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Overview
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!
Sue Garner - Travelled to Atlantic Canada"The excursions were also perfect"
I would like to thank whoever put together the itinerary, chose the hotels and wrote the information for us to use en route. Everything was excellent! Each hotel was very good quality, but very different from the others. We saw such a variety of things. Our information led us to places we would never have found without it. The excursions were also perfect (canoeing, whale watching, sea kayaking), each of them very small businesses but with very friendly staff. Everything was very remote, which is what we expected, but we were so glad that we found it and were able to enjoy the essence of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. Overall, we couldn't fault anything and we would be very keen to use your services again in the future.
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 and...
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 for 12:30. A twelve minute helicopter flight later leaves 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 Lodge. You will be based at the Lake Magog camping area which is 2km away. 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 which...
Day 3
Mount Assiniboine
There are many options … the meadows and views are gorgeous. An enjoyable day which allows the group to gradually acclimatize to the altitude and get used to hiking. 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 shuttle bus 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.
