A Complete Guide to Hiking in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park
Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park is one of the top hiking destinations in British Columbia, Canada. Mount Assiniboine hikes are plentiful, and trails are less crowded than other places in the Canadian Rockies. Our Mount Assiniboine travel guide includes the best things to see and do, tips on how to get, where to stay, what to pack, and practical information a first-time visitor needs to know.
The Canadian Rockies is a destination where travelers feel a real connection with nature. And the effect is not any different, even when visiting such well-known places like Moraine Lake or Lake Louise.
Sure, when looking for a parking spot on an overcrowded parking lot, you might have doubts whether these natural attractions aren't just overhyped photo locations, but once you get on the shore, we promise you'll experience a tranquil moment when the whole outside world disappear, and it will be just you, the lakes and mountains around, at least for a while.
Although traveling along the well-trodden path is usually what first-time visitors have time for (and there's nothing wrong about it), we decided to get a little bit off the beaten path during our second trip to the Canadian Rockies.
We wanted to visit an idyllic place, a place that is not that straightforward to reach, where the word wilderness gets an entirely different dimension.
Luckily, we've found this place, and today, we would like to inspire you to add this destination to your ultimate Canadian Rockies itinerary.
We promise you'll have a blast. And what is this mysterious location that features jagged peaks, deep blue lakes, and thick forests we talk about?
It is Assiniboine Provincial Park, home to easily distinguished Mount Assiniboine, with 3618 meters, the highest peak of the southern Rockies that sits on the border between Assiniboine Provincial Park and Banff National Park.
You would hardly find a more serene place in the Canadian Rockies as there's no access road to the park, which leaves visitors with limited options on how to get there.
Nevertheless, the trip is not that complicated as it mind sound, and we believe the journey is worth the effort that every adventurous traveler appreciates.
As we would like to introduce to you a part of the Canadian Rockies beyond Icefields Parkway, we've put together this Assiniboine Provincial Park travel guide, where we share everything you need to know before the trip.
From how to get there, what to pack, accommodation options to when is the best time to visit, and the best things to see, we've got you covered.
We're super-stoked to share with you tips on how to plan your trip, together with some of our favorite landscape photos from the area. Happy planning!
WHERE IS MOUNT ASSINIBOINE PROVINCIAL PARK
For its resemblance with the famous mountain in the Swiss Alps, Mount Assiniboine is also often nicknamed The Matterhorn of the Canadian Rockies.
Although plenty of travelers have seen the picture of Mount Assiniboine before their trip to Canada, not everyone knows where it is located. The reason is simple.
The area of the Canadian Rockies is so packed with must-see lakes and mountains which are easily accessible (sometimes, you can literally park few meters away) that for most of the visitors, there is no reason to go further into the wilderness and no reason to find out where is the mountain from postcards as there's often not enough time.
Mount Assiniboine provincial park lies in British Columbia.
The provincial park has a triangular shape, and its neighbors are Kootenay National Park to the West and the world-known Banff National Park to the East.
In this post, we will show you how to get the most of the Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park in only two days!
HOW TO GET TO MOUNT ASSINIBOINE PROVINCIAL PARK
Getting to Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park, at least to its most popular spots, takes a bit of time and planning, but that's nothing an experienced traveler like you could not make.
As we've already mentioned, there is no paved road leading directly to the park, which means fewer visitors and pollutions, but it also means you have only two options on how to get to the park.
The first alternative requires using the power of your foot, or you can fly in a helicopter - it sounds fancy, but it was, in the end, the option we have opted for, even though flying in a helicopter is really not our usual travel style.
Actually, we combined both options, but more about it later.
It is important to say that no matter which transport option you select, you will very likely spend the night before setting off to the Assiniboine Provincial Park, either in Canmore or Banff.
As both destinations are very busy, especially in the summer season, we recommend you to make your hotel reservation well in advance, so you'll enjoy the night before or after the real outback experience.
But back to the point. How do you get to Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park?
