Last updated on January 4th, 2022 at 03:25 am
When it comes to backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies there are a lot to choose from and I mean a lot! I’ve listed my all time top backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies, these are trips I’ve completed, loved and would absolutely do again. In fact, some of them I’ve already done numerous times!
If you are looking for some inspiration for your next trip, look no further, this is the ultimate list of must do trips in the Rockies. All these trips offer incredible views, well equipped backcountry camping spots and will leave you wanting more!
Brazeau Trail Skyline Trail Skyline Trail Mount Assiniboine Hiking out of Assiniboine
1. Berg Lake, Mount Robson Provincial Park
When you think of backpacking in the Canadians Rockies, images of bright blue lakes, towering mountains and cracking glaciers come to mind. The Berg Lake Trail has it all, making it number one on my list of top backpacking trips in the Rockies! A really popular backpacking trip, you certainly won’t be alone out here but the views and hiking from Berg Lake make it a once in a lifetime trip.
A multitude of campsites along the trail make this an accessible option for most people, allowing them to split the hike to Berg Lake into numerous manageable days, while strong backpackers can hike all the way in, in one day. Every kilometre of the trail offers new and incredible views meaning you can’t go wrong when picking a place to spend the night along the trail.
2. Maligne Lake, Jasper National Park
Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park is a canoe trip, so you’ll paddle your way to each campsite rather than walk. Get out on the lake early for glass reflection water and a completely peaceful experience.
With only eight tent pads at the back campsite, Coronet Creek, you’ll find a peaceful haven to relax and enjoy a side of Maligne Lake that very few others ever will. Not to mention a night spent at Fishermans Bay Campsite leaves you just one kilometer from Spirit Island, a perfect spot to watch the sun set after the tour boats finish.
3. Assiniboine Provincial Park
Assiniboine is big on views! It’s also big on distances, it’ll take you approximately 30km of hiking to get to the main core of Assiniboine Provincial Park, don’t panic though, there are campsites along the way of each route into the park, so you can split up the hike in and out.
Once you get to the park, make sure to spend a few nights out there, there are a lot of day hiking options which will blow your mind with their incredible views! These views make Assiniboine Provincial Park number three in my top backpacking trips.
4. Lake O’Hara, Yoho National Park
A truly unique experience and one which is awesome for all abilities. Reservations can be hard to come by but with easy access, via bus and a huge trail system showing off some of the most pristine landscapes the Rockies has to offer, it is no wonder it’s so popular.
Lake O’Hara is beautiful at any time of the year and is also a popular cross country skiing destination as well as a hikers dream in summer. The campground is operated by Parks Canada and is a little bit of luxury, with lights in the bathroom, cooking shelters and running potable water!
5. Rockwall Trail, Kootenay National Park
The Rockwall Trail is not for the faint hearted, this one way trail includes a number of big mountain passes but the views are incredible! The rockwall itself is something to behold, a giant mountain with a running flat edge which pops out of an alpine meadow.
The joy of this trail is that there is access back to highway at numerous points meaning, if the weather turns there are escape routes, or if you aren’t up for the whole trail, you can do a shorter length option. Don’t miss a night at Floe Lake, the nicest campground along the trail.
6. Brazeau Loop, Jasper National Park
The Brazeau Loop is a highly underrated backpacking trip in the Canadian Rockies. It is stunning, involving numerous mountain passes, glacial lakes and comes in at a whopping 81km in length! The Brazeau Loop had to make it on to my top backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies.
Don’t let the length of this trip deter you, with continually beautiful scenery it’s easy to be distracted from the long hiking days between camps. With few tent pads at each site it’s easy to feel totally alone on this wild trail, like you have the whole place to yourself. Good hiking boots are a must not only for the kilometers covered but from the rocky scramble up to the highest part of the trail. For a full trip report head here.
7. Tonquin Valley, Jasper National Park
Wild and rugged is the only way to describe number six on my list of top backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies. Tonquin Valley can be done as an in and out trail or a thru hike. Renowned for being filled with killer mosquitoes and some of the wettest and muddiest hiking trails around, this is a trip which you have to be ultra prepared for.
Don’t let the negatives put you off though, the highlight of this trip, the towering Ramparts which spring up from behind Amethyst lake are an incredible sight to behold. A night spent at Amethyst Lake campground is a definite must if you are hiking this trail.
For those less inclined to camping, there is an ACC hut close by and two horse and hike outfitters which offer accommodation near the lake in Tonquin Valley.
8. Skyline, Jasper National Park
The Skyline trail in Jasper is probably the most popular backpacking trail in the Canadian Rockies, it slips into my number seven spot of my top backpacking trips mostly because this trip is very weather dependent. With such a large proportion of the trail above treeline, you can be somewhat exposed to the elements even at the campgrounds.
The highest part of this trail, The Notch, is quite the climb with an overnight pack and often holds snow way into summer. The views from up here and the preceding walk along the ridge are by far the highlight of this trip, looking back through the valley you’ve just hiked through on one side and Jasper on the other side. It is beautiful, but the weather can change quickly making this a trail best done in fair weather! Check out my experience on the Skyline trail here.
9.) Skoki Loop, Banff National Park
Backpacking the Skoki Loop near Lake Louise is a somewhat underrated treasure. There are a number of campsites in the area meaning you can do any length of trip from one night to four or five.
There are lots of easily accessible scrambles in the area and Baker Lake backcountry campground is one of the most scenic I’ve stayed at, right on the shore of a beautiful lake with incredible mountain views on the other side.
The Skoki Loop is popular, especially in larch season when the surroundings turn gold with the many larch trees in the area.
8.) The Iceline, Yoho National Park
The Iceline trail in Yoho National Park can be done as a day trip or as a variety of different backpacking options depending on ability and time. I covered it over two nights and three days, taking in Laughing and Twin Falls on day one, the Whaleback on day two and the Iceline on day three, an awesome loop.
Since you can split this trip into many days, it’s a great option for families. The views along the iceline are incredible and worth the elevation gain. The closest I think I’ve ever come to so many glaciers on one hike!
Not all of these backpacking trips will be for everyone, this is just a quick run down of the favorite trips I’ve completed so far. Before heading out on any backpacking trail in the Canadian Rockies, make sure you have done lots of research and have the relevant bookings for all the campsites. Never forget, weather can change quickly in the mountains and it’s important to have an escape plan if you can’t complete a trip. Happy hiking!
