Mount Assiniboine Park: Ultimate Hiking Guide 2023
Mount Assiniboine Park is a provincial park in the Canadian Rockies, on the border between British Columbia and Alberta.
Home to breathtaking and abundant wildlife, the park is an idyllic destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
It also happens to share a name with one of the best parks in Winnipeg.
Each year, thousands of people visit the park looking to escape the hustle of modern life.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time visitor, this guide will equip you with everything you need to know to experience the natural beauty of Assiniboine Park.
Where is Mount Assiniboine Park located?
Assiniboine Park is situated in the southeastern part of British Columbia and the southwestern part of Alberta. The park’s main entrance is located on the British Columbia side, near the town of Banff, Alberta.
The entrance is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Banff and a 2-hour drive from Calgary.
Best Time to Visit Mount Assiniboine Park
Hikers and campers will find the best time to visit Mount Assiniboine Park is typically between June and September when the weather is most favorable along the trails.
This is, however, peak tourist season, so accommodation will usually cost more.
That said, the park does stay open year-round, and each season has its own unique attractions.
Those interested in winter sports like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or ice fishing will find the park to be a great destination during the colder months.
Keep in mind, however, that the park is less accessible during the winter, and the extreme weather conditions can be dangerous if you’re not properly prepared.
How many days do you need to explore Mount Assiniboine Park?
On average, it takes about 5 days to hike from the trailheads for an overnight stay at Mount Assiniboine Park and back. Give or take a couple of days depending on your route and hiking ability.
This means to fully experience the park, you will need to plan for between 3-7 days of camping.
That said, you can still experience plenty of what Mount Assiniboine Park has to offer without having to spend a week in the wilderness.
A one-day trip is largely sufficient to hike along one of the park’s shorter trails while still experiencing a good deal of natural beauty.
Meanwhile, if you want to stay overnight and camp or stay at Assiniboine Lodge, you can plan for somewhere around 2-3 days.
This will give you plenty of time to hike along some of the more popular trails, such as the 4-hour-long Nub Peak trail, accessible from Assiniboine Lodge itself.
How long you stay at Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park depends on what you want to see and do. However, the general rule is, the more time you have, the more trails you can explore.
What to Pack and Prepare for Your Trip
So you’ve decided how long you want your trip to last. Now it’s time to stuff your backpack with everything you will need.
Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park may be undeniably beautiful, but as a testament to Mother Nature, it is also unpredictable.
It’s important to pack appropriately for the remote wilderness conditions, starting with the following essentials:
- Appropriate footwear: Comfortable, sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support and traction are essential for navigating difficult terrain.
- Clothing layers: Dress in layers and bring a warm jacket, rain gear, and clothing that can wick away moisture to stay comfortable in all weather conditions.
- Navigation equipment: Bring a map, compass, or GPS device and know how to use them in case of getting lost. Do not depend on devices that require a cell connection or internet access, as the park has no cell coverage.
- First-aid kit: A basic first-aid kit with supplies such as bandages, gauze, antiseptic, and pain relievers is essential for emergencies.
- Water and hydration system: Bring enough fluids to stay hydrated during your hike. Water bladders or filtration systems are good to consider as well.
- Food and snacks: Bring high-energy snacks and packed lunch meals to fuel your adventure. Remember that there are no restaurants in the wilderness, so if you don’t bring food, you need to know how to find it in the wild.
- Sun protection: Sun hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are important to protect your skin from the sun’s harsh rays. This goes for winter as well as summer since glare from snow can still be harmful and cause snow blindness.
- Insect repellent: Mosquito repellent is a must-have in the summer months when the bugs are most active and become dangerous vectors for disease.
- Camera equipment: Mount Assiniboine Park offers plenty of photo opportunities, so bring a camera with extra batteries and memory cards to capture your adventure. Drones and drone cameras are not allowed in the park.
Aside from these essential items, there are other things you might want to consider bringing, such as binoculars for bird watching, cookware for backcountry camping, and a portable charger for your electronics.
