10+ Top Backpacking Trips in the Canadian Rockies
I get lots of emails asking for my thoughts on what the top backpacking trips are in the Canadian Rockies. After sending detailed replies, I figured it was time to pull together a blog with my answers. Here’s my list of what I consider to be the top backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies across national and provincial parks.
All of these backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies are in high demand. You need to be able to jump on the backcountry reservations the minute they open. And if you didn’t get the campsites you wanted, then try Schnerp or Campnab. For a reasonable fee they have programs that look for cancellations the minute they happen and let you know.
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Tips for backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies
Bears: You will be traveling in bear country on all of the backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies described below. Be sure to carry easy to access bear spray, keep a clean campsite, and use the bear proof boxes at the campgrounds. You might want to read – Tips for Staying Safe in Bear Country.
Dogs: They are allowed on leash save for the Skyline, Brazeau Loop and Tonquin Valley trails. Please clean up after your pets.
Don’t forget: Always pack the 10 hiking essentials, let someone know where you’re going and when you’re due back. You are responsible for your own safety. Have the skill-set and know how before you do any of these backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies.
Please: Practice the seven Leave No Trace principles so the special places you visit remain that way for all to enjoy.
Backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies – Jasper National Park
The Skyline Trail backpacking trip in the Canadian Rockies
Distance: 44 km one way
Elevation gain: 1,330 m
Time needed: 2 – 4 days.
Level of difficulty: Moderate.
Best time to hike: Late July until mid to late September, depending on when the snow starts to fly.
Reservations: Backcountry campsite reservations open online on January 29, 2025 at 8 AM MT. You can also call 1-877-737-3783 or from outside North America 1-519-826-5391.
Backpacking the Skyline Trail in Jasper National Park rewards you with incomparable mountain views for almost two thirds of its 44.5 km length. There aren’t many trails in Canada that can lay claim to that fact. From the start at the Maligne Lake Trailhead to the finish, save for the final 7 km slog down a logging road, the trail offers a phenomenal mountain experience.
Unfortunately the season for hiking the Skyline Trail is short. Don’t even think of booking campsites until late July after the snow has disappeared from The Notch. And by the end of September – in a good year – the season is over.
If you start at the Maligne Lake trailhead, then the total elevation gain over the length of the trip is 1205 m (3953 feet), a tolerable amount of climbing over two to three days.
Tonquin Valley backpacking trip
Distance: 43 km one way
Elevation gain: 900m
Time needed: 2 – 5 days
Level of difficulty: One of the easier backpacking trips but moderate if done over 2-3 days.
Best time to go: Mid-August to late September because of the bugs early in the season.
Reservations: There is high demand for this hike. Backcountry reservations open on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at 8 AM MT.
One of the premier backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies is the Tonquin Valley hike. Enjoy spectacular views of The Ramparts – with its 10 named summits, wildflower-filled meadows, a chance to see woodland caribou and options for some scenic side trips.
Brazeau Loop backpacking trip
Distance: 80 km lollipop loop
Elevation gain: 1,878 m
Time needed: 5 – 7 days for the whole loop.
Best time to do it: Mid-July until mid-September
Reservations: Book online here starting January 29, 2025 at 8 AM MST. You can also call 1-877-737-3783. I am still waiting to hear if the bridge outage at Brazeau Lake will be fixed for summer 2025. If not, you can’t do the hike as a loop.
If you have great weather, the Brazeau Loop trail offers one of the premier experiences for backpacking in the Canadian Rockies.
Highlights include the area around Nigel Pass, the beautiful views of the Brazeau River Valley, stunning Brazeau Lake, wildflowers and views galore on the way to Poboktan Pass and some of the best views in Alberta in the vicinity of the Jonas Pass Shoulder. Campground are good too with plenty of privacy.
Backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies – Banff National Park
You might also like: 10+ Backpacking Trips in Banff National Park
Backpacking to Baker Lake with the option of adding the Skoki Loop
Distance: 26.4 km as an out and back to Baker Lake.
Elevation gain: 700 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Time needed: 2 days and 3 if you add in the Skoki Loop hike.
Reservations: Backcountry camping permits are available starting on Monday, January 27, 2025 at 8:00 am MT. Reserve online or call: 1-877-737-3783 or 1-519-826-5391 (outside North America.)