HELICOPTER FLIGHT
We'll start with the helicopter option. It is not the cheapest possibility, but for all of you looking to spice up your travels and save time, it is actually the best alternative we could find. Of course, if your Canadian Rockies budget allows it.
As our itinerary was pretty packed because this time we did not want to visit only the Rockies but also the top sights in Drumheller, we did not hesitate a bit and booked the seats.
There are two departure points.
You can either fly to Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park from Canmore for $220 + 5% GST or from Mount Shark Helipad for $190 + 5% GST.
These rates are in Canadian dollars per person and valid in the summer season. Winter rates are a bit cheaper, but the discount is only $5.
To get to the Mount Shark Helipad, you must drive around 50 minutes from Canmore on a gravel road, down the Spray Lakes - Smith Dorien Road, and past the Mount Engadine Lodge.
The road is very dusty but completely fine to drive on, even without a four-wheel-drive car. Parking on the spot is available, not secured, but free of charge.
The flight from Mount Shark takes about 8 minutes and a bit longer from Canmore, but the views are stunning, and it is worth every single cent. All flight reservations must be booked via Assiniboine Lodge.
A helicopter is a perfect option when you're short on time, when you plan to stay longer in the park, and your backpack is heavy (the maximum load is 40 lb per person), or simply when you want to enjoy the scenery from bird's-eye view.
It is also possible to send your heavy backpack via helicopter for $4 per pound and then hike light and fast.
If you are camping in the area, you need to have a confirmed campground reservation before booking helicopter flights, requiring nerves and a bit of coordination.
We recommend calling Assiniboine Lodge and ask for available departures.
Then go to the British Columbia Parks website, check the dates available, and if they match helicopter availability, reserve first the campsite and then call or write an email straightaway and book the flight.
HIKING
The other way how to get to Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park is to hike in (or out).
If you'll choose the ground access, the nearest access point is the Mount Shark parking lot, about 50 kilometers from Canmore (this is also within walking distance from Mount Shark Helipad) or Sunshine Village in Banff.
You can either start the hike from Mount Shark Parking Lot (it is possible to choose from two routes - via Assiniboine Pass or supposedly more beautiful Wonder Pass) or from the other side of the valley, with a trailhead at Sunshine Village in Banff.
Both ways are similar in length, 26 to 30 kilometers.
If this seems too long for you, there are campgrounds along the way from each side, so you can split the hike into more days.
We were able to hike from Mount Assiniboine to Mount Shark parking lot in one long day, and it was a great addition to our two-day itinerary.
Travel Insurance
We always emphasize how important it is to have travel insurance, no matter where you travel, but you should truly consider it here in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park.
Not only is hiking a sports activity, and you never know what's going to happen, but there's one more reason.
Helicopter flights can be canceled due to poor weather conditions, and although it is not that common, it is always better to be covered.
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
HOW MANY DAYS YOU NEED
To enjoy the immense beauty, it is always better to stay longer, but in general, visitors usually spend from one to five nights in the park.
Thanks to the possibility of combining transportation options, we spent in the park one night and almost two full days.
Sure, we can imagine staying longer and get further from the well-trodden path; on the other hand, this amount of time gave us the chance to see the best Mount Assiniboine area has to offer, so we were pretty grateful for these 48 hours.
Flying in and out in one day is, according to us waste of time, the same as flying in and hiking immediately out as you would have to rush a lot, and the experience would not be worth it.
We'll get to accommodation options later on, but it is necessary to know that the capacity is limited, and sometimes you need to go with the flow and plan your trip according to the availability.
VISITING MOUNT ASSINIBOINE PARK
If you've just started planning your itinerary, feel free to get inspired by the way we spent our time in the park.
We were this time a bit limited by time, and we would not mind staying at least one extra night in the ideal world, but in general, we would not change a thing.
To get the most from our two-day visit, we decided to reserve a helicopter from Mount Shark Helipad.
We booked 11 AM time, and about midday, our Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park adventure could start.
