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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All these trails look awesome! We would like to do a 3 to 4 day trail in the canadian rockies between the 2nd of July and the 5th of July. Our first idea was to hike the Skyline Trail in Jasper National Park. However, this option is dienscouraged because of the tricky weather conditions at that time. In addition, we (my girlfriend and I) are unexperienced in hiking but however in good condition. What would be your advice? Waiting for further information or yet planning another trail? Which would you recommend?
Kind Regards
@Joris Some years the Skyline Trail might be an option but I think you’re taking a chance. I would look into the Skoki Loop, anything in the Lake O’Hara area and a loop that includes the Iceline Trail – again in Yoho National Park.
We did the Skyline trail on July 1st-3rd. It can absolutely be done before the end of July! there were patches of snow here and there that we had to walk across and it was a good trudge up the notch but it made for an even better view looking back at the snow capped mountains once you get to the top. Also at that time the trail hardly had any people. Well worth it!
Are any of these doable in June?
@Amanda If it’s a low snow year then maybe Berg Lake. The others I’d leave until July.
We’re looking to string together a solid 10-day backpacking trip with a possible re-supply in the middle. Expecting to average 10+ miles per day. Any recommendations?
@Meagan The East Coast Trail in Newfoundland would be a candidate. Most backpacking trips in Banff/Jasper NP are 3-5 days long. Some candidates (maybe you could do two) is Tonquin Valleu/Amethyst Lakes OR Jonas Pass/Brazeau Lake, The Rockwall or the Mt. Robson area.
Wow, all of these hikes look amazing! I love the view from the Baker Lake Campground–that is incredible! I haven’t made it to the Canadian Rockies yet, but I think I would want to start with the Skyline Trail or the Mt Assiniboine Area Hike.
@Jenna So far the Skyline Trail wins my vote for the most impressive backpacking trip – though I did have good weather which always colours your experience.
Nice shots. I did the “road trip” from Banff to Jasper and back, but alas, except for some short day hikes, like the one to the Lake Agnes Tea House, didn’t stray too far from the highway.
The scenery is so gorgeous here, Leigh, I’d be willing to try one or two of these – maybe Rockwell Trail. Honestly, it’d be difficult to choose.
I am have never been into hiking, my fitness levels are not the best. However looking at your gorgeous photos, I believe experiencing the scenery would be worth the effort.
@Rachel It’s never too late to get into shape – and you’re much younger than I am. Trust me these hikes are definitely worth getting in shape for.
I can tell Canada has some beautiful backpacking options after looking at this post. As a person who has a hard time figuring out how to cull my excessive amount of clothing for a suitcase, I am especially impressed by anyone willing to carry all their stuff AND hike with it. This gorgeous scenery is incentive to bear that load. I can’t wait to read what adventures you have over the summer.
@Michele You have to come to terms with the fact that you will be wearing the same dirty clothes day after day. The first day is hard but then you just get used to it – and actually I embrace it. I’d rather have less weight on my back and be a little smelly!
So many choices! I love that you have included tips to help people to decide which one to do as it would be had to choose from your fabulous photos!
@Jenny All of these backpacking trips are special – but in a good year you could do them all within a few weeks.
Those pictures are incredible! Your blog really makes me want to visit out West even more (never been!) – those mountains, that view! Breathtaking.
@Lauren I can’t believe you haven’t been out west. You must visit – but come in summer when the wildflowers are in all their glory.
I was thinking as I looked at this point how much fun it would be to do a backpack hiking trip with you. Then I thought how much you would love Stehekin at the head of Lake Chelan. If you ever get over our way during the summer backpack season and want to do a trip there, let me know, we keep saying we need to do one of their tent-to-tents one day before we get ‘too old’.
@Jackie I would love to take advantage of your offer one summer. It won’t be this year as I am fully booked but perhaps next summer.
What some fabulous trails – I’d love to do some hiking in the Rockies. Your photos make the hikes look supremely pristine – need to go 🙂
I love all of your lake photos. They are so crisp and clear. I’ve spent very little time in Canada and while I don’t anticipate hiking there anytime soon, I certainly enjoyed your tour. I can imagine setting up camp at the campground, gazing out over that lake and watching the sun set. Beautiful!
@Tonya There’s nothing wrong with armchair travel Tonya. The Baker Lake Campground though heavily used was so incredibly beautiful that you didn’t want to eave it.
The vibrant blue lakes, grey rock mountains and white snow and green foliage is such a typical Rockies scene. I will never forget how beautiful they are.
@Jan I can’t wait to get back into them this summer. Although all these hikes are in the Rockies, no two are the same.
I did the Mount Assiniboine hike back in 1974 0r 1975. I still have fond memories of that. The secenery was so amazing. I can still remember my hiking friend losing it in the middle of this beautiful meadow about 15 minutes before we arrived at the ranger post. She had had enough! 🙂
Your shots are gorgeous. I don’t do much hiking these days, but it would be tempting to come back to Canada to do any of these.
Thanks for linking up this week!
@Nancie I feel very lucky to live so close to so many world-class hikes. They can be very hard but so rewarding too especially if the weather cooperates.
These pictures are ridiculous. Each hike looks more or just as amazing as the one before it. I can’t imagine a place having a thousand falls. The two in the picture are incredible enough. Hard to wrap my head on the fact that there are 998 more. I wonder if people tire of the waterfalls after say 558?
OMG, Leigh you knocked these pictures out of the ballpark! I was going to mention one, then two…when it got to six…I literally said, “Wow!” out loud! I will write a post about my backpack trip across Glacier National Park someday and this sooooo brought back wonderful memories! Did you run into any cool wildlife? Loved this post 🙂
Fabulous trail! Wonderful pictures! Helpful tips! I love it. I’ve never been to the Rocky Mountains before but this post makes me feel like I should go there at least once in a lifetime. What a view! Thank you so much for this. If I’m in Canada I’ll make sure this trail is on my list.
Gorgeous photos, Leigh – all of the backpacking trips look incredible! I have only spent a couple of days in the Rockies and it was many years ago. The only hiking that we did was up to the Tea House at Lake Louise. I think it’s time that we head out west and do some more exploring – although we may have to start with the easiest backpacking trips and save some of these for when we are more experienced!