Mount Assiniboine: Sunshine Village to Mount Shark

This trek specifically covers the distance from Sunshine Village to Mount Shark. You will need a car at Mt. Shark, as there are no shuttles from that location to Canomre or any local areas. Otherwise, you can try to hitch a ride back – your best bet is to talk with some locals or visit the Canmore visitors' center. 

Note: A backcountry permit is mandatory for anyone camping in Banff National Park and must be secured prior to your trip. For reservations visit pc.gc.ca or call 1-877-RESERVE (1-877-737-3783).

Day 1: Sunshine to Porcupine Campground (13.6 km, 8.5 mi)

Start at Sunshine Village parking lot and take the gondola/shuttle bus to the upper alpine Village (for information on hours of operation and prices check their website). You can also choose to hike up (total 5 km, 3 mi). Make your way to the Great Divide, and pass over the invisible line to British Colombia from which point you can see the peak of Mt. Assiniboine. From Sunshine to Citadel Pass is 1.3 km (0.8 mi).

Stay on Citadel Pass for 8 km (5 mi), which crosses Howard Douglas Lake in around 4.5 km (2.8 mi). When you come to Citadel Peak, follow the marker to the Porcupine campground, another 4.3 km (3.7 mi). For those willing to make it to Og Lake in one day, the total distance from Sunshine to the Og Lake campground is 22 km (13.7 mi). Porcupine campground is free and on a first come first serve basis. No reservations are possible. There are bear boxes available to campers.

Day 2: Porcupine to Og Lake (9.3 km, 5.8 mi)

Although day 2 covers a shorter distance, this is considered one of the harder days. There is absolutely no water by about 1.5 km (0.9 mi) in. The last place you can fill up is a small lake about 1 km (0.6 mi) in from Porcupine campground. The last 5.7 km (3.5 mi) to get to Og Lake Pass through the Valley of the Rocks, which can get very hot during the summer. Make sure you have enough water. When you see the peak of Mount Assiniboine coming out of Rock Valley, you are almost there.

You can also choose to continue on to Magog Lake, an extra 7 km (4.4 mi) from Og Lake. Og Lake and Magog Lake have a $10 fee, and both have bear boxes and bear hangs. No reservations are possible – these camps are on a first come first serve basis. Don’t miss out on a swim in the crystal clear water, even though it may be cold. It is well worth the refreshment.

Day 3: Og Lake to Bryant Creek (20.5 km, 12.7 mi)

The 7 km (4.4 mi) to Magog are fast and easy. Spend a day at the Mount Assiniboine Lodge, or take a swim in the cold yet stunning lake. From here, you have access to many passes and day hikes. Check out this adventure for different Mt. Assiniboine options.

From Magog Lake to Bryant Creek you have two options:

Option 1 (recommended)

Wonder Pass is an incredible 13 km (8 mi) hike down into the valley of Marvel Lake, which gives you stunning views of Lake Gloria and Marvel. This pass brings you yet again through the great divide and down into serious bear country. Please make sure you take necessary wildlife precautions, including bear spray. This hike is well named and is highly recommended. It is quite steep, however. Take an extra hour to trek the 1.2 km (0.7 mi) loop to the viewpoint, where you’ll have beautiful views of waterfalls, Lake Gloria and Marvel Peak.

Option 2: Assiniboine Pass to Bryant Creek Trail

This option is recommended when coming in from Mt. Shark. It is not as steep or difficult, but has fewer views and sightseeing point.

Once at Bryant Creek, you have the option of Br. 14 or Br. 13 as campgrounds.

Day 4: Bryant Creek to Mt. Shark (13.5 km, 8.4 mi)

The last 13.5 km (8.4 mi) of your journey will be the easiest ones yet. Take the time to enjoy the shade of the trees, and look out for bear, elk and moose.

For more info on Mt. Assiniboine Provincial Park, head to the BC Parks Website: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcpar...