The Canadian Rockies’ Best Backpacking Trips

A deep valley in which a river flows. The Icefields Parkway follows the river. — Along the Icefields Parkway. Photo by Jordan Vincent

The Canadian Rockies are just as wild and rugged as their American counterparts. Luckily, Parks Canada has made the best parts of it accessible to backpackers.

With its turquoise lakes, massive glaciers, towering peaks, and abundant wildlife, you can’t help but feel touched by the beauty of this place.

Here are my six favorite backpacking trips. They’re conveniently located near the towns of Banff and Jasper, the perfect basecamps for adventures.

When to go? The best time to go is from July to September. Every month has its pros and cons. You might encounter leftover snow in July. August is the most crowded, while September is when it starts getting chillier.

Permits. All these trips require wilderness permits. See below for current availabilities and permit requirements. Permits open up in January/February and run out quickly, but we can notify you when we find cancellations.

Mount Assiniboine

Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park

4 days41.9 mi8,300 ft+

Mount Assiniboine and Sunburst Peaks at sunrise in front of Og Lake. — Mount Assiniboine and Sunburst Peaks from Nub Peak. Photo by Jordan Vincent

Mount Assiniboine, nicknamed the “Matterhorn of the Rockies”, is the classic backpacking trip near Banff. It’s also an extremely popular hike, so you’ll want to book your campsite at Lake Magog early.

For an easier start, the Sunshine Village Gondola can bring you up to the top of the resort and save 3 miles and 1,500 feet of elevation gain.

If you prefer loops, you can start from Bryant Creek Trailhead. It’s a little harder to plan since you must book campsites in both Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park and Banff National Park.

Map and permit info

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The Rockwall Trail

Kootenay National Park

2–5 days32.8 mi7,700 ft+

Tumbling Peak looming over the trail. — Tumbling Peak. Photo by Jordan Vincent

I wouldn’t be surprised if this trail inspired The Wall in Game of Thrones. For 20 miles, the Rockwall follows an impassable cliff from which hanging glaciers tumble down. A challenging, but rewarding hike.

It’s a point-to-point hike, so you’ll need to find a way to get back to your car. Hitch-hiking is a common option.

Map and permit info

Permit availability

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Lake O’Hara

Yoho National Park

2 days7.5 mi2,500 ft+

View of the Lake O’Hara valley as seen from the Yukness Ledges. A dense forest surrounds Lake O’Hara and Mary Lake. Snow-capped mountains are visible in the background. — Lake O’Hara and Mary Lake viewed from Yukness Ledges. Photo by Jordan Vincent

Lake O’Hara is most often done as a day-hike. A shuttle can drop you of at the lake to avoid the 7-mile approach. Getting a seat on the shuttle is competitive, but spots are reserved for those staying at the Lake O’Hara campground.

From the Lake O’Hara campground, the Yukness Ledges Alpine Route offers the best views of Lake O’Hara. It’s a short 7.5-mile loop with 2,500 feet of elevation gain.

Map and permit info

Permit availability

Updated every 10 min

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Tonquin Valley Trail

Jasper National Park

2–3 days25.4 mi2,300 ft+

Horse and rider overlooking Tonquin valley. — Amethyst Lakes and The Ramparts. Photo by Robert Berdan

Tonquin Valley is one of the jewels of Jasper National Park. Camp at Amethyst Lakes to enjoy the reflection of The Ramparts at sunrise.

The trail starts and ends at different trailheads, so you’ll need to find a way to get back to your car after the hike (hitch-hike or bring two cars).

Map and permit info

Permit availability

Updated every 10 min

November

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The Skyline Trail

Jasper National Park

2–3 days27.5 mi4,200 ft+

Desolate valley with two lakes and a peak (The Watchtower) in the background. — The Watchtower viewed from the Skyline Trail. Photo by Jordan Vincent

The Skyline Trail starts at the beautiful Maligne Lake and follows a ridge line for most of its length. With most of the hike above treeline, the trail rewards you with 360-degree views of Jasper National Park.

It’s a point-to-point hike, so you’ll need to find a way to get back to your car (hitch-hike or bring two cars).

Map and permit info