The views from whirlybird were terrific! It was our first helicopter flight ever, so we were super-excited, but we think no traveler can be immune to views like this.
The Mount Assiniboine helipad is 20 minutes walk to Lake Magog Campground, where we had the reservation.
We pitched a tent, had a quick lunch, and went for a walk.
In one afternoon, you can easily hike to Magog Lake, Sunburst Lake, Cerulean Lake, Niblet Viewpoint & Niblet Peak, and The Meadows.
This loop that included some of the most iconic and best places in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park took us about four to five hours with many photo stops.
The next day we got up early as the hike back to the parking lot was supposed to be about 30 km long. We decided to take the route back via Wonder Pass instead of Assiniboine Pass.
The hike from Mount Assiniboine Park is less strenuous than hiking in the other direction as it goes mostly downhill, and you will get views of picturesque Marvel Lake before you reach the forest and views disappear.
Do not forget that if you flew in, your car is not on the trailhead parking lot but the parking lot near the helipad, and it is an additional 2 km to get there (you don't need to walk on the road but take a shortcut via cross-country forest path).
To hike all the way to Mount Shark makes it a long day - it took us about 9 hours as we had heavy backpacks with sleeping bags and a tent.
You can send your backpack back with a helicopter, but check the schedule as it doesn't fly every day.
BEAR SAFETY
Overall, hiking in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park is a safe activity, but you should know a few things.
First of all, rule number one is always follows designated paths because the high alpine environment is fragile, but that's something that should go without saying.
When entering the Assiniboine Provincial Park, you should keep in mind that you are in a bear country and act according to it.
Especially from June to September, it is feeding season for bears and their cubs, and it's better to take all precautions.
This is the information we emphasize in every single blog post about the Canadian Rockies. This Mount Assiniboine travel guide is no different because of the remote location; the bear activity is often higher.
When planning your trip, you should have at least some basic knowledge of what to do when you encounter a bear plus having a bear spray in your pocket is a must.
During only two days in the park, we saw two huge grizzly bears and two cubs around 200 meters away from us, so we can't stress enough how important it is to be ready for every situation which can happen.
WHERE TO STAY
Spending a night in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park is a sought-after thing both among local and international travelers, and early booking is absolutely essential.
Simply put, this destination cannot be a last-minute addition to your itinerary, but it should be planned ahead of time.
LAKE MAGOG CAMPGROUND
Camping is the cheapest option how to spend a night in the park.
The main campground is called Lake Magog Camp and costs $10 per person plus $6 is a reservation fee. From 2018 the reservation is required and can be made up to 4 months in advance via Discover Camping Reservation System.
The campground has 29 spots and offers everything you might need for a night.
Toilet, greywater pits, water (the water is not drinkable, and you should either treat it or boil it before use), but we drank it as most visitors without treatment, and didn't experience any issues), open kitchen shelter, and bear lockers.
For more camping tips, read our guide on Camping in the Canadian Rockies.
HUT AND LODGE
The other two accommodation options are bookable via Assiniboine Lodge directly.
The five Naiset Huts are rustic dorm-style accommodation. It provides basic accommodation with a toilet, communal kitchen shelter, and fireplace. The cost is $25 per night, and spots are booked out very quickly.
Reservations are mandatory throughout a year to have the bed guaranteed.
By far the most comfortable (and also the most expensive) accommodation in the Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park is the Assiniboine Lodge.
The summer and winter rates vary but be prepared to pay around $330 per person.
Rates include all meals, guide services, and access to a sauna. The minimum length of stay is two nights. The visit is expensive, but we believe that the night there must be magical, especially in the winter.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN MOUNT ASSINIBOINE PROVINCIAL PARK
Now, when you arrived in the park and accommodated yourself, finally comes the fun part.
To explore the whole area you would need more days, but we have good news. Some of the most photogenic places are incredibly close to campgrounds, huts, or the lodge.
Hiking trails are well-marked, and you should be able to see the most this area has to offer during the afternoon.
