The most spectacular trips are often ones that are in popular or fragile places, so they often have reservation systems in place. And nothing sucks more than finding out a trip you want to do is booked up! Put these dates in your calendar! (Or if you’re like me, agonize over which trip to pick since they all sound amazing!)

I’ve got reservation dates for trips in British Columbia including Vancouver Island, the Vancouver Area, the BC Interior, and the Canadian Rockies (including some places that are technically in Alberta). Plus I’ve also got details on how to reserve and my top tips for getting those hard-to-get reservations.

Not sure how to make a reservation? I got you! Read my guide to Making Backcountry Camping Reservations in BC.

Didn’t get a reservation? No worries! Read my guide to Backpacking in BC Without Reservations. Or use an app like Campnab or Schnerp. Read my guide to camping cancellation apps to find out how they work and which one I recommend.

This post includes details on reservations for:

Vancouver Island backcountry reservations:

• West Coast Trail (Pacific Rim National Park Reserve)
• Keeha Beach (Pacific Rim National Park Reserve)
• Narvaez Bay (Saturna Island, Gulf Islands National Park Reserve)

Sea to Sky backcountry reservations:

• Watersprite Lake (near Squamish)
• Garibaldi Provincial Park (Garibaldi Lake, Elfin Lakes, Cheakamus Lake, Wedgemount Lake, and Russet Lake
• Joffre Lakes Provincial Park (near Pemberton)
• Tenquille Lake (near Pemberton)

BC Interior backcountry reservations:

• E.C. Manning Provincial Park (Buckhorn, Kicking Horse, and Frosty Creek Campgrounds)
• Eva and Jade Lakes (Mount Revelstoke National Park)
• Hermit Meadows (Glacier National Park)
• Bowron Lake Circuit (Bowron Lakes Provincial Park)

Rocky Mountains backcountry reservations:

• Lake O’Hara (Yoho National Park)
• Yoho National Park (Iceline, Whaleback, Little Yoho, etc.)
• Rockwall Trail (Kootenay National Park)
• Banff National Park (Egypt Lake, Skoki Loop, etc.)
• Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park
• Jasper National Park
• Berg Lake (Mount Robson Provincial Park)

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

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West Coast Trail Reservations for 2026

What: This 75km (46.5 mi) trail is full of beaches, coastal rainforest, ladders, and boardwalks. It is probably the most popular multi-day hike in Canada, which is why it is at the top of my list for 2026 BC backpacking reservation dates.

Want more info? I wrote a whole series of posts about the West Coast Trail. Start with my West Coast Trail Guide, then check out my section-by-section overview, itineraries, campground guide, packing list, transportation, and coastal hiking tips posts. The WCT is also featured in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.

When to Reserve: January 19, 2026 at 8 am PT Postponed to February 5 at 8 am PT

Where to Reserve: Online or by phone. More info on the Pacific Rim National Park website.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $25.75. There is a $166.75 fee to hike the trail, plus two mandatory $28 ferry crossings and a National Parks entry fee ($11/person /day).

Do You Have to Reserve? Yes. There are no walk-up or stand-by permits available.

Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: You need an account on the Park’s website so create one ahead of time so you don’t get slowed down on reservation day. Be ready with your preferred start dates, start location and a few alternates. 

For better odds, avoid July and August which are the busiest. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

READ NEXT: Your Guide to the West Coast Trail in British Columbia

Keeha Beach Reservations for 2026

What: This beautiful remote sandy beach is near the northern trailhead for the West Coast Trail in Pacific Rim National Park, but isn’t nearly as busy. The trail to get there is only 3.5 km long, but it’s really muddy so expect it to take longer than you think. You can also day hike to the Cape Beale Lighthouse. Find details in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.

When to Reserve: January 16, 2026 at 8am PT Postponed to January 29 at 8 am PT

Where to Reserve: Online or by phone. More info on the Pacific Rim National Park website.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $11.50/site/night. Camping fees are $12.75/person/night. You also need to pay National Park entry fees ($10.50/person/day).

Do You Have to Reserve? Yes. The trail is open from May to September and you must reserve.

Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: You need an account on the Park’s website so create one ahead of time so you don’t get slowed down on reservation day. Be ready with your preferred start dates, start location and a few alternates. This is probably one of the easiest trips to get a reservation for.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Get My Book…

Backpacking on Vancouver Island

Discover Vancouver Island’s best day hikes and overnight trips

• 25 backpacking trips and 10 day hikes throughout Vancouver Island
• Info about permits, reservations and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos
• Advice for extending your trip
• Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

Narvaez Bay (Saturna Island) Reservations for 2026

What: It’s a short 2 km hike to the waterfront backcountry campground at Narvaez Bay on Saturna Island in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. This is one of the best easy backpacking trips in BC. There are several short day hikes from the campground. Find details in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.

When to Reserve: January 16, 2026 at 8am PT Postponed to January 29 at 8 am PT

Where to Reserve: Online or by phone. More info on the Gulf Islands National Park website.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $11.50/site/night. Camping fees are $12.75/person/night.

Do You Have to Reserve? Yes from May to September. The rest of the year all camping is first-come, first-served.

Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: You need an account on the Park’s website so create one ahead of time so you don’t get slowed down on reservation day. Be ready with your preferred start dates, start location and a few alternates. 

For better odds, avoid July and August which are the busiest. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

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Watersprite Lake Reservations for 2026

What: A gorgeous ice-blue lake nestled against rocky spires in the remote mountains east of Squamish. The lake became very popular thanks to social media, so starting in 2022 the campground requires reservations. For more info, check out the BCMC website or my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

When to Reserve: Starting at midnight 60 days before your trip. The campground requires reservations between July 1 and Thanksgiving weekend each year.

Where to Reserve: Online on the BCMC’s Watersprite Lake campground page.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Sites are $20/night and must be paid in full at the time of booking to reserve a site. There is no extra reservation fee.

Do You Need to Reserve? Yes. There are no stand-by or walk-up permits available.

Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: Make your reservation as early as possible. For better chances avoid long weekends or pick a mid-week trip.

Garibaldi Provincial Park Reservations for 2026

Heads up: Day passes are required at Garibaldi Provincial Park in summer. However, if you have a backcountry camping reservation, you don’t need a day pass. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

What: South West BC’s premiere alpine backpacking destination with several trailheads and campgrounds to choose from. Reservations are required for all the campgrounds as well as the Elfin Lakes Shelter. For more info on trails and destinations, check out my guide to the Elfin Lakes trail, my guide to Russet Lake, or my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

When to Reserve: Starting at 7am PT three months before the first day of your trip.

Where to Reserve: Online via BC Parks Reservation Service or via phone at 1 800 689-9025 or 1 519 826-6850.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $6/night per tent pad, up to a max reservation fee of $18. You will also have to pay a per person backcountry fee of $10 for campsites and $15 for the Elfin Lakes Shelter. If you book via phone there is an extra $5 surcharge.

Do You Need to Reserve? Yes. There are no stand-by or walk-up permits available.

Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: Make your reservation as early as possible. For better chances avoid long weekends or pick a mid-week trip. Consider booking the slightly less popular Taylor Meadows or Helm Creek campgrounds, and then hiking over to Garibaldi Lake for the day. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

Get My Book…

Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

A one-stop resource for backpackers in beautiful British Columbia.

• 40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
• Info about permits, reservations, and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos
• Advice for extending your trip
• Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

Joffre Lakes Provincial Park Reservations for 2026

Heads up: Day passes are required at Joffre Lakes Provincial Park in summer. However, if you have a backcountry camping reservation, you don’t need a day pass. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

What: This super-popular lake near Whistler has a backcountry campground next to a glacier lake. It’s a short 5.5km hike from the trailhead, so it’s one of the best easy backpacking destinations close to Vancouver. For more info on the trail, check out my Joffre Lakes hiking guide or my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

When to Reserve: Starting at 7 am PT three months before the first day of your trip.

Where to Reserve: Online via BC Parks Reservation Service or via phone at 1 800 689-9025 or 1 519 826-6850.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $6/night per tent pad, up to a max reservation fee of $18. You will also have to pay a per person backcountry fee of $5/person/night. If you book by phone there is an additional $5 surcharge.

Do You Need to Reserve? Yes. There are no stand-by or walk-up permits available.

Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: Make your reservation as early as possible. For better chances avoid long weekends or pick a mid-week trip. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

Get my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia – it has all the info you need to backpack to Joffre Lakes

Tenquille Lake Reservations for 2026

What: A beautiful sub-alpine lake near Pemberton BC, surrounded by mountains. It’s a popular location for fishing as well as scrambling the nearby peaks, which are mostly non-technical. The lake has both a cabin and campsites that can be reserved.

When to Reserve: Starting at midnight 60 days before your trip.

Where to Reserve: Online on the Pemberton Wildlife Association’s Tenquille Lake booking page.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Camping reservations are $25/tent/night. You can fit up to two tents on each site. There is no extra reservation fee.

Do You Need to Reserve? Yes from July 1 to October 31. Tenting outside of those dates is first-come, first-served.

Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: Make your reservation as early as possible. For better chances avoid long weekends or pick a mid-week trip.

E.C. Manning Provincial Park Reservations for 2026

What: There are three campgrounds in Manning Park that require reservations: Buckhorn and Kicking Horse on the Heather Trail and Frosty Creek on the Frosty Mountain Trail. All other backcountry campgrounds in the park are first-come, first-serve.

The Heather Trail is a gorgeous alpine hike along a ridge through wildflower meadows high in the mountains of E.C. Manning Provincial Park. The hike to Buckhorn Camp is one of the best easy backpacking trips in BC. The hike to Frosty Mountain (the highest peak in the park) heads through a stand of gorgeous larch trees.

For more info on these two trails, check out my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia and my Frosty Mountain hiking guide.

When to Reserve: Starting at 7 am PT three months before the first day of your trip.

Where to Reserve: Online via BC Parks Reservation Service or via phone at 1 800 689-9025 or 1 519 826-6850.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $6/night per tent pad, up to a max reservation fee of $18. You will also have to pay a per person backcountry fee of $5/person/night. If you book by phone there is an additional $5 surcharge.

Do You Need to Reserve? Yes. There are no stand-by or walk-up permits available for Buckhorn, Kicking Horse, and Frosty Creek Campgrounds. (But all other backcountry campground in the park are first-come, first-served.)

Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: Make your reservation as early as possible. For better chances avoid long weekends or pick a mid-week trip. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

READ NEXT: 24 Easy Backpacking Trips In BC For Beginners

Eva and Jade Lakes Reservations for 2026

What: This hike starts high on the slopes of Mount Revelstoke in Mount Revelstoke National Park. Walk through wildflower meadows and forest to the shores of Eva Lake, one of the best easy backpacking trips in BC. Jade Lake is a few extra kilometres away over a pass. Both lakes have backcountry campgrounds.

When to Reserve: January 16, 2026 at 8am PT Postponed to January 29 at 8 am PT

Where to Reserve: Online or by phone. More info on the Mount Revelstoke National Park website.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $11.50/site/night. Camping fees are $12.75/person/night. You also need to pay National Park fees of $10.50/person/day.

Do You Have to Reserve? Yes from July 28 to September 17. There is first-come, first-served camping available from June 30 to July 27 and September 18 to October 9 (depending on snow levels), which requires a backcountry permit.

Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: You need an account on the Park’s website so create one ahead of time so you don’t get slowed down on reservation day. Be ready with your preferred start dates, start location and a few alternates. 

For better odds, avoid July and August which are the busiest. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

READ NEXT: The Best Hikes in Revelstoke, BC

Hermit Meadows Reservations for 2026

What: This steep hike in Glacier National Park is fairly short but has incredible views and alpine meadows. The backcountry campground has an incredible setting.

When to Reserve: January 16, 2026 at 8am PT Postponed to January 29 at 8 am PT

Where to Reserve: Online or by phone. More info on the Glacier National Park website.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $11.50/site/night. Camping fees are $12.75/person/night. You also need to pay National Park fees of $10.50/person/day.

Do You Have to Reserve? Yes from July 28 to September 17. There is first-come, first-served camping available from July 1 to July 27 and September 18 to October 1 (depending on snow levels), which requires a backcountry permit.

Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: You need an account on the Park’s website so create one ahead of time so you don’t get slowed down on reservation day. Be ready with your preferred start dates, start location and a few alternates. 

For better odds, avoid July and August which are the busiest. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

Lake O’Hara Reservations for 2026

What: Lake O’Hara is a truly spectacular spot set among alpine lakes and hanging valleys in the Rocky Mountains inside Yoho National Park. You can base yourself at the campground or hut and hike the spectacular Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit. You can take a shuttle bus on a private road right to your campsite! If you can’t get a camping reservation, you can also just take the shuttle bus up for the day. For more info and some drool-worthy photos, check out my Lake O’Hara Camping and Hiking Guide.

When to Reserve Camping: January 22, 2026 at 7 am PT Postponed to Feb 10, 2026 at 8 am MT

When to Reserve Day-Use Shuttle Bus: Reservations by lottery. In 2026 the lottery is open for applications between March 2 and 23.

When to Reserve the Hut: Summer hut reservations are by lottery. The summer 2026 lottery is open for applications between December 15, 2025 and January 30, 2026.

Where to Reserve: Reserve camping or enter the day-use shuttle bus lottery on the Parks Canada Reservation site. Submit a lottery application on the Alpine Club of Canada website.

How Much Do Reservations Cost:  Camping Reservations cost $11.50. You’ll also need to pay $12.50/person/night for camping and $17.14/person for the shuttle bus. Bus reservations cost $11.50/reservation for up to 6 people plus $17.14/person. Hut lottery entries cost $15.50 each. Nightly hut fees are $60 per person.

Do You Need to Reserve? Yes. There are no stand-by or walk-up permits available.

Tips and Tricks For Getting a Reservation: You need an account on the Park’s website so create one ahead of time so you don’t get slowed down on reservation day. Be ready with your preferred dates and a few alternates. For better odds, avoid August which is the busiest. If you want to stay in the hut, avoid popular weekends and consider submitting multiple lottery applications.

If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you. (It works for ACC huts too!)

READ NEXT: Your Guide to Camping and Hiking at Lake O’Hara in Yoho National Park

Yoho National Park Backcountry Reservations for 2026

What: Yoho National Park has a network of trails in the Yoho Valley that lead to four backcountry campgrounds. The most popular option is the Yoho Valley Loop that includes the Iceline and Whaleback Trails. The loop includes great views of mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls.

When to Reserve: January 26, 2026 at 7 am PT

Where to Reserve: Online or by phone. More info on the Yoho National Park website.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $11.50/site/night. Camping fees are $13.50/person/night. You also need to pay National Park fees of $11/person/day.

Do You Have to Reserve? Yes. There are no first-come, first-served sites.

Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: You need an account on the Park’s website so create one ahead of time so you don’t get slowed down on reservation day. Be ready with your preferred start dates, start location and a few alternates. 

For better odds, avoid July and August which are the busiest. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

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Rockwall Trail Reservations for 2026

What: The premier backpacking destination in Kootenay National Park is the Rockwall Trail.  It’s a 55km multi-day high alpine backpacking route through the Rocky Mountains. It passes by alpine lakes, incredible wildflower meadwos and the famous rockwall with cliffs up to 900m tall. For more information, read my Rockwall Trail Guide.

When to Reserve: January 26, 2026 at 7 am PT

Where to Reserve: Online via the Parks Canada Reservations Service or by phone at 1-877-737-3783.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $11.50. Camping costs $13.50/person/night. You also need to pay National Park fees of $11/person/day.

Do You Have to Reserve? Yes. There are no walk-up or stand-by permits available.

Tips and Tricks For Getting a Reservation: You have reserve each of your campsites on the trail so have a few different itinerary options prepared before you book.  For better odds, avoid July and August which are the busiest. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

READ NEXT: Rockwall Trail Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Banff National Park Reservations for 2026

What: Several dozen backcountry campgrounds on hundreds of kilometres throughout the Banff National Park backcountry. I recommend Egypt Lake and the Skoki Loop.

When to Reserve: January 26, 2026 at 7 am PT

Where to Reserve: Online via the Parks Canada Reservations Service or by phone at 1-877-737-3783.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $11.50. Camping costs $13.50/person/night. You also need to pay National Park fees of $11/person/day.

Do You Have to Reserve? Yes. There are no walk-up or stand-by permits available.

Tips and Tricks For Getting a Reservation: You have reserve each of your campsites on the trail so have a few different itinerary options prepared before you book.  For better odds, avoid July and August which are the busiest. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

Mount Assiniboine Reservations for 2026

What: Nestled at the base of Mount Assiniboine in the Canadian Rockies is a cluster of small lakes, plus tons of hiking trails to gorgeous views. The core area of the park at Lake Magog has a popular BC Parks backcountry campground and rustic backcountry huts. To get there, choose from several different hiking trails or charter a helicopter. I’ve got tons of info in my huge Mount Assiniboine hiking guide. Note: The info below applies only to the BC Parks campground.

When to Reserve Camping: Up to three months before your trip starting at 7 am PT. (Reservations are required for trips between June 26 and September 30.)

When to Reserve Huts: January 13th, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. MST.

Where to Reserve: For camping, online via BC Parks Reservation Service or via phone at 1 800 689-9025 or 1 519 826-6850. For huts, via Mount Assiniboine Lodge by phone: 403-678-2883.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: For camping, reservations cost $6/night per tent pad, up to a max reservation fee of $18. You will also have to pay a per person backcountry fee of $10 for campsites. For the huts, rates range from $150-$240 per night depending on the size of the cabin (they sleep 5-8 people)

Do You Need to Reserve? Yes. There are no stand-by or walk-up permits available.

Tips and Tricks for Getting a Reservation: Make your reservation as early as possible. For better chances avoid long weekends or pick a mid-week trip. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Jasper National Park Reservations for 2026

What: Several dozen backcountry campgrounds on hundreds of kilometres throughout the Jasper National Park backcountry. One of the most popular options is the Skyline Trail.

When to Reserve: January 27, 2026 at 7 am PT

Where to Reserve: Online via the Parks Canada Reservations Service or by phone at 1-877-737-3783.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $11.50. Camping costs $13.50/person/night. You also need to pay National Park fees of $11/person/day.

Do You Have to Reserve? Yes. There are no walk-up or stand-by permits available.

Tips and Tricks For Getting a Reservation: You have reserve each of your campsites on the trail so have a few different itinerary options prepared before you book.  For better odds, avoid July and August which are the busiest. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

Berg Lake Reservations for 2026

NOTE: The Berg Lake Trail suffered severe flooding damage in July, 2021. The full trail reopened in 2025 and will be open for summer 2026.

What: The Berg Lake Trail is a 23km backcountry trail into a gorgeous glacier lake in Mount Robson Provincial Park on the BC side of the Rocky Mountains. It’s called Berg Lake since the glacier calves icebergs right into the lake. For more info check out my super detailed guide to hiking the Berg Lake Trail and the BC Parks website.

When to Reserve: December 2, 2025 at 7 a.m.

Where to Reserve: Online via BC Parks Reservation Service

How Much Do Reservations Cost: Reservations cost $6/night per tent pad, up to a max reservation fee of $18. You will also have to pay a per person backcountry fee of $10/person/night. If you book via phone there is an extra $5 surcharge.

Do You Have to Reserve? Yes. There are no walk-up or stand-by permits available.

Tips and Tricks For Getting a Reservation. Reserve as early as possible since this route is popular with international travellers. There are 7 campgrounds on the trail and you need to book your whole itinerary in advance, so be sure to have a few options for first choice, second choice, etc.

Since this trail books up so far in advance, there are often cancellations as people change their minds. Keep checking back to see if spots open up or use Campnab or Schnerp to automatically scan for cancellations for you.

Psst! You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

READ NEXT: The Ultimate Guide to Hiking the Berg Lake Trail

Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit Reservations for 2026

What: The Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit connects numerous lakes and rivers through portages to make a roughly square-shaped 116km (72 mi) route. It takes about 6 to 10 days to complete. (Yes I know this is a canoe trip, but it’s a similar wilderness experience and the only canoe trip in BC that requires reservations, so it made the list of BC backpacking reservation dates.) To plan your trip, see my complete Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit paddling guide.

When to Reserve: December 2, 2025 at 7 a.m.

Where to Reserve: Online via BC Parks Reservation Service or via phone at 1 800 689-9025 or 1 519 826-6850.

How Much Do Reservations Cost: The reservation fee is $18.00 per vessel (plus tax) and there is also a $60 per person canoe circuit user fee. If you book via phone there is an extra $5 surcharge.

Do You Have to Reserve? Yes. There are no walk-up or stand-by permits available.

Tips and Tricks For Getting a Reservation: Book online as it is faster and you won’t have to wait on hold. Reserve as early as possible since this route is popular with international travellers.

Know how many canoes and people will be in your party before you make your reservation as only a set number of canoes and people may depart per day.

July and August are the busiest and if you opt for June or September you’ll have much better chances. If you don’t get a reservation, keep checking back for cancellations.

READ NEXT: Bowron Lakes Canoe Circuit: Paddling in British Columbia

Final Thoughts

So there you have it: 2026 BC backpacking reservation dates for lots of different trips. How many of these hikes have you done already? Tell me in the comments. I’ve done almost all of them.

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Get My Books

Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia and Backpacking on Vancouver Island

Discover BC’s best backpacking trips

• 40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
• 35 backpacking trips and day hikes on Vancouver Island
• Info about permits, reservations, and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos

Get the books

BC BACKPACKING TRIP GUIDES:

• 11 Best Backpacking Trips in the Canadian Rockies
• 30 Best Backpacking Trips in BC
• Backcountry Huts in British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies
• 25 Spring Backpacking Trips in British Columbia
• 24 Easy Backpacking Trips In BC For Beginners

BACKPACKING TIPS AND ADVICE:

• How to Make Backcountry Camping Reservations in BC
• How to Go Backpacking in BC Without Reservations
• The Best Camping Cancellation Apps: Campnab vs. Schnerp
• Backpacking Checklist: Gear You Need To Go Backpacking
• Backpacking for Beginners: Tips for Getting Started
• My book: Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

The post 2026 BC Backpacking Reservation Dates You Need to Know appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

I’ve done all of these trips, some of them multiple times. I’ve also done lots of other backpacking trips across BC that didn’t make the list, so you can rest assured that these are the best of the best.

For each trip, I’ve got all the details you need to make it happen: difficulty, duration, distance, best time to go, fees, reservations, and links to trail guides.

The trips on this list are:

• Vacation-worthy – you won’t mind travelling a bit to get there
• Located all over BC including near Vancouver, on Vancouver Island, and in Eastern BC including the Rocky Mountains.
• For hikers of all abilities – there are trips for both beginners and experts, and lots in between. (I’ve also got a whole list of Easy Backpacking Trips In BC For Beginners.)
• Great for any vacation length from quick overnighters to long-weekend-length trips to week long epics.
• Great for planners or last-minute trips: A few of these trips require reservations, but most do not.

Here’s a handy map I made for you that shows the locations for each of my picks for the best backpacking trips in BC.

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Best Backpacking Trips Near Vancouver

Howe Sound Crest Trail

Duration: 2-4 days

Distance: 31.7 km traverse

Difficulty: Very Challenging

Fees and Reservations: None.

The Trail: The Howe Sound Crest Trail is very rough and difficult. Honestly, it is more like a route in some places and requires occasional hands-on scrambling moves as you traverse a chain of rocky summits high above Howe Sound near Vancouver. If you’re up for the challenge, the views are worth it.

More Info:

• Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

Watersprite Lake

Duration: 2 days

Distance: 17 km round-trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Fees and Reservations: Both the hut and campground require reservations and fees.

