For every trek I complete in the Canadian Rockies, I add another two to my list. Either thanks to other avid hikers I meet on the trails, through guidebook recommendations, or through photos I come across online. The hiking season in the Rockies lasts only 3 months, so prioritising and selecting a backpacking trip that suits your abilities and time constraints is essential.
The Best Overnight Backpacking Experiences in the Canadian Rockies and when to book them in 2026
If you are coming to Canada with the intention of road tripping around the Rockies and want to include a multiday backpacking trip in your itinerary, make sure to book the latter first and plan the rest of your holiday around it.
Backpacking experiences in the Canadian Rockies are well sought after. You may have to spend a few hours online reserving the campsites and still not get the booking you hoped for. They book out more than a few months in advance, so planning is not only recommended but necessary.
1. Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park
If I were playing word association with someone and they said “Canadian Rockies,” then “Mount Assiniboine” would be my reply. Mount Assiniboine owes its popularity not only to its beauty but also to its accessibility.
You can reach it by foot, by helicopter, on horseback during summer, or by ski in winter. I cover the first two options in my Photography and Outdoor Guide to Mount Assiniboine.
Mount Assiniboine offers three accommodation options, ranging from over $500 per night at Assiniboine Lodge to $10 per person per night at the campsite.
What’s the best time to visit Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park?
The official season runs from July through September, so it’s best to make reservations later in the season.
September is a popular time to visit, particularly amongst photography enthusiasts. That’s when the larch trees turn yellow, and the surrounding peaks are covered by fresh snow.
The highlights of Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park
The absolute must-do is the hike to Nub Peak, where you get a classic panoramic view of Mount Assiniboine and Magog, Sunburst, and Cerulean lakes.
The shoreline of Lake Magog is a great spot to spend your afternoons and soak in the grandeur of Mount Assiniboine.
Mount Assiniboine stats and overview:
- Location: 45km south of Banff
- Access: Mt Shark Trailhead or Sunshine Village
- Distance: 3 different hiking options between 26km and 30km one-way
- Days recommended: 3 – 5
- Campsite reservation opening times: 3 months before the trip
2. Berg Lake Trail
When the Berg Glacier calves into Berg Lake at night, you sit upright in your tent, wondering what is happening. An experience most people have never had.
The Berg Lake Trail is remarkable for several other reasons as well. The path follows the aptly named Valley of Thousand Falls, eventually ending at Berg Lake, where many extensions can be completed, including one to the summit of Mount Robson – the highest peak of the Canadian Rockies.
Ticking off this peak is another challenge involving 3000m of pure ascent and requiring mountaineering experience.
Best time to hike the Berg Lake Trail
July is a great time to go, as the lakes and waterfalls are at their highest level, and you can see plenty of wildflowers. However, be aware of the summer haze often caused by wildfires and mosquitoes.
The highlights of the Berg Lake Trail
Camping directly on the shoreline of Berg Lake, listening to calving glaciers, and waking up to the first light hitting the highest peak of the Rockies are my favourite memories from hiking along Berg Lake. Plan an extra day for the extension hike to Snowbird Pass and the Mumm Basin route.
Berg Lake Trail stats and overview:
- Location: Mount Robson Provincial Park, 60km west of Jasper
- Access: Mount Robson Visitor Centre
- Distance: 42km return to Berg Lake + extensions
- Days recommended: 3 – 5
- Summer 2026 Campsite reservations opening times: December 2nd 2025
3. Rockwall Trail
One of the more challenging backpacking trips on this list due to frequent daily elevation changes, the Rockwall Trail offers the usual backcountry views: glistening glaciers that flow into clear glacial lakes, alpine meadows, and abundant wildlife.
What sets the Rockwall apart from the others, though, is the famous Rockwall itself. A sheer cliff that stretches along the majority of the undulating trail, with hanging glaciers precariously clinging to its steep face.
Best time to trek the Rockwall Trail
The second half of July is a great time to go if you would like to see the endless wildflower fields. However, if, like me, you are a sucker for autumn colours, then plan your Rockwall backpacking experience for the second half of September. Please note that snowstorms are not uncommon at this time of year.
