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12 Breathtaking Backpacking Trips in the Canadian Rockies

Icy blue lakes, towering mountains, and forest as far as the eye can see.

By: The Outbound Collective + Save to a List

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!

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