The Trail: Watersprite Lake is an Instagram sensation thanks to its ice blue water and dramatic rock tower. We can credit the BC Mountaineering Club for building the trail to the lake along with a cabin and campground. I think it’s one of the best hikes in Squamish.

More Info:

• Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.
• Make cabin reservations through the BCMC.

Elfin Lakes

Heads up: Day passes are required at Garibaldi Lake in summer and early fall. However, if you have a backcountry camping reservation, you don’t need a day pass. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

Duration: 2 to 4 days

Distance: 22 km round-trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Fees and Reservations: Reservations and camping fees are required.

The Trail: Even though the hike to Elfin Lakes is on an old road, it’s worth doing since the views are so incredible. You can see Mount Garibaldi/Nch’kay and lots of glaciers. Its worth spending more than one night at the Elfin Lakes campground or Elfin Lakes Shelter to do some of the great day hikes.

More Info:

• Find details on this hike in my Elfin Lakes hiking guide and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.
• Booking camping and the hut through BC Parks.
• Use my guide to making backcountry camping reservations to get ready to book.

Get My Book…

Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

A one-stop resource for backpackers in beautiful British Columbia.

• 40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
• Info about permits, reservations, and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos
• Advice for extending your trip
• Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

Garibaldi Lake

Heads up: Day passes are required at Garibaldi Lake in summer and early fall. However, if you have a backcountry camping reservation, you don’t need a day pass. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

Duration: 2 to 4 days

Distance: 18 km round trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Fees and Reservations: Reservations and fees are required for camping.

The Trail: Located just north of Squamish, Garibaldi Lake is one of the most popular backpacking trips in BC. But it’s also one of the most picturesque with tumbling glaciers, alpine meadows, and unique volcanic geology. From the lake, you can tackle incredible day hikes like Black Tusk and Panorama Ridge.

More Info:

• Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.
• Booking camping and through BC Parks.
• Use my guide to making backcountry camping reservations to get ready to book.

Russet Lake

Duration: 2 days

Distance: 25 to 29 km round trip

Difficulty: Challenging

Fees and Reservations: Reservations and fees are required for camping and the hut.

The Trail: Nestled into the mountains above Whistler, Russet Lake is home to a backcountry campground and a luxurious hut. There are two ways to get there: a steep trail from the village or an undulating traverse across mountain summits from the top of the Whistler Gondola via the High Note Trail.

More Info:

• Find details on this hike in my guide to hiking and backpacking at Russet Lake and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.
• Booking camping and through BC Parks.
• Use my guide to making backcountry camping reservations to get ready to book.
• For hut reservations, see the Spearhead Huts Society.
• You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Joffre Lakes

Heads up: Day passes are required at Joffre Lakes in summer and early fall. However, if you have a backcountry camping reservation, you don’t need a day pass. Learn more in my guide to BC Parks day passes.

Duration: 2 days

Distance: 10 km round trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Fees and Reservations: Reservations and fees are required for camping.

The Trail: The chain of three Joffre Lakes near Pemberton make up one of the Vancouver area’s most popular day hikes. But leave the day-time crowds behind by scoring a coveted reservation to camp at the Upper Lake. Listen for chunks of glacier crashing down the rocks on warm days. This is also one of my picks for the best easy backpacking trips in BC.

More Info:

• Find details on this hike in my Joffre Lakes hiking guide and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.
• Booking camping and through BC Parks.
• Use my guide to making backcountry camping reservations to get ready to book.

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Sunshine Coast Trail

Duration: 8-14 days

Distance: 180 km traverse

Difficulty: Challenging

Fees and Reservations: None.

The Trail: The Sunshine Coast Trail winds through the forests along the length of the upper Sunshine Coast near the town of Powell River. Hike by the ocean, through old-growth forest, and across mountain tops, staying in rustic backcountry huts along the way.

More Info:

• Find details on shorter backpacking trips you can do on sections of the SCT in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.
• For full details on the trail, pick up a copy of The Sunshine Coast Trail Guide Book by R. E. Walz or visit the Sunshine Coast Trail website.
• Some sections of the Sunshine Coast Trail are hikeable all year and made my list of the best spring backpacking trips in British Columbia.
• You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Heather Trail

Duration: 2 to 5 days

Distance: 45 km round trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Fees and Reservations: Reservations and fees are required for Buckhorn and Kicking Horse campgrounds. Nicomen Lake Campground is first-come, first-served and fees are required.

The Trail: The Heather Trail is Manning Park’s signature trail. With a start high in the alpine, you stay above treeline in meadows of wildflowers for nearly the entire length. Take a side trip to summit Three Brothers Mountain and dip in chilly Nicomen Lake.

More Info:

• Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.
• Booking camping and pay fees and through BC Parks.
• Use my guide to making backcountry camping reservations to get ready to book.

Frosty Mountain

Duration: 2 to 3 days

Distance: 14 km round trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Fees and Reservations: Camping fees are required year-round. Reservations are required between late July and late October.

The Trail: Frosty Mountain is the highest mountain in Manning Park and it has panoramic views. Break up your hike by camping at Frosty Creek camp. Plan your visit for fall when the larch tree needles turn golden.

More Info:

• Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia, and my Frosty Mountain trail guide.
• Booking camping and pay fees through BC Parks.
• Use my guide to making backcountry camping reservations to get ready to book.

Get My Book…

Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

A one-stop resource for backpackers in beautiful British Columbia.

• 40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
• Info about permits, reservations, and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos
• Advice for extending your trip
• Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

Best Backpacking Trips on Vancouver Island

Juan de Fuca Trail

Heads up: The Juan de Fuca Trail will be closed in 2025 due to significant storm damage. It is not possible to hike the entire trail, but you can visit and camp at Mystic Beach and East Sombrio Beach.

Duration: 3 to 5 days

Distance: 47 km

Difficulty: Challenging

Fees and Reservations: Camping fees are required. All campsites are first-come, first-served.

The Trail: The Juan de Fuca Trail is a gorgeous coastal trail is easier to access than the West Coast Trail thanks to first-come, first-served camping and trailheads close to Victoria. But the hike is just as challenging and spectacular, making it easy to include on a list of the best backpacking trips in BC.

More Info:

• Get details on this hike in my Juan de Fuca Trail guide and my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.
• Pay fees through BC Parks.
• The JDF is hikeable all year and made my list of the best spring backpacking trips in British Columbia.
• You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

West Coast Trail

Duration: 5-8 days

Distance: 75 km

Difficulty: Challenging

Fees and Reservations: Reservations and camping fees are required. You will also need to pay National Park entry fees.

The Trail: The West Coast Trail is Canada’s premier multi-day backpacking trip. It follows the wild coastline for 75 kilometres, up and down ladders, across cable cars, through mud holes, and along beautiful beaches as it travels between the isolated towns of Port Renfrew and Bamfield.

More Info:

• Get details on this hike in my West Coast Trail guide and my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.
• Make reservations and pay fees with Parks Canada.
• Use my guide to making backcountry camping reservations to get ready to book.
• The West Coast Trail opens in May and made my list of the best spring backpacking trips in British Columbia.
• You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Della Falls Trail

Duration: 2-5 days

Distance: 32 km round trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Fees and Reservations: No reservations or fees are needed for camping. But if you want to take a water taxi to the trailhead, you’ll need to book in advance.

The Trail: Della Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in BC at 440 m tall. (Some sources claim it’s the tallest waterfall in Canada, but that’s not true.)

The hike starts with a boat trip across Great Central Lake. From there you hike up a river valley to the base of the falls. Allow time for the 6 km side trip to Love Lake where there is an incredible view of the entire waterfall from above.

More Info:

• Get all the details in my Della Falls Trail guide and my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.
• You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Get My Book…

Backpacking on Vancouver Island

Discover Vancouver Island’s best day hikes and overnight trips

• 25 backpacking trips and 10 day hikes throughout Vancouver Island
• Info about permits, reservations and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos
• Advice for extending your trip
• Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

Wild Side Trail

Duration: 2 days

Distance: 22 km round trip

Difficulty: Easy

Fees and Reservations: No reservations required but you must pay trail fees and water taxi fees.

The Trail: The Wild Side Trail takes you along the shoreline of Flores Island in Ahousaht First Nation territory. Most of the hike is along incredible sandy beaches. The trail is a short water taxi ride from Tofino. This off-the-beaten-path hike doesn’t get many visitors, making it one of the quietest hikes on this list of the best backpacking trips in BC.

More Info:

• Get details on this hike in my Wild Side Trail guide and my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.
• The Wild Side Trail opens in May and made my list of the best spring backpacking trips in British Columbia
• It’s also on my list of the best easy backpacking trips in BC.
• You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Circlet Lake and Mount Albert Edward

Duration: 2 to 3 days

Distance: 31 km round trip

Difficulty: Challenging

Fees and Reservations: No reservations required (all campsites are first-come, first-served) but you must pay camping fees.

The Trail: Summit Mount Albert Edward, one of the highest peaks on Vancouver Island. On the way, you’ll stay at tiny Circlet Lake. This Strathcona Provincial Park trip starts at Mount Washington and is a rite of passage for many Vancouver Island hikers.

More Info:

• Get details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.
• Pay fees through BC Parks.
• You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Bedwell Lakes

Duration: 2 to 3 days

Distance: 22 km round trip

Difficulty: Challenging

Fees and Reservations: No reservations required (all campsites are first-come, first-served) but you must pay camping fees.

The Trail: Climb steeply up through the forest to emerge on the granite shores of Bedwell and Baby Bedwell Lakes, each with their own campground. Intrepid hikers can continue to isolated Cream Lake, which makes a great day trip destination. The trailhead is in a remote area near Buttle Lake in Strathcona Provincial Park.

More Info:

• Get details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.
• Pay fees through BC Parks.

Elk River Trail and Landslide Lake

Duration: 2 to 3 days

Distance: 22 km round trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Fees and Reservations: No reservations required (all campsites are first-come, first-served) but you must pay camping fees.

The Trail: Follow the trail through a beautiful forest alongside the shady Elk River to its terminus at picturesque Landslide Lake and great views of Mount Colonel Foster. There are two campgrounds along the river to choose from. Find the trailhead along the highway to Gold River.

More Info:

• Get details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.
• Pay fees through BC Parks.

Nootka Trail

Duration: 3 to 5 days

Distance: 35 km traverse

Difficulty: Moderate

Fees and Reservations: No reservations required. You must pay camping fees. You also need to book in advance for the water taxi or float plane.

The Trail: Arrange a water taxi or floatplane to shuttle you to the Nootka Trail on Nootka Island near Gold River. It’s a remote coastal hike that sees few visitors but has incredible scenery. Highlights include sandy beaches, wolf sightings, Calvin Falls, and the tiny Mowachaht First Nation village of Yuquot.

More Info:

• See my trip report from my Nootka Trail hike. Get details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.
• Pay camping fees to the Mowachaht/Muchalaht Nation
• The Nootka Trail made my list of the best spring backpacking trips in British Columbia.

Get My Book…

Backpacking on Vancouver Island

Discover Vancouver Island’s best day hikes and overnight trips

• 25 backpacking trips and 10 day hikes throughout Vancouver Island
• Info about permits, reservations and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos
• Advice for extending your trip
• Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

North Coast Trail

Duration: 4 to 5 days

Distance: 43 to 59 km traverse

Difficulty: Very Challenging

Fees and Reservations: No reservations required (all campsites are first-come, first-served) but you must pay camping fees. You also need to book the water taxi in advance.

The Trail: The rough and rugged North Coast Trail follows the coastline around the northern tip of Vancouver Island. Start with a water taxi from Port Hardy, then get ready for lots of mud, steep hills with rope assists, and rocky beaches.

More Info:

• Get details on this hike in my North Coast Trail guide and my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.
• Join the Cape Scott Park Facebook group for the latest trail conditions.
• Pay fees through BC Parks.
• The North Coast Trail is a great destination between May and September, so it made my list of the best spring backpacking trips in British Columbia
• You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

Cape Scott Trail

Duration: 3 days

Distance: 47 km

Difficulty: Moderate

Fees and Reservations: No reservations required (all campsites are first-come, first-served) but you must pay camping fees.

The Trail: The Cape Scott Trail follows an old settler’s route through the muddy forest to the wild beaches at the north end of Vancouver Island. Choose from several campsites on sandy beaches, then day hike out to the Cape Scott Lighthouse.

More Info:

• Get details on this hike in my Cape Scott Trail guide and my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.
• Join the Cape Scott Park Facebook group for the latest trail conditions. For camping fee info, see Cape Scott Provincial Park.
• Pay fees through BC Parks.
• The Cape Scott Trail is hikeable all year, so it made my list of the best spring backpacking trips in British Columbia
• You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.

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• backpacking news,
• and lots more!

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Best Backpacking Trips in Eastern BC and the Rocky Mountains

Kaslo Lake

Duration: 2 to 3 days

Distance: 18 km round trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Fees and Reservations: No reservations required for camping (all campsites are first-come, first-served) but you must pay camping fees. Reservations and fees required for the hut.

The Trail: Hike into the backcountry of Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park near Nelson to camp next to Kaslo Lake. Follow beautiful trails through the alpine to viewpoints and peaks. You can also book the palatial Kokanee Glacier Cabin nearby.

More Info:

• See Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park for trail info.
• Pay fees through BC Parks.
• See the Alpine Club of Canada for cabin reservations.

Eva and Jade Lakes

Duration: 2 days

Distance: 12 to 18 km round trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Fees and Reservations: Reservations and camping fees are required. You will also need to pay National Park entry fees.

The Trail: This alpine hike is easily accessible thanks to the paved Meadows in the Sky Parkway at Mount Revelstoke National Park. Walk through the alpine to a beautiful campsite on the shores of Eva Lake, an easy distance for beginners and made my list of beginner-friendly backpacking trips in BC. If you want more solitude, head over a pass to Jade Lake.

More Info:

• Get the details in my Mount Revelstoke National Park guide.
• Make reservations and pay fees with Parks Canada.
• Use my guide to making backcountry camping reservations to get ready to book.

Mount Assiniboine

Duration: 4 to 6 days

Distance: 52 to 55 km round trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Fees and Reservations: Reservations and camping fees are required. You will also need to pay National Park entry fees if you camp in Banff National Park on the way to the trail.

The Trail: The scenery at Mount Assiniboine is postcard-worthy, but getting there can be a challenge. The hike itself is long, but not too difficult and the camping at Lake Magog is gorgeous. But it requires reservations in both a BC Park and Banff National Park, which can be tough to arrange.

More Info:

• See my huge Mount Assiniboine hiking guide for trail info and reservation strategies.
• Make reservations and pay fees for camping in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park through BC Parks.
• Make reservations and pay fees for camping in Banff National Park on the way to Assiniboine with Parks Canada.
• Use my guide to making backcountry camping reservations to get ready to book.
• Join the Mount Assiniboine Facebook group for updates on trail conditions.
• You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.
• It’s also on my list of the best backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies.

Rockwall Trail

Duration: 4 to 5 days

Distance: 55 km traverse

Difficulty: Moderate

Fees and Reservations: Reservations and camping fees are required. You will also need to pay National Park entry fees.

The Trail: The spectacular Rockwall Trail traverses the mountains of Kootenay National Park near Banff, climbing up and over several high passes. There are glacier views, alpine lakes, and the best wildflower meadows I’ve ever seen. I think it has the best effort to reward ratio of all the backpacking trips in BC.

More Info:

• Get details on this hike in my Rockwall Trail guide.
• Make reservations and pay fees for camping with Parks Canada.
• Use my guide to making backcountry camping reservations to get ready to book.
• Join the Rockwall Trail Facebook group for updates on trail conditions.

Yoho Valley Loop/Iceline and Whaleback Trails

Duration: 2 to 3 days

Distance: 29.4 km loop

Difficulty: Challenging

Fees and Reservations: Reservations and camping fees are required. You will also need to pay National Park entry fees.

The Trail: Combine several trails in Yoho National Park near Field to make an epic loop that takes in the spectacular Iceline and Whaleback Trails. The views of nearby peaks and waterfalls are breathtaking. Choose from two backcountry campgrounds along the way.

More Info:

• Get trail details in my Yoho Valley Loop backpacking guide.
• Make reservations and pay fees for camping with Parks Canada. Use my guide to making backcountry camping reservations to get ready to book.
• This hike is on my list of the best backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies.

Berg Lake

Duration: 2 to 4 days

Distance: 42 km round trip

Difficulty: Moderate

Fees and Reservations: Reservations and camping fees are required.

The Trail: The incredible Berg Lake Trail near Valemount follows the Robson River uphill to Berg Lake, named for the glaciers crashing into it from Mount Robson, the tallest mountain in the Canadian Rockies. Plan to spend a few days in the area to tackle spectacular day hikes.

More Info:

• Get details on this hike in my Berg Lake Trail guide.
• Make reservations and pay fees for camping through BC Parks. Use my guide to making backcountry camping reservations to get ready to book.
• You can get to this hike without a car! It’s on my list of car-free backpacking trips in BC.
• It’s also on my list of the best backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies.

BC Backpacking in Your Inbox!

Sign up to receive a bi-monthly newsletter from Taryn at Dawn Outdoors stuffed with the latest on backpacking in BC including:

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Final Thoughts

So there you have it: 25 recommendations for the best backpacking trips in BC. How many of these trips have you done? Is there an amazing backpacking destination that I left off the list? Tell me in the comments.

Get My Books

Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia and Backpacking on Vancouver Island

Discover BC’s best backpacking trips

• 40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
• 35 backpacking trips and day hikes on Vancouver Island
• Info about permits, reservations, and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos

Get the books

MORE BC BACKPACKING DESTINATIONS:

• 24 Easy Backpacking Trips In BC For Beginners
• 11 Best Backpacking Trips in the Canadian Rockies
• 35+ Places to Go Backpacking in BC Without A Car
• 25 Spring Backpacking Trips in British Columbia
• Backcountry Huts in British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies

BC BACKPACKING RESERVATION INFO:

• How to Go Backpacking in BC Without Reservations
• How to Make Backcountry Camping Reservations in BC
• BC Backpacking Reservation Dates You Need to Know

The post 25 Best Backpacking Trips in BC appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

In this post, I’ve got basic info for over 80 backcountry cabins in BC and Alberta. The listing for each hut includes the location, info on fees, and booking, and a link to make reservations or get more info. The backcountry hut listings are separated into six regions. Click the links below to jump to your area.

• Vancouver backcountry huts
• Sunshine Coast backcountry huts
• Vancouver Island backcountry huts
• Kootenays backcountry huts
• Canadian Rockies backcountry huts
• Northern BC backcountry huts

All info on backcountry huts in BC was up-to-date at the time of publishing. But booking policies, prices, and access can change without notice. Check the club and park links below for the latest info. And let me know if anything is incorrect so I can update it.

I’ve been to lots of the backcountry cabins on this list, especially the ones near Vancouver. But with over 80 backcountry huts in British Columbia to choose from, I haven’t made it to all of them… yet!

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

What kinds of backcountry huts are on this list?

The backcountry huts in British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies on this list are geared toward self-propelled users and are operated by clubs and parks.

You won’t find ATV, snowmobile, or 4×4 club cabins on this list.

I also haven’t included private, for-profit lodges.

BC also has lots of “secret” un-sanctioned cabins and I haven’t included them. These unofficial backcountry huts are often illegal and increased traffic means they might get shut down. However, info on secret cabins is often widely available in local communities.

I also chose not to include emergency shelters which you shouldn’t plan to stay at – that’s why they have “emergency” in the name!

BC Backcountry Huts Map

To give you a general idea of where these backcountry cabins are located, I’ve put together a custom Google map of backcountry huts in British Columbia. Click through to zoom in.

A Note on Hut Access

Some of these backcountry huts in British Columbia are easy to reach via well-marked trails. Others involve off-trail travel, route-finding, scrambling, glacier, travel, or rock climbing.

In winter, reaching many of the backcountry cabins is more complex and may take you through avalanche terrain.

As well, road access to trailheads can be complicated. It may involve rough logging roads that are unplowed or require 4WD. In some areas, it is common to use a snowmobile to reach trailheads where users switch to skis to reach the hut.

A few huts can only be reached by helicopter.

See the links to club and park websites for more access information.

Backcountry Hut Etiquette

In general, backcountry huts in British Columbia are for outdoor adventurers. Most huts are communal, so you will share space with strangers. We all need to work together to help these cabins in good condition for everyone to enjoy. These aren’t places to have a party.

Here are a few BC backcountry hut etiquette tips:

• Research hut rules and guidelines before your trip. Know what to expect at each hut and pack accordingly. Some huts supply stoves, kitchen gear, and mattresses, but many do not.
• Pack out everything. That includes your trash and trash that other groups have left. Please don’t leave extra food as it is unlikely to get eaten and will just attract mice.
• Protect the water source. Don’t bathe, do dishes, or pee in the hut water source. In winter, there is often a designated pee area to avoid contaminating snow that will be melted for drinking water.
• Keep the noise levels down. Many hut users may go to bed early to get an early start the next morning. Skip the music unless all hut users agree.
• Leave your dog at home. Very few huts allow dogs.
• Conserve firewood. Firewood is a scarce resource that can be expensive to supply. In most huts, it is only acceptable to use the wood stove in winter.
• Keep your gear tidy and out of other people’s way. Don’t monopolize the drying rack.
• Don’t wear boots inside the hut. This keeps dirt, mud, and snowmelt off the floor. Bring hut booties or sandals to wear indoors.
• Keep the mice out. Mice are a problem at most huts. Keep the door closed and store your food and garbage inside a bin or hanging from the ceiling in a sealed bag.
• Share the chores: Help out by restocking firewood, swapping outhouse barrels, or grabbing more snow to melt.
• Clean up before you leave. Sweep the floor, wipe down the counters, and empty the grey water buckets.
• Be nice. Be welcoming and friendly to other hut users. Communicate your plans so you can optimize the use of cooking areas and agree on quiet hours.

Backcountry Huts Near Vancouver

Elsay Lake Hut

Location: Elsay Lake in Mount Seymour Provincial Park, North Vancouver.

Operated By: Mount Seymour Provincial Park

Best For: Hiking

Sleeps: 4

Booking: None. All visits are first-come, first-served.

Cost: Free.

More Info: Mount Seymour Provincial Park and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

Mountain Lake Hut

Location: Near Mount Sheer east of Britannia Beach.

Operated By: BCMC

Best For: Hiking, mountaineering, scrambling, ski touring

Sleeps: 8

Booking: Reservations required. Book online up to 180 days before your trip.

Cost: $20/person/night for non-members, $10/person/night for members

More Info: BCMC

Watersprite Lake Hut

Location: At Watersprite Lake In the mountains east of Squamish.

Operated By: BCMC

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, ski touring, snowshoeing

Sleeps: 8

Booking: Reservations required. Book online up to 60 days in advance.

Cost: $300/night for the entire hut

More Info: BCMC, Watersprite Lake Facebook group (for road and trail conditions), and my book Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

Elfin Lakes Shelter

Location: At Elfin Lakes in Garibaldi Provincial Park east of Squamish

Operated By: Garibaldi Provincial Park

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, ski touring, snowshoeing

Sleeps: 33

Booking: Reservations required. Book online three months in advance.

Cost: $15/person/night

More Info: My Elfin Lakes hiking guide and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

READ NEXT: Where to Go Snowshoeing in Squamish

Tantalus Hut (Lake Lovely Water)

Location: Lake Lovely Water in Tantalus Provincial Park west of Squamish.

Operated By: ACC Vancouver and Tantalus Provincial Park

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering

Sleeps: 16

Booking: Reservations required. Book online in March in advance for non-members. Members can book in January. Open in June 1 to September 30 only.