Be sure to pack your gear in a durable backpack and avoid overpacking to ensure a comfortable hike. Proper preparation and packing will make your trip to Assiniboine Park safe and enjoyable.
Safety Tips for Hiking in the Park
Of course, no amount of equipment and gear will help someone who doesn’t know the basics of wilderness exploring. Numerous potential dangers exist within the park, threatening the safety of anyone who does not respect it.
Therefore, it’s important to be aware of these dangers and take precautions to stay safe. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when hiking in the park:
- Check the weather forecast: Check the weather forecast and plan your hike accordingly. Be prepared for sudden changes in weather and bring appropriate gear for rain or snow.
- Stay on designated trails: It’s important to stay on designated trails to avoid getting lost or injuring yourself in rugged terrain. Venturing off-track can also damage fragile ecosystems and harm wildlife.
- Know your limits: Hiking in Assiniboine Park can be challenging, so choose a hike that matches your experience and fitness level. Do not attempt to push yourself beyond your abilities.
- Let someone know your plans: Always let someone know your hiking plans, including your expected route and return time. This way, if something goes wrong, rescue crews can be alerted and dispatched to your location.
- Be aware of wildlife: Assiniboine Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears and cougars. Make noise while hiking to avoid surprising animals, keep a safe distance, and carry bear spray in case of an encounter.
How to Get to Mount Assiniboine Park
Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park can be accessed by helicopter, horseback, or on foot. There are no roads that lead directly to the park, so visitors must choose between these three options.
Helicopter
Assiniboine Lodge offers helicopter flights to Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park from Canmore and Mt Shark. Flights operate on Wednesdays and Sundays in the winter, and on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays in the summer.
There are a number of helicopters that provide service to the park, and most depart from either Canmore or Mount Shark.
The flights take a little over 15 minutes on average and offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains. This comes at a high price tag though.
Helicopter access is the most expensive means of getting to the park, so it’s important to factor in the cost when planning your trip.
Prices for helicopter flights vary depending on the season.
A Canmore one-way flight costs $230 per person plus tax in the winter, and a Mount Shark one-way flight costs $200 per person plus tax. These prices go up by $5 in the summer.
There is also a flying gear fee of $5 per pound one way and an excess baggage fee of $5 per pound one way.
To book flights online, you need your Naiset Hut, Hind Hut, or campsite confirmation number, everyone’s first and last names, and a tally of everyone’s body weight in pounds.
Rules are strict regarding helicopter flights, so review them before booking. Missing luggage weight or body weight incurs a $50 cancellation fee, as does failure to show for a reservation.
Hiking and Trailheads
Assiniboine Provincial Park is a popular destination for hiking enthusiasts, and there are several trailheads to choose from depending on your interests and skill level.
Each trailhead offers a different route and level of difficulty, so make sure to research each option before deciding which one to take.
The most popular trailheads are Sunshine Village and Mount Shark, which both offer access to Magog Lake and the park’s backcountry camping areas.
Sunshine Village Trailhead
Length: 26 km (16 mi)
Duration: 9 Hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Sunshine Village Trailhead is located at Sunshine Mountain Lodge, which can be accessed via gondola. This is the most popular trailhead leading into Assiniboine Provincial Park.
This route is approximately 26 km (16 mi) one way and on average, can be completed in under 9 hours. Of course, less experienced hikers can take their time and stretch the journey across 2 days.
Note that you can also opt not to take the gondola and instead make the climb from the Sunshine Village parking lot, at the cost of an additional 6 km (3.7 mi) to your hike.
Mount Shark Trailhead (aka Bryant Creek)
Length: 28 km (17.4 mi) for Assiniboine Pass, 26 km (16 mi) for Wonder Pass
Duration: 9 Hours
Difficulty: Hard
Mount Shark Trailhead is located approximately 30km south of Canmore, Alberta. This trailhead offers a more remote and challenging hiking experience and is the starting point for the popular Bryant Creek route.
