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Highlights
Go backpacking underneath the staggering Mount Assiniboine
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.
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!
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!
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Backpacking near Mount Assiniboine Itinerary
Day 1 Meet in Canmore, Helicopter to Assiniboine
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.
Hike to Lake Magog. 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
Day 2 Day Hike in Assiniboine Area
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
Day 3 Magog to Porcupine
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
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4 Porcupine to Howard Douglas Lake
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
Day 5 Across Sunshine Meadows and Back to Canmore
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
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Backpacking near Mount Assiniboine Price and Dates
This guided backpacking tour s run as a fixed-departure tour where you’d be joining a group, however, custom private tours can be organized for those willing to travel with their group only (please contact us with your preferred date and the number of people in your group and we will create the itinerary just for you). Please note that due a very high demand and limited availability in campgrounds it is necessary to plan your trip a long time in advance.Prices below are per person:
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Accommodation on the Backpacking near Mount Assiniboine Tour
This tour is based in campsites in the Canadian Rockies. Facilities may be basic or limited, so you should be comfortable with a true backcountry experience. Tents will be provided.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
There are no single rooms available on this tour as all accommodations are communal. The minimum group size is 3 people, so please contact us about joining an existing group if you are a solo traveller.
What’s Included in the Backpacking near Mount Assiniboine Tour?
Meals
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
Accommodations for 4 nights are included. Accommodations before and after the tour are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
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.
Also Included
- Tents
- Expert guide services
Not included
- Flights
- Hotels
- Meals, drinks, or snacks
- Travel insurance
- Optional excursions
- Visas if required
- Anything not mentioned as included
- GST (5%)
Optional Extras
- Special dietary requirement meals
- How hard is the Backpacking near Mount Assiniboine tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Canada?
- Are meals included on the Backpacking near Mount Assiniboine tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Canmore to start this tour?
- Is the Backpacking near Mount Assiniboine tour guided?
- What should I bring?
- 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
- Where does the Backpacking near Mount Assiniboine tour end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Canada?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Canada?
- When is the best time to travel to Canada for this tour?
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 8-13km 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:
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.
Customer Ratings
Located in Canmore, Alberta at the gates of Banff National Park, Yamnuska Mountain Adventures is one of Canada’s premier providers of mountaineering, rock & ice climbing, backcountry skiing, hiking, and trekking experiences in the Canadian Rockies. For over 40 years, we have hosted thousands of clients from Canada and all over the world. Our brand is known for quality mountain experiences, safety, and well-organized itineraries. We have some of the best mountain guides and hiking guides in the industry. All Yamnuska Mountain Adventures climbing guides are certified through the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides.