Cost: $1700 for weekday 3 night booking (Mon, Tues, Wed nights) of the entire hut or $2000 for the weekend 3 night booking (Fri, Sat, Sun nights) of the entire hut. ACC members get a 10% discount.

More Info: ACC Vancouver, Tantalus Provincial Park, and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

Jim Haberl Hut

Location: On the edge of a glacier high in the Tantalus Range west of Squamish. Access requires glacier travel or helicopter.

Operated By: ACC Vancouver

Best For: Mountaineering

Sleeps: 12

Booking: Reservations required. Book online in March for non-members. Members can in January. Open March 1 to September 30 only.

Cost: $1700 for weekday 3 night booking (Mon, Tues, Wed nights) of the entire hut or $2000 for the weekend 3 night booking (Fri, Sat, Sun nights) of the entire hut. ACC members get a 10% discount.

More Info: ACC Vancouver

Brew Hut

Location: Near the summit of Mount Brew, west of the Sea to Sky Highway between Squamish and Whistler.

Operated By: UBC VOC

Best For: Hiking, ski touring, snowshoeing

Sleeps: 12

Booking: None. The hut is first-come, first-served but parties are encouraged to register online to avoid overcrowding.

Cost: $15/person/night

More Info: UBC VOC and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

Get My Book…

Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

A one-stop resource for backpackers in beautiful British Columbia.

• 40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
• Info about permits, reservations, and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos
• Advice for extending your trip
• Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

Sphinx Hut (Burton Hut)

Location: On the eastern shore of Garibaldi Lake in Garibaldi Provincial Park between Squamish and Whistler. Summer access is via boat.

Operated By: UBC VOC

Best For: Ski touring, snowshoeing, mountaineering

Sleeps: 10

Booking: You must purchase a Wilderness Permit for Garibaldi Provincial Park by calling BC Parks. The hut is first-come, first-served, but parties are encouraged to register online to avoid overcrowding.

Cost: $15/person/night

More Info: UBC VOC

Kees and Claire Hut

Location: At Russet Lake in Garibaldi Provincial Park just outside Whistler. The hut sits at the south end of the Spearhead ski traverse.

Operated By: Spearhead Huts Society

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 38

Booking: Reservations required. Book online 60 days in advance for non-members. ACC and BCMC members can book 90 days in advance.

Cost: $60/person/night for non-members. ACC and BCMC members get a discount.

More Info: Spearhead Huts Society, Garibaldi Provincial Park, my Russet Lake hiking and backpacking guide, and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

Wedgemount Lake Hut

Location: At Wedgemount Lake in the northern part of Garibaldi Provincial Park near Whistler.

Operated By: Garibaldi Provincial Park

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering

Sleeps: 6

Booking: Reservations required. Book online three months. You will actually need to make a reservation for the Wedgemount Lake campground as there is no separate booking for the hut. Spots in the hut are first-come, first-served amongst those with campground reservations.

Cost: $10/person/night

More Info: Garibaldi Provincial Park and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

Tenquille Lake Cabin

Location: Tenquille Lake, northwest of Pemberton.

Operated By: Pemberton Wildlife Association in partnership with the Lil’wat and N’Quatqua Nations.

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, ski touring

Sleeps: 12

Booking: Reservations required. Book online 60 days before your trip.

Cost: $25/person/night.

More Info: Pemberton Wildlife Association and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

North Creek Cabin

Location: In the mountains on the north side of the Lillooet River valley west of Pemberton.

Operated By: BCMC

Best For: Mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 10

Booking: Reservations required. Book online up to 180 days before your trip.

Cost: $20/person/night for non-members. There are discounts for BCMC members.

More Info: BCMC

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

Harrison Hut

Location: At the edge of the Pemberton Icefield above Meager Creek east of Pemberton.

Operated By: UBC VOC

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering

Sleeps: 15

Booking: None. The hut is first-come, first-served, but parties are encouraged to register online to avoid overcrowding.

Cost: $15/person/night

More Info: UBC VOC

Wendy Thompson Hut

Location: Near Mount Marriott on the west side of Highway 99 between Pemberton and Lillooet.

Operated By: ACC Whistler

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, ski touring, snowshoeing

Sleeps: 16

Booking: Reservations required. Book online 105 days before your trip. Members of the Whistler, Squamish, and Vancouver ACC sections can book 140 days in advance.

Cost: $25/person/night for non-members. $20/person/night for members of the Whistler, Squamish or Vancouver sections of the ACC.

More Info: ACC Whistler and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

Keith Flavelle Hut (Keith’s Hut)

Location: Just north of Joffre Lakes on the east side of Highway 99 in between Pemberton and Lillooet.

Operated By: Keith Flavelle Hut Society and Nlháxten/Cerise Creek Conservancy

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 14

Booking: None. The hut is first-come, first-served and is often over capacity.

Cost: Free, but donations are welcome.

More Info: Keith Flavelle Hut Society and Nlháxten/Cerise Creek Conservancy

Brian Waddington Hut (Phelix Creek Hut)

Location: In the mountains near Birkenhead Provincial Park north of Pemberton.

Operated By: UBC VOC

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering, ski touring, snowshoeing

Sleeps: 25

Booking: None. The hut is first-come, first-served, but parties are encouraged to register online to avoid overcrowding. The hut is voluntarily closed from August 15 to October 15 for wildlife protection.

Cost: $15/person/night.

More Info: UBC VOC

Get My Book…

Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

A one-stop resource for backpackers in beautiful British Columbia.

• 40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
• Info about permits, reservations, and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos
• Advice for extending your trip
• Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

Backcountry Huts on the Sunshine Coast

Sunshine Coast Trail Huts

Location: There are 14 huts spread along the length of the Sunshine Coast Trail between Saltery Bay and Lund. From north to south they are: Bliss Portage, Manzanita Bluff, Rieveley Pond, Inland Lake-Anthony Island, Confederation Lake, Fiddlehead Landing, Tin Hat, Elk Lake, Walt Hill, Golden Stanley, Mount Troubridge, Rainy Day Lake, and Fairview Bay.

Operated By: Sunshine Coast Trail/Powell River Parks and Wilderness Society

Best For: Hiking

Sleeps: Most huts sleep 10, but a few fit 3-6.

Booking: None. All huts are hut is first-come, first-served.

Cost: Free, but donations of $5/person/night are encouraged.

More Info: Sunshine Coast Trail and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

READ NEXT: Best Hikes on the Sunshine Coast

Tetrahedron Provincial Park Cabins

Location: There are four cabins accessed from the same trailhead in Tetrahedron Provincial Park north of Sechelt: Batchelor Cabin, Edwards Cabin, Mount Steele Cabin, and McNair Cabin. Batchelor and Edwards Cabins are on my list of the best easy backpacking trips in BC.

Operated By: Tetrahedron Outdoor Club and Tetrahedron Provincial Park

Best For: Hiking, ski touring, snowshoeing

Sleeps: Each cabin sleeps 12

Booking: None. All huts are first-come, first-served and are often over capacity on winter weekends.

Cost: $15/person/night for non-members, $10/person/night for Tetrahedron Outdoor Club members payable online, by mailing a cheque, or at Trail Bay Source for Sports in Sechelt.

More Info: Tetrahedron Outdoor Club, Tetrahedron Outdoor Facebook group (for trail and road conditions) Tetrahedron Provincial Park, and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

Emma Lake Cabin

Location: On the South Powell Divide in the Eldred River Valley north of Powell River.

Operated By: Knuckleheads Winter Recreation Association

Best For: Hiking, ski touring

Sleeps: 6-10

Booking: None. The hut is first-come, first-served.

Cost: Free, but donations of $20/person/night are welcome.

More Info: Knuckleheads Winter Recreation Association

Knuckleheads Cabins

Location: The Knuckleheads Range north of Lois Lake near Powell River. There are three cabins: Vic Cole Lodge, E-Branch Cabin, and A-Branch Cabin (Chateau Rotary Cabin).

Operated By: Knuckleheads Winter Recreation Association

Best For: Hiking, ski touring, snowshoeing

Sleeps: Each cabin sleeps 8-12

Booking: None. All huts are first-come, first-served.

Cost: Free, but donations of $20/person/night are welcome.

More Info: Knuckleheads Winter Recreation Association

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Backcountry Huts on Vancouver Island

Hišimy̓awiƛ Hut (5040 Peak Hut)

Location: On the slopes of 5040 Peak east of Highway 4 between Port Alberni and Ucluelet. The hut’s name means “Gather Together” in the Barkley Sound dialect of the Ucluelet First Nation and is pronounced Hi-SHIM-ya-wit.

Operated By: ACC Vancouver Island

Best for: Hiking, ski touring, snowshoeing

Sleeps: 12 in 2 rooms with 6 bunks each

Booking: Reservations required. Book online three months before your trip.

Cost: Bookings are per room. $150/room/night for non-members. $120/room/night for members.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada Vancouver Island and my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.

Wheaton Memorial Hut

Location: In the Marble Meadows area of Strathcona Provincial Park. Access to the trail is via boat across Buttle Lake.

Operated By: BC Parks

Best for: Hiking, scrambling

Sleeps: 2-4

Booking: None. The hut is first-come, first-served.

Cost: Free.

More Info: BC Parks

Kludahk Huts

Location: Five huts (Meadow Cabin, Tower Cabin, Blueberry Cabin, Noyse Lake Cabin, and Tent Lake Cabin) spaced along the top of San Juan Ridge between Port Renfrew and Sooke.

Operated By: Kludahk Outdoors Club

Best for: Hiking, ski touring, snowshoeing

Sleeps: Each hut sleeps 4-10

Booking: Reservations required. Only club members may use the huts.

Cost: A nightly per person fee is charged.

More Info: Kludahk Outdoors Club and my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.

Get My Book…

Backpacking on Vancouver Island

Discover Vancouver Island’s best day hikes and overnight trips

• 25 backpacking trips and 10 day hikes throughout Vancouver Island
• Info about permits, reservations and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos
• Advice for extending your trip
• Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

Backcountry Huts in the Kootenays

Bill Putnam Hut (Fairy Meadow Hut)

Location: In the Adamant Group of the Selkirk Mountains north of Glacier National Park. Access is via helicopter.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Scrambling, mountaineering, rock climbing, ski touring

Sleeps: 20

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance. Winter bookings are via a lottery.

Cost: $60 for non-members. $50 for ACC members.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada

Ben Ferris (Great Cairn) Hut

Location: In the Northern Selkirk Mountains north of Glacier National Park at the base of Mount Sir Sandford. Access via helicopter.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 6

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance.

Cost: $60 for non-members. $50 for ACC members.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada

A.O. Wheeler Hut

Location: Southwest of Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 30

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance.

Cost: $60-70/person/night for non-members. $50-60/person/night for ACC members. Prices vary by season.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Glacier National Park

Asulkan Cabin

Location: At the head of the Asulkan Valley south of Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 10

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance.

Cost: $60-70/person/night for non-members. $50-60/person/night for ACC members. Prices vary by season.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Glacier National Park

Sapphire Col Hut

Location: High on the Asulkan Ridge south of Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park. Access to the hut requires glacier travel.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 4

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance.

Cost: $60/person/night for non-members. $50/person/night for ACC members.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Glacier National Park

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

Glacier Circle Cabin

Location: Below the Illecillewaet Neve in the Dawson Range of Glacier National Park. Access to the hut requires glacier travel.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 8

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance.

Cost: $60/person/night for non-members. $50/person/night for ACC members.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Glacier National Park

McMurdo Cabin

Location: North of the Spillimacheen Glacier in the mountains southwest of Golden.

Operated By: Columbia Valley Hut Society

Best For: Hiking, ski touring

Sleeps: 5

Booking: Reservations required. Book online up to 8 weeks in advance.

Cost: $85/whole hut/night

More Info: Columbia Valley Hut Society

Kingsbury Cabin

Location: Near the Headwaters of Bobbie Burns Creek in International Basin southwest of Golden.

Operated By: Columbia Valley Hut Society

Best For: Hiking, ski touring

Sleeps: 4

Booking: Reservations required. Book online up to 8 weeks in advance.

Cost: $90/whole hut/night

More Info: Columbia Valley Hut Society

Conrad Kain Hut

Location: In Bugaboo Provincial Park in the Purcell Mountains east of Radium Hot Springs.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Mountaineering, rock climbing

Sleeps: 35

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Reserve six months in advance. Open in summer only.

Cost: $25/person/night or $50/night/family of two adults and two children

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Bugaboo Provincial Park

Dave White Cabin

Location: In the Forester Creek valley near the Catamount Glacier west of Radium Hot Springs.

Operated By: Columbia Valley Hut Society

Best For: Hiking, ski touring

Sleeps: 4

Booking: Reservations required. Book online up to 8 weeks in advance.

Cost: $70/whole hut/night

More Info: Columbia Valley Hut Society

Olive Hut

Location: On the edge of the Catamount Glacier west of Radium Hot Springs. Access requires glacier travel.

Operated By: Columbia Valley Hut Society

Best For: Mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 4

Booking: Reservations required. Book online up to 8 weeks in advance.

Cost: $70/whole hut/night

More Info: Columbia Valley Hut Society

Jumbo Pass Cabin

Location: At Jumbo Pass along the Purcell Divide near Invermere.

Operated By: Columbia Valley Huts

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 6

Booking: Reservations required. Book online up to 8 weeks in advance.

Cost: $120/whole hut/night

More Info: Columbia Valley Hut Society

Kokanee Glacier Cabin

Location: At Kaslo Lake in Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park near Nelson. Winter access is via helicopter.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 12-20

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Reserve 180 days in advance. Winter bookings are via a lottery.

Cost: $25/person/night or $50/night/family of two adults and two children.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park.

Silver Spray Cabin

Location: In the northern part of Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park near Nelson.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Hiking, mountaineering, scrambling

Sleeps: 10

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Reserve 180 days in advance. The hut is closed in winter.

Cost: $25/person/night or $50/night/family of two adults and two children.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park.

Woodbury Cabin

Location: In the northern part of Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park near Nelson.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering

Sleeps: 8

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Reserve 180 days in advance. The hut is closed in winter.

Cost: $25/person/night or $50/night/family of two adults and two children.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park.

BC Backpacking in Your Inbox!

Sign up to receive a bi-monthly newsletter from Taryn at Dawn Outdoors stuffed with the latest on backpacking in BC including:

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• seasonal trip recommendations,
  
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• and lots more!

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Backcountry Huts in the Canadian Rockies

Mount Colin Centennial Hut

Location: On the southwest side of Mount Colin in the northern part of Jasper National Park.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Mountaineering, rock climbing, scrambling

Sleeps: 6

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance. Closed in winter.

Cost: $40/person/night.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Jasper National Park.

Jacques Lake Cabin

Location: Jacques Lake near Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Ski touring, snowshoeing

Sleeps: 8

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance. This hut is only open in winter.

Cost: $60/person night for non-members. $50/person/night for members.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Jasper National Park.

Ramparts Hut (Wates-Gibson Memorial Hut)

Location: At Outpost Lake in the Tonquin Valley in Jasper National Park. (Psst! The Tonquin Valley is on my list of the best backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies.)

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering, rock climbing, ski touring

Sleeps: 24-26

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance. Closed in winter.

Cost: $60/person/night for non-members. $50/person/night for members.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Jasper National Park.

Fryatt Creek Hut (Sydney Vallance Hut)

Location: In the Fryatt Valley in Jasper National Park.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Hiking, mountaineering, scrambling, ski touring

Sleeps: 12

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance.

Cost: $60/person/night for non-members. $50/person/night for members.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Jasper National Park.

Lloyd Mackay Hut (Mount Alberta Hut)

Location: On the shoulder of Mount Little Alberta in Jasper National Park. Access requires glacier travel.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Scrambling, mountaineering, rock climbing

Sleeps: 6

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance.

Cost: $50/person/night for non-members. $40/person/night for ACC members.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Jasper National Park.

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

Peter and Catharine Whyte Hut (Peyto Hut)

Location: The northern end of the Wapta Icefield near the Peyto Glacier in Banff National Park. Access to the hut requires glacier travel.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 16-18

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance.

Cost: $60/person/night for non-members. $50/person/night for ACC members.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Banff National Park.

Bow Hut

Location: On the Wapta Icefield west of Bow Lake in Banff National Park. Access to the hut requires glacier travel.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 30

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance.

Cost: $60/person/night for non-members. $50/person/night for ACC members.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Banff National Park.

Balfour Hut (Rob Ritchie Hut)

Location: On the toe of the Vulcan Glacier on the Wapta Icefield in Banff National Park. Access to the hut requires glacier travel.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 16-18

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance.

Cost: $60/person/night for non-members. $50/person/night for ACC members.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Banff National Park.

Scott Duncan Hut

Location: South end of the Wapta Icefield near Mount Daly in Yoho National Park. Access to the hut requires glacier travel.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 12

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance.

Cost: $60/person/night for non-members. $50/person/night for ACC members.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Yoho National Park.

Louise and Richard Guy Hut

Location: Just north of Yoho Peak in Yoho National Park on the Bow-Yoho Traverse. Access to the hut requires glacier travel.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Ski touring, mountaineering

Sleeps: 18

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance. Closed in summer.

Cost: $60/person/night for non-members. $50/person/night for ACC members.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Yoho National Park.

Stanley Mitchell Hut

Location: In the Little Yoho Valley of Yoho National Park. (Psst! The Yoho Valley is on my list of the best backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies.)

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 22

Booking: Reservations required. Book online.Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance.

Cost: $60-70/person/night for non-members. $50-60/person/night for ACC members. Prices vary by season.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada, Yoho National Park, and my guide to the Yoho Valley Loop.

Elizabeth Parker Hut

Location: Near the shores of Lake O’Hara in Yoho National Park. (This is one of the destinations on my list of the best backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies.)

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Hiking, ski touring, snowshoeing, scrambling, mountaineering

Sleeps: 20-24

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance. In summer, bookings are by lottery.

Cost: $60-70/person/night for non-members. $50-60/person/night for ACC members. Prices vary by season.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada, Yoho National Park, and my guide to Lake O’Hara

Neil Colgan Hut

Location: Above the Valley of the Ten Peaks at Moraine Lake in, Banff National Park. Access to the hut requires glacier travel.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Mountaineering, rock climbing

Sleeps: 18

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance. Closed in winter.

Cost: $60/person/night for non-members. $50/person/night for ACC members.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Banff National Park.

Castle Mountain Hut, Banff

Location: Halfway up the south face of Castle Mountain. Access to the hut requires scrambling and technical rock climbing.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Rock climbing, mountaineering.

Sleeps: 6

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance. Closed in winter.

Cost: $60/night for non-members. $50/night for ACC members. Bookings are for the entire hut.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Banff National Park.

Elk Lakes Cabin

Location: Peter Lougheed Provincial Park in the Kananaskis Valley south of Canmore.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, ski touring, snowshoeing

Sleeps: 14

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Reserve six months in advance.

Cost: $25/person/night or $50/night/family of two adults and two children.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada and Peter Lougheed Provincial Park

Naiset Huts

Location: A cluster of five huts at Magog Lake in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park southwest of Canmore. (Mount Assiniboine is on my list of the best backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies.)

Operated By: Mount Assiniboine Lodge and Assiniboine Provincial Park

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: Each hut sleeps 5-8

Booking: Reservations required. Book online for summer starting in early January. Book online for winter starting in December.

Cost: $150-$240 per night for an entire hut

More Info: My huge guide to hiking in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park and Mount Assiniboine Lodge

Queen Mary Lake Cabin

Location: At Queen Mary Lake in Height of the Rockies Provincial Park northeast of Fairmont Hot Springs.

Operated By: Height of the Rockies Provincial Park

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 8

Booking: None. All visits are first-come, first-served.

Cost: Free

More Info: Height of the Rockies Provincial Park

Connor Lake Cabin

Location: At Connor Lake in Height of the Rockies Provincial Park east of Canal Flats.

Operated By: Height of the Rockies Provincial Park

Best For: Hiking, scrambling, mountaineering, ski touring

Sleeps: 6

Booking: None. All visits are first-come, first-served.

Cost: Free

More Info: Height of the Rockies Provincial Park

Fish Lake Cabin

Location: At Fish Lake in Top of the World Provincial Park northeast of Kimberley.

Operated By: Top of the World Provincial Park

Best For: Hiking, scrambling

Sleeps: 14-18

Booking: None. All visits are first-come, first-served.

Cost: $15/person/night

More Info: Top of the World Provincial Park

Thunder Meadows Cabin

Location: Northwest of Fernie Alpine Resort near the Island Lake Lodge

Operated By: Fernie Trails & Ski Touring Club

Best For: Ski touring

Sleeps: 8

Booking: Reservations required. Only club members may make bookings through the members-only section of the club website.

Cost: There are nightly fees charged for booking.

More Info: Fernie Trails & Ski Touring Club

Tunnel Creek Cabin

Location: On the west side of Highway 3 between Fernie and Elko

Operated By: Fernie Trails & Ski Touring Club

Best For: Ski touring

Sleeps: 6

Booking: Reservations required. Only club members may make bookings through the members-only section of the club website. The hut is closed in summer.

Cost: There are nightly fees charged for booking.

More Info: Fernie Trails & Ski Touring Club

Cameron Lake Cabin

Location: At Cameron Lake in the southwest part of Waterton Lakes National Park.

Operated By: Alpine Club of Canada

Best For: Ski touring, ice climbing

Sleeps: 8

Booking: Reservations required. Book online. Non-members can reserve 90 days in advance. ACC Members can reserve 180 days in advance. Closed in summer.

Cost: $60/person/night for non-members. $50/person/night for ACC members.

More Info: Alpine Club of Canada

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Backcountry Huts in Northern BC

Plummer Hut

Location: In the remote Mount Waddington area on the central coast. Access is via helicopter.

Operated By: BCMC

Best For: Mountaineering

Sleeps: 8

Booking: Reservations required. Book online up to 180 days before your trip.

Cost: $10/person/night for non-members. Free for members.

More Info: BCMC

Hankin Lookout Cabin

Location: At the community-run, no-lifts Hankin-Evelyn ski area northwest of Smithers.

Operated By: Bulkley Backcountry Ski Society

Best For: Ski touring

Sleeps: 6

Booking: Reservations required. Book online.

Cost: $60/whole cabin/night

More Info: Bulkley Backcountry Ski Society

Harold Price Cabin

Location: In the headwaters of Gramaphone Creek, north of Smithers.

Operated By: Bulkley Valley Backpackers Society

Best For: Hiking, ski touring

Sleeps: 6-8

Booking: Reservations required. Contact Ellen Anderson at 778-210-0625 or ellen.anderson59@gmail.com

Cost: $10/person/night, payable by etransfer

More Info: Bulkley Valley Backpackers Society and Bulkley Valley Nordic Centre

Joe L’Orsa Cabin

Location: Silverking Basin in Babine Mountains Provincial Park east of Smithers.

Operated By: Babine Mountains Provincial Park

Best For: Hiking, ski touring

Sleeps: 15-20

Booking: None. All visits are first-come, first-served.

Cost: $10/person/night payable in cash at the cabin.

More Info: Babine Mountains Provincial Park

Morice Mountain Cabin

Location: At the Morice Mountain Nordic Ski Club south of Houston.

Operated By: Morice Mountain Nordic Ski Club

Best For: Ski touring, snowshoeing, hiking

Sleeps: 6

Booking: Reservations required. Book by email: mmnsclub@gmail.com

Cost: $20/person/night for the first night and $10/person/night for each additional night.

More Info: Morice Mountain Nordic Ski Club

Ozalenka Cabin

Location: In the Boreal Valley north of Ozalenka Peak near McBride.

