12 Breathtaking Backpacking Trips in the Canadian Rockies
Icy blue lakes, towering mountains, and forest as far as the eye can see.
The Canadian Rockies aren't exactly a secret. You've almost certainly seen photos or heard the hype about Jasper, Banff, and Yoho national parks and the surrounding areas. Believe it or not, the lakes really are that blue and the hype is definitely real. As is true with so many of the world's most beautiful places, the Canadian Rockies can get pretty packed with other folks eager to explore. If you want to avoid the crowds and take in these stunning mountains away from the tourist centers, you know what you can do? Yup, head to the backcountry. These backpacking trips will certainly prove that all the amazing things you heard about the Canadian Rockies are true.
1. Backpack Mount Assiniboine Sunshine Village to Mount Shark
Photo: Talia Touboul
2. Backpack the Kananaskis Backcountry
Photo: Matt Clark
3. Backpack the Rockwall Trail
Photo: Erik Turner
4. Backpack the Fortress Cirque
Photo: Stephen Underhay
5. Backpack to Alberta’s Abbot Pass Hut
Photo: Matt Clark
6. Backpack the Vision Quest Trail
Photo: Stephen Underhay
7. Backpack Burgess Pass to the Iceline to Takakkaw Falls
Photo: Natalie Panek
8. Backpack Mount Cline
Photo: Stephen Underhay
9. Backpack to Robson Pass
Photo: Colin Ayers
10. Backpack the Saturday Night Loop
Photo: Talia Touboul
11. Backpack to Berg Lake
Photo: Morgan Lee Alain
12. Backpack the Watchtower Basin
Photo: Christopher Grilz
Cover photo: Matt Clark
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Do you love the outdoors?
Yep, us too. That's why we send you the best local adventures, stories, and expert advice, right to your inbox.
