Backpacking the Banff Highline Trail Itinerary

Day 0 Meet and Gear Check

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

Day 1 Vista Lake to Shadow Lake

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 100km 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
Meals: Lunch, dinner

Day 2 Shadow Lake to Egypt Lake

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
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3 Egypt Lake to Howard Douglas Lake

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
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4 Og Lake and Citadel Pass

Sip coffee in your sleeping bag, then get ready to hike up Citadel Pass (2360m) before descending into Golden Valley. Hike through the unique Valley of the Rocks to Og Lake, your home for the night.
Overnight Location: Camping in Banff National Park
Distance: 16.4km, 400m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5 Og to Magog Lake

You’ll hike from Og to Magog today, taking a leisurely start through five kilometres of a gorgeous meadow. You’ll reach the historic Mt. Assiniboine Lodge, resting a bit here before continuing to Magog Lake. If you’d like, you can hike to Sunburst Lake, or just take a well-earned nap.
Overnight Location: Camping in Banff National Park
Distance: 7km, 120m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6 Day Hiking at Magog Lake

You’re staying at the same campsite tonight, so you can enjoy a slow morning at camp before heading out on some day hikes in the area. You can wander up Nub Peak to enjoy views of Mt. Assiniboine or just take today to rest and recover. You’ll have tea and cake at the lodge with a spectacular mountain vista all around you.
Overnight Location: Camping in Banff National Park
Distance: 8-14km, variable elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7 Magog to Mount Shark Trailhead

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 12km 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
Meals: Breakfast, lunch