Operated By: Ozalenka Alpine Club

Best For: Hiking

Sleeps: 6-8

Booking: Reservations required. Book online.

Cost: $100/whole hut/night

More Info: Ozalenka Alpine Club

Eagle Valley Cabin

Location: In the Eagle Valley southwest of McBride.

Operated By: Ozalenka Alpine Club

Best For: Hiking

Sleeps: 6-8

Booking: Reservations required. Book online.

Cost: $80/whole hut/night

More Info: Ozalenka Alpine Club

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So that’s my big list of over 80 backcountry huts in British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies. Did I miss a BC backcountry cabin? Let me know in the comments and I’ll add it.

READ NEXT:

• 30 Best Backpacking Trips in BC
• 11 Best Backpacking Trips in the Canadian Rockies
• 24 Easy Backpacking Trips In BC For Beginners
• BC Backpacking Reservation Dates You Need to Know
• How to Go Backpacking in BC Without Reservations
• Get my book: Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

The post Backcountry Huts in British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

I spent four days hiking the Skoki Loop in Banff National Park near Lake Louise, and I was blown away – I didn’t expect to like the area this much! I went in August, so the wildflowers were in bloom, but I think I’d also like to go in the fall to see all the larches turn gold.

I’m a hiking guidebook author and have backpacked all over BC and the Canadian Rockies, so I’ve put together a detailed Skoki Loop hiking and backpacking guide for you. It includes:

• Quick facts about the Skoki Loop, including distance, how long it takes, best time to go, and more
• Map and elevation profile, plus a downloadable GPX file
• Detailed trail description, broken down into sections with distances and elevation gain
• Side trips and alternative routes so you can see the best scenery
• Skoki Loop itinerary options, from 2 to 4 days
• Camping and where to stay – details on every campground plus the Skoki Lodge
• Reservations and fees – key dates plus booking tips
• How to get to the Skoki Loop – including parking and bus info
• Skoki Loop hiking tips – advice for bears, food storage, weather, and more

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Skoki Loop Quick Facts

Route Overview: The Skoki Loop is a long day hike or multi-day backpacking route that makes a lollipop-shaped loop through the backcountry near Lake Louise. It goes over three passes and visits gorgeous alpine lakes.

Distance: 33.5 km

Elevation Gain: 1,295 m

Difficulty: Moderate

Duration: 3 days

Best Time to Go: Mid-July to mid-September when the trail is snow-free. Early to mid-August is wildflower season, and September is larch season.

Reservations and Fees: You must make reservations to camp. You must also pay National Park entry fees, backcountry camping fees, and a reservation fee. More details below.

Indigenous Context: The Skoki area is in the traditional territory of the Tsuut’ina, Blackfoot/Niitsítapi, Stoney Nakoda, Ktunaxa, and Métis. The government forced Indigenous people to leave when Banff National Park was created in 1885. Today, the park works with several Indigenous groups to facilitate access for traditional, ceremonial, and cultural activities, including harvesting.

Skoki Loop Trail Maps and Elevation Profile

For the most part, the main trails on the Skoki Loop are well-marked and easy to follow. There are signs at most junctions. However, there are a few unofficial trails and easy scrambling routes that aren’t marked with signs and aren’t on the Lake Louise and Yoho Map from Gem Trek. (Otherwise, it’s a great map!)

I used the Gaia GPS app on my hike. It was helpful to know where I was on the trail to figure out how much higher I had to climb and where the next campsite or landmark was. All Trails+ is also great.

I also made you a trail map using Gaia GPS. Click through to zoom in and explore. You can also save it to your routes in Gaia GPS or export the GPX file.

PS: Want to save 10% on a premium subscription to Gaia GPS (the app I use for all my hikes)? Use my link – the discount appears in cart.

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Skoki Loop Trail Description

If you look online, you’ll find several different versions of the Skoki Loop. I’ve chosen to describe the most popular and most scenic version here. It goes from the trailhead to Baker Lake, then around Fossil Mountain to the Skoki Lodge. To complete the loop, you’ll hike from Skoki Lodge over Packer’s Pass, then rejoin the main path to the trailhead.

You might find other Skoki Loop descriptions that include Deception Pass or go around Skoki Mountain via Red Deer Lakes. I don’t recommend those routes since they aren’t as beautiful. But I do have details on them in the alternative routes section below.

Read on for my detailed description of the Skoki Loop hike.

Key Locations

Trailhead to Halfway Hut/Hidden Lake Camp

Distance: 7 km

Elevation Gain: 540 m

Elevation Loss: 30 m

From the parking area, walk past the info signs and gate onto the wide gravel road. This road is part of the Lake Louise Ski Area and is closed to public vehicles and bikes. However, you will see vehicles from the ski area, Skoki Lodge, and guided tour companies. Unfortunately, none of them will give you a ride!

Continue up the road, which is steep in places. Ignore a left fork at 1.2 km. Cross a bridge at 2.4 km. At 3.6 km, reach a parking area and info kiosk just after passing under a ski lift. This is as far as the Skoki Lodge and guided tour companies can go.

Stay on the road for a few more minutes as you cross a ski run and the road curves uphill to the right. The road turns into a trail 3.9 km from the trailhead as it heads steeply uphill.

Follow the trail across another ski run and back into the trees. The trail stays in the forest for the next few kilometres while continuing to climb gradually. Cross creeks on small bridges at 4.3 km, 5.7 km, and 6.5 km.

Cross a creek at 7 km. On the other side, a side trail straight up the hill goes to Halfway Hut. The main trail to Hidden Lake Camp goes left.

Halfway Hut is a historic log cabin, originally constructed as a stopping point along the winter ski route between Lake Louise and Skoki Lodge. Today, it’s a good place to stop for lunch, especially if it’s raining. There is an outhouse here, too.

The junction with the trail to Hidden Lake and Hidden Lake Campground is 100 metres away along the main trail. Hidden Lake Campground is another 100 meters along the side trail.

Halfway Hut/Hidden Lake Camp to Baker Lake Camp

Distance: 5.8 km

Elevation Gain: 235 m

Elevation Loss: 195 m

Past the Hidden Lake junction, the forest starts to thin out, and you’ll start to get glimpses of alpine meadows. The vegetation also starts to change, and alpine larch trees become more numerous.

The trail skirts a huge rock slide below Redoubt Mountain with lots of enormous boulders. Reach the crest of Boulder Pass at 8.5 km. The huge expanse of Ptarmigan Lake stretches out in front of you. This is a great place for a break to enjoy the incredible views.

Keep following the trail as it skirts around the northwest edge of Ptarmigan Lake. At 9.3 km, you may be able to spot the unmarked junction with the Packer’s Pass Trail. This is your return route. For now, continue along the main trail as it stays in the grassy meadows above Ptarmigan Lake.

At 10.3 km, reach the marked junction with the Deception Pass Trail. This is an alternative (and more direct) route to Skoki Lodge. However, my recommended route continues east, since it is more scenic.

Follow the trail through grassy meadows, speckled with wildflowers. Descend to the north shore of Baker Lake, then follow the trail through low bushes along its length. Arrive at the turn-off to Baker Lake Campground at 12.8 km.

Baker Lake Camp to Skoki Lodge

Distance: 6.5 km

Elevation Gain: 145 m

Elevation Loss: 285 m

From Baker Lake Camp, follow the trail east to a junction, then turn left to go north on the Cotton Grass Pass Trail. The first few minutes are in the trees, but the trail quickly emerges into a wide, grassy valley. There are great views of Oyster Peak to the east. The wavy ridge of the mountain did kind of look like an oyster shell!

Reach a junction at 15.7 km. The trail continues straight up the valley to Red Deer Lakes 2.9 km away. However, my recommended route goes left between Fossil and Skoki Mountains. The narrow trail climbs gradually through tight forest before crossing a creek in a wet meadow at 18.2 km. This is Jones Pass.

From here, follow the path slightly downhill through the forest. When the trees start to thin out, reach a junction with the trail from Deception Pass at 18.8 km. Turn right and walk a few more minutes through the open forest and meadow to Skoki Lodge at 19.3 km.

The benches and chairs outside the historic lodge are the perfect place to take a break. The lodge is a Canadian historic site, dating back to 1933, and is the first backcountry ski lodge in North America. If you aren’t staying in one of their rustic log cabins, you can buy snacks and drinks (including alcohol) from them between 2 and 4 pm. They accept cash and cards.

If you are staying at Merlin Meadows Campground, it’s 1 km away on the trail to the north.

Skoki Lodge to Zigadenus Lake

Distance: 3.1 km

Elevation Gain: 135 m

Elevation Loss: 30 m

To continue your hike around the Skoki Loop, follow the signs in front of the lodge to cross the bridge over the creek. At 19.5 km, reach a literal fork in the trail – there is a huge wooden fork propped against a tree! The route to Merlin Lake heads right, but your route goes left towards Packer’s Pass.

The Packer’s Pass Trail is not an official Parks Canada trail and does not appear on most maps. However, it is easy to follow.

The trail goes through forest and patches of meadow. After the trail leaves the forest and contours below a rock slide on the Wall of Jericho, rock hop across a wide creek at 21.3 km. Follow the trail through another patch of meadow.

Cairns take you up through a talus field beside a waterfall. It looks like the trail disappears, but it actually tucks in behind a rock fin. You’ll clamber up between the narrow rock walls of a chimney, passing under a chock stone. There is one tricky move with a big step. Some hikers may wish to take their packs off and pass them up through here. And some hikers may need a boost up the step. But in general, it is very easy scrambling.

At the top of the chimney, follow cairns southwest towards Myosotis Lake at 21.7 km. Several side trails lead you down to the lake shore. Myosotis is the Latin name for forget-me-nots – you might spot these blue flowers in alpine meadows.

The trail continues along the east side of the lake, popping in and out of the forest. On the south side of the lake, follow cairns across a talus field, then head south up a short, steep hill.

Reach the shores of Zigadenus Lake at 22.4 km. The huge tilted rock slab holds back the lake’s western edge. It reminded me a bit of the sloped concrete edge of a half-empty swimming pool! The lake gets its name from mountain deathcamas, a whitish green flower that used to be classified in the Zigadenus genus. Together, Myosotis and Zigadenus Lakes are referred to as the Skoki Lakes.

Zigadenus Lake to Packer’s Pass

Distance: 1.1 km

Elevation Gain: 195 m

Elevation Loss: 0 m

Past Zigadenus Lake, the trail climbs steadily uphill through open meadow and patches of larch trees. As you approach the pass, the vegetation ends, and you walk over bare gravel.

Reach Packer’s Pass at 23.5 km. This is the high point of the Skoki Loop. The pass takes its name from hired workers who packed supplies into Skoki Lodge on foot. While horses had to take the more gentle (and slightly longer) trip through Deception Pass, the packers could take the quicker Packers Pass since they could navigate the chimney at Myosotis Pass on foot.

Packer’s Pass has the best views on the entire Skoki Loop. Look back the way you came to the Skoki Lakes with the Wall of Jericho rising behind them. In front of you, look down at Ptarmigan Lake and Redoubt Lake with Redoubt Mountain towering overhead. For even better views, scramble up the trail-less Packer’s Pass Peak. (More details on that in the side trips section below.)

Packer’s Pass to Trailhead

Distance: 10 km

Elevation Gain: 40 m

Elevation Loss: 825 m

From the pass, follow the path downhill through the gravel, then meadows, to rejoin the main trail at 24.2 km. Retrace your steps along Ptarmigan Lake to reach Boulder Pass at 25 km.

Head downhill and back into the forest, passing Halfway Hut and Hidden Lake Camp junction at 26.5 km. Keep hiking downhill to re-enter the Lake Louise ski area and start the road walk at 29.6 km. Finish your hike on the Skoki Loop back at the parking lot at 33.5 km.

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Side Trips and Alternative Routes on the Skoki Loop

Instead of rushing through your trip, I recommend building time into your itinerary to tackle some of the side trips or alternative routes. Details on those are below.

Merlin Lake Loop Side Trip

Distance: 6.7 km loop

Elevation Gain: 330 m

The Merlin Lake Loop is the most popular day hike in the Skoki area. The trail starts at Skoki Lodge. Go right at the famous “fork” in the trail, and ascend through the forest. From here, the trail cuts across steep gravel slopes on the north side of the Wall of Jericho. Lawrence Grassi, the architect of the renowned Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit, built this trail in the 1940s.

Follow the narrow trail along the steep mountainside to a spot where it heads directly uphill into a chimney. Scramble up the chimney, following stacked rocks to stay on track. At the top, head across rock slabs to the shores of the gorgeous lake at 2.6 km. The glaciers of Mount Richardson tumble down the cliffs on the far side.

You can retrace your steps from here, or take the trail at the lake’s northeast corner to make a loop. I recommend the loop since it avoids having to down climb the chimney. Plus, it’s more interesting to make a loop.

For the loop, follow the trail from the lakeshore as it descends steeply through the forest before reaching the marshy valley bottom. Continue along the trail beside the stream, then cross a narrow log bridge. Turn right and take the trail through Merlin Meadows Camp, then back to the lodge to finish the loop.

Skoki Mountain Side Trip

Distance: 3.9 km round trip

Elevation Gain: 505 m

The informal trail to Skoki Mountain starts behind the outhouses at Skoki Lodge. Since the higher sections traverse scree without a real trail, it’s a scramble, but you never need to use your hands. The first part of the trail climbs steeply through the forest, where you will clamber over several fallen trees. As you get higher, the vegetation turns to open meadows, and then to scree.

Cairns mark your route as you climb higher on the mountain’s slope. In places, it is very steep and loose, so watch your footing carefully. The summit has great views of Merlin Lake to the west, the Skoki Lakes to the southwest, and Red Deer Lakes to the northeast. Watch for fossils in the rocks.

Packer’s Pass Peak Side Trip

Distance: 1.1 km round trip

Elevation Gain: 95 m

Packer’s Pass Peak is a quick side trip from Packer’s Pass. There is no trail, but you will find a vague footbed in a few places. Just follow the path of least resistance up the grassy slopes from the pass.

The southwest side of the peak from the pass is gentle, making for a straightforward ascent. But the north side drops off precipitously, so take care on the summit. Reaching the peak will give you great views of Baker Lake, Brachiopod Mountain and Heather Ridge to the southeast, as well as Fossil Mountain to the east. This was my favourite viewpoint on the Skoki Loop.

Red Deer Lakes Loop Alternative Route

Distance: 8.9 km one way

Elevation Gain: 145 m

If you want to make the Skoki Loop a little longer, you can continue north on the Cotton Grass Pass Trail to Red Deer Lakes. From there, you’ll go northwest around Skoki Mountain, then south through Merlin Meadows to Skoki Lodge. This route is 8.9 km from the Cotton Grass/Red Deer Lakes junction to Skoki Lodge instead of the 3.6 km direct route through Jones Pass.

I haven’t taken this route, but I’ve heard that it is beautiful along the Cotton Grass Pass Trail. However, once it gets to Red Deer Lakes, I hear that it is marshy and a bit overgrown. As well, I’ve heard that the section from Red Deer Lakes to Merlin Meadows is in the trees and isn’t anything special.

On my trip, we opted for the direct route through Jones Pass so we could spend the rest of the day doing a day hike to Merlin Lake instead of doing the longer route through Red Deer Lakes.

Deception Pass Alternative Route

Distance: 3.5 km

Elevation Gain: 80 m

The route from the Baker Lake Trail via Deception Pass is the traditional and most direct route to the Skoki Lodge. This is the route to take if you don’t have time for the loop around Fossil Mountain via Baker Lake, Cotton Grass Pass, and Jones Pass, or you don’t want to climb the chimney on the Packer’s Pass Route. Horses also use the Deception Pass Route.

I didn’t take the Deception Pass route since I heard that the Cotton Grass/Jones Pass and Packer’s Pass routes were much more scenic. If you take Deception Pass, you’ll miss the incredible Skoki Lakes!

The route climbs up to the pass through open meadows, then descends gently through more meadows with views of Fossil Mountain.

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Skoki Loop Itineraries

While strong hikers with an early start can do the Skoki Loop as a day hike, I recommend spending a few days in the area to do some of the side trips. Here are some sample itineraries.

Recommended 3-Day Skoki Loop Itinerary

This is the itinerary I used and the one I recommend. It includes the Skoki Loop and has time for a side trip.

Day 1: Trailhead to Baker Lake Camp – Distance: 12.8 km, Elevation Gain: 775 m, Elevation Loss: 225 m, Time: 4 to 6 hours.

Day 2A: Baker Lake Camp to Merlin Meadows Camp via Jones Pass – Distance: 7.5 km, Elevation Gain: 145 m, Elevation Loss: 285 m, Time: 2 to 3 hours.

Day 2B: Merlin Lake Loop day hike – Distance: 6.7 km, Elevation Gain: 330 m, Elevation Loss: 330 m, Time: 2 to 3.5 hours.

Day 3: Merlin Meadows Camp to Trailhead via Packer’s Pass – Distance: 15.4 km, Elevation Gain: 440 m, Elevation Loss: 850 m, Time: 4.5 to 7 hours. Optional: Add Packer’s Pass Peak for and extra 1.1 km with 95 m of elevation gain and loss.

3-Day Base Camp Skoki Loop Itineraries

If you’d rather hike the bulk of the Skoki Loop with a day pack (or you can’t get a booking at Merlin Meadows), you can use Baker Lake or Hidden Lake campgrounds as a base camp to do the Skoki Loop.

Baker Lake Base Camp:

Day 1: Trailhead to Baker Lake Camp – Distance: 12.8 km, Elevation Gain: 775 m, Elevation Loss: 225 m, Time: 4 to 6 hours.

Day 2: Day hike Baker Lake Camp to Baker Lake Camp via Jones Pass and Packer Pass – Distance: 14.9 km; Elevation Gain: 520 m, Elevation Loss: 520 m, Time: 5 to 6 hours. Optional: Add Packer’s Pass Peak for and extra 1.1 km with 95 m of elevation gain and loss.

Day 3: Baker Lake Camp to Trailhead – Distance: 12.8 km, Elevation Gain: 225 m, Elevation Loss: 775 m, Time: 3.5 to 5 hours.

Hidden Lake Base Camp:

Day 1A: Trailhead to Hidden Lake Camp – Distance: 7 km, Elevation Gain: 540 m, Elevation Loss: 30 m, Time: 2 to 3 hours.

Day 1B: Day hike to Hidden Lake from Hidden Lake Camp – Distance: 2.6 km, Elevation Gain: 120 m, Elevation Loss: 120 m, Time: 1 to 2.5 hours

Day 2: Hidden Lake Camp to Hidden Lake Camp via Baker Lake, Jones Pass, and Packer’s Pass – Distance: 19.6 km, Elevation Gain: 725 m, Elevation Loss: 725 m, Time: 6 to 8 hours.Optional: Add Packer’s Pass Peak for and extra 1.1 km with 95 m of elevation gain and loss.

Day 3: Hidden Lake Camp to Trailhead: Distance: 7 km, Elevation Gain: 30 m, Elevation Loss: 540 m, Time: 2 hours.

2 or 3 Day Skoki Direct Itinerary

This route isn’t really the Skoki Loop since it doesn’t go around Skoki Mountain… but it is still a little bit of a loop since it uses both Deception and Packer’s Passes. You can do it as a 2-day route, or add on an optional third day for day hikes.

Day 1: Trailhead to Merlin Meadows Camp via Deception Pass – Distance: 15.3 km, Elevation Gain: 825 m, Elevation Loss: 415 m, Time: 5 to 7 hours

Optional Day 2: Merlin Lake Loop day hike – Distance: 6.7 km, Elevation Gain: 330 m, Elevation Loss: 330 m, Time: 2 to 3.5 hours AND/OR Skoki Mountain day hike – Distance: 6 km, Elevation Gain: 570 m, Elevation Loss: 570 m, Time: 2.5 to 4 hours

Day 2 or 3: Merlin Meadows Camp to Trailhead via Packer’s Pass – Distance: 15.4 km, Elevation Gain: 440 m, Elevation Loss: 850 m, Time: 4.5 to 7 hours. Optional: Add Packer’s Pass Peak for and extra 1.1 km with 95 m of elevation gain and loss.

Camping and Where to Stay on the Skoki Loop

There are several campgrounds along the Skoki Loop as well as the Skoki Lodge. Here are details on each one:

Hidden Lake Campground

Located 7 km from the trailhead, you can use this campground as a base camp to hike into the core Skoki area, but it’s a bit far. If you’re with a slower group, you could also use this campground as a way to break up the journey into a longer trip. It’s also a great base for day hikes to Hidden Lake.

The campground has clumps of trees and patches of meadow. There is a stream on the west side of the campground for water. It has 10 tent sites on wood-framed dirt platforms, a cooking area, an outhouse, and food storage lockers.

Baker Lake Campground

Baker Lake Campground is 12.8 km from the trailhead on a bluff at the east end of Baker Lake. It’s a good first night’s stop on the Skoki Loop. You can also use it as a base camp if you want to do the Skoki Loop without packs.

The campground is set in a clump of trees on a bluff with 10 wood-framed dirt tent pads, an outhouse, and a cooking area with tables, benches, and food storage cables. But it’s a 2-minute walk down the hill to the lakeshore, which has incredible views of the surrounding mountains. You can collect water from the lake.

Merlin Meadows Campground

This is the best campground for day hikes in the Skoki area. I spent two nights here so we could do day hikes to Merlin Lake and Skoki Mountain. The campground itself is kinda meh – both the tent area and the cooking area are in the trees. However, you can walk out in the meadows by the creek for good views.

There are no tent pads here – instead, you just choose a clearing in the trees. There are two outhouses near the tenting area.

The cooking area has four tables with benches and one food storage pole with cables. The main trail runs right through the cooking area. There are more food storage cables near the tenting area. There are several informal paths down to a creek to collect water north of the campground.

Red Deer Lakes Campground

Choose Red Deer Lakes if you can’t get a booking at Merlin Meadows or if you want a bit of solitude. It’s further from the Skoki core area, so it doesn’t make a great base camp. Despite the name, the campground is not on the lakeshore.

This campground does not have designated campsites – camp in the clearings along Red Deer River, which is the water source. It has an outhouse and food hanging cables.

Skoki Lodge

This historic Skoki Lodge dates back to the 1930s and is one of the oldest backcountry lodges in Canada. You can stay in the main lodge or one of the log cabins. They have room for up to 22 guests at once. Your stay includes all meals. Prices start at about $300/person/night. The lodge is in high demand, so you need to book about one year in advance.

Skoki Loop Reservations and Fees

Since the Skoki area has some of the most popular backcountry campgrounds in Banff National Park, advance reservations are required.

Reservations for the entire summer season open in January or February each year. In 2026, reservations open on January 26, 2026, at 8 a.m. Mountain Time. You must book on the Parks Canada Reservations website.

See my tips for booking backcountry camping for pointers on how to navigate the site. Be ready to book as soon as reservations open because popular dates will sell out in minutes.

Your booking can include up to 10 people and up to 3 tent pads on the same reservation. Keep in mind that you are only allowed to have one tent per tent pad and four people per tent.

Step-By-Step Reservation Instructions

To make a reservation, select:

• “Backcountry” at the top (with the hiker icon), the
• “Backcountry Zone” button
• “Banff, Kootenay, and Yoho” from the Park drop-down.
• Access point “Fish Creek Trailhead” from the Access Point drop-down.

Have the following info ready to go when you make your reservation:

• preferred itinerary with campgrounds and dates, plus backups
• number of tent pads and people you are booking for
• credit card

If You Didn’t Get a Reservation

If you didn’t get a reservation at your chosen Skoki area campgrounds, keep checking back as people cancel and spots open up. On my trip, there were empty tent pads in the campgrounds two out of the three nights, so it seems that cancellations do happen.

