From Mount Assiniboine, the 'Matterhorn of the Rockies', vast alpine meadows stretches far to the south. Add forested valleys and rocky peaks and you have a world-famous hiking area which we look forward to sharing with you.
This hike is designed specifically for backpackers who want to avoid more difficult itineraries whilst still preserving a true backcountry experience. From the vast park-like Assiniboine Meadows you drop into the eerie rockscape of the aptly named "Valley of the Rocks". From here you climb to Citadel Pass and back to beautiful meadows which will lead us to the trip's conclusion at Sunshine Village.
Join our guides in July and August when the alpine wildflowers are in full bloom or in September when the whole landscape blazes yellow and orange as the larches change color before winter. If great scenery, healthy exercise and good company sound like a great outdoor holiday then come and join our guides for an unforgettable mountain experience.
From
Availability (2025):
July 16-20
Aug 10-14
Sep 10-14
Price: $2060 CAD per person
INTERNATIONAL NUMBER: +1 778 348 1676
You can also send an email to info@adventures.com, or use the contact form here below.
Find out more details about the tour and its highlights
Guide information: There will be a maximum of eight guests and a minimum of three. Your guide will be a fully-trained professional, licensed by Parks Canada.
Restrictions:
Prior hiking experience is not a prerequisite but is recommended. Participants must be in the good physical condition and able to carry a backpack over hilly terrain for three days. You will be carrying backpacks of as much as 14 kg (32 lbs) on the final three days of hiking. The trails are generally excellent and there is not too much climbing involved.
Transportation: Trips originate and end in Canmore, Alberta.
Weather: Summer temperatures average 15 to 25 degrees Celsius.
Meals & Dining:
The guides will supply all meals and trail snacks from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 5. Groups generally go out for dinner in Canmore on the final evening (own cost).
Trail cuisine is prepared from lightweight wholesome ingredients including custom-made dehydrated dinners. For guests with dietary restrictions, we are able to modify the program food pack to meet your individual needs.
At 8.00 am we meet at the classroom 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 10.30 am. Twenty-eight kilometres and a twelve-minute helicopter flight lea...)
At 8.00 am we meet at the classroom 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 10.30 am.
Twenty-eight kilometres and a twelve-minute helicopter flight leave 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 Assiniboine Lodge. Once we have set up our tents we are free to go for a walk to nearby Sunburst and Cerulean Lakes. Their names give a testament to their beauty.
There are many options … the meadows and views are gorgeous. An enjoyable day that allows us to gradually acclimatize to the altitude and get used to hiking. Guests can choose to finish off with tea and cake at the Lodge. (Cash only))
There are many options … the meadows and views are gorgeous. An enjoyable day that allows us to gradually acclimatize to the altitude and get used to hiking. Guests can choose to finish off with tea and cake at the Lodge. (Cash only)
Now the backpacking begins and we embark upon the most scenic hiking route out of Assiniboine, to Sunshine Meadows via Citadel Pass. Today we head south across the meadows to Og Lake from where the trail descends among the eerie formations of the Val...)
Now the backpacking begins and we embark upon the most scenic hiking route out of Assiniboine, to Sunshine Meadows via Citadel Pass. Today we head south across the meadows to Og Lake from where the trail descends among the eerie formations of the Valley of the Rocks. Dropping further we enter the Golden Valley to reach our campsite below Citadel Pass for a welcome cup of tea. Distance 16km, elevation gain 250m, elevation loss 565m.
A steady climb of 430m brings us to the summit of Citadel Pass. Hiking upwards we may be distracted by bighorn sheep at a “mineral lick” not 200m from the trail or by the profusion of wildflowers in the slide paths. Halfway to Citadel Pass we emerge ...)
A steady climb of 430m brings us to the summit of Citadel Pass. Hiking upwards we may be distracted by bighorn sheep at a “mineral lick” not 200m from the trail or by the profusion of wildflowers in the slide paths. Halfway to Citadel Pass we emerge back into the meadows and stop above an alpine lake for a break. Soon after we will be able to see far across the meadows to Sunshine Village, tomorrow’s destination. Behind us rises Mount Assiniboine, still dominating the skyline. We continue for another 3.5km to our campsite which is nestled in the trees by Howard Douglas Lake. An optional hike up Quartz Hill provides views in all directions and will finish the day off nicely. Distance 7.5km, elevation gain 500m.
The last leg of our journey takes us 6km across the famous Sunshine Meadows to the Sunshine Village ski area and an optional side trip to Rock Isle Lake. It’s all downhill from here with a gondola ride to the valley floor where transport to Canmore a...)
The last leg of our journey takes us 6km across the famous Sunshine Meadows to the Sunshine Village ski area and an optional side trip to Rock Isle Lake. It’s all downhill from here with a gondola ride to the valley floor where transport to Canmore awaits. Distance 6km, elevation gain 250m, elevation loss 400m.
Deposit and taxes
Pricing does not include: 5.00% GST.
A 35% deposit is required to hold your reservation.
Balance of payment is due 57 days before trip commencement.
CANCELLATION POLICY & DETAILS
You have 24 hours from when you make your booking to change or cancel with no charge to you (provided your booking does not depart within 15 days).
If canceling your public or private program anytime between the time of booking and up to 57 days before the program start, you will receive a full refund less a $100.00 (plus tax) administration fee and less a 4% service fee. The 4% service fee is calculated on the total amount being refunded for the canceled program. This includes the program fee, any program add-ons (such as gear rental) and taxes.
Cancellation less than 42 days before the program start and during the program results in a loss of the entire amount paid. We will gladly accept a substitute guest should you not be able to attend provided they meet the prerequisites for the program.
Between 56 days and 42 days before the program start, 60% of the program cost will be refunded.
We will gladly accept a substitute guest should you not be able to attend provided they meet the prerequisites for the program. Cancellations must be received in writing (letter, fax or email).