The trail begins at the parking lot and heads westward towards the Bryant Creek Shelter.
From there, the trail continues until branching northwest towards the Assiniboine Pass, which offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, and southwest along Marvel Lake.
The paths eventually merge past Wonder Peak. From the pass, the trail descends into the valley, finally reaching Magog Lake.
The Assiniboine Pass route is approximately 28 km one way, while the Marvel Lake route is approximately 26 km. Both routes take roughly 9 hours to complete.
Both branches are considered challenging, as they largely consist of uphill climbs. As a result, visitors will often opt for the Sunshine Village trailhead to access the park and take one of the Mount Shark routes back down.
Both routes offer beautiful scenes and are suitable for advanced hikers, though many will argue that Wonder Pass, with its view of Marvel Lake, offers superior vistas.
Horseback Riding
To ride horses in the park, you must first obtain a letter of permission from British Columbia Parks and carry it with you.
These horseback riding permits must be filed at least a week before entering the park.
Also, while the park allows the regulated use of horses within the grounds, there are no companies that offer horseback riding services in the area. This means if you want to ride, you will have to bring your own horse.
An important thing to remember is that the Mount Assiniboine Park Horse Use Policy sets out several rules and regulations that must be followed.
Riders are not allowed to take their mounts to Assiniboine Lodge, the Naiset Cabins, Wonder Pass, or Citadel Pass.
Horses, as large animals, are regulated within the park as they may pose a threat to hikers on especially narrow paths. These areas are designated as hiking-only for the safety of on-foot travelers.
This means that riders looking to spend a night in these areas must leave their horses at O’Brien’s Meadow horse camp before entering the lodge area. Mounts are also allowed to graze in Og Meadows.
Accommodations in Mount Assiniboine Park
Most visitors to Mount Assiniboine Park will want to stay at least a night to experience the full breadth of what the Canadian wilderness has to offer. Where to stay and how to get there will vary with your plans.
Most visitors to Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park looking to stay the night will want to look at one of the various campsites in the area. However, it is also possible – albeit difficult – to secure reservations at the Assiniboine Lodge or Naiset Huts.
Assiniboine Lodge
This mountain lodge is famous for offering a unique experience that combines rustic charm with modern amenities. Visitors can either stay at one of the main lodge’s guest rooms or rent out one of the guest cabins.
Assiniboine Lodge has a total of 6 guest cabins. Each can accommodate 2 guests in the winter, and up to 5 guests in the summer.
The cabins provide an intimate and cozy setting for your stay, featuring a combination of double beds and single beds, and/or bunk beds.
While the cabins do not have indoor toilets, guests can use the toilet facilities located in the lodge. Alternatively, guests can use one of the outhouses, all available within 100 meters (328 ft) of each cabin.
The cabins are heated by propane heaters controlled by a thermostat, and lighting is provided by propane lights, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. For showering and relaxation, guests can enjoy the communal sauna and shower house.
There is one thing about the guest cabins that can make or break your decision to stay: during the summer season, guests can use a vanity with cold running water. However, running water is not available in the winter months.
Thankfully, Assiniboine Lodge does provide guests with warm washing water delivered each morning, all year round, which is appreciated.
Visitors who prefer a more private accommodation option will want to stay at the main lodge cabins.
During summer, the main lodge can accommodate up to 15 guests in total, with up to 3 people per room. Each guest room comes with a double bed, a double bed plus a single bed, or two to three single beds.
Guest rooms are heated from the living room below. Finally, lights are powered by their micro-hydro system, ensuring sustainable and environmentally friendly operations.
The main lodge rooms are closed in the winter season, unfortunately, but guests may still find accommodation in the cabins.
When it comes to food, guests are provided with all meals, as well as afternoon tea, for the duration of the stay, except for lunch on arrival day.
