Exploring Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park: A Hiking Guide
By Kieran Dunch
Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park is one of the most beautiful mountain parks on earth! Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, this pristine wilderness promises awe-inspiring vistas, serene alpine lakes, and the majestic presence of Mount Assiniboine itself. This guide includes details about the park, how to book accomodations, where to stay, and how to get in and out!
One of the things that makes Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park in Canada so amazing is its exclusivity. The two ways into the park are either by taking a 20km+ hike or flying in via helicopter. Despite that fact, it remains one of the most popular parks in the Rockies for backpackers, hikers and Photographers. It is not hard to see why:
A view from the Nub hike, overlooking Cerulean Lake
Entering the Park
Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park is well hidden, placed in a large alpine valley surrounded by mountain ranges, making it inaccessible by car. The are two main ways to get into the park: Helicoptering and hiking, or a combination of both.
Helicoptering is the most expensive option, with flights operating daily leaving from the Mount Shark Trailhead and Canmore. If you are older and/or have the money and want to visit the park, this option is for you. Many hikers use the service to heli in their heaviest gear while they hike the 26-30 km approach in a single day, but that option is for the most ambitious adventurers only.
The cheaper and more realistic option for backpackers is to use one of the three approaches into the park by foot: Wonder Pass, Assiniboine Pass, or the Sunshine Meadows. Each route has their own strengths: Wonder Pass is the shortest, the most difficult but with the most rewarding views, the Sunshine Meadows route is longer but generally easier than Wonder Pass, and Assiniboine Pass is a happy medium in both time and distance. The optimal (but busiest) time to visit the Park is July-August, with warmer temperatures and less rain. Expect unpredictable weather in all seasons.
Stormy skies in july from Wonder Pass
Accommodation
Accommodation is varied in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park, from the pricey yet gourmet Assiniboine Lodge, to the busy Naiset Huts, to the quality backcountry camping site Lake Magog.
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Assiniboine Lodge is an expensive option, but they feature private rooms or cabins, three meals a day and a sauna: https://assiniboinelodge.com/
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The Naiset Huts are much more affordable, but they book up quickly. They are perfect for groups, and they even have room for single hikers. Book in advance, but also be ready to call ahead in case of a last minute cancellation: Naiset Hut Booking
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The Magog Lake Campground is my personal favourite, as both the cheapest option and the most flexible. The campsite comes equipped with tent pads, a covered cooking shelter, bear lockers and a stream that runs right through the campsite! Booking is made possible through the Discover Camping BC Website: https://www.discovercamping.ca/bccweb/
Attractions
Mount Assiniboine itself serves as the backdrop for this gorgeous park.
Nicknamed the ‘Matterhorn of the Rockies’, it stands 3,618 m above sea level, and almost always has a small plume of snow blowing off of its face. If you are lucky enough to catch it on a clear day, prepare to be entranced!
Besides Mount Assiniboine, the whole park is packed to the brim with excellent day hikes. Some campers stay 3-4 days in the park just to take it in! If you get a chance, make sure you summit the Niblet and the Nub, a few small peaks that give a vista of the entire park.
You seriously cannot go wrong, just pick a trail and go! Be sure to walk all the way to the top of Wonder Pass, weather and stamina permitting.
Things to Remember
Before you go, make sure to make these key preparations. These are handy tips always but especially in this park, because of its remoteness.
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Book accommodation in advance: There is a designated Park Ranger in this park making sure that campers have their proper permits and bookings, and if you don’t you may get hit with a hefty fine! Remember that there are many different options for accommodation, so plan your trip ahead of time and you will be fine.
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Bring bear spray: No really, just bring it. And know how to use it. The park is fairly populated with bears, and although you should have no trouble, make sure you are prepared.
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Prepare for all kinds of weather: Mount Assiniboine’s weather system is so micro, and totally unpredictable. We dealt with sun, cloud, snow, sleet, hail, rain and sun again, all within a two hour period! Be sure that even in summer you are prepared to face all kinds of weather, and even negative temperatures (I’m talking °C here).
Have fun and enjoy!
Mount Assiniboine Park is an amazing place, and I hope you find as much inspiration and breathtaking wonder as I did! Bon voyage!