A more efficient way is to sign up for a camping cancellation notification app like Campnab or Schnerp. Read my guide to camping cancellation apps to find out how they work and which one I recommend.

Fees

You must pay a few different fees to hike the Skoki Loop. The cost breakdown is as follows:

• Backcountry camping reservation fee: $11.50 per booking (for up to 10 people and up to 3 tent pads)
• Backcountry camping fee: $13.50/person/night
• Yoho/Banff/Kootenay National Parks entry fee: $11/person/day (or $22 per car/day with up to 7 people)

Most people spend three days/two nights in the Skoki area. In that case, a solo hiker would pay $71.50. Per-person costs decrease if you hike in a group since you can share the expense of reservations and national park entry fees.

How to Get to the Skoki Loop

The Skoki Loop is located in Banff National Park near Lake Louise. The trailhead is near the Lake Louise Ski Area on the east side of Highway 1.

The trailhead is a 5-minute drive from the Lake Louise Visitor Centre. To get there, take the Lake Louise exit from Highway 1, then go east towards Lake Louise ski hill. Just before you get to the ski hill, take a gravel road to the right, marked with a sign for Skoki Lodge. Follow it for 1 km to a parking area.

You can park in the lot on the right or along the road. There are port-a-potties in the parking lot. You must have a valid national park pass on your dashboard to park here.

If you don’t have a car, you can take a shuttle bus to Banff, then take Roam bus route 8X from Banff to Lake Louise village. From there, it’s a 3.2 km walk to the trailhead with 120 m of elevation gain.

If you’re looking for a place to stay before your trip, I recommend booking a hotel in Golden. It’s only one-hour away and it is sooo much cheaper than Lake Louise or Banff. Basecamp Lodge Golden is a good mid-range pick. If you’re on a budget, stay at the basic Rondo Motel.

Tips for Hiking the Skoki Loop

Cooking Areas: Each campground has a communal cooking area with a few tables. It was nice to have a place to sit down each evening! But don’t hog the tables – they are for everyone to share. The cooking areas are separate from the tenting areas for bear safety. Please don’t eat or cook near your tent.

Food Storage: Most campgrounds have a pole with pulleys for food storage. Bring a waterproof bag to store your food in case it rains overnight. I always keep my food in a lightweight dry bag. The pulleys have clips, but some are broken – carry a carabiner as a backup.

Mosquitos: Bugs can be bad on the trail in July and mid-August. Bring bug spray and a head net.

Bears: This is black and grizzly bear country. Bring bear spray, make noise while hiking, and store your food securely. See my bear safety tips for more info.

Porcupines: Some campsites (especially Baker Lake) are notorious for porcupines who will chew your gear. Hang packs, poles, and boots out of their reach at night or bring them into your tent.

Dogs: Allowed on leash.

Fires: Not allowed in the backcountry.

Check the weather before you go: The high mountains are notorious for fickle weather. Rainstorms can blow in at any time. Expect overnight lows near freezing on some days. City weather forecasts are useless in the mountains. Use an algorithmic spot forecast for Skoki Mountain like Spotwx. (Read my guide to weather apps for hikers for more tips.)

What to Bring: This is a remote hiking trip, so you will need to bring typical backpacking gear. Use my backpacking checklist to make sure you have everything you need. For Skoki, I recommend a warm sleeping bag, a lightweight tarp for eating under (I use the MEC Scout UL Silicone Tarp), and a head net for bugs.

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Final Thoughts

I’m often a one-and-done hiker – I finish a trail and don’t think about repeating it for years, or even decades. However, the Skoki Loop was so beautiful (and easy) that I’m already thinking about doing it again. I even want to splurge and stay in the Skoki Lodge so I can hike in and out with a smaller backpack!

While the Skoki area is popular, it does seem easier to book than some other Rockies backpacking trips, and it never felt busy or crowded, even with Skoki Lodge guests out on the trails.

Do you have questions about backpacking the Skoki Loop? Ask in the comments and I’ll help you out.

READ NEXT:

• 11 Best Backpacking Trips in the Canadian Rockies
• Egypt Lake in Banff Hiking and Backpacking Guide
• Backpacking Checklist: Gear You Need To Go Backpacking
• Bear Safety for Hikers, Campers and Backpackers
• The Best Weather Apps for Hiking

The post Skoki Loop Hiking and Backpacking Trail Guide appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

I’ve been to Lake O’Hara twice: On one trip I spent 4 days camping and hiking in early July. We had some chilly nights, sunny days and crazy rainstorms. On another trip in late August, I took the bus in for the day hiked the Alpine Circuit in variable weather. I’ve also done countless other trips to nearby destinations in the Canadian Rockies.

I’ve put together two packing lists for you. There’s a Lake O’Hara packing list for hikers that has everything you need for a day on the trails, no matter what the weather. And there’s a Lake O’Hara packing list for campers staying at the Lake O’Hara campground. Enjoy!

READ NEXT: Your Guide to Camping and Hiking at Lake O’Hara in Yoho National Park

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. Thanks for supporting my website! -Taryn

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

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Lake O’Hara Essentials for Every Visitor

National Parks Pass

You need a National Parks Pass to park at the Lake O’Hara parking lot. You can buy day passes and multi-day passes at Yoho National Park visitor centre in Field, BC. If they aren’t open, there’s a park pass vending machine in the parking lot.

You can also buy a pass when you enter nearby Banff, Jasper, or Kootenay National Parks – the same pass covers all of the Rocky Mountain Parks.

If you plan to spend more than seven days in any Canadian National Park in a 12 month period, it makes more financial sense to buy an annual Discovery Pass. You can buy one online or at any visitor centre. I get one every year!

Leave your Parks Pass on the dash of your vehicle in the Lake O’Hara parking lot. If you don’t have a pass displayed, you could get a fine.

Bus and Campsite Reservations

You need to make advance reservations for the Lake O’Hara Bus and Lake O’Hara campground. (Read more about how to make reservations in my Lake O’Hara guide.)

Bring a print out of your confirmation email or save it as a PDF on your phone. The Park Ranger will ask to see it when you check-in at the bus stop and the campground. They may also ask to see a piece of photo ID to crosscheck against the name on the reservation.

Cash

If you want to buy any snacks or souvenirs at Le Relais, the day-use shelter/coffee shop, you will need to bring cash to Lake O’Hara. The carrot cake is especially popular.

You can also buy lunch or afternoon tea at the Lake O’Hara Lodge… but they only take cash.

And if you lose your return bus token or you walk up and are hoping to get on the return bus on stand-by you can only pay for the bus in… you guessed it… cash.

I recommend bringing at least $25.50 per person – that’s the cost of the bus back down.

Map and Guidebook (Optional)

The Lake O’Hara area has excellent signage so it’s pretty easy to find your way. However, with so many trails to choose from, it can be hard to plan your route without a map.

Gem Trek makes a Lake O’Hara specific map. (This is the only map they sell at Le Relais.) However, for some perplexing reason, this map doesn’t have trail distances on it. I brought the more general Lake Louise and Yoho National Park map, which has a Lake O’Hara inset. That one DOES have trail distances and I found it waaay more helpful.

While it’s not essential, I like having a guidebook to choose which trail to hike. I recommend the Canadian Rockies Trail Guide by Brian Patton and Bart Robinson. It has a good overview of each of the hikes at Lake O’Hara.

You should also check out my guide to the Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit. It’s the best hike at Lake O’Hara, but it isn’t for everyone due to narrow ledges. My guide has lots of photos and details so you can decide if this hike is right for you.

READ NEXT: Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit Hiking Guide

GPS App (Optional)

I use Gaia GPS on all of my hikes since I like to be able to tell how far we have walked (and therefore how much further we have to go).

Another good option is All Trails. It is more of a trails database than a GPS, but it does have good maps. Make sure you get an All Trails+ subscription since that is the only way to access maps when you don’t have cell service (which you won’t at Lake O’Hara).

I didn’t need the GPS for navigation at all at Lake O’Hara since the trails were so well marked. But it was handy to see our elevation and the names of the mountains. We also used it to get a good overview of the trail system.

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Lake O’Hara Hiking Gear Packing List

If you’re planning to do any of the day hikes at Lake O’Hara, here’s a few essentials you should pack.

Psst: Looking for an overview of which hikes are available? Read my Lake O’Hara Hiking and Camping Guide.

Day Pack

If you’re going hiking, you’ll need a backpack to carry your gear. If you’ve already got a backpack, go ahead and bring it – as long as it’s not too little, you’ll be fine.

But if you’re shopping for a day pack, I recommend one that has about 20-25 litres of capacity. Great features to look for are a spot to hold a hydration reservoir and hip belt pockets so you can easily grab snacks, lip balm or your phone without taking the pack off.

I also likes backpacks with a rain cover so I don’t have to worry about my stuff getting wet. If your backpack didn’t come with a raincover, you can always buy a rain cover separately.

I brought my Gregory Jade 28 to Lake O’Hara. It was big enough to carry my rain gear, snacks, camera, and water. Plus it comes with a rain cover that was REALLY helpful on wet days. The men’s version is the Gregory Zulu 30.

Hiking Boots

The trails in Lake O’Hara are meticulously maintained, but there are some really steep sections and lots of rocks. Wearing hiking boots gives you ankle support. And the tread on hiking boots also gives you better traction on steep slopes so you won’t skid out.

On my first trip to Lake O’Hara, I brought my trusty Salomon Quest hiking boots. They’re pretty lightweight and breathable for high cut boots with ankle support, so they don’t get too hot.

The second time I went to Lake O’Hara the weather was hot and I didn’t feel like wearing boots, so I wore my Salomon XA Pro trail runners. They are pretty burly for trail running shoes, so they provide a fair amount of stability but are still so much lighter than boots.

Hiking Socks

One of the biggest mistakes new hikers make is wearing their regular cotton socks on a hike. Cotton socks hold in your sweat. That’s a surefire way to get blisters! Wearing proper hiking socks made of wool or synthetics will help keep your feet dry.

My favourite hiking socks are actually the Smartwool Run Targeted Cushion Mid socks. They are designed for trail running so they have cushion under the forefoot and at the heel, but otherwise they are lightweight and breathable.

If you want a slightly thicker traditional hiking sock, I love the Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew socks. They’re comfortable and seem to last forever.

READ NEXT: How to Prevent Blisters When Hiking

Quick-Drying Hiking Clothing

You can definitely hike in your regular clothes, but they won’t be as comfortable. Bring some hiking pants or shorts and a hiking shirt made of quick-drying synthetic material. They’ll keep you cool and dry when you get sweaty! And don’t forget quick-drying hiking underwear.

Lately I’ve been loving hiking in a long sleeved sun hoodie since it keeps me cool and I don’t have to wear as much sunscreen. I have lots (and I reviewed them all in my guide to the best sun hoodies) but fave is the Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Sun Hoody.

READ NEXT: Best Sun Hoodies for Hiking

On most summer days you’ll find me hiking in my Eddie Bauer Guide Pro Shorts. I have two pairs. They aren’t too short or too long and they fit my curvy body. They also have big side pockets that hold my phone.

If it is chilly enough to want pants, I reach for my Mountain Hardwear Dynama pants. I actually have three of these! They are so good: soft and stretchy waist, durable yet lightweight material, and good pockets.

READ NEXT: 12 Best Women’s Hiking Pants (Picks for Every Body Type)

Fleece or Lightweight Puffy Jacket

Even if you visit in the middle of summer, Lake O’Hara can be chilly since it’s high in the Rocky Mountains. Pack a cozy fleece jacket or a lightweight puffy to wear for chilly mornings and evenings.

On my visit in mid-July, I ended up wearing my MEC Rockwall fleece at some point every day. My husband brought his Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket. For a synthetic puffy it’s really light and warm.

Rain Gear

It can rain at any time at Lake O’Hara since it has unpredictable mountain weather. On my first trip, we had a few light showers. And then one afternoon the heavens opened up for an hour into a torrential downpour. I kept my rain jacket in my day pack on every hike and was glad to have it.

These days, my go-to rain jacket is the Outdoor Research Aspire. (The men’s version is called the Outdoor Research Foray.) It’s lightweight, breathable, and fairly packable. It also has incredibly long pit zips that let me open it up for tons of ventilation. Plus, it’s not crazy expensive.

If rain is in the forecast, waterproof rain pants that you can layer over your hiking pants are a great idea. I brought mine and wore them around camp in the downpour on my Lake O’Hara camping trip. Rain pants with side zippers for venting that are easier to put on and take off without removing your shoes.

I have the MEC Hydrofoil Stretch Rain Pants. They have a little bit of stretch, so they don’t feel as constricting as other rain pants. They also are often on sale so it’s easy to get a deal.

Bear Spray

The core Lake O’Hara area doesn’t usually have very many bears, but they are around. However, the McArthur Valley and Linda Lake area nearby are home to lots of grizzly bears and black bears. 

Carry bear spray and make lots of noise when hiking. Make sure you get a bear spray holster so you can attach it to your backpack or belt.

READ NEXT: Bear Safety for Hikers, Campers and Backpackers

Sun Protection

The sun can be really harsh at Lake O’Hara since it’s at such a high elevation. Protect yourself from sun burns.

Bring a wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap for protection. My fave sun protection combo is my lightweight Ciele GoCap along with a sun hoodie like the Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Sun Hoody. The cap shades my face and when the sun gets harsh, I put the hood up on my sun hoodie to cover my neck and the sides of my face. Ciele makes my fave caps because they are lightweight and don’t seem to absorb sweat.

You’ll also want to bring high SPF water resistant sunscreen. I like Sun Bum’s Sunscreen Face Stick for on-the-go sunscreen application. It goes on like deodorant so I can reapply to high risk areas like my nose and cheeks without getting my hands messy. It’s also pretty sweat proof.

Don’t forget lip balm to avoid sun burned lips. You can’t beat basic Blistex. The SPF is low (only 15) so you have to reapply often. But I find it feels normal and doesn’t taste gross, unlike the thicker, bitter tasting formulas in SPF 30 lip balms.

Pack some sunglasses too. By far my favourite sunglasses are from Goodr. I have a few pairs. They are polarized, which makes the colours of the glacier lakes really pop. Since they are designed for running, they stay in place. They also really reasonably priced for polarized sunglasses.

Bug Spray

In early summer, the mosquitos at Lake O’Hara can be bad. If you’re sensitive to bites, bring some insect repellent. I like bug sprays that use picaridin instead of DEET since it is just effective against insects but doesn’t melt synthetic clothing the way DEET can.

First-Aid Kit

Pack a basic first-aid kit. Make sure it includes bandages, gauze, and medical tape.  You’ll also want to have lots of foot care supplies like blister bandages.

READ NEXT: How to Prevent Blisters When Hiking

Bring anti-inflammatory painkillers like Advil, and anti-diarrhea pills like Immodium just in case. And don’t forget your usual prescription medications.

I like the Adventure Medical Ultralight first aid kits since they come in a water-resistant pouch. I always add more stuff to them, like more blister care and bandaids.

Camera or Phone and Charger

Lake O’Hara is STUNNING! You’ll want to take all the photos (and videos!) I brought my Sony A6400 camera. It’s a mirrorless camera which is more compact than a full DSLR but still produces high-quality images. I find it easy to use, plus it’s not that expensive.

I also brought my iPhone for quick on-the-go shots. There is no cell service at Lake O’Hara, so I kept it on airplane mode.

Taking so many photos and videos, plus cold nighttime temperatures meant that my battery died pretty quickly. I was glad I brought a portable power bank to stay charged. I use a tiny Anker power bank that charges my phone a couple of times.

Water Bottle or Hydration Reservoir

You need to stay hydrated at high elevations. Bring a water bottle or hydration reservoir. If you run out, you can fill up at the campground taps.

I use the Platypus Big Zip hydration reservoir. It’s pretty lightweight and the closure is really bomb-proof so it doesn’t leak.

Water Filter (Optional)

If you’re doing a long hike (like the Alpine Circuit) in hot weather, it can be tough to carry enough water to last the whole day. On my last trip to Lake O’Hara, I brought my Katadyn BeFree filter. It’s a simple to use squeeze filter that means I can filter water anywhere. It’s also really light and compact so I don’t mind carrying it.

Toilet Paper and Hand Sanitizer

There are a few outhouse-style toilets in the Lake O’Hara area. You can find them at the parking lot, in the campground, at the Elizabeth Parker hut, and next to Le Relais. Parks Canada supplies toilet paper and hand sanitizer, but they do run out. Keep some with you just in case. 

And if you really need to go and can’t make it to a toilet, go to the bathroom the Leave No Trace way: Dig a small hole 70 big steps away from trails, roads, campsites, and water. Then bury your waste, and pack out your toilet paper in a plastic bag. I carry a super lightweight titanium trowel for backcountry poo-mergencies. Hilariously, it’s called the Deuce of Spades.

Snacks

You can buy snacks and drinks and Le Relais (get the carrot cake!!), or eat lunch at the Lake O’Hara Lodge, but plan to bring a few snacks on the trail.

Trekking Poles (Optional)

Besides the Lakeshore Trail, all the trails at Lake O’Hara have some super steep sections. Trekking poles can be really helpful for saving your joints on the downhills or keeping your balance. I also found them really helpful on the steep and slippery snow patches we encountered on the Alpine Circuit.

I’ve been hiking with poles for the last two decades and can’t imagine going without them. So of course, I brought my Black Diamond Distance FLZ trekking poles to Lake O’Hara. These poles fold up instead of telescoping, which means they pack down super small so I can stash them in my pack when I’m not using them.

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Lake O’Hara Camping Gear Packing List

One of the best ways to experience Lake O’Hara is to camp. After the day hikers leave on the last bus of the day, it really quiets down.

When planning to camp at Lake O’Hara keep in mind that it is at 2,020m elevation, which means it can be chilly at night, even in the summer. The average low temperature in June, July, and August is between 2 and 5C (36-41F). Brrrr!

As well, afternoon and evening thunderstorms are common, so you’ll want to make sure you are prepared for rain.

There’s also the bus baggage limit to contend with. All your gear must fit in one large bag per person. (Read more about the bus baggage limit in my Lake O’Hara guide.) In practice, that means camping like you are going on a backpacking trip.

If you are camping at Lake O’Hara, bring all the things on my hiking gear list above, plus these items:

Backpacking Pack or Duffle Bag

The checked baggage limit for the bus is one large bag or two small bags per person. (You can also bring a day pack as a carry on.) Parks Canada specifies that checked bags must weigh no more than 25 kg/55 lbs. and cannot be longer than 97 cm/38″ on the longest side.

Many people choose to bring their backpacking pack as their checked bag, but a large duffle bag is also a better option.

You can get a huge duffle bag that holds up to 100 litres (way more than the 60L that most backpacking packs carry) and still fits within the maximum baggage dimensions for the Lake O’Hara bus.

My husband and I brought one backpacking pack and a giant waterproof MEC duffle bag. It was helpful to have it as we could store extra gear in it outside our tent without worrying about rain.

If you’re looking for a budget option, I like MEC’s Classic Recycled Duffle Bags in the 90L size.

Don’t bring rolling suitcases. They will get stuck in the gravel and will be tough to carry over roots in the campground.

Tent

The tent pads fit 4-person tents or smaller. If you bring a bigger tent, it will hang off the end of the tent pad and park rangers make ask you to take it down and leave.

Bring a waterproof tent that can stand up to rain. If possible, choose one with a full-length rain fly that reaches all the way to the ground and covers the door. That offers MUCH more protection than the ones with a little fly on the top that you find at Canadian Tire.

We lent our MEC Volt 4 LT 4-person tent to our friends for our Lake O’Hara trip since they were camping as a family of 4. It’s a big tent, and it just fit on the tent pad. It has a full-length fly so it’s totally waterproof.

Warm Sleeping Bag and Insulated Sleeping Pad

The Lake O’Hara campground is at 2,020m elevation (6627 feet). It can be cold at night up there!

Pack a sleeping bag rated at least 0C (32F), but preferably -5C (23F). Choose one with a hood for extra warmth. If you’re looking for a backpacking sleeping bag on a budget, I can’t say enough good things about the MEC Draco/Delphinus bags. They are lightweight, compressible, warm, and won’t break the bank.

Even the warmest sleeping bag can’t protect you from the cold ground. Sleeping pads don’t just provide comfort – they also provide insulation since you lose heat to the ground. Choose a sleeping pad that has an R-value of at least 2.5. (R-value measures insulation and warmth). If you expect really cold weather or know you feel the cold at night, pick a pad with an even higher R-value.  

I use a Therm-a-rest NeoAir Xtherm which has an R-value of 7.3 since I sleep really cold. My husband loves his Sea to Summit Ether Light which isn’t as warm (R-value 4.1), but is long and wide for a more comfortable sleep.

READ NEXT: How to Stay Warm in a Tent: Over 40 Tips

Pillow (Optional)

You can use a bunched up jacket as a pillow, but I recommend bringing a compact camping pillow to save your neck.

I love my Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow Premium. It is lightweight and compact but still really comfortable once you blow it up thanks to the plush fabric. For a budget option, the basic Air Pillow is good – just layer an extra shirt over it to use as a pillowcase.

Thermal Base Layer Top and Bottoms

When it’s chilly, I sleep in thermal base layers while camping. They keep me way warmer than regular PJs. They are also nice to wear around the campsite under my clothes on cold evenings and mornings.

Choose mid-weight thermals made of polyester or merino wool and be sure to pack both bottoms and a long-sleeved top. I sleep cold so I wear a Smartwool merino wool top with a hood and matching bottoms. MEC makes great polyester mid-weight base layers at a budget price.

Warm Hat and Gloves

You lose a lot of heat through your head and hands. Pack a cozy toque and some lightweight fleece gloves to wear in the mornings and evenings.

Headlamp or Flashlight

Pack a headlamp or flashlight to find your way around at night. I like using a headlamp since it keeps my hands free. I use the basic Fenix HM23 Headlamp. It’s super bright and easy to use. Plus the batteries last a long time on low power.

Camp Shoes (Optional)

Pack a lightweight pair of slip-on sandals, flats or Crocs for around camp. You’ll want a break from your boots at the end of each day. If you choose to bring camp shoes, pick ones that are light and don’t take up too much room in your pack. I like to bring shoes that I can wear with socks for extra warmth. (Flip flops don’t work so well for that!)

Stove, Fuel, Pots and Cooking Utensils

There is a fire pit at the Lake O’Hara campground, but you aren’t supposed to cook on it. We brought our lightweight Primus OmniFuel backpacking stove and pot. If you’re looking for a simple stove, I recommend the MSR Pocket Rocket Deluxe.

Plates, Mugs, Forks, Cutting Board, and Knife

We brought our collapsible Sea to Summit bowls and our trusty Snow Peak camping sporks.

But we totally forgot to bring a cutting board. We have this fancy (and amazing) Snow Peak cutting board and knife set. It’s a bit too heavy for backpacking, but it’s perfect for car camping. It folds down so it doesn’t take up much space – I don’t know why we didn’t bring it!

We also brought our Snow Peak double-wall insulated mugs to keep our drinks warm for longer.

Dishwashing Supplies

We brought a small pot scraper, a tiny microfibre cloth, and some Dr. Bronner’s biodegradable soap.

There are sinks for doing the dishes at the campground, but they ask you not to put food into them as it clogs the drains. Parks Canada provides a few plastic washbasins. Heat up a bit of water on your stove, then do dishes in the washbasin. Strain out the food particles, then pour the soapy water down the sink and put the food particles in the garbage.

Small Soft-Sided Cooler

You aren’t allowed to bring hard-sided coolers to Lake O’Hara. But you can bring a small soft-sided cooler either as one of your two small bags, or tucked inside a larger bag.