The professional chef stationed at the lodge serves a selection of hot and cold foods for breakfast, as well as full three-course dinners. Sandwiches, granola bars, and other high-energy food are served by lodge staff at a lunch station.
Booking for lodge reservations usually begins around 10 months before the season. For example, booking request forms for the 2024 summer season beginning in June go live by August of 2023.
Backcountry Camping Grounds
Backcountry camping is one of the best things to do in the summer, and an excellent way to experience the great outdoors. Here are a few campsites in the park for visitors to check out:
- Og Lake Campground: Located a little over 7 km (4 mi) north of Lake Magog, Og Lake Campground offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. It has 10 tent pads.
- Magog Lake Campground: These grounds are located along the eastern shore of Lake Magog and offer what are arguably the best views of Mount Assiniboine in the park. It is one of the most visited grounds in the park, with 40 tent pads.
- Mitchell Meadows Campground: Located west of Elizabeth Lake and Chuck’s Ridge, the remoteness of this camp attracts those aiming for a true mountain-living experience. It has 10 tent pads.
- McBride’s Camp: McBride’s Camp is a quieter and less crowded option close to Marvel Lake with a total of 5 tent pads. This is a good place to rest for hikers looking to take an early break before taking Assiniboine Pass.
- Porcupine Camp: Located at the base of Citadel Pass, it offers access to nearby hiking trails. It has 8 tent pads and is an easy stop for visitors opting to take the trailhead from Sunshine Village into Mount Assiniboine Park.
- O’Brien Meadows Group Camp: This camp is located just south of Assiniboine Pass and north of the lodge. It is intended for groups and must be reserved with a minimum group size of 15 people, and a maximum size of 25.
Each tent pad can house up to 2 tents, and each tent can house up to 2 people.
If you do choose to stay at one of the campsites, you will need to book a reservation through the British Columbia Parks website before traveling to Assiniboine Park.
The park does not offer first-come, first-serve campsites during the summer months.
This applies to all camping grounds except for O’Brien Meadows, which is managed by – and must be booked through – Assiniboine Lodge.
Any person 16 years old and up is allowed to make a reservation for a campsite.
Visitors may only book reservations starting 4 months before their expected arrival date. In addition, the reservation must not be made later than 5 PM of the expected arrival date.
Whoever books the reservation must designate a “holder,” who must be present on-site for the reservation to be valid. If the holder is unavailable, the reservation must be rebooked under a new name.
Keep in mind that when you book your reservation, you will be asked how many tent pads you would like to reserve. Each reservation is limited to a total of 3 tent pads at a time, for a total of 12 people.
The park charges $10 per person per night, halved for children under the age of 16. Children below the age of 5 are not charged, and the Porcupine Campground has no associated fees or charges.
These camping fees are separate from tent pad fees, which cost $6 per tent pad per night.
Park regulations state that reservations are non-transferable. They also cannot be made on-site.
Also of note: once a reservation has been made, you will be sent a confirmation email. It is advisable to bring at least 2 copies of this email with you.
Naiset Huts
The Naiset Huts are another lodging option offered by Assiniboine Lodge. These five log cabins were built in 1925 by A. O. Wheeler, founder of the Alpine Club of Canada.
Each of the five cabins has a different dormitory-style sleeping configuration, with a total capacity of 33 people between them.
The lodge supplies the huts with foam camping mattresses covered in water-resistant material, but guests must bring dishes and utensils.
Each hut has a wood-burning stove for heating. However, guests are not allowed to collect deadfall and twigs to use as firewood.
Instead, they must purchase compressed fire logs at Assiniboine Lodge for $7.00 during the Naiset Huts operational season, which can be kept in a provided storage box.
Visitors who choose to rent out the huts are advised to bring portable light sources, as there are no lights in the huts.
Hungry visitors will want to try the Wonder Lodge Cooking Shelter, which provides guests with a comfortable communal cooking and socializing area.
