and get your legs warmed up. You’ll finish off with tea and cake at the lodge.
- Overnight Location:
- Camping in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park
- Distance:
- Variable
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Time to get backpacking! Pack up camp and begin a scenic route to Sunshine Meadows via Citadel Pass. Head south across the meadows to Og Lake from where the trail descends among the eerie formations of the Valley of the Rocks. Dropping further, you’ll enter the Golden Valley to reach your campsite below Citadel Pass.
Set up camp and have a welcome cup of tea.
- Overnight Location:
- Camping in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park
- Distance:
- 16km, 250m elevation gain, 565m elevation loss
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Begin the day with a steady climb to the summit of Citadel Pass. Hiking upwards, watch for bighorn sheep at a “mineral lick” just 200m from the trail. In midsummer, this trail is completely lined with wildflowers.
Halfway to Citadel Pass, emerge back into the meadows and stop above an alpine lake for a break. You’ll then head across the meadows to Sunshine Village, tomorrow’s destination. Behind you rises Mount Assiniboine, still dominating the skyline. Continue to the campsite, which is nestled in the trees by Howard Douglas Lake. An optional hike up Quartz Hill provides views in all directions, a stellar end to the day.
- Overnight Location:
- Camping in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park
- Distance:
- 7.5km, 500m elevation gain
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
The last leg of your journey crosses the famous Sunshine Meadows to the Sunshine Village ski area. Take a side trip to pretty Rock Isle Lake, then it’s all downhill from here with a shuttle to the valley floor where transport to Canmore awaits.
You can opt to head out for dinner with the group in Canmore if you’d like to celebrate tonight!
- Overnight Location:
- None
- Distance:
- 6km, 250m elevation gain, 400m elevation loss
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch
Tour Map
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Inclusions
Included
- 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners are included. Please pack any additional snacks you may want. Meals to suit dietary requirements are available but may incur an additional fee depending on your needs.
- Accommodations for 4 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.
- You will be driven from Canmore to the helipad on Day 1 (helicopter flight is included too) and back to Canmore after the trip, but any other transfers are not included.
- Tents
- Expert guide services
Not included
- Flights
- Hotels
- 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 3/5. You don’t need any previous experience backpacking for this tour, but you should be fit enough to hike an average of 8 km-13 km per day for consecutive days at high altitudes. You will also need to be comfortable sleeping in very basic conditions on this tour.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners are included. Please pack any additional snacks you may want. Meals to suit dietary requirements are available but may incur an additional fee depending on your needs.
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 renting a car or booking a shuttle as you’ll need to find your way to Canmore and back to the airport at the end of the tour.
Yes, you will be led by an experienced guide.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions concerning your packing list for this trip. As a start, we recommend bringing:
- Boots
- Multiday pack (55-75 litres)
- Daypack
- Bladder or water bottle (1-2 litres)
- Sunglasses
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping mat
- Pillow
- Sunscreen
- Camera
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Blister kit
- Hand sanitizer
- Bug spray
- Trekking poles
- Hiking pants
- Utensils and bowl
- Personal toiletries
- Light footwear for at camp
- Rain gear
- Insulated jacket
- Fleece Jacket
The tour ends in Canmore. You will need to find your way back to the airport.
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 Canadian Rockies for this tour is between early July and mid-September when the weather in the mountains tends to be the warmest and sunniest.
Why book Backpacking near Mount Assiniboine with 10 Adventures?
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Packed with Inclusions
Accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - all taken care of so you can focus on making memories.
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