At a majestic 3,618 metres (11,939 ft), Mount Assiniboine stands proud, in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The Alpine Club of Canada wisely reserved a significant 5,120 hectares (12,672 acres) of this wondrous area in 1922, granting it the honour of being named Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park. In 1973, this monumental gesture was magnified seven-fold, expanding the park to its current grandeur of 38,600 hectares (95,383 acres).  This incredible park of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site.

ULTIMATE HIKING EXPERIENCE

Daring to stand taller and more majestic than the rest, Mount Assiniboine absolutely conquers the Canadian Rocky Mountains. This premier backcountry hiking & mountaineering destination is a magnificent melody of sparkling lakes, expansive larch forests, and vibrant alpine meadows.

Behold the wonder of pyramidal peak mountains, meticulously sculpted as glaciers evenly erode the rock on every side. Visible from an astounding hundreds of kilometers away, the dominance of Mount Assiniboine is undeniable and universally acknowledged.

Get ready to explore Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park – where adventure and natural beauty collide spectacularly. Be poised to plan ahead, as this hidden gem has limited accommodations.

Be your very own expedition leader and arrange all your essential requirements two to three years prior to your arrival. And, remember, it’s a land of surprises where weather changes on a whim – summer thunderstorms with hail and snow are just another beautiful spectacle.

LOCATION

Mount Assiniboine lays at the intersection of the renowned Banff National Park and awe-inspiring Kootenay National Park’s untamed western boundary.  The southern boundary is outlined by the towering heights above Deer & Extension Creek Provincial Recreations areas, stretching from Kootenay National Park to the powerful Mitchell River, and then veers east to Banff National Park and the aclamined Continental Divide.

HOW TO GET THERE

Venture into the pristine wilderness where roads cease to be. Trek along established trails with three different hiking options (in Alberta), or enjoy a helicopter transfer from two locations in Alberta – Canmore or Kananaskis (Mount Shark).

Step #1 – Book your Accommodation

Assiniboine Lodge and the Assiniboine Cabins are ‘sold out’ for summer of 2025.  Reservations are made in-advance, check out their Accommodation Request Form for future lodge/cabin bookings.

The Naiet Huts (Arnica, Jonesy, Forget-Me-Not, Aster, Fleabane) booking for summer 2025, will open on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, from 8:30am – 2:30pm Mtn Time by phone only at 403-678-2883. Voicemails and emails will not be accepted.

**The Hind Hut stands as the mark of triumph for mountaineers conquering Mount Assiniboine Perched at the base of the peak, it requires mastery of exposed scrambling routes for access, proving its exclusivity to proficient climbers armed with the right gear and skills. Remember, securing your place in advance is a must.

Reservations for Og Lake, Lake Magog and Porcupine campgrounds can be made up to 4-months in advance via BC Parks. 

Step #2 – Book your Helicopter Transfer

Using your Accommodation confirmation number, you’re all set to book your heli-flight transfer.  

Access: Mount Shark Heli Pad to/from Mount Assiniboine – This heli-pad is a 36.3-km (22.6 mi) drive (approx. 1 hour) south of Canmore, AB.  The drive time from Calgary, AB is 2.5 to 3-hours and from Radium Hot Springs, BC it is 3-hour drive.

Access: Canmore Alpine Heliport to/from Mount Assiniboine (91 Bow Valley Trail).  The drive time from Calgary, AB is 1 hour & 10 minutes and from Radium Hot Springs, BC it is 2-hour drive.

Access: Helicopter transport of ‘gear only’ is available from the ‘Canmore Alpine Heliport’ to assist on your hike in/out on foot.

(OR) Step #3 – Plan your Hike to/from Mount Assiniboine

Mount Shark Trailhead to/from Assiniboine Lodge (27.5-km/17.1-mi) | 8-hours – This is the most popular route along the well-established trail.

Mount Shark Trailhead via Wonder Pass to/from Assiniboine Lodge (26.1km/17-mi) | 9-hours – The route via Wonder Pass offers amazing scenery.

Sunshine Village Resort to/from Assiniboine Lodge (30-kms/18.7-mi) | 10-12 hours – This hike offers the best scenery, with substantial elevation changes. This route can challenge even the experienced day-hiker, so it is recommended that you do this hike over two days.

**If you choose to hike up the gravel road instead of taking the shuttle from the Sunshine Ski Area parking lot to Sunshine Village, add an extra 6.5 km (4.0 miles), scaling 525 meters (1,722 feet) of elevation to your journey (and an extra 2 to 3 hours).

PURPOSEFUL/SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL

These breathtakingly landscapes hold some of our planet’s most delicate ecosystems. Let us not forget how much these precious alpine mountain areas need us to guard them, even as we are drawn into their captivating charm.

The best way to enjoy these backcountry trails is to practice no-trace travel. Our unbounded passion and wealth of knowledge can ensure that not only do we enjoy the mountains’ gifts, but we also leave everything just as it was, for the new visitors to revel in.

A Conservation Pass is required for Kananaskis Country (where the Mount Shark parking lot is located), and a Parks Canada pass (yearly or daily) is mandatory for visiting Sunshine Village and any backcountry campsites in Banff National Park.

Overnight stays at Magog Lake, Og Lake and Porcupine campgrounds require a backcountry permit. Registration is available two weeks in advance of your departure date. As park conditions can change rapidly, we recommend registering as close as possible to your intended arrival date. Backcountry registration permits are final. No changes or cancellations are allowed. Permit registration can be done online.

WHEN TO GO

The hiking season extends from June to October, with peak months being July, August, and September, when the paths come alive with vibrant bursts of alpine flowers. Be ready for any weather, though – surprises at the peak keep things interesting!

Mid-July to mid-August is the warmest, transforming the meadows into a riot of colour – a massive draw for hikers (and insects alike). August stands out for the least amount of snow and the best weather.