Of course, another highlight then is the hike back to the civilization, but now, we want to share with you the top spots you should visit during your time in the park.
MAGOG LAKE
Magog Lake is, thanks to the location, one of the most heavily trafficked sites in the park, but you must take this information with a grain of salt because the number of visitors is low, way lower than at Canadian Rockies' top destinations such as Peyto Lake or Maligne Lake.
The lake nearest to the campground offers spectacular reflections of nearby mountains.
The best part is that a flat path leads around Magog Lake, so you can visit it several times, in the afternoon, evening, and then again in the morning, to capture the best photos.
The best place to take beautiful photos is the most northernmost tip of the lake, but don't worry about it much as views are rewarding from all angles without exception.
In our opinion, Lake Magog is together with Lake O'Hara in Yoho National Park one of the most beautiful lakes in the Canadian Rockies.
SUNBURST LAKE
Another beautiful lake only about 15 minutes walk from Lake Magog Campground is known as Sunburst Lake.
One the way, we came across Lizzie Rummel's old cabin and an incredible number of mosquitos, don't forget to take bug repellent with you; otherwise, you'll be eaten alive.
Mount Assiniboine, the highlight of the whole park, is very nicely visible from Sunburst Lake's shore.
CERULEAN LAKE
It could seem that visiting Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park is only about crystal clear lakes, and this assumption would not be far from the truth.
Cerulean Lake is another noteworthy lake in the park which offers reflections of Sunburst Peak.
The lake is at an elevation of 2250 meters above sea level, but we probably haven't mentioned yet, that the whole park sits relatively high and temperatures can drop significantly at night, so come prepared.
NUB PEAK
One of the most scenic places we've ever visited so far and one of the most iconic locations in the park is Nub Peak.
Nub Peak Trail is the highlight of Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park for an apparent reason. You can make a circuit and walk to Nub Peak via Sunburst and Cerulean Lake and get back to the campground via The Meadows.
The hike to the peak is not somehow steep or technical, but it is definitely a climb compared to paths that led around the lakes.
First, you'll come to the viewpoint called Niblet. No matter how many times you've seen photos from this point, you'll be blown away.
If you're short on time, the trail to Nub Peak is the only one you should take.
From this place, you'll already get rewarding views and ideas about what to expect, but climb a bit further to the Nub Peak to enjoy the scenery even more!
We spent more than an hour on the viewpoint, just sitting there and enjoying the feeling of pure happiness.
A place like this is one of the reasons why we travel. To get the real connection with nature and get away from sometimes too overwhelming civilization.
THE MEADOWS
On the way back from Nub Peak, we decided to walk through the area called The Meadows.
It is possible to get to your accommodation the same way around the lakes, but it would be a shame not to take this opportunity as it is possible to make a loop.
The Meadows did not get the name by mistake, so it is obviously a meadow or rather a chain of meadows that connects the area from the peak to the lodge and basically almost all the way to Wonder Pass.
The Meadows hide lots of small tarns and ponds where the surrounding mountains reflect.
There are also many bushes where bears are feeding in the summer, so make noise when going through this area; we spotted one grizzly bear here.
The Meadows is one of the most tranquil areas in the park, and if you follow our itinerary, it the last thing you'll see that day.
WONDER PASS
It takes about an hour and a half to climb to the Wonder Pass from Lake Magog, and in case you don't plan to walk in or out via this trail from the parking lot, you should visit it on a half-day trip from the campground or huts.
The views from the Wonder Pass are stunning.
We walked via this pass on the way from the park; as we've heard, it is more beautiful than Assiniboine Pass, but we are pretty sure no choice is wrong here.
MARVEL LAKE
We hiked to Marvel Lake via the Wonder Pass, which is the easier way. The trail leads mostly downhill, and you might want to use trekking poles to ease the pain on your knees.
Marvel Lake is not only one of the most beautiful lakes in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park but also the Canadian Rockies.
We saw it for the first time from the helicopter on the way to the Magog Campground. The scenery with the deep forests surrounding the lake and the rugged Mount Assiniboine in the background was mindblowing.