The Cooking Shelter is open during the Huts’ operational season and provides propane stoves, pots, and pans. Summer drinking water can be obtained from the shelter’s running water or the outdoor water tap.
Guests are allowed to store food inside the Cooking Shelter to avoid food stocks freezing in winter.
That said, there is no running water in the Naiset Huts during the winter. Safe drinking water can be obtained from a stream or melted snow.
Human waste can be disposed of in three outhouses, and guests must pack out all garbage.
Booking the Naiset Huts in particular can be a challenge. While lodge bookings have a waitlist based on guest loyalty and flexibility, hut bookings do not have such a list, and may only be booked via call.
Getting a reservation at Naiset Huts often falls to luck. It is not uncommon for potential guests to compete over the phone line to see who gets through, so be prepared to spend at least a day with Assiniboine Lodge on speed dial.
The huts, just like the lodge, are extremely popular, and bookings can be difficult to get. Once a request form has been submitted, it can take up to 2 months before news arrives regarding the reservation.
Things to Do in Assiniboine Park
Some of the most popular activities in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park include photography, wildlife viewing, and various day trips and excursions. However, visitors are advised to bring their own equipment for these activities.
Photography
The scenery at Mount Assiniboine Park makes it a photographer’s paradise. Some of the best locations for photography include:
- Lake Magog: As well as being the park’s most popular camping site, this turquoise blue lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks is a photographer’s must-see vista. You can take photos from the shoreline or hike up the nearby trails for a higher vantage point.
- Cerulean Lake: This smaller lake located near Lake Magog is another fantastic spot for photo ops. We highly recommend capturing the reflection of the surrounding mountains and trees on the tranquil water.
- Nub Peak: This viewpoint offers stunning landscape shots from the top, with a panoramic view of the surrounding mountain range.
- Wonder Pass: While challenging, this pass offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. It has the best view of Marvel Lake from anywhere in the park.
Wildlife Viewing
Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park is a haven for a wide range of wildlife species. Here are some of the animals you may be able to spot during your visit:
- Bears: A large population of grizzly bears and black bears call Assiniboine Park home. Some trails will close down during periods of high activity, but those that remain open offer ample opportunity to spot them from a distance.
- Moose: Moose are abundant in the park, and you can often find them grazing or swimming. Give moose plenty of room, as they are extremely defensive of their space.
- Mountain Goats: You may find mountain goats in the higher elevations of the park, often along steep ledges. They can be skittish and easy to miss so keep your gaze upward and your eyes peeled.
- Bighorn Sheep: You may also spot bighorn sheep during your visit, especially in the rocky areas of the park. Just like their mountain goat cousins, they are excellent climbers, so the same rules for spotting them apply.
- Golden Eagle: A sparse few people are lucky enough to view this elusive bird in its home territory. Check the skies now and then to find its distinctive brownish-gold feathers for a chance to behold the eagle in flight.
Also remember that wildlife is just that: wild. Always keep a safe distance from any animals you encounter, and never attempt to approach or feed them.
Respect their space and habitat so you can enjoy your wildlife viewing experience in the park.
Day Trips and Excursions
In addition to hiking and camping, there are a variety of day trips and excursions you can take in Mount Assiniboine Park.
- Helicopter tour: A helicopter tour is pricey, but is also an excellent way to get a bird’s eye view of the surrounding scenery. Assiniboine Lodge posts its flight schedules at the helipad, a short walk from the Naiset Huts.
- Horseback riding: While you can’t rent a horse on-site, you are allowed to file for a permit to ride your own horse. Horses have designated rest and grazing sites to keep animals comfortable while you continue to explore on foot.
- Canoeing: As with horseback riding, you will have to bring your own gear, or rent from outside the park in order to go canoeing. Nonetheless, it is a peaceful and scenic way to explore the park’s lakes and rivers.
- Alpine skiing: Mount Assiniboine Park is a popular destination for backcountry skiing. The city of Canmore has numerous options for renting ski equipment, which can then be airlifted into the park via helicopter.