Your cooler has to fit inside the 24″ cube-shaped bear lockers at the campground so pick a small one. Use ice packs or pack your ice inside ziploc bags to avoid a wet mess inside.

We have a little Hydro Flask Insulated tote bag cooler that we bring on trips like this. It’s big enough to fit a few small perishable items like cheese or half a dozen eggs.

Food

Unlike most backcountry trips, food weight and bulk aren’t a problem at Lake O’Hara since you get to take the bus in. We brought fresh food we wouldn’t normally bring hiking including veggies and frozen steaks!  And don’t forget the snacks! 

Tarp (Optional)

There are shared cooking shelters, but in rainy weather they get full and not everyone can fit inside. If rain is in the forecast, bring a tarp to string up over the outdoor picnic tables to create a cooking area.

I use an ultralight MEC Scout Silicone Tarp since it packs down small enough to bring on backpacking trips. But if you’re on a budget, a good old giant blue tarp will work just fine.

Bring some rope or paracord to string up the tarp. I swear by these Nite Ize Figure 9 Caribiner Rope Tighteners – they make it so much easier to pitch a tarp without having to tie all kinds of crazy complicated knots.

Toiletries

Bring all your usual camping toiletries including a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, baby wipes, hairbrush, and contact solution.

Entertainment for Camp (Optional)

You’ll have a few hours each night in camp when you’ll need to entertain yourself. Consider bringing a book or some headphones to listen to music or podcasts.

The shelters can be really social so a deck of cards or a compact game can be a good way to meet new friends.

I always travel with my Kindle eReader so I have hundreds of books to choose from. We’ve brought the card game Exploding Kittens on a few trips and it’s always a hit.

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Stuff You Don’t Need to Pack for Lake O’Hara

Even though you can bring tons of stuff to Lake O’Hara, you don’t want to over pack. Here’s what you shouldn’t bring.

• Climbing gear: The trails are non-technical and you won’t need harnesses, ropes, helmets, crampons, etc. However, if you do plan to climb some of the peaks nearby or head to the former Abbot Pass Hut site, you will need climbing gear, plus the knowledge of how to use it.
• Hammocks: They aren’t allowed in the campground since they can damage trees.
• Camping Chairs: It’s against park rules. There are lots of picnic tables and benches in the campground you can use.
• Portable speakers or other electronics: Most people come to Lake O’Hara to appreciate the sounds of nature and prefer not to hear your music. The campsites can also be really close together, so you’ll want to keep the noise down. Plus they are against the rules
• Musical instruments: Parks Canada doesn’t allow them.
• Hard-sided coolers or plastic bins. They aren’t allowed.
• Drones: They aren’t allowed in any national park unless you have a special use permit.
• Your dog: Dogs are permitted on leash on day hikes in the park, but they aren’t allowed on the bus or in the campground.

READ NEXT: Your Guide to Camping and Hiking at Lake O’Hara in Yoho National Park

Final Thoughts

With these two Lake O’Hara packing lists, you should have everything you need to have an awesome trip, whether you are hiking or camping. If you have questions about what to bring to Lake O’Hara, please leave me a comment. I’m always happy to help!

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MORE LAKE O’HARA INFO:

• Lake O’Hara Camping and Hiking Guide (Yoho National Park)
• Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit Hiking Guide
• Lake O’Hara Facebook Group

MORE HIKING TIPS:

• The 10 Essentials: Things You Should Bring on Every Hike
• How to Stay Warm in a Tent: Over 40 Tips
• 17 Ways to Save Money on Hiking Gear

The post Lake O’Hara Packing Lists for Hikers and Campers appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

In the winter this area is known as the Sunshine Village Ski Resort, one of the three ski areas in Banff. But in the summer the wildflowers bloom and it turns into an epic hiking destination.

On my last trip to Banff, I spent a day hiking high in the mountains at Sunshine Meadows. I’m a hiking guidebook author, so I’m always thinking about the optimal way to do each hike. So I’ve put together a custom route for you plus lots of tips for enjoying your time in this special place.

This Sunshine Meadows hiking guide includes:

• Is hiking at Sunshine Meadows worth it? Spoiler: my answer is definitely yes.
• Tips for hiking at Sunshine Meadows: What to bring, how to prep, and how to protect this gorgeous but fragile ecosystem
• Sunshine Meadows hiking basics: How far, how much, how difficult, etc.
• Sunshine Meadows hiking map – I made a custom hiking map for you
• How to get there – driving, bus, and gondola info
• My recommended Sunshine Meadows hiking route – it hits all the highlights
• Other hikes at Sunshine Meadows in case you want to extend your hike
• How to hike at Sunshine Meadows for free (without taking the gondola)
• Other things to do at Sunshine Meadows – restaurants, the Interpretive Centre, and more

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Thanks to Sunshine Meadows for hosting me on my visit. All opinions in this post are my own and I would happily pay out of my own pocket to hike here again. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Is Hiking at Sunshine Meadows Worth It?

You might be wondering if it’s worth spending money to ride the gondola up to Sunshine Meadows to go hiking. The short answer: YES!

The gondola takes you high up into the mountains, above the treeline and in the alpine with gorgeous mountain lakes. That means there are views in every direction and wildflowers everywhere.

Sunshine Meadows is the only accessible place near Banff to go for an easy or moderate hike in the mountains. All of the other easy and moderate hikes are in the valley bottom.

The only other way to get to that kind of terrain is to hike steeply uphill for literally hours. Other hikes that take you to this type of terrain are rated difficult.

Sunshine Meadows vs. Banff Gondola and Lake Louise Gondola

With three summer sightseeing gondolas near Banff, you might wonder how Sunshine Meadows stacks up compared to the Banff Gondola and the Lake Louise Gondola.

The Banff Gondola is the closest to the town of Banff. It goes up Sulphur Mountain, which is tree-covered (unlike the alpine landscape at Sunshine). It has great views of Banff and the Bow Valley. There is a short boardwalk through the trees, but no hiking trails or wildflower meadows. It’s a bit more expensive than Sunshine.

The Lake Louise Gondola takes you up through the Lake Louise ski resort so you get views of ski runs, although sometimes people do spot bears from the gondola. There is a small viewing platform at the top where you can look across the valley to Lake Louise and the surrounding mountains. There are no hiking trails. Tickets are slightly cheaper than Sunshine Meadows.

Tips for Hiking at Sunshine Meadows

Tips for Planning Your Trip

• The best time to go to Sunshine Meadows is between mid-July and early September when the trails are snow-free. For peak wildflowers, go in late July or early August. Plan to go on a clear day so you can enjoy the views. (I visited in late August and most of the flowers were done but it was still pretty.)
• Check the weather before you go. City weather forecasts are useless in the mountains. Use an algorithmic spot forecast for Sunshine like Spotwx. (Read my guide to weather apps for hikers for more tips.) It’s also worth checking current conditions at Sunshine and the Rock Isle webcam.
• Check gondola hours and trail status. Make sure the trails are open and the gondola and chairlifts are running by the Sunshine trail report.
• Arrive in the morning: That gives you lots of time to hike and explore. As well, it’s more likely to be cloudy in the afternoon. Don’t go any later than 2 or 3 pm because you won’t have enough time before they close.

What to Pack

• Bring a rain jacket and warm clothing just in case. It can be much colder and rainier in the mountains than in the valley.
• Wear sunscreen. The sun is bright up here and there isn’t much shade.
• Bring water and snacks. You can fill up your water bottles at the Centennial Lodge at the top of the gondola and grab snacks at the cafe.
• Bring the 10 Essentials. These are key safety items you should have on every hike.
• Bring a camera – it’s gorgeous and you will want tons of pics! But leave the drone at home. Drones aren’t allowed at Sunshine or in Banff National Park without a commercial filming permit.
• Bring bear spray. Black bears and grizzly bears live here and are sometimes sighted on the trails. The staff are great about closing trails and warning hikers if there is a bear around. Bring bear spray just in case because bears go where they want, when they want.

How to Respect This Fragile Ecosystem

• Pack out all your garbage. There are garbage cans at Centennial Lodge – please pack out your trash.
• Use the toilets. There are toilets at the Centennial Lodge and outhouses near Rock Isle junction and Grizzly/Laryx junction, but there are no other toilets on the trails.
• Don’t pick the wildflowers. It can take years for each plant to produce a single flower. Leave the flowers for everyone to enjoy. Take photos instead. Visit the Interpretive Centre near the gondola for help identifying all the wildflower species you spot.
• Stay out of the lakes. While you might be tempted to take a dip on a sunny day, swimming isn’t allowed. The lakes are very shallow and sensitive ecosystems.
• Dogs aren’t allowed on the gondola or chairlift. You can hike up the access road with your dog on leash, but it’s 5.5 km each way with 510 m of elevation gain. Dogs are allowed on the Sunshine trails on leash.
• Respect Indigenous traditional territory. The Sunshine Meadows area is in the traditional territory of the Tsuut’ina, Michif Piyii (Mestis), Niitsítpiis-stahkoii (Blackfoot / Niitsítapi), Ĩyãħé Nakón mąkóce (Stoney) and Ktunaxa ɁamakɁis. The government forced Indigenous people to leave soon after Banff National Park was created in 1885 and prohibited them from accessing their traditional territory to hunt, fish, gather, and conduct cultural practices.

Sunshine Meadows Hiking Basics

Sunshine Meadows has 6 hiking trails that you can combine to make various loops. The must-do is the Standish Viewing Deck Loop. But I’ve got a recommended route at the bottom of this post that hits all the highlights.

Here are some stats for the hikes at Sunshine Meadows:

Duration: 30 minutes to four hours

Distance: 0.8 km to 9.8 km

Difficulty: Very easy to moderate

Elevation Change: Up 300 m

Cost: As of 2025, it’s $68/person for adults (kids and seniors are cheaper). This includes rides on both the gondola and chairlift.

Sunshine Meadows Hiking Trails Map

The Sunshine Meadows trails are easy to follow with lots of signs and maps at every junction. When you buy your gondola tickets, they will give you a paper map.

The map is pretty, but it doesn’t show a lot of the small ups and downs the way a topographic map does. I made you a custom trail map using Gaia GPS, my favourite mapping app. It shows all the locations I mention in this post. Click through to zoom in and explore (and to download the GPX file).

PS: Want to save 10% on a premium subscription to Gaia GPS (the app I use for all my hikes)? Use my link – the discount appears in cart.

How to Get to Sunshine Meadows

Sunshine Meadows is located at the Sunshine Village ski area 15 minutes west of Banff. It’s easy to drive yourself and there is lots of free parking. Here are Google Maps driving directions.

If you don’t have a car, Sunshine also runs a free shuttle bus several times a day.

Once you arrive at the parking lot and gondola base, head inside and buy your gondola tickets. From there board the high-speed eight-passenger gondola and enjoy mountain scenery on the 25-minute ride up into the mountains. The gondola tops out at 2,159 meters.

When you get off the gondola staff will greet you to give you a brief overview of the area and explain how to respect this beautiful place by staying on trail, not picking flowers etc. They will also give you some bear safety tips.

I recommend going inside the Centennial Lodge to use the bathroom before you hit the trails. It’s also worth visiting the Interpretive Centre inside the lodge to check out the wildflower displays. That way you can try to recognize some of the flowers you will be seeing on your hike.

Sunshine Meadows Hiking Directions (My Recommended Route)

There are six trails at Sunshine Meadows, but if you just want the highlights, follow my recommended route (below). It has step-by-step directions to ensure you see the highlights.

Here are the stats for this route:

Duration: 3 to 4 hours

Distance: 6.9 km

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Change: 312 m

Below are step-by-step directions for each part of the hike.

Standish Express Chairlift and Standish Viewing Deck

To start the hike, walk from the gondola over to the Standish Express Chairlift. This is an open chairlift where your feet dangle, so some people may find it unnerving to ride compared to the gondola. However, it’s not that steep and it doesn’t take long so I think you’ll be fine. You’ll also have beautiful scenery to distract you.

The chairlift will bring you to the top of Mount Standish, also called Standish Hump. This is the highest point of your hike so enjoy the 360-degree views.

When you are ready to start hiking, you can take either the left or right path – they meet up in a few minutes at the Standish Viewing Deck 300 m from the chairlift.

The Standish Viewing Deck has the best views at Sunshine Meadows. In my opinion, this is one of the best viewpoints anywhere in the Banff area. Don’t miss it!

From the two-level deck, you can look south to Rock Isle, Grizzly, and Laryx Lakes. On a clear day, you can also see the pointy top of Mount Assiniboine, nicknamed Canada’s Matterhorn. To the east you can spot the ski runs on Brewster Rock and Mount Howard Douglas. And to the west, you can see the rocky peaks of Two Cairns.

Standish Viewing Deck to Rock Isle Viewpoint

From the viewing deck, follow the trail down the stairs and then down the hill through a few clumps of trees. Arrive at Two Cairns junction about 400 m from the viewing deck.

Turn left and follow the trail towards Rock Isle Junction. The trail continues downhill, although not as steeply as before. About 300 m from Two Cairns Junction, arrive at Rock Isle Junction. There are views of Rock Isle Lake here, but continue straight for even better views.

Pass a spur trail on your left leading to an outhouse, and arrive at Rock Isle Viewpoint about 400 m from Rock Isle Junction. The benches here have an incredible view of Rock Isle Lake so it’s a great spot for a snack break. It should be pretty obvious to you how the lake got its name – the island in the lake is a big rock!

Rock Isle Viewpoint to Grizzly/Laryx Junction

When you are finished at the viewpoint, retrace your steps back to Rock Isle Junction and turn left. Follow the trail along a ridge beside Rock Isle Lake. There are more photo opportunities here too including a short spur trail to the right that takes you to a bluff top viewpoint.

At the end of the lake, the trail drops downhill on a staircase and winds through patches of trees and meadow. Arrive at Grizzly/Laryx Junction about 900 m from Rock Isle Junction.

Grizzly/Laryx Loop

At Grizzly/Laryx junction turn right to start the loop. There is an outhouse just past the junction in the trees. (FYI Laryx is the Latin name for the larch tree – there are lots of them in this area.)

Continue along the trail as it heads gently downhill through a meadow to Grizzly Lake, about 500 m from the junction. The trail follows the east shore of the lake, then heads through an open meadow which is a great place to see wildflowers.

After a few minutes in the forest, watch for the Simpson Viewpoint on your left, about 500 m after leaving Grizzly Lake. The viewpoint sits on the edge of a deep canyon. You can see the Simpson River basin, which burned in forest fires in 2017.

From the viewpoint, continue along the trail to Laryx Lake, 100 m away. The trail loops around the south and east sides of the lake. A bench on the peninsula partway along makes a good break spot.

Past the end of the lake, the trail heads through another wildflower meadow and then an open forest to arrive back at the Grizzly/Laryx junction.

Grizzly/Laryx Junction Back to Standish Chairlift

From the Grizzly/Laryx Junction, you’ll be retracing your steps back to the Standish Chairlift. Unfortunately, this section is all uphill. You’ll hike another 1.9 km and gain 180 meters. Thankfully the views are great – just remember to turn around to look at them!

Starting from Grizzly/Laryx Junction, hike back uphill through the forest and up the stairs to the shores of Rock Isle Lake. From there, turn left at Rock Isle Junction. Head uphill to Two Cairns junction, then turn right and go uphill again to the Standish Viewing Deck and the Standish Chairlift just past that. Ride the chairlift back down to Sunshine Village.

Other Hikes at Sunshine Meadows (Extending Your Trip)

The route above hits all the highlights and has the best views. However, if you want to try some of the other trails or extend your trip, here are some options I recommend:

Twin Cairns Trail and Monarch Viewpoint

This option adds 4.2 km to your hike and takes 1 to 1.5 hours. Follow the instructions in the recommended route above, but when you reach Twin Cairns junction the second time, don’t go up the hill to Standish Viewing Deck.

Instead, go left down the hill on the Twin Cairns Trail. This route works its way through a rocky valley between Twin Cairns Peak and Mount Standish. About 2 km from the start, arrive at a junction.

Go left for a few minutes to the Monarch Viewpoint. From the viewpoint, look west down the Healy Creek Valley to Healy Pass and the Monarch Ramparts. Picturesque Egypt Lake lies behind them along with pointy Pharaoh Peak.

Retrace your steps back to the junction and go left, following the Meadow Park Trail down the hill into the forest. Continue along the trail as it winds downhill and finishes at the gondola.

Rock Isle Road

If you don’t feel like climbing back up to Mount Standish to ride the gondola down, you can walk down via the Rock Isle Road. The road is 1.75 km long and loses 60 m of elevation.

The Rock Isle Road starts near Rock Isle Viewpoint and makes its way through the ski resort to the bottom of Standish Chairlift. It’s wide and dusty and not very scenic, so I don’t recommend it unless you don’t want to climb the hill back to Standish Chairlift.

Citadel Pass and Mount Assiniboine

If you want to venture further into the backcountry, follow the Citadel Pass Trail southeast from near Rock Isle Junction. It leads all the way to Mount Assiniboine, one of the most popular (and gorgeous) backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies. It’s also one of my favourite trips.

It’s 27.5 km one way to the campgrounds at Mount Assiniboine, but you don’t have to hike the entire way to get good scenery. Citadel Pass, 7.8 km from Sunshine Meadows makes an excellent day trip destination.

The route goes into Banff National Park and has great views as you go up and over Quartz Ridge. Stop at Howard Douglas Lake just off the trail for a break, then continue on the pass for beautiful views of Mount Assiniboine.

READ NEXT: Mount Assiniboine Hiking Guide

Healy Pass and Egypt Lake

Another long day hike or backpacking trip option is the trip over Simpson Pass to Healy Pass and then Egypt Lake.

This hike starts from the Monarch Viewpoint. From there, it’s 10.4 km to Healy Pass. The route goes over Simpson Pass and then skirts below the Monarch Ramparts. Healy Pass has incredible views of Pharaoh Peak and beautiful golden larch trees in the fall.

If you want to camp overnight, Egypt Lake is a further 3 km downhill from Healy Pass. I loved the Egypt Lake area – there are so many beautiful little lakes nearby you can hike to from the campground.

READ NEXT: Egypt Lake in Banff Hiking and Backpacking Guide

How to Hike at Sunshine Meadows For Free (Without Taking the Gondola)

I get it – the Sunshine Meadows gondola is expensive. It’s possible to here without taking the gondola, but it’s a very steep and boring hike so I don’t recommend it.

But if you really want to hike at Sunshine Meadows without taking the gondola, I’ll help you do it. You can hike via the gravel access road from the parking area to the top of the gondola. This is also the only way to hike at Sunshine Meadows with a dog.

Here are the key stats:

• Duration: 2.5 hours up, 1.5 hours down
• Distance: 5.6 km each way
• Difficulty: Very Challenging
• Elevation Gain: 511 m

The gravel access road starts behind the gondola buildings in the parking lot. It is free to hike but biking is not allowed. It is not open to the public, but you may encounter resort vehicles on the road, so be prepared to step to the side and let them pass.

The road climbs steadily and steeply in between the gondola and Sunshine Creek. The first 4 km are at a steady grade, but the last part isn’t as steep. The road is wide and dusty. As you get higher you’ll pass several ski runs and ski resort buildings.

Other Things to Do at Sunshine Meadows

I think the number one thing you should do at Sunshine Meadows is follow my recommended hiking route, above. And if you don’t do that, you should at least visit the Standish Viewing Deck via the Standish Chairlift to enjoy the views.

But if you’re looking to maximize your time at Sunshine Meadows, here are a few other activities I think are worthwhile.

Guided Hikes

If you want to learn more about the local flowers and mountain scenery, book a Hosted Trail Walk. There are one- and two-hour options. These are fairly short hikes so they are great for beginners or those with less stamina. These hikes are also a great way to work on your wildflower ID skills.

Both walks take in the scenery between the Standish Chairlift and the Standish Viewing Platform. The two-hour version also passes by Rock Isle Lake Viewpoint. Neither hike goes to Grizzly and Laryx Lakes.

Interpretive Centre

If you have time, I recommend visiting the Interpretive Centre both before and after your hike. It has displays about the local wildflowers, animals, and other parts of the ecosystem.

If you visit before your hike you can get an idea of which flowers are in bloom and tips for identifying them. And if you visit after, you can check to see if you identified the flowers correctly.

Restaurants and Cafes

You can bring your own food and drinks to Sunshine Meadows, but they also have several restaurants and cafes. On my visit, it was lovely to grab a coffee from the Java Lift cafe inside Sunshine Mountain Lodge and then enjoy it in the sunshine after our hike.

We ate lunch out on the trails, but I was a bit envious of people sitting on the patio outside the log-cabin-style Old Sunshine Lodge at Mad Trappers Grill. The menu includes pub staples like burgers, wings, and poutine.

There’s also a sit-down restaurant called The Chimney Corner in the Sunshine Mountain Lodge that mostly caters to overnight guests, as well as a coffee shop at the base station at the bottom of the gondola.

Stay Overnight

Did you know you can stay overnight at Sunshine Meadows? The Sunshine Mountain Lodge is right next to the gondola, so you can hike right from your hotel room. (Guests at the lodge get there via the gondola.)

Prices for winter ski season are insane (rightly so!) but summer rates are pretty reasonable considering you are staying at the only mountain-top hotel in Banff! All of the rooms have mountain views.

Final Thoughts

Most visitors to Banff stay down in the valley, looking up at the mountains. I think they are really missing out – you need to get up close to the alpine scenery to really appreciate it. If it’s in your budget, I really recommend hiking at Sunshine Meadows.

I’ve done all kinds of tough backcountry hikes around Banff, and the scenery at Sunshine is just as spectacular, except that I didn’t have to spend hours (or even days) hiking uphill through the forest to get there!

If you’ve got questions about planning a trip to Sunshine, hit me up in the comments. I’m happy to help.

READ NEXT:

• Egypt Lake in Banff Hiking and Backpacking Guide
• Mount Assiniboine Hiking Guide
• Things to Do in Yoho National Park
• Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit Hiking Guide

The post Hiking at Sunshine Meadows in Banff – Is it Worth It? appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

You can get to these overnight and multi-day hikes by public transit bus, shuttle bus, ferry, or water taxi. I’ve done the legwork of figuring out how to get to these fabulous destinations. All info about transportation was correct at the time of writing, but things change, so please let me know if anything is out of date so I can update it.

This guide to backpacking in BC without a car includes:

• A map of car-free places to go backpacking in BC
• Tips for backpacking in BC without a car
• Trips near Vancouver
• Trips on the Sunshine Coast
• Trips on Vancouver Island
• Trips in the Okanagan and Rockies

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Map of Car-Free Places to Go Backpacking in BC

I made a custom Google Map for you that shows the location of each of the car-free backpacking trips I mention in this post. Click to zoom in.

Tips for Backpacking Without a Car in BC

I’m not going to lie – it’s a lot easier to get around in BC if you have a car. Bus service here is not frequent and it’s often not cheap.