If you don't believe us, the lake with a small island is in the photo at the beginning of this article.
It's really not something you see every day, but this is true about plenty of places in the Canadian Rockies.
The views from the trail around Marvel Lake were a bit limited, but the insanely blue color was the same as the day before.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MOUNT ASSINIBOINE PROVINCIAL PARK
Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park is accessible all-year-round, but it is necessary to know that the ever-changing weather in combination with snow covering the area roughly between October and April creates conditions that are not pleasant for all travelers.
This is why the main hiking season lasts from late June to September, which is quite a short period when the demand several times exceeds the supply.
During these months are the trails usually clear of snow, and although it can rain any time of the year, your chances for more stable weather are higher.
Although summer temperatures are high, this is not a rule, and you should always pack for a colder variant.
Mount Assiniboine Park is also popular among adventure travelers and winter sports lovers (cross-country skiing and alpine mountaineering are increasingly popular) who start arriving after the first snowfall.
If you plan on hiking in the winter, you should be well-experienced and have all the necessary gear. Rule number one is to be prepared for every type of weather as mountains in Canada are unpredictable.
WHAT TO PACK
Travelers who plan to visit Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park should be very well aware that the key to success is not underestimating the conditions.
Trekking and hiking are the main activities that can be enjoyed in the area, so it is a place where you should definitely pack outdoor clothes, leave this time your jeans at home.
Here's a list of the essentials we think you should unconditionally have in your backpack (if you carry a tent, you need a big rucksack 45-55L).
You are in a Bear Country, make sure you carry a bear spray.
You can buy the spray in outdoor shops around Canadian Rockies, but the surcharge is usually high, so it is better to purchase this item before your trip.
The area around the lake was pretty uncomfortable to walk through because of the mosquitos, so make sure you have a bug repellent.
For camping, bring lightweight tent, comfy sleeping mat, and warm sleeping bag.
A cooking stove, gas can, and dried food are also a must-have items.
There is no electricity at the campsite, so bring a headlamp.
The success lies in layers, pack functional t-shirts with long sleeves, fleece jacket, rain jacket, same as hiking trousers or leggings and rain pants.
Personally, we would not leave for Mount Assiniboine only in sneakers; hiking boots are a must.
We still think that a rain poncho should have a stable place in your backpack.
We both wear contacts, so we always carry hand sanitizer, which is an essential item to carry for other reasons.
If you do not want to risk drinking untreated water in the park, consider investing in SteriPen or a water bottle with integrated filter, a modern solution for treating water and being a more responsible traveler.
You can also read a more detailed all season Canadian Rockies packing list.
WHERE TO STAY
Depending on your Canadian Rockies itinerary, there are several places where you can spend the night before or after hiking around the Assiniboine Mountain.
If you booked the helicopter flight, always make sure you have enough time to arrive at least 30 minutes before the takeoff.
We’ve recommended the five best hotels below, one hotel for each destination that you can consider booking.
Here's our pick of the best places to stay in the Canadian Rockies.
Calgary | Wingate by Wyndham Calgary Airport - Are you tired after a long flight and don't want to drive? Stay in Calgary, rent a car, and start driving towards the park the next day in the morning.
Banff | Banff Park Lodge - This is an environmentally friendly hotel located in the town center surrounded by stunning scenery. Banff is one of the top tourist destinations in the area, so make your reservations first-minute; closer to the summer, the rates skyrocket.
Lake Louise | Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise - You would hardly find a more iconic hotel in the Rockies. Stunning views of Lake Louise and Victoria Glacier will blow you away.
Jasper | Jasper Inn and Suites - Are you looking for a hotel with an excellent location, cozy rooms, sauna, and steam room? This hotel has it all.
Golden | Best Western Mountainview Inn - Soak in the Golden's history tied to the Canadian Pacific Railway and the logging industry. We recommend you to stay in this hotel, which is a bit off the beaten path.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
