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A Hiking Tour in the Rockies
Mt. Assiniboine Provincial Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Canadian Rockies, is famous for its meadows and easy hiking peaks which lie below the Matterhorn-like summit that towers above.
This relaxed hiking programme is for those interested in experiencing four days of walking in this beautiful sub-alpine region of the Rockies. There are not many areas where it is possible to hike in such an amazing place and yet avoid carrying a heavy backpack. You will take a helicopter flight into the park, which is an added excitement.
Once in the park, walk among meadows and turquoise lakes. Hike up through golden larch trees and along the ridges above and take in the views from a sun-baked summit!
This itinerary is fixed but we can tailor the rest of the holiday to suit you; if you want to add extra days before or after in the Rockies, add in a riding trip, maybe take the Rocky Mountaineer train over to Vancouver or extend your holiday to any other part of Canada. Talk to one of our experts about how to make this holiday the perfect one for you.
Miss Bevins"The holiday was absolutely unbelievable. "
The holiday was absolutely unbelievable. We loved every single second of it from start to finish! The places you booked for us were breathtaking! The trips were great too and we managed to see grizzly bears about 15 ft from us! Such an amazing experience! The hotels that you chose for us were stunning! Jeanette, I could go on forever to tell you about the experiences we had and how much we loved every bit of it! I'm so grateful you organised this for us! It was a holiday of a lifetime! The best memories ever! Thank you so much and I can't wait to book our next trip with you!
Itinerary (6 Nights)
Here’s a day-by-day guide to your itinerary. Feel free to ask us to add other days or ideas and excursions by contacting us directly, so we can give you the best price.
Day 1
Canmore
Fly into Calgary on your flight from the UK and transfer or drive to Canmore....
Day 1
Canmore
Fly into Calgary on your flight from the UK and transfer or drive to Canmore.
1 night in Canmore.
Day 2
Canmore to Mount Assiniboine
Arrive in Canmore to meet with your fellow hikers at 08:30. Go over trip plans...
Day 2
Canmore
to Mount Assiniboine
Arrive in Canmore to meet with your fellow hikers at 08:30. Go over trip plans and equipment, check to see that you are properly outfitted for the expected conditions for the days ahead and ask any questions you might have. Spend some time looking at maps of the area, discussing options and the weather forecast. Head to the helipad at 10:30 and then on to your twelve minute helicopter flight which will leave you a world away in a land of lush meadows, turquoise lakes, snow covered glaciers and rocky peaks. Fly from Spray Lakes in Kananaskis Country (50km south of Canmore), to British Columbia’s Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park, landing right beside the historic Assiniboine Lodge. You will be based at the nearbby O’Brien Meadows. Once the tents are set up you will go for a walk to nearby Sunburst and Cerulean Lakes.
4 nights camping.
Day 3
Mount Assiniboine
There are many options … the meadows and views are gorgeous. An enjoyable day that allows...
Day 3
Mount Assiniboine
There are many options … the meadows and views are gorgeous. An enjoyable day that allows you to gradually acclimatize to the altitude and get used to hiking. You can choose to finish off with tea and cake at the Lodge.
Day 4
Mount Assiniboine to Porcupine
Now the backpacking begins as you embark upon the most scenic hiking route out of...
Day 4
Mount Assiniboine
to Porcupine
Now the backpacking begins as you embark upon the most scenic hiking route out of Assiniboine, that to Sunshine Meadows via Citadel Pass. Today head south across the meadows to Og Lake from where the trail descends among the eerie formations of the Valley of the Rocks. Dropping further you will enter the Golden Valley to reach the campsite below Citadel Pass for a welcome cup of tea. Distance 16km, total elevation gain 250m, total elevation loss 565m, mostly level or downhill but with occasional small hills.
Day 5
Porcupine to Howard Douglas Lake
A steady climb of 430m will bring you to the summit of the Pass at...
Day 5
Porcupine
to Howard Douglas Lake
A steady climb of 430m will bring you to the summit of the Pass at 2360m. Hiking upwards you may be distracted by bighorn sheep at a “mineral lick” not 200m from the trail or by the profusion of wildflowers in the slide paths. Half way to the Pass you will emerge back into the meadows and stop above an alpine lake for a break. The Pass comes soon after and here you can see far across the meadows to Sunshine, tomorrow’s destination. Behind you rises Assiniboine, still dominating the skyline. Once over the Pass continue for another 3.5km to your campsite which is nestled in the trees by Howard Douglas Lake. Energy to spare, then a hike up Quartz Hill for views in all directions will finish the day off nicely. Distance 7.5km, total elevation gain 500m.
Day 6
Howard Douglas Lake to Sunshine Meadows
The last leg of your journey takes you 6km across the famous Sunshine Meadows to...
Day 6
Howard Douglas Lake
to Sunshine Meadows
The last leg of your journey takes you 6km across the famous Sunshine Meadows to the Sunshine ski area an optional side trip to Rock Isle Lake. It’s all downhill from here with a gondola ride to the valley floor where transport to Canmore awaits. This allows you to finish up in Canmore by 3pm. After hot showers and a rest you can head out to celebrate the adventure at one of the excellent local restaurants. Distance 6km, total elevation gain 250m, total elevation loss 400m.
1 night Canmore
Day 7
Canmore
Either transfer or drive back to Calgary airport for your flight home – or maybe...
Day 7
Canmore
Either transfer or drive back to Calgary airport for your flight home – or maybe extend your stay in Canada with a few nights in Kananaskis. Ask us for details.