But it is definitely possible to go backpacking in BC without a car. Here are a few tips:

• Leave a trip plan with a friend so someone knows where you are going and when you expect to be back. This is especially important when travelling by bus as you won’t be leaving a car at a trailhead, which otherwise would be a clue for search and rescue about where you went.
• Check schedules carefully. Bus schedules change and some buses don’t run very frequently.
• Book tickets in advance. Buses can fill up or they may not stop at some locations if they don’t know in advance that someone wants to be picked up there.
• Be flexible with dates and times when booking on-demand shuttle services. Many shuttle companies will try to pair you up with other groups to make the per-person cost of the shuttle cheaper.
• Be prepared for some extra kilometres. Without a car, you might have to walk a bit to get to the trailhead. I’ve included walking directions and distances for each backpacking trip on this list. The distance stat at the start of each trip includes any extra kilometres you will need to walk from the bus stop.
• If the bus schedules don’t work for your trip, consider using a carpooling app like Poparide.
• Look into renting a car. The cost split between three or more people can often work out cheaper than taking the bus. I use Discover Cars to search for car rentals since it compares prices across tons of different companies.
• Make camping reservations in advance. Many of the backpacking trips on this list require advance reservation and sell out quickly. See my guide to BC backpacking reservations for more info.
• Is this your first backpacking trip? Read my guide to Backpacking for Beginners. It includes a run-down on gear, trip planning, fitness, and key skills like navigation and bear safety.
• Not sure what to pack? I’ve got a super-detailed Backpacking Gear Checklist that explains it all.
• Worried about bears? If you are prepared and responsible, you don’t have to worry. Read my guide to Bear Safety for Backpackers.

Backpacking Trips Near Vancouver Without a Car

Howe Sound Crest Trail

Duration: 2 to 4 days

Difficulty: Very challenging

Distance: Up to 31.7 km one way

Elevation Gain: 660 m

Best Months: Mid-July to September

Fees and Reservations: Camping is free and all campsites are first-come, first-served.

Trail Description: This tough backpacking trip in Cypress Provincial Park is best for experienced backpackers. The first part of the hike is on the well-worn trail to St. Mark’s Summit. But past there you will need route-finding and scrambling skills to stay on track as you follow the spine of the ridge over several summits. It is typically hiked as a one-way traverse from the Cypress Mountain ski hill to Porteau Cove, but you can bail out part-way on the trail to Lions Bay.

Getting There Without a Car: From downton Vancouver, take Translink bus 250 or 257 to Park Royal, then take the Cypress Mountain Shuttle to Cypress Mountain. (Note: The summer schedule is limited and some years it doesn’t run at all. If there is no shuttle, you can take a taxi from Park Royal.)

You can do and out-and-back trip from Cypress Mountain or do a one-way trip to Lions Bay or Porteau Cove. If you get off trail at Lions Bay, you can take bus Translink bus 262 to West Vancouver, and then bus 253 to to downtown Vancouver. To complete the whole route to Porteau Cove, you will need to arrange a taxi.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

Elfin Lakes and Rampart Ponds

Duration: 2 to 4 days

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 22 to 42 km

Elevation Gain: 610 m

Best Months: July to September

Fees and Reservations: Reservations are required and fees are charged for both tent pads and the hut. (See my guide to making backcountry camping reservations in BC for more info.)

Trail Description: This trip in Garibaldi Provincial Park takes you up into the subalpine to stroll along a ridge with incredible views. You can camp or stay in the hut at Elfin Lakes, which is a great place to base yourself for day hikes. Or continue further into the backcountry to say at Rampart Ponds campground. This hike is just a few minutes from my house in Squamish, so I’ve done it tons of times.

Getting There Without a Car: From Vancouver, take the YVR Skylynx or Squamish Connector buses to downtown Squamish or Garibaldi Estates. From there, Howe Sound Taxi can take you 30 minutes to the trailhead. (Call ahead to confirm that they will go up the gravel road to the trailhead – some dispatchers get confused as to where this is.)

You may also be able to get a ride with Shred Shuttle from downtown Squamish or Garibald Estates. It is a mountain bike shuttle service that stops about 0.5 km from the hikers trailhead.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my Elfin Lake hiking guide and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia. For info on camping fees and reservations, see Garibaldi Provincial Park.

READ NEXT: Elfin Lakes Hike in Squamish (By a Local)

Lake Lovely Water

Duration: 2 to 3 days

Difficulty: Very Challenging

Distance: 11 km round trip

Elevation Gain: 1135 m

Best Months: Late June to early October

Fees and Reservations: Camping is free and all campsites are first-come, first-served. The hut requires reservations and fees.

Trail Description: The trail to Lake Lovely Water begins on the other side of the Squamish River, so crossing it by boat is your first obstacle. The trail is incredibly steep and rugged as it grinds uphill through the forest. Your reward is a gorgeous alpine lake ringed with mountains. You can stay at the backcountry campground or book the rustic hut. From there, take day hikes to meadows or scramble to the tops of the peaks. I spent a memorable birthday here one year and it was so pretty!

Getting There Without a Car: From Vancouver, take the YVR Skylynx or Squamish Connector buses to downtown Squamish. From there, Squamish Watersports can shuttle you to the trailhead via jetski. Alternatively, you can take a taxi for 15 minutes to the Squamish airport, then take a helicopter or floatplane directly to the lake.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia. For hut reservations, see the Alpine Club of Canada Vancouver section.

Cheakamus Lake

Duration: 2 days

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 7 to 14 km round trip

Elevation Gain: 50 m

Best Months: May to early November

Fees and Reservations: Reservations are required and fees are charged for camping. (See my guide to making backcountry camping reservations in BC for more info.)

Trail Description: This is one of the easiest trails in Garibaldi Provincial Park and one of the easiest places to go backpacking in BC without a car. The trail to the lake is flat and easy. The lake is an incredible turquoise colour. You can camp at the lake outlet or continue along the lakeshore to a second campground at Singing Creek.

Cheakamus Lake is one of my favourites since it has such a beautiful location but it’s an easy hike – it’s on my lists of the best spring backpacking trips in BC and the best beginner backpacking trips in BC.

Getting There Without a Car: From Vancouver, take the YVR Skylynx or Epic Rides bus to Whistler. From there, you can take a taxi for 25 minutes to the trailhead.

If you are up for adding 8 km and 200 m of elevation gain each way, you can skip the taxi and take BC Transit bus 10 from Whistler Village to the stop on Cheakamus Lake Road just after to turnoff from the Highway. From there, take the Valley Trail south to the Cheakamus Lake FSR. For a nicer hike, use the Farside Trail instead of the road for the first 3km.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia. For info on camping fees and reservations, see Garibaldi Provincial Park.

Get My Book…

Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

A one-stop resource for backpackers in beautiful British Columbia.

• 40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
• Info about permits, reservations, and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos
• Advice for extending your trip
• Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

Helm Creek

Duration: 2 to 3 days

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 17 km return (plus more for day hikes from camp)

Elevation Gain: 700 m

Best Months: July to September

Fees and Reservations: Reservations are required and fees are charged for camping. (See my guide to making backcountry camping reservations in BC for more info.)

Trail Description: The trail to Helm Creek provides a lesser-known backdoor route into the core of Garibaldi Provincial Park by leaving from the same trailhead as Cheakamus Lake. The trail switchbacks uphill through the forest to a subalpine campground. From there you can day hike to Panorama Ridge (14 km return), which has great views of Garibaldi Lake.

Getting There Without a Car: From Vancouver, take the YVR Skylynx or Epic Rides bus to Whistler. From there, you can take a taxi for 25 minutes to the trailhead. If you are up for adding 8 km and 200 m of elevation gain each way, you can skip the taxi and take BC Transit bus 10 from Whistler Village to the stop on Cheakamus Lake Road. From there, take the Valley Trail south to the Cheakamus Lake FSR. For a nicer hike, use the Farside Trail instead of the road for the first 3km.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia. For info on camping fees and reservations, see Garibaldi Provincial Park.

Russet Lake

Duration: 2 days

Difficulty: Challenging

Distance: 25 to 29 km

Elevation Gain: 305 to 1280 m

Best Months: Mid-July to September.

Fees and Reservations: Reservations are required and fees are charged for camping. (See my guide to making backcountry camping reservations in BC for more info.) The hut also requires reservations and fees.

Trail Description: Tiny Russet Lake has a gorgeous backcountry campground and a beautiful new hut in the mountains above Whistler inside Garibaldi Provincial Park. There are two ways to get there: You can hike up the steep Singing Pass trail directly from Whistler Village. Or you can pay to take the Whistler Gondola, then hike along an undulating ridge on the High Note and Musical Bumps Trails. It’s also one of the easiest backpacking trips in BC to get to without a car.

This trip is one of my favourites since the views are so good – it’s on my list of the best backpacking trips in BC.

Getting There Without a Car: From Vancouver, take the YVR Skylynx or Epic Rides bus to Whistler. Then walk through the village to the Singing Pass trailhead or the bottom of the Whistler gondola.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my Russet Lake hiking and backpacking guide and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia. To make camping reservations, see Garibaldi Provincial Park. For hut reservations, see the Spearhead Huts Society.

Rainbow Pass and Hanging Lake

Duration: 2 to 3 days

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 20.6 km round trip

Elevation Gain: 890 m

Best Months: June to October

Fees and Reservations: None. Camping is free and all campsites are first-come, first-served.

Trail Description: Hike up into the mountains on the west side of the Whistler Valley to gorgeous Rainbow Lake. From the lake, ascend to Rainbow Pass and find the campground at Hanging Lake on the other side. It’s a great spot to base yourself for day hikes up Rainbow Mountain or to nearby Ninja Lakes.

Getting There Without a Car: From Vancouver, take the YVR Skylynx or Epic Rides bus to Whistler. From there, you can take a taxi for 15 minutes to the trailhead.

If you are up for adding 3 km and 50 m of elevation gain each way, you can skip the taxi and take BC Transit bus 6 from Whistler Village to the stop on Crabapple Drive at Cedar Grove. From there, walk north then west on the Valley Trail to Rainbow Park. Then walk north on Alta Lake Road to the trailhead.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia.

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

Wedgemount Lake

Duration: 2 days

Difficulty: Very Challenging

Distance: 13 km round trip

Elevation Gain: 1160 m

Best Months: July to September

Fees and Reservations: Reservations are required and fees are charged for camping. (See my guide to making backcountry camping reservations in BC for more info.)

Trail Description: This hike in Garibaldi Provincial Park is really steep, especially the final push to the top. But it’s worth it! The beautiful turquoise lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. And you can hike past the end of the lake right up to the toe of the glacier. See it while you can as the ice has retreated nearly half a kilometre in less than 30 years.

Wedgemount Lake is on my list of the best backpacking trips in BC thanks to the spectaclar scenery and the opportunity to hike to a glacier.

Getting There Without a Car: From Vancouver, take the YVR Skylynx or Epic Rides bus to Whistler. From there, you can take a taxi for 15 minutes to the trailhead.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia. To make reservations, visit Garibaldi Provincial Park.

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Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia

A one-stop resource for backpackers in beautiful British Columbia.

• 40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
• Info about permits, reservations, and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos
• Advice for extending your trip
• Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

Frosty Mountain

Duration: 2-3 days

Difficulty: Challenging

Distance: 29 km round trip

Elevation Gain: 1140 m

Best Months: July to September

Fees and Reservations: Camping fees are charged. Reservations are required between late July and late October.

Trail Description: This trail climbs up the slopes of Frosty Mountain, the highest peak in Manning Provincial Park. You can camp at Frosty Creek, partway up, then head to the summit with day packs. Try to time your visit for the fall to see the larches change colour.

Getting There Without a Car: From Vancouver, take Mountain Man Mike’s shuttle to the Manning Park Lodge. From there, hike 3.5 km on the Little Muddy Trail to the trailhead.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my Frosty Mountain trail guide and my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia. For info on camping fees see Manning Provincial Park.

READ NEXT: Frosty Mountain Larches Fall Hiking Guide

Lightning Lakes

Duration: 2 days

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 20 km round trip

Elevation Gain: none

Best Months: June to October

Fees and Reservations: Camping fees are charged. All campsites are first-come, first-served.

Trail Description: The easy trail along the shores of Lightning Lake is perfect for beginners or families. The flat trail has great views of the lakes. Leave the day hikers behind and camp at Strike Lake.

Getting There Without a Car: From Vancouver, take Mountain Man Mike’s shuttle to the Manning Park Lodge. From there, hike 3.5 km on the Little Muddy Trail to the trailhead.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia. For info on camping fees see Manning Provincial Park.

Skyline Trail (Manning Park)

Duration: 2 days

Difficulty: Challenging

Distance: 42 km round trip

Elevation Gain: 520 m

Best Months: July to September

Fees and Reservations: Camping fees are charged. All campsites are first-come, first-served.

Trail Description: The views from this trail are incredible. You start the hike along the shores of Lightning Lake, then ascend to a ridge top viewpoint. From there, the trail follows the top of the ridge through wildflower meadows and you can look waaay down below you to the Lightning Lakes chain. Stay the night at Mowich Camp, which is often visited by deer.

Getting There Without a Car: From Vancouver, take Mountain Man Mike’s shuttle to the Manning Park Lodge. From there, hike 5.5 km on the Little Muddy Trail, then the Lightning Lakes trail over the Rainbow Bridge to the trailhead.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia. For info on camping fees see Manning Provincial Park.

Backpacking Trips on the Sunshine Coast Without a Car

Sunshine Coast Trail

Duration: 7 to 12 days

Difficulty: Challenging

Distance: 178 km one-way

Elevation Gain: 1300 m

Best Months: June to October

Fees and Reservations: None. Camping and staying in the huts is free and all campsites and huts are first-come, first-served.

Trail Info: The 178-km-long Sunshine Coast Trail is a great backpacking trip to do without a car. The hike includes 14 huts along the way, plus dozens of campgrounds so lots of itineraries are possible. The trail starts and finishes on the ocean, but the bulk of the hike is inland up and down mountains and alongside lakes. If the whole trail is too long for you, I also have some options for car-free backpacking trips on shorter sections of the Sunshine Coast Trail below.

The Sunshine Coast Trail is a bucket list hike thanks to the hut-to-hut experience. It’s on my list of the best backpacking trips in BC.

Getting There Without a Car: You can fly to Powell River from Vancouver or Victoria, then take the Sunshine Coast Shuttle bus to the north trailhead. You can also take BC Transit bus 12 from Powell River to the south trailhead.

If you don’t want to fly, take Translink bus 250 or 257 from Vancouver to Horseshoe Bay, then a BC Ferry from there to Langdale where you catch the Sunshine Coast Connector bus to Earl’s Cove to get your final BC Ferry to Saltery Bay. From there you can start the trail or take the Sunshine Coast Shuttle Bus to the other trailhead.

If you want to save some money, you can also take BC Transit bus 12 from Saltery Bay to Powell River, then the Sunshine Coast Shuttle bus to the trailhead.

If you are coming from Vancouver Island, you can take a BC Ferry to Powell River from Comox.

More Info: Get all the details on the Sunshine Coast Trail website.

Fairview Bay/Saltery Bay Loop

Duration: 2 to 3 days

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 12 km round trip or 18 km loop

Elevation Gain: 150 to 570 m

Best Months: April to November

Fees and Reservations: None. Camping and the huts are free and all campsites and huts are first-come, first-served.

Trail Info: The section of the Sunshine Coast Trail is easy to hike without a car since you start right at the ferry. You can hike along the ocean to Fairview Bay Hut. Or you can hike up to Rainy Day Lake, then back around via Fairview Bay to make a loop. If you want to go further, you can tack on the summit of Mount Troubridge for an extra 15 km round trip with 900 m of elevation gain. All three locations have campsites and huts.

I love the coastal views on the way to Fairview Bay – it’s on my lists of the best spring backpacking trips in BC and best easy backpacking trips in BC.

Getting There Without a Car: From Vancouver, take Translink bus 250 or 257 to Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal, then take the BC Ferry to Langdale on the lower Sunshine Coast. From there, take the Sunshine Coast Connector Bus to Earl’s Cove ferry terminal. Take the BC Ferry to Saltery Bay. Once you get off the ferry, the trailhead is a few minutes walk away.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia and on the Sunshine Coast Trail website.

Saltery Bay to Lang Bay

Duration: 2 to 4 days

Difficulty: Challenging

Distance: 45.8 km one-way

Elevation Gain: 1300 m

Best Months: June to October

Fees and Reservations: None. Camping and the huts are free and all campsites and huts are first-come, first-served.

Trail Info: The southernmost section of the Sunshine Coast Trail offers a good mix of terrain. You’ll hike to the top of Mount Troubridge, the highest point on the Sunshine Coast Trail. The section also includes one of the longest coastal sections between gorgeous Fairview Bay and the trailhead at Saltery Bay.

Getting There Without a Car: From Vancouver, take Translink bus 250 or 257 to Horseshoe Bay, then take the BC Ferry to Langdale on the lower Sunshine Coast. From there, take the Sunshine Coast Connector Bus to Earl’s Cove ferry terminal. Take the BC Ferry to Saltery Bay. Once you get off the ferry, the trailhead is a few minutes walk away.

To finish the trail, walk along Dixon Road to the Sunshine Coast Highway, then catch the BC Transit bus 12 from Lang Bay back to the ferry terminal.

More Info: Get all the details on the Sunshine Coast Trail website.

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Powell River to Lang Bay

Duration: 4 to 7 days

Difficulty: Challenging

Distance: 84.5 km one-way

Elevation Gain: 1100 m

Best Months: June to October

Fees and Reservations: None. Camping and the huts are free and all campsites and huts are first-come, first-served.

Trail Info: The middle section of the Sunshine Coast Trail includes some of the most spectacular views on the entire trail from the summits of Tin Hat Mountain and Walt Hill Hut. Since it is an 84 km stretch, it’s a great way to take in a big chunk of the SCT if you don’t have time to do the whole thing.

Getting There Without a Car: You can fly to Powell River from Vancouver or Victoria, then take a BC Transit bus 1 to the trailhead.

If you are coming from Vancouver Island, you can take a BC Ferry to Powell River from Comox.

You can also take Translink bus 250 or 257 from Vancouver to Horseshoe Bay, then a BC Ferry from there to Langdale where you catch the Sunshine Coast Connector bus to Earl’s Cove to get your final BC Ferry to Saltery Bay. From there you can take BC Transit Bus 12, then Bus 1 to the trailhead in Powell River.

To finish the trail, walk out along Dixon Road to the Sunshine Coast Highway, then catch the BC Transit bus 12 from Lang Bay back to the ferry terminal or to Powell River.

More Info: Get all the details on the Sunshine Coast Trail website.

Sarah Point to Powell River

Duration: 3 to 4 days

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 50.2 km one-way

Elevation Gain: 370 m

Best Months: March to November

Fees and Reservations: None. Camping and the huts are free and all campsites and huts are first-come, first-served.

Trail Info: The low-elevation section at the north end of the Sunshine Coast Trail is a great car-free backpacking option for spring and fall. It has gorgeous views of the ocean from Manzanita Bluff and the campsite on Little Sliammon Lake is a great spot for a swim.

The hike to Manzanita Bluff was the first part of the SCT that I hiked and remains a favourite – it’s on my list of the best spring backpacking trips in BC.

Getting There Without a Car: You can fly to Powell River from Vancouver or Victoria, then take the Sunshine Coast Shuttle bus to the Sarah Point Trailhead.

If you are coming from Vancouver Island, you can take a BC Ferry to Powell River from Comox.

You can also take Translink bus 250 or 257 from Vancouver to Horseshoe Bay, then a BC Ferry from there to Langdale where you catch the Sunshine Coast Connector bus to Earl’s Cove to get your final BC Ferry to Saltery Bay.

From there you can take the Sunshine Coast Shuttle to the Sarah Point Trailhead. Or if you want to save some money, you can take a BC Transit bus 12 to Powell River, then the Sunshine Coast Shuttle.

The trail finishes in Powell River near the stop for BC Transit bus 1 which you can use to get back to the ferry at Saltery Bay.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia and on the Sunshine Coast Trail website.

Backpacking Trips on Vancouver Island Without a Car

Narvaez Bay

Duration: 2 days

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 18 km round trip

Elevation Gain: 140 m

Best Months: Year-round

Fees and Reservations: Reservations are required in the summer and camping fees are charged. (See my guide to making backcountry camping reservations in BC for more info.)

Trail Info: This oceanfront campground is located in Gulf Islands National Park on Saturna Island. It’s an easy hike along a quiet road and then a short trail to the campground. Unfortunately, there is no water here so you will have to bring your own.

Narvaez Bay is a gorgeous spot – it’s on my lists of the best spring backpacking trips in BC and best easy backpacking trips in BC.

Getting There Without a Car: From Vancouver take Translink bus 620 to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal, then take the BC Ferry to Saturna Island.

From Victoria, take the BC Transit bus 70 to the Swartz Bay ferry terminal, then take the BC Ferry to Saturna Island.

Once on the island, walk along East Point Road then Narvaez Bay Road to the park. If you want to save some time, bring a bike for the road section.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. See Gulf Islands National Park Reserve for camping reservations.

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

Juan de Fuca Trail

Heads up: The Juan de Fuca Trail is closed in summer 2025 due to significant storm damage. It is not possible to hike the entire trail, but you can visit and camp at Mystic Beach and East Sombrio Beach.

Duration: 3 to 5 days

Difficulty: Challenging

Distance: 47 km one-way

Elevation Gain: 190 m

Best Months: Year-round

Fees and Reservations: Camping fees charged. All campsites are first-come, first-served.

Trail Info: Often considered the sister trail to the famous West Coast Trail, the Juan de Fuca Trail runs along the ocean at the southern end of Vancouver Island. It is a bit more rugged than the WCT with more inland sections and lots of hills. But it also has lots of beautiful beach campsites.

This trip is one of my favourites – I’ve done it twice! It’s on my lists of the best backpacking trips in BC, and best spring backpacking trips in BC.

Getting There Without a Car: From Victoria, you can take the West Coast Trail Express shuttle bus to all of the trailheads.

More Info: Read my Juan de Fuca Trail guide and see my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island for full details. For info on camping fees, see Juan de Fuca Provincial Park.

READ NEXT: Juan De Fuca Trail Guide: Backpacking on Vancouver Island

Kludahk Trail

Duration: 3 to 5 days

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 51.2 km one-way

Elevation Gain: 1000 m

Best Months: June to October

Fees and Reservations: None. Camping is free and all campsites are first-come, first-served.

Trail Info: This little-known trail follows the crest of the San Juan Ridge through gorgeous old-growth forest and unique sub-alpine bog. There are lots of viewpoints and tiny lakes along the way. The Kludahk Outdoors Club built the trail and has a series of huts along the trail, which are only open to club members. However, members of the public are welcome to use the trail and stay at the campsites near the huts.

Getting There Without a Car: It’s possible to get to and from the Kludahk Trail using the West Coast Express bus from Victoria.

The bus stops at the intersection of Highway 14 and Parkinson Creek Road, the western trailhead for the Kludahk Trail.

It also stops at the entrance to the China Beach day-use area, which is a 1 km (0.6 mi) walk along the highway from the start of North Main FSR. From there it’s a 10.2 km (6.3 mi) walk with 660 m (2165 ft) of elevation gain on logging roads to the eastern trailhead.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.

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Backpacking on Vancouver Island

Discover Vancouver Island’s best day hikes and overnight trips

• 25 backpacking trips and 10 day hikes throughout Vancouver Island
• Info about permits, reservations and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos
• Advice for extending your trip
• Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

West Coast Trail

Duration: 5 to 8 days

Difficulty: Challenging

Distance: 75 km one-way

Elevation Gain: 225 m

Best Months: May to September

Fees and Reservations: Reservations, trail fees, and National Park entry fees required. (See my guide to making backcountry camping reservations in BC for more info.)

Trail Info: The West Coast Trail is a bucket list hike and is on lots of lists of the best trails in Canada. The tough trail follows the coast with lots of sections of beach walking and some inland old-growth forest. You will also challenge yourself on lots of ladders, bridges, and cable cars. The campsites are all on gorgeous beaches.

I love this trail – I’ve done it twice and it’s on my lists of the best backpacking trips in BC, and best spring backpacking trips in BC.

Getting There Without a Car: From Victoria, you can take the West Coast Trail Express shuttle bus to all of the trailheads.