The backpacking trip to Baker Lake is a pretty one once you’re in the sub-alpine meadows, about 4.5 m after leaving the parking lot. Continue climbing to reach Boulder Pass and beautiful Ptarmigan Lake where you’re bound to see marmots and ptarmigan. The hike down to Baker Lake is beautiful for its entire length, especially when wildflowers are about.
Baker Lake itself is gorgeous, especially in the early morning light. Beware of porcupines in the campground – and be sure to store anything salty like hiking boots and poles in the tent. The campground itself could use an upgrade.
If you’ve got the time, hike the Skoki Loop – visiting Skoki Lodge and Merlin Lake. You can also check out the two small lakes near Deception Pass.
Backpacking to Egypt Lake via Gibbon, Whistling and Healey Passes
Distance: 40.4 km with a shuttle starting at the Vista Lake trailhead and finishing at Sunshine Village.
Elevation gain: 1,730 m
Time needed: 2 – 3 days.
Level of difficulty: Hard with lots of elevation gain and loss every day.
Best time to hike: Early July to mid-September. Wildflowers are out of this world around mid to late July.
Reservations: Required and difficult to get because of demand. Reservations open on Monday, January 27, 2025 at 8:00 AM MT. You can book online here or call: 1-877-737-3783 or 1-519-826-5391 (outside North America.)
There are many permutations to the Egypt Lake hike but this is one of the better ones as it’s one way, so you’re never retracing your steps. Over a couple of days you do a lot of climbing and descending but the backdrop is almost always over the top beautiful.
From Gibbon Pass to Egypt Lake I felt like we had the trail to ourselves. This backpacking trip would be phenomenal in mid-to late September when the larches are at their peak.
Backpacking to Glacier Lake
Distance: 18 km return.
Elevation gain: 475 m
Time needed: 2 days
Level of difficulty: Easy.
Best time to hike: Mid to late June until the snow flies in September.
Reservations: Reserve online beginning on Monday, January 27, 2025 at 8:00 am MT. You can also call 1-877-737-3783 or 1-519-826-5391 (outside North America.)
The Glacier Lake backpacking trip is one of the best early season backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies. It’s easy, family-friendly for kids about 8 and older, and scenic for much of its length.
Enjoy views of the North Saskatchewan river when its running hard with snow melt. Enjoy a red chair mountain at the Howse River Overlook – and find a comfy rock to enjoy your morning coffee overlooking Glacier Lake. This backpacking trip is a great way to get into summer hiking shape.
Backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies – Yoho National Park
Twin Falls – Whaleback – Iceline trail backpacking trip
Distance: 28.8 km loop with side trips possible.
Elevation gain: 1,700 m
Time needed: 2 – 3 days.
Level of difficulty: Difficult
Best time to hike: July to early October.
Reservations: Reserve backcountry campsites online beginning January 27, 2025 at 8 AM MST. You can also call 1-877-RESERVE (1-877-737-3783).
This backpacking trip has it all – waterfalls galore, the exceptional Iceline Trail and Whaleback Trail, glacier views, pretty campsites with four to choose from including Takakkaw Falls, Laughing Falls, Twin Falls, and Little Yoho. It’s also possible to visit the Twin Falls Tea House National Historic Site – and even spend the night.
Backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies – Kootenay National Park
The Rockwall Trail backpacking trip
Distance: 55 km one way
Elevation gain: +2,260m/-2,225m
Time needed: 3- 5 days.
Level of difficulty: Hard with lots of elevation gain and loss every day.
Best time to hike: Mid-July to early October.
Reservations: Required and difficult to get because of demand. Reservations open at 8 AM MT on January 27, 2025. Book on the Parks Canada website or by calling 1-877-737-3783 or 1-519-826-5291 if you’re from outside of North America.
The Rockwall Trail is located in Kootenay National Park, a part of the Canadian Rockies UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a 3 – 5 day tough backpacking trip covering 55 km (34 miles) one way.
Start at the Floe Lake Trailhead and finish at the Paint Pots Trailhead – or vice versa. The trailheads are about a 2.5 hour drive from Calgary. The harder days are the first two up to and after Floe Lake. Hitchhike 13 km back to your car at the end of the trip or arrange a car shuttle before you begin.
Backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies – in Kananaskis Country
Recommended reading: 10+ Must Do Backpacking Trips in Kananaskis Country
Northover Ridge Loop
Distance: 33.7 km as a lollipop hike
Elevation gain: 1,500 m
Time needed: 2 – 3 days
Difficulty: Challenging with plenty of exposure.
Best time to go: Late July until mid-September before the snow flies.
Reservations: Book online via the Shop Alberta Parks website 90 days in advance of when you want to go.
If you’re up for a real adventure, the Northover Ridge loop hike will provide it. Over three days hike to Aster Lake campground, then Three Isle Lake and back out to the parking lot on Upper Kananaskis Lake.
Be prepared to be mentally and physically challenged as there are lots of airy bits on the first few days and a short section on a very narrow ridge that will get your attention. But the rewards are incredible – world-class Rocky Mountain scenery, beautiful lakes and a great sense of satisfaction upon completion.
North to South Kananaskis Pass via Turbine Canyon
Distance: About 40 km as a lollipop loop.
Elevation gain: 1,426 m
Time needed: Three to four days.
Level of difficulty: Difficult.
Best time to hike: July until mid to late September. There are some great swaths of larches on the way to the Turbine Campground.
Reservations: Book online via the Shop Alberta Parks website 90 days in advance of when you want to go.
The backpacking trip over North and South Kananaskis Pass via Turbine Canyon is a standout. It’s not a busy one and chances are high that you can book the Turbine Canyon campground at the last minute – when you know there’s going to be a good weather window.
Start by Upper Kananaskis Lake. Follow it to the Forks Campground – which is a great place to stay if you know you’re going to get a late start. Then there’s some climbing involved but the scenery is pretty with small lakes and big views. You’ll probably feel like you have the place to yourself on the way to Turbine Campground.
The next day is a long one with a big down and a big up – which can be hot to reach Beatty Lake. But the mountain views are first-class. You don’t need a reservation for Beatty Lake – and it’s a pretty campground. Your other option is to spend the night at Three Isle Lake Campground and then hike out the next day.
Route finding isn’t as difficult as I expected though having an offline hiking app like Organic Maps can be helpful.
Tombstones Lake backpacking trip
Distance: 18.8 km return from Highway 40 parking lot.
Elevation gain: 175 m to the Tombstone Campground
Time needed: 2 – 3 days depending on how many side trips you want to do.
Level of difficulty: Easy.
Best time to hike: Mid to late June until the snow flies in September.
Reservations: Book online via the Shop Alberta Parks website 90 days in advance of when you want to go.
From the Elbow Pass Day-use area on Highway 40 it’s an easy and very scenic hike to the lovely Tombstone Lake Campground. You’ll pass Elbow Lake early on in the hike – a favourite of young families. After setting up your tent, there is enough time before or after dinner to visit the scenic Tombstone Lakes.
Over the next few days you can knock off a couple of excellent day hikes from the Tombstone Backcountry campground. You will have to retrace your steps about a km but it’s more than worth it for the Piper Pass hike. On the third day pack up and on the way out, add on the Rae Lake hike as a side trip.
Top backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies in BC provincial parks
The Berg Lake Trail in Mt Robson Provincial Park, British Columbia
Distance: 42 km round trip
Elevation gain: 800m
Time needed: 2 – 5 days
Level of difficulty: Moderate.
Best time to hike: July to early September.
Reservations: Set to reopen in 2025, backcountry sites will be hard to come by. Reservations open four months in advance via BC Parks.
Looking for big, bold Rocky Mountain scenery – the kind that takes your breath away? The trail to Berg Lake offers just that.
The backdrop, should you be lucky enough to see it as it’s often shrouded in mist or cloud, is Mount Robson. It’s the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies rising 3000 m (9843 ft) above the valley floor. It’s so big that it makes its own micro-climate, a good thing if you’re keen to hike by mid-June as it’s warmer than nearby Jasper.
Not only is Berg Lake a first-class destination but the trail up to the lake offers an astounding variety of scenery. It starts gradually, climbing alongside the Robson River through a micro rainforest of hemlock and cedar. Then enter the Valley of a Thousand Falls and if you’re like most backpackers, you finish at Berg Lake – though some of the most interesting scenery is another day away. A detailed description of the Berg Lake trip is here.
