hikes in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park

Situated between Kootenay and Banff National Parks, Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park is an absolutely gorgeous region that features some of the most dramatic and strikingly beautiful scenery in all of Canada. Picturesque alpine meadows, lush stretches of woodland terrain, and jagged mountain peaks - dominated by the imposing, pyramid-shaped Mount Assiniboine - all characterize this stunning swathe of wilderness along the British Columbia-Alberta border.

A pristine alpine playground revered by hikers and mountaineers alike, Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park is a remote area with no access roads, meaning that you can only access it by means of a helicopter or by making the nearly 18.6mi backpacking trek into the core of the park. While this helps to preserve its natural beauty and mystique, it also makes it a real challenge to easily enjoy - although it’s doubtful that anyone has ever had any regrets in making the lengthy trek after experiencing the breathtaking scenery within the park. If you are looking to experience what is arguably the most beautiful alpine scenery outside of the Alps themselves, then you should strongly consider making Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park the destination of your next grand hiking adventure.

9 Amazing Hiking Routes In Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park

Just the fact that you need to either helicopter or hike nearly 18.6mi into the heart of the park makes Assiniboine a tailor made location for an unforgettable hiking adventure. With a variety of trails that range from beginner to advanced, you can customize your experience to suit the age and skill level of everyone in your party, all while witnessing the breathtaking alpine scenery that the region is famous for. The landscape of the park is varied, with beautiful forests, picturesque meadows, and rugged peaks making up the majority of terrain that you will face on your adventures, and in order to fully experience the natural beauty of the park, most people will spend 5-6 days camping and roaming the wilderness to their heart’s content. No matter how long you stay or which trails you set out to conquer, one thing is certain: that your next trek through Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park will be an unforgettable experience that you will cherish for years to come. Check out this list of nine of our favourite hikes in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park here:

• Lake Magog Campground to the Niblet: This trail is a lovely hike through a stretch of forest terrain that will produce stunning panoramic views of nearby mountain peaks. Easy to navigate trails and breathtaking views of Mount Assiniboine make this a great hike that requires little in the way of effort.
• Marvel Lake Trail: Hiking the Marvel Lake Trail is an awesome adventure in the park that will take you across the Alberta-BC border via Wonder Pass. This scenic trail will take you between two campgrounds, so make sure that you want to stay overnight or else you will face a long day of hiking.
• Og Lake: This is a fun trail that isn’t overly difficult or technical, making it an ideal option for an easy adventure in between more challenging day-hikes. While out on the trail, you will pass through gorgeous meadows to reach the shores of a beautiful lake, all while experiencing some amazing views of the surrounding mountainous terrain.
• Nub Peak from Assiniboine Lodge: For the amazingly beautiful scenery, this summit of Nub Peak should really be a more challenging hike. While out on the trail, you will climb uphill above the lakes and forests of the park for a breathtaking sight line towards Mount Assiniboine to the south.
• Lake Magog Campground to Cerulean Lake & Assiniboine Lodge: Another amazing hike setting out from the Lake Magog Campground, this trail will take you through some rugged and undulating terrain for gorgeous views of Mt. Assiniboine and several lakes in the area. Even with the rugged portions of trail, this fantastic day-hike won’t tire you out too much.
• Assiniboine Lodge to Nub Peak Loop: This fantastic outing will see you traverse some difficult terrain; however, the breathtaking views across the mountainous alpine landscape will be well worth the effort. A stunning sightline to Mount Assiniboine awaits, as you climb uphill past several lakes to work around the summit of Nub Peak.
• Wonder Pass Viewpoint Trail: Hiking the Wonder Pass Viewpoint Trail is a bit of a lengthier route; however the terrain along the trail is fairly easy to traverse, making this a beautiful scenic hike that requires little effort for the amazing views. After making your way through the mountain pass, you will experience gorgeous scenery from the vantage point overlooking Marvel Lake.
• The Niblet & Nublet from Assiniboine Lodge: This quick hike follows yet another route in the park that will produce breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape for very little effort. After making your way through forests and meadows, you will traverse a small ridge on the slopes of Nub Peak for amazing views from the Niblet and Nublet.
• Windy Ridge: A relatively challenging trail within the park, the Windy Ridge Hike will take you along an exposed ridgeline for some spectacular views of the alpine terrain. Mount Assiniboine really shines from the vantage point at the top of the trail, as it can be seen dominating the skyline amongst countless other dramatic peaks in the area.

When is the Best Time to Hike in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park?

While Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park is accessible year-round, the best time to explore the region’s beautiful hiking trails is during the late-June to early-October window. At this time, all of the major campsites are open, providing a great base camp and infrastructure for exploring the park. Further narrowing your trip to the mid-July/early-September window will see you experience the most favourable weather and trail conditions in the area.

Other Outdoor Activities in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park

In addition to hiking the stunning trails within Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park, there are a number of other activities that can be sought out to fully experience the wild landscapes of this beautiful region. The dramatic mountain peaks that can be found here offer a natural playground that attracts mountaineers from around the world to climb the rugged terrain, while the serene waterways offer a great chance to relax in the mountain atmosphere and cast a few lines. Other summer activities include horseback riding and hunting, while winter in the park offers world class opportunities for cross-country ski touring. No matter the season, you are guaranteed to find an amazing adventure in Mt. Assiniboine Provincial Park to meet your needs and interests.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park

How do I get to Mt. Assiniboine Provincial Park?

As a remote area without any service roads, Mt. Assiniboine Provincial Park is difficult to reach and will require some planning to do so. The easiest way to access the park is by a chartered helicopter that will take you over the rugged terrain to reach the Assiniboine Lodge in the heart of the park. Alternatively, you can backpack into the lodge via the Mount Shark and Sunshine Village trailheads.

When should I book a trip to Mt. Assiniboine Provincial Park?

Reservations are required for peak season (June-September) overnight stays at the Lake Magog and Og Lake campgrounds, which can be made up to two months in advance of your arrival date.

Is Mt. Assiniboine Provincial Park dog friendly?

While dogs are allowed in the park, they must be kept on a leash at all times to preserve the delicate wildlife of the region. Additionally, dogs are not permitted in any shelters, buildings, helicopters, busses, or gondolas; meaning that the only way to access the park with a canine companion is by backpacking in.

Find other amazing hiking regions in British Columbia

• Whistler
• Kootenay National Park
• Glacier National Park
• Mount Revelstoke National Park
• Yoho National Park
• Strathcona Provincial Park