The highlights of the Rockwall Trail
Rockwall Trail traverses through three major passes in the Kootenay National Park: Tumbling Pass, Rockwall Pass, and Numa Pass. All three offer fantastic views of the Rockwall and many other surrounding peaks.
Staying at the Floe Lake campsite last night was the cherry on top of the cake for me. You can’t beat taking a dip in an extraordinary alpine lake after battling through sweat and tears whilst climbing up and down those passes.
Rockwall Trail: stats and overview
- Location: Kootenay National Park
- Access Point: Paint Pots Trailhead, Floe Lake Trailhead
- Distance: 54 km
- Days recommended: 4 – 5
- Summer 2026 Campsite reservations opening time: Monday, January 26 at 8:00 AM, MST.
4. Skyline Trail
This famous relocation hike along the Maligne Range in Jasper National Park tackles three mountain passes. The Skyline Trail is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after backpacking trips in Jasper NP.
The highest point of the Skyline Trail – the Notch can hold snow until the end of August. Mount Tekarra is another prominent view along the trail, which features several creek crossings, alpine tarns, and extensive time above the tree line.
Best time to backpack the Skyline Trail
The infamous Notch holds snow and dangerously looking cornices into August. Plan your trek for August or September to avoid mud, snow, and, most importantly, mosquitoes.
The highlights of the Skyline Trail
Three locations along the Skyline Trail have stuck with me. The first was the beautiful Curator Lake just before reaching the Notch; the second was hiking along the Skyline Ridge with extensive views of the Jasper National Park ranges; and the third was the view of Mount Tekarra as we approached our last campground.
Skyline Trail: stats and overview
- Location: Jasper National Park
- Access Points: Mt Signal trailhead and Maligne Lake trailhead
- Distance: 44km
- Days recommended: 2 – 4
- Summer 2026 campsite reservations opening time: Wednesday, January 28 at 8 AM Mountain Standard Time
5. Tonquin Valley
The Rampart Mountain Range runs along the Great Divide, marking the border between Alberta and British Columbia. The trail’s highlight, the Amethyst Lakes, lies just below these jagged peaks.
An endangered species of Woodland Caribou, which numbered less than 500 in Jasper National Park, frequents the area, as well as several grizzly sows and numerous moose.
The best time to backpack through the Tonquin Valley
Tonquin Valley holds a dark secret. In July, swarms of mosquitoes frequent the area, making it impossible to enjoy the hike. If you choose to backpack in the Tonquin Valley, plan your trip after mid-August or in September.
The highlights of the Tonquin Valley trek
Both times I visited the Tonquin Valley, I was mesmerised by the Ramparts mountain range shooting straight out of the Amethyst Lakes. I also had some incredible wildlife encounters, including a Woodland Caribou, a Moose, and a Grizzly sow with two cubs, a story I will be telling for the rest of my life.
Tonquin Valley: stats and overview
- Location: Jasper National Park
- Trailheads: Portal and Astoria
- Distance: 44km
- Days recommended: 3 – 5
- Summer 2026 campsite reservations opening time: Wednesday, January 28 at 8 AM Mountain Standard Time
6. Maligne Lake
A paddling excursion on Maligne Lake can be as straightforward or challenging as you make it. The focus for most people is Spirit Island, one of Jasper’s most photogenic spots, located 1km from the Fisherman’s Bay campsite. From here, the view into the Valley of the Gods is breathtaking.
Some cruises can take you to this spot every half an hour, but they only give you a glimpse of what the lake offers.
Additionally, the cruises do not take you beyond Spirit Island. If your inner explorer yearns for more, you must choose to paddle. Follow my guide for Maligne Lake and Spirit Island to learn more.
The best time for an excursion along the Maligne Lake
Similar to the Tonquin Valley, you can reserve campsites at Maligne Lake from July through September. However, because of the proximity to water, unless you enjoy being eaten alive by mosquitoes that swarm in July, hold off on your trip until at least mid-August.
