Mount Assiniboine Walking Tour
Mt. Assiniboine Provincial Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its meadows and easy hiking peaks which lie below the Matterhorn-like summit that towers above. Using a helicopter to transport our guests and gear, we by-pass the typically strenuous hike to reach this alpine paradise. With our food and gear transported in we travel light during the day as we explore the lakes, peaks, meadows and passes that surround our base for the four days.
This relaxed hiking program is for those interested in experiencing four days of walking in the beautiful sub-alpine region. There are not many areas where it is possible to do this and avoid carrying the heavier backpack usually required to visit such a place.
Itinerary
Day 1: Fly to Mount Assiniboine
At 8.30am we meet at the Yamnuska Mountain Adventures office in Canmore. We'll go over the trip with you and check to see that you are properly outfitted before packing and heading to the helipad for 12.30pm.
Twenty eight kilometers and a twelve minute helicopter flight leaves us a world away in a land of lush meadows, turquoise lakes, snow covered glaciers and rocky peaks. We fly from Spray Lakes in Kananaskis Country (50km south of Canmore), to British Columbia's Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park, landing right beside the historic Lodge. We will be based at the nearby Naiset Cabins (the cabins are small basic sleeping accommodations). After settling in we can head out for the remainder of the day to explore a bit and get a feel for the area. Gog Lake is not far away so we can sit by the lake and watch the Osprey fish or the marmot who is checking us out!
Day 2: Day hike
There are numerous trails and scenic circuits to explore. A good outing is to hike on past Gog Lake to Wonder Pass (2395m) with the ridge walk to the summit of Wonder Peak an option if we find there's still energy to spare. The mountain scenery is always spectacular and depending on the season there will be wildflowers or flaming Larches to add to an already inspiring view. Then it's back to the Naiset Cabins for a cup of tea, followed by a hearty meal and a good rest. Distance 7km. Elevation gain 650m.
Day 3: Day hike
Today we will head off in a different direction - Either Sunburst, Cerulean and Elizabeth Lakes, Chuck's Ridge and the Nub (14km, 545m) or to Og Pass and Windy Ridge (17km, 500m). From high alpine meadows to rocky ridges, to crystal clear lakes and deeply shadowed forests, it's all here for us to explore!
Day 4: Our last day in paradise!
We still have some time for a last walk before we fly home in the afternoon, wandering the meadows for the last time we head back reluctantly for the flight to Mount Shark. We should be back in Canmore by mid-afternoon. Join the guides for an evening in one of the local restaurants to cap off a rewarding and enjoyable trip.
Logistics
Meeting Place and Time
We will meet you at our Yamnuska Mountain Adventures office at 8.30am the morning of Day 1.
Our office is located at 200, 50 Lincoln Park, Canmore. See this map for location.
For your greater convenience we offer a pre-meeting shuttle service within Canmore. Please let us know in advance where you will be staying if needing this service. Pickup will occur between 8.00 and 8.20am.
Please ensure that you have your hiking equipment with you.
Guides and Group Size
Yamnuska Mountain Adventure guides are certified through the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides. Our professional guides have extensive experience in the Canadian Rockies. Guides also have advanced wilderness first aid training and heritage interpretation accreditation. Guides carry emergency equipment including a first aid kit, bear spray and radio.
There will be a maximum of eight guests and a minimum of four.
Accommodation and Meals
We will be staying in the historic Naiset Cabins* near lake Magog. These are small log cabins with up to 6 bunks that were built by the Canadian Pacific Railroad to house backcountry tourists in the 1920's and 30's. Much later, in 2007 a cook cabin was built nearby which makes our catering much easier. Yamnuska guests will be able to use the shower facilities at Mount Assiniboine Lodge.
*On late July/early August departures we will be camping at the Magog Lake Campground instead of the Naiset Cabins. This campground is a short 2 km hike from the helipad and has its own cooking shelter. We will be camping in comfortable 2 and 3 person tents for this trip.
Accommodation in Canmore is not included. For your convenience we can arrange hotel accommodations in Canmore for $160 per night. Double or single occupancy, the cost is the same. This accommodation can be booked with the trip online or by calling us. Subject to availability.
You can also make your own arrangements.
Excess luggage can be left at your hotel or our office.
We supply all meals and trail snacks from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 4. Groups generally go out for dinner in Canmore with the guide on the final evening (own cost). Trail cuisine is constructed from lightweight ingredients including our Yamnuska custom-made dehydrated dinners to which we can add a variety of fresh items (we do have to keep baggage weights down for the flight in). Please specify any special dietary requirements you have on booking so we can incorporate them into our menus. In case of more complicated diets a surcharge may apply.
Getting to Canmore and Transportation
Canmore is situated 100km (65miles) west of Calgary on the Trans-Canada Highway. It is well served by scheduled bus lines both from Calgary (airport and downtown), Banff (20km west) and points further west. Calgary International Airport is well connected to major cities throughout North America and Europe. Once in Canmore we will supply all transport needed for the trip.
Frequent shuttles connect Calgary International Airport and Canmore. We would be pleased to arrange your airport ground transportation when you make your booking.
Gear
Clothing and Equipment
We supply group camping and cooking equipment plus a full emergency and first-aid kit. You will need to bring personal equipment (backpack, sleeping bag etc) and clothing. Yamnuska Mountain Adventures does have rental and retail equipment such as sleeping bags, mats, and backpacks. Rental Gear List. Contact us in advance to reserve.
What you bring will have a big impact on the quality of your experience, we especially urge you to read our notes on lightweight gear and clothing.
Please download the list below and make sure that you will have the items listed.
Clothing and Equipment List (pdf)
Contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
Fishing
Sunburst, Cerulean and Magog Lakes fish well for rainbow trout. Participants are welcome to bring lightweight fishing gear. BC licenses are required and can be purchased from Assiniboine Lodge. Fishing regulations apply.
Booking Information
Please book as early as practical to avoid disappointment. A deposit of 35% is required at time of booking. Final payment is due eight weeks before the start of the trip.
For detailed Booking Instructions and Conditions, click here.
Please note that you will be required to sign our waiver before commencing the trip. Click here for waiver copy.
Insurance
In Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park you may have to pay for evacuation should you hurt yourself or fall ill (not astronomically expensive). However, it is wise to ensure that your health plan will cover you in case of illness or accident while here.
Yamnuska offers a "Visitors to Canada Plan and Gold Trip Cancellation and Interruption Plan" through Travel Guard insurance. These plans offer comprehensive coverage for all your travel needs including trip cancellation/interruption, emergency medical expenses, and personal effects loss. For more information and to purchase this coverage visit Travel Guard's website.