Mt. Assiniboine area hiking from Sunshine Meadows
Distance: Approximately 55 km round trip.
Elevation gain: 622 m
Time needed: 3 – 6 days
Level of difficulty: Moderate.
Reservations: Reservations at the three campgrounds in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park open four months in advance via BC Parks. Reservations for campgrounds in Banff National Park (the only way to access the Mt. Assiniboine area) open on Monday, January 27, 2025 at 8:00 am MT. You can book online here or call: 1-877-737-3783 or 1-519-826-5391 (outside North America.)
Although Mt. Assiniboine, sometimes called the Matterhorn of North America, is the sixth highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies, it’s not the only reason to visit Mt. Assiniboine Provincial Park.
Gorgeous high alpine lakes, about a dozen mountain peaks and wildflower-filled meadows lure hikers from around the world. Don’t expect solitude. People access the park on foot, via horses and many helicopter in at least one way, especially hikers planning to do day hikes out of Assiniboine Lodge. As a backpacker you could choose to fly in one way and hike out.
You can hike via Sunshine Meadows and Citadel Pass or via the Mt. Shark trailhead. It’s a solid eight to ten hour hike to reach Lake Magog and the Assiniboine Lodge area. There are camping options along the way – and backcountry permits are required.
Once up there side trip possibilities are plentiful. Hike to Nub Peak or the Nublet – a bump on the ridge. Visit Cerulean and Sunburst Lakes. Don’t miss Wonder Pass. Whatever you do, ensure that you have allowed enough time to do some of the side trips in this magnificent area.
More great backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies
- Carnarvon Lake Hike/Backpacking Trip in Kananaskis Country
- Southfork Lakes Hike and Camp in Southern Alberta
- 10 Beginner Backpacking Trips in the Canadian Rockies
- Best Campsites in Alberta with Mountain Views
- Sawback Trail Hike: Johnston Creek to Baker Lake
- Little Elbow Hike to Mount Romulus Campground in Kananaskis
Have you done any backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies? Do you have a favourite one??
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Hi, I’m a single traveller and not familiar with the Canadian wildlife (bears etc) therefore looking for challenging guided hiking trips.
At the moment I’m interested in the West Coast Trail and the Kananaskis highlands and I’m in contact with guide companies for those.
Are these worth it or do you recommend other trails instead (and can you suggest any guide companies for those) ?
Thanks, Lennart.
Are there any agencies or guides that you recomend to do those hikes with me?
@Isis If you Google guided hikes in the Rockies you’ll definitely find a lot of companies. Yamnuska Guides out of Exshaw (near Canmore) are very good and they have lots of summer trips.
Very Nice. I have done Skyline, Rockwall and Berg Lake Trails and they are amazing. In addition I did the Brazeau Loop and Iceline Trail in Yoho. I hear the Tonquin Valley trail is great too, plan on doing it this fall.
@Aruna The Tonquin Valley is on my wish list as well – and I think fall is best because I have heard bugs can be bad in the summer.
We’re going to the Rockies in August, with the intent to hike some of the trips mentioned here – Skyline, Skoki, Berg Lake, and hopefully Lake O’Hara. I’d appreciate advice on sleeping bags – we currently have a -6 C (extreme) and a 0 C (extreme) bag, would these be sufficient? Or should we replace one or both of them before going? Thanks!!
@Chen In theory it can snow any time in the Rockies. I always use a bag rated to 0F – and for the few extra ounces I know I’ll be warm. Honestly I think I’d bring warmer bags.
Thanks for all the advice! My boyfriend and I will be traveling through the Rockies in mid-July. We are hoping to go on a three-night hike. Would you be able to recommend any hikes that are both beautiful, relatively challenging, but also with fewer people on the trails? Thanks!
@Fallon Anything in Jasper NP is usually quieter (except for standout trails like the Skyline) than Banff NP. Try the Nigel Pass – Brazeau Lakes area – Wilcox Pass near the Icefields. Cauldron Lake (google it)- is supposed to be very challenging and very beautiful with hardly a soul around.