Both times I made this trip, it was in September, when tourist traffic significantly declined. I’d recommend going then.
The highlights of Maligne Lake
When paddling across Maligne Lake, I was fortunate to spot a black bear. It walked along the shoreline, eventually jumped into the lake, swam a few meters away from us, came out of the water, shook off, and disappeared into the forest. It’s impossible not to love the Canadian Wildlife.
Another highlight was having Spirit Island to ourselves both times wehave taken this trip and witnessing one of the most beautiful sunrises in the Rockies to date.
Maligne Lake: stats and overview
- Location: Jasper National Park
- Distance: 46km return to Coronet Creek, 26km return to Fishermans Bay
- Days recommended: 2 – 4
- Summer 2026 campsite reservations opening time: Wednesday, January 28 at 8 AM Mountain Standard Time
7. Lake O’Hara
Lake O’Hara is a great option for someone looking to get an introduction to backcountry camping. However, the campsite at Lake O’Hara is the hardest to reserve on this list and largely depends on luck. In recent years, a random draw system was introduced.
It’s easy to understand why. It’s in the backcountry but has many amenities of a frontcountry campsite. You can get a bus in and out; the toilets are serviced daily; there are several cooking shelters; and there is even a small shop.
Similar to Mount Assiniboine, it has three different types of accommodation: the Lake O’Hara Lodge, the famous Elizabeth Parker huts, and the best-maintained backcountry campsite in the Canadian Rockies.
The area offers many trails, from lakeside strolls to challenging scrambles, suitable for every fitness level. I cover all the options in my Lake O’Hara Guide.
The best time to visit Lake O’Hara
The official season lasts from the third week of June until the start of October. My favourite month for hiking in the Rockies is September, when the days are cooler, the air crisper and the autumn colours appear.
However, scoring a reservation at a Lake O’Hara campsite is more complicated than getting tickets to the Glastonbury festival, so be happy if you manage to secure any spot within those 3 months.
The highlights of Lake O’Hara
Lake O’Hara offers excellent photography locations, but one stands out. It’s the famous view over Lake O’Hara from the hike to the Opabin Plateau.
Unlike many other spots overrun by visitors, thanks to the limited number of visitors to Lake O’Hara each day, this spot, albeit famous, remains relatively quiet.
Lake O’Hara: stats and overview
- Location: Yoho National Park
- Distance: Bus in/out (or 11km one-way hike, 22km return)
- Minimum days recommended: 3
- Summer 2026 campsite reservations opening time: Thursday, January 22 at 8:00 am Mountain Standard Time
Tips on multi-day backcountry camping in the Canadian Rockies
Stay up to date with reservation timelines
Make sure you stay up to date with the reservation timelines. Even being a few days late could ruin your plans.
Search for cancellations
Even if the campsites are fully booked, it’s always a good idea to check for cancellations. They are very common, so if you’re flexible, you may still be able to go.
TIP: You weren’t able to book? Don’t fret. Receive a text message when a cancellation occurs. Just register with Outdoor Status, pick dates to track, and get notified when a spot opens.
Pack for the worst possible conditions.
That way, you’ll be prepared no matter what the weather does. Make sure your shoes are broken in.
Expect wildlife encounters
Take bear spray and expect wildlife encounters. Know what to do and how to act with each creature. It could save your life.
Know your limits
If you push yourself too hard, you might endanger yourself and others.
I Could be interested in a multi day trekking in N.p. jasper…Have you got some suggestions? Carla
Hi Maria. Yes look into Tonquin Valley or Skyline Trail. I hope that helps!
Loved reviewing your site! I’ve done Assiniboine, Berg, Rockwall, and O’Hara, but planning a trek back to Jasper. If you had to chose between Tonquin and Skyline, which would be your preference? I’m also debating cutting time and trying to do both. Worth spending less time to see both?
Hi Jill. Thanks for stopping by. I am glad you keep following my guides. I definitely prefered tonquin Valley over the skyline trail, but if you choose tonquin you have to go end of august/september, otherwise the mosquitos will eat you alive 🙂