More Info: Get details on this hike in my West Coast Trail guide and my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. For info on reservations, trail fees, and National Park fees, see Pacific Rim National Park.

READ NEXT: West Coast Trail Hiking Guide

Keeha Beach

Duration: 2 days

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 7 km round-trip

Elevation Gain: 45 m

Best Months: May to September

Fees and Reservations: Reservations, camping fees, and National Park entry fees required. (See my guide to making backcountry camping reservations in BC for more info.)

Trail Info: Remote Keeha Beach is located in Pacific Rim National Park just north of the West Coast Trail. It’s a gorgeous sandy beach with incredible views. The trail to get there is really rough, however, with tons of mud and slippery tree roots.

The beach here is so pretty – it’s on my list of the best spring backpacking trips in BC.

Getting There Without a Car: From Victoria, you can take the West Coast Trail Express shuttle bus to the town of Bamfield. From there, you can take a taxi to the trailhead or walk 2 km on Bamfield Road and South Bamfield Road.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. For fees, and reservations, see Pacific Rim National Park.

Della Falls

Duration: 2 to 5 days

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 32 km round-trip

Elevation Gain: 540 m

Best Months: Mid-May to September

Fees and Reservations: None. Camping is free and all campsites are first-come, first-served.

Trail Info: Della Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in Canada with a total height of 440 m. The trail heads up a picturesque river valley to the base of the falls. From there, you can take a side trail up to Love Lake for an even better view.

This trip is one of my favourites – it’s on my lists of the best backpacking trips in BC, and best spring backpacking trips in BC.

Getting There Without a Car: From Nanaimo, take the Tofino Bus to Port Alberni. From there you can take a taxi for 20 minutes to the Great Central Lake Marina to catch the Della Falls water taxi to the trailhead.

More Info: Get all the details in my Della Falls Trail guide and my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. Join the Della Falls Facebook group to get the latest trail conditions.

READ NEXT: Della Falls Trail Hiking Guide (Vancouver Island Backpacking)

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Sign up to receive a bi-monthly newsletter from Taryn at Dawn Outdoors stuffed with the latest on backpacking in BC including:

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• seasonal trip recommendations,
  
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Wild Side Trail

Duration: 2 days

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 22 km round-trip

Elevation Gain: 30 m

Best Months: May to October

Fees and Reservations: Trail fees charged. All campsites are first-come, first-served.

Trail Info: This is one of my favourite trails on Vancouver Island. Almost the entire trail is on beautiful sandy beaches. The campsite at Cow Bay has a spectacular view. The Wild Side Trail is an easy hike so it’s great for kids or beginners.

I’ve done this hike twice and it’s on my lists of the best backpacking trips in BC, best easy backpacking trips in BC, and best spring backpacking trips in BC.

Getting There Without a Car: From Nanaimo, take the Tofino Bus to Tofino, then catch a water taxi to the town of Ahousaht. The trail starts at the fuel dock in Ahousaht.

More Info: Get details on this hike in my Wild Side Trail guide and in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.. For info on trail fees and camping fees, see the Wild Side Trail website.

READ NEXT: Wild Side Trail: Hiking and Camping Guide

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Backpacking on Vancouver Island

Discover Vancouver Island’s best day hikes and overnight trips

• 25 backpacking trips and 10 day hikes throughout Vancouver Island
• Info about permits, reservations and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos
• Advice for extending your trip
• Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

Forbidden Plateau Loop

Duration: 2 to 3 days

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 8.3 to 15. 4 km loop

Elevation Gain: 190 m

Best Months: July to September

Fees and Reservations: Camping fees charged. All campsites are first-come, first-served.

Trail Info: The easy trails starting at Paradise Meadows in Strathcona Provincial Park are a great option for a laidback backpacking trip. With two campgrounds (Lake Helen Mackenzie and Kwai Lake) you can choose to make a shorter or longer loop. There are also several great day hikes from the campgrounds.

I’ve hiked here four times since it’s so nice and it’s on my list of the best backpacking trips in BC and best easy backpacking trips in BC.

Getting There Without a Car: From Nanaimo, take the Island Link bus to Courtenay/Comox. From there, take an Ambassador Transportation shuttle to the trailhead at the top of Mount Washington.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.

Circlet Lake and Mount Albert Edward

Duration: 2 to 3 days

Difficulty: Challenging

Distance: 31 km round trip

Elevation Gain: 980 m

Best Months: July to September

Fees and Reservations: Camping fees charged. All campsites are first-come, first-served.

Trail Info: Mount Albert Edward is one of the highest mountains on Vancouver Island and one of the few you can summit without mountaineering gear. The trip up the mountain begins with a hike through the Paradise Meadows area of Strathcona Provincial Park. Stay overnight at tiny Circlet Lake and day hike to the peak from there.

I’ve hiked here twice – it’s on my list of the best backpacking trips in BC.

Getting There Without a Car: From Nanaimo, take the Island Link bus to Courtenay/Comox. From there, take an Ambassador Transportation shuttle to the trailhead at the top of Mount Washington.

More Info: Find details on this hike in my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island.

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

North Coast Trail

Duration: 5 to 6 days

Difficulty: Very challenging

Distance: 43 km one-way

Elevation Gain: 245 m

Best Months: mid-April to October

Fees and Reservations: Camping fees charged between May and September. (Otherwise, it is free.) All campsites are first-come, first-served.

Trail Info: I’ve hiked a lot of coastal trails and I think the North Coast Trail is the toughest. The trail is muddy, rooty, and sometimes near vertical as it ascends coastal cliffs. But the beaches and old-growth forests are spectacular.

I’ve hiked this trail twice – it’s on my lists of the best backpacking trips in BC, and best spring backpacking trips in BC.

Getting There Without a Car: From Nanaimo, take the Island Link Bus to Port Hardy. From there you can take Cape Scott Water Taxi to the eastern trailhead. To get back from the trail, take the North Coast Trail Shuttle bus (operated by Cape Scott Water Taxi) from the Cape Scott trailhead to Port Hardy.

More Info: Get details on this hike in my North Coast Trail guide and my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. Join the Cape Scott Park Facebook group for the latest trail conditions.

READ NEXT: North Coast Trail: Backpacking on Vancouver Island

Cape Scott

Duration: 2 to 3 days

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 41.5 km round trip

Elevation Gain: 100 m

Best Months: Year-round

Fees and Reservations: Camping fees charged between May and September. (Otherwise, it is free.) All campsites are first-come, first-served.

Trail Info: I love the hike to Cape Scott – I’ve done it 4 times. The trail heads through the wet and muddy rainforest before emerging on the coast. You can camp at several different sandy beaches. The highlight is the day hike to the lighthouse at Cape Scott, the northernmost point on Vancouver Island.

This is my favourite hike on Vancouver Island – it’s on my lists of the best backpacking trips in BC, and best spring backpacking trips in BC.

Getting There Without a Car: From Nanaimo, take the Island Link bus to Port Hardy. From there you can take the North Coast Trail Shuttle bus (operated by Cape Scott Water Taxi) to the trailhead.

More Info: Get details on this hike in my Cape Scott Trail guide and my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. Join the Cape Scott Park Facebook group the latest trail conditions. For camping fees, see Cape Scott Provincial Park.

READ NEXT: Cape Scott Trail Guide: Hiking and Camping on Northern Vancouver Island

San Josef Bay

Duration: 2 days

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 5 km return

Elevation Gain: 45 m

Best Months: Year-round

Fees and Reservations: Camping fees charged between May and September. (Otherwise, it is free.) All campsites are first-come, first-served.

Trail Info: The flat trail to San Josef is so easy that you can pull a wagon on it – and many people do. The beautiful sandy beach is a great place to camp. Be sure to allow extra time to explore the sea stacks at low tide. It takes a long time to get here, but this is a great beginner backpacking trip in BC without a car.

I’ve hiked to this beautiful beach twice – it’s on my lists of the best spring backpacking trips in BC and best easy backpacking trips in BC.

Getting There Without a Car: From Nanaimo, take the Island Link bus to Port Hardy. From there you can take the North Coast Trail Shuttle bus (operated by Cape Scott Water Taxi) to the trailhead.

More Info: Get details on this hike in my Cape Scott Trail guide and my book, Backpacking on Vancouver Island. Join the Cape Scott Park Facebook group the latest trail conditions. For camping fees, see Cape Scott Provincial Park.

Get My Book…

Backpacking on Vancouver Island

Discover Vancouver Island’s best day hikes and overnight trips

• 25 backpacking trips and 10 day hikes throughout Vancouver Island
• Info about permits, reservations and campground facilities
• Detailed maps and photos
• Advice for extending your trip
• Points of cultural and natural history

Get the book

Backpacking Trips in Eastern BC and the Rocky Mountains Without a Car

Heads up: Some of the trips in this section are technically in Alberta, but they are so close to the BC border that it seemed silly not to include them.

Okanagan High Rim Trail

Duration: 3 to 4 days

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 59 km one-way

Elevation Gain: 800 m

Best Months: May to October

Fees and Reservations: None. Camping is free and all campsites are first-come, first-served.

Trail Info: This trail makes a traverse through the mountains above the Okanagan Valley between Vernon and Kelowna. It’s a newer route that is gaining in popularity thanks to the many little lakes and great views. Easy access makes it one of the best backpacking trips in BC without a car.

This trip made it onto my lists of the best backpacking trips in BC, and best spring backpacking trips in BC.

Getting There Without a Car: Take Ebus to Vernon from Kelowna or Vancouver. From there, you can take a taxi for 15 minutes to the northern trailhead. You can also take BC Transit bus 1 to the stop on Kalamalka Road at Bonavista Drive, then walk 2.8 to the trailhead. To finish the trail, take a taxi for 30 minutes back to Kelowna from Highway 33 at Philpott Road.

More Info: Get the details from the Okanagan High Rim Trail Association.

Okanagan Mountain Park

Duration: 2 to 3 days

Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging

Distance: 22 to 40 km

Elevation Gain: 200 to 1100 m

Best Months: Mid-March to October

Fees and Reservations: None. Camping is free and all campsites are first-come, first-served.

Trail Info: There are tons of trail options in this huge park south of Kelowna. There are backcountry campgrounds near the peak of Okanagan Mountain at Divide Lake and Baker Lake. Or you can choose from several campgrounds on the shores of Okanagan Lake, accessed via the Wild Horse Canyon Trail. It’s also possible to combine the two to make a big loop.

This trip is also on my list of the best spring backpacking trips in BC.

Getting There Without a Car: Take Ebus to Kelowna from Vancouver or Calgary or points along the way. From Kelowna, take a taxi for 25 minutes to the trailhead on Lakeshore Road.

More Info: See Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park.

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Skoki Loop

Duration: 3 days

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 33.5 km round trip

Elevation Gain: 1,295 m

Best Months: July to September

Fees and Reservations: Reservations, camping fees, and National Park admission required. (See my guide to making backcountry camping reservations in BC for more info.)

Trail Info: This lollipop-shaped loop trip heads into the mountains east of Lake Louise in Banff National Park. The route weaves between tall peaks and picturesque alpine lakes.

Getting There Without a Car: Take the Rider Express bus to Lake Louise from Calgary, Kamloops, or Vancouver, then walk 3.5 km to the trailhead.

More Info: See my Skoki Loop trail guide.

Psst! This trail is on my list of the best backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies.

Egypt Lake

Duration: 2 to 4 days

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 24.6 km round trip

Elevation Gain: 1,135 m

Best Months: July to September

Fees and Reservations: Reservations, camping fees, and National Park admission required. (See my guide to making backcountry camping reservations in BC for more info.)

Trail Info: This trail climbs up through Healy Pass to Egypt Lake in Banff National Park. From there you can day hike to several stunning lakes. You can make your trip into a loop by taking the Sunshine Village gondola back to the trailhead.

Getting There Without a Car: Take the Rider Express bus to Banff from Calgary or Vancouver. From there take the Sunshine Village Shuttle to the trailhead at the base of the gondola.

More Info: See my Egypt Lake backpacking guide.

READ NEXT: Egypt Lake in Banff Hiking and Backpacking Guide

Mount Assiniboine

Duration: 4 to 6 days

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 55 km round trip

Elevation Gain: 480 m

Best Months: Mid-July to September

Fees and Reservations: Reservations and fees are required to camp in the park through BC Parks and to camp on the access trails through Banff National Park. (See my guide to making backcountry camping reservations in BC for more info.)

Trail Info: The whole Mount Assiniboine area is stunning. There are several day hikes from the base camp at Lake Magog which lead to incredible viewpoints. There are two ways to hike to the core area – via Mount Shark trailhead in Kananaskis or via Sunshine Village near Banff. Only the Sunshine Village option is possible to backpacking without a car.

This trip is one of my favourites – it’s on my list of the best backpacking trips in BC. It’s also on my list of the best backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies.

Getting There Without a Car: Take the Rider Express to Banff from Vancouver or Calgary. From there take the Sunshine Village Shuttle to the trailhead at the base of the gondola. Ride the gondola up to the top to the trailhead.

More Info: See my huge Mount Assiniboine hiking guide for more info. Make reservations on the Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park. Join the Mount Assiniboine Facebook group. See Banff National Park for reservations for camping on the approach trails.

READ NEXT: Mount Assiniboine Hiking Guide

Lake Minnewanka Shoreline Trail

Duration: 2 to 4 days

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 15.6 to 57.8 km round trip

Elevation Gain: 300 m

Best Months: May to October

Fees and Reservations: Reservations, camping fees, and National Park admission required. (See my guide to making backcountry camping reservations in BC for more info.)

Trail Info: The easy trail along the shore of Lake Minnewanka in Banff National Park is a great option for spring or fall since it is in the valley bottom. There are six backcountry campgrounds along the route. Don’t miss the day hike to Alymer Pass, which has a spectacular view.

Getting There Without a Car: Take the Rider Express to Banff from Calgary or Vancouver. From there take Roam Transit bus 6 to Lake Minnewanka.

More Info: See Banff National Park.

Join the Backpacking in BC Facebook Group

Saturday Night Lake Loop

Duration: 2 to 3 days

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 24.6 km

Elevation Gain: 480 m

Best Months: May to October

Fees and Reservations: Reservations, camping fees, and National Park admission required. (See my guide to making backcountry camping reservations in BC for more info.)

Trail Info: This easy trail starts right in the town of Jasper. The loop heads steadily but never steeply uphill, passing several lakes. There are two campgrounds along the trail both near picturesque lakes.

Getting There Without a Car: Take Sundog Tours bus from Edmonton or Ebus from Vancouver or Kamloops to Jasper. From there, walk 1.6 km to the trailhead.

More Info: See Jasper National Park.

Skyline Trail (Jasper National Park)

Duration: 2 to 4 days

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 44.1 km one-way

Elevation Gain: 1330 m

Best Months: Mid-July to mid-September

Fees and Reservations: Reservations, camping fees, and National Park admission required. (See my guide to making backcountry camping reservations in BC for more info.)

Trail Info: The Skyline Trail is one of the most popular backpacking trips in Jasper National Park. The trail is mostly above the treeline, so it has incredible views as it goes over mountain passes. Most people choose to hike from south to north since it has less elevation gain.

Getting There Without a Car: Take Sundog Tours bus from Edmonton to Jasper or Ebus from Vancouver or Kamloops to Jasper. Then take the Maligne Valley Hiker’s shuttle to the trailhead.

More Info: See my Skyline Trail hiking guide.

READ NEXT: Hike the Skyline Trail in Jasper National Park

Berg Lake Trail

Heads up: The Berg Lake Trail suffered extensive damage due to flooding in late June and early July 2021. However, the full trail reopened in June 2025.

Duration: 2 to 4 days

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 42 km round trip

Elevation Gain: 800 m

Best Months: July to September

Fees and Reservations: Reservations are required and camping fees are charged. (See my guide to making backcountry camping reservations in BC for more info.)

Trail Info: Berg Lake is one of my favourite trails in the Rockies and a great place to go backpacking in BC without a car. It follows the Robson River uphill to the Berg Lake, named for the glaciers that send icebergs into the lake. Allow extra time for day hikes to spectacular viewpoints.

This trip is one of my favourites – it’s on my list of the best backpacking trips in BC.

Getting There Without a Car: Take Ebus from Edmonton, Vancouver or Kamloops to the Mount Robson Visitor Centre. Then walk 2.2 km to the trailhead.

More Info: Get details on this hike in my Berg Lake Trail guide. For reservation info, see Mount Robson Provincial Park.

READ NEXT: Berg Lake Trail Hiking Guide

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Backpacking in Southwestern British Columbia and Backpacking on Vancouver Island

Discover BC’s best backpacking trips

• 40 backpacking trips within a few hours of Vancouver
• 35 backpacking trips and day hikes on Vancouver Island
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• Detailed maps and photos

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Final Thoughts

With over 35 car-free backpacking trips in BC on this list, I’m sure you’ll find one that works for you. Do you have other suggestions for places to go backpacking in BC without a car? Leave them in the comments.

MORE BC BACKPACKING TRIP LISTS:

• 31 Best Backpacking Trips in BC
• 11 Best Backpacking Trips in the Canadian Rockies
• 24 Easy Backpacking Trips In BC For Beginners
• 25 Spring Backpacking Trips in British Columbia

BC BACKPACKING RESOURCES:

• How to Make Backcountry Camping Reservations in BC
• 2023 BC Backpacking Reservation Dates You Need to Know
• How to Go Backpacking in BC Without Reservations
• Backcountry Huts in British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies

The post 35+ Places to Go Backpacking in BC Without A Car appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

The Berg Lake Trail in Mount Robson Provincial Park is one of Canada’s premiere multi-day hiking trips. People travel from all over the world to do this trip. We met Americans, Austrians, Mexicans… oh and a bunch of Canadians from all over the country.

It begins down in a temperate rain forest before climbing high up into the alpine to a brilliant blue glacier-fed lake. And speaking of glaciers! So many glaciers! The star of the show is the Berg Glacier, tumbling down the slope of Mount Robson into the lake. Oh, and BTW, Mount Robson is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. There’s lots of awesome stuff going on with this trail!

A few years ago, I finally made the drive to the Rockies to hike the Berg Lake Trail. We spilt up our hike over 5 days so we’d have lots of time to enjoy the scenery and to go on day hikes from our base at Berg Lake Campground.

In this post I’ll tell you everything you ever wanted to know to plan your own trip. Because believe me, after seeing these photos, you’ll want to go.

A quick note: The info in this post was written for trail conditions prior to the 2021 washout. Where possible, I’ll make a note of areas where the trail will be different in 2025. I haven’t hiked the new trail yet, but I’ve summarized info from BC Parks and people who have hiked it since it’s been open to indicate what parts of the trail have changed.

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. Thanks for supporting my website! -Taryn

Berg Lake Trail Basics

Distance: 21km (13 miles) one way

Elevation Gain: 800m (2600ft)

Time: At least 2 days. I recommend 4 or 5.

Cost: $10/person/night plus reservation fees of $6/tent pad/night (up to a max of $18)

Best Time to Go: The trail is snow-free from June to September. Best time to hike is July to early September.

Difficulty: Moderate, especially if you split the ascent to Berg Lake over two days.

What to Bring: I’ve got a complete Berg Lake Trail packing list for you.

Location: Mount Robson Provincial Park in the Canadian Rockies, 1 hour west of Jasper.

Description: The trail follows the Robson River. Along the way you’ll pass by Kinney Lake before climbing steeply up through The Valley of A Thousand Falls. At the top of the valley, the trail levels out and follows the river to the shores of Berg Lake. Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies at 3954m (12,972ft), towers over Berg Lake. The Berg Glacier cascades down the side of the mountain into the lake where it breaks off and forms icebergs. (And that’s why it’s called Berg Lake!)

Berg Lake Trail Map

The Berg Lake trail is well marked and easy to follow. There are frequent info signs and maps so it’s almost impossible to get lost. Unless you plan to travel off-trail in the backcountry, the map below is the only one you’ll need for the Berg Lake Trail. Click on the map below to view a printable PDF. Print out the map, then tuck it inside a ziploc bag for use on the trail.

When to Go

The trail is usually snow-free from June until late September. However, some years the snow can linger into early July or start to fall again in late September. I hiked the trail in early September 2018 and we got hit with a snow storm on our last day! July and August have the best weather, but the trail is also the busiest during those months.

If you want to day hike the Snowbird Pass trail, you should know that it is closed until July 1st each year to protect the caribou calving grounds.

READ NEXT: The Best Weather Apps for Hiking

How Long to Spend on the Trail

In my opinion, most people will want to spend about 4 or 5 days on the trail.

Here’s an itinerary I recommend: Day 1: Hike to Whitehorn campground. Day 2: Hike to Berg Lake campground. Day 3: Day hike to Snowbird Pass. Day 4: Hike to Whitehorn or Kinney Lake campground OR hike out to the trailhead. Day 5: Hike out to the trailhead if you stopped at Whitehorn or Kinney.

The trail is 21km one way (42km return). It’s possible to hike up to Berg Lake and back in one day, but it would likely take over 14 hours. I don’t recommend it and the vast majority of people spend at least one night on the trail.

Since it is a 21km hike in with 800m of elevation gain, many people split the ascent to Berg Lake into 2 days. If you’re in good shape and an experienced backpacker, you could hike all the way to the lake in 1 day. The same goes for the descent: you can do it in one day, but many people prefer to split it into two days.

If you want to do any of the day hikes at Berg Lake, you’ll also want to allow time for that. At a minimum, you should do the Snowbird Pass hike – it’s gorgeous! Scroll down to the bottom of this post to read more about day hikes at Berg Lake.

Weather and Climate

Berg Lake is at an elevation of 1640m (5410ft). It sits right next to Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Mount Robson is so tall that it makes its own weather. This means that it is often rainier at Berg Lake than other places in the Rockies. It also is high enough in the mountains that it can snow in any month.

The temperature can also vary a LOT at Berg Lake. On sunny summer days highs up of up 30C (86F) are possible, with the temperature dipping to less than 10C (50F) at night. On rainier days or in June and September the highs are more like 15C (59F) with lows of 0C (32F) at night. Of course the temperature can often be much colder than that, so bring warm clothing.

READ NEXT: How to Stay Warm in a Tent: Over 40 Tips

Costs and Reservations

The Berg Lake Trail is really popular and people come from all over the world to hike it. To manage the crowds, the park rangers have made all campsites on the trail 100% reservable between mid-June and the end of September.

Previously, reservations opened on October 1st the year before your trip. However, since the trail suffered a big washout in 2021, the full trail has not been open. In 2025, the full trail was open for the first time since the 2021 storms.

Reservations for summer 2026 open on Tuesday December 2, 2025 at 7 am. You need a reservation for stays between May 27 and September 29, 2026.

Thankfully, the reservation fee isn’t too expensive: It’s $6 per tent per night, up to a maximum of $18.

When you make your reservation you’ll also need to pay backcountry camping fees. Those are $10 per person per night. You can make reservations through the BC Parks reservation service. For more info on how to navigate the online reservation system, see my guide to making backcountry reservations in BC.

To hike the trail you will need a permit. Take a print-out or screen shot of your reservation confirmation email to the Mount Robson visitor centre on the day you start your hike. The rangers there will give you a laminated permit tag to take with you on the trail.

READ NEXT: How to Make Backcountry Camping Reservations in BC

How to Get to the Berg Lake Trail

The Berg Lake Trail is located in Mount Robson Provincial Park in the Canadian Rockies. It’s located just over the BC/Alberta border from Jasper National Park. It is in the Pacific time zone.

The closest towns to the trail are Jasper, Alberta (1 hour to the east along highway 16), and Valemount, BC (30 minutes to the south west via highway 16 and highway 5). Click here for Google maps driving directions.

You can also hike the Berg Lake Trail without a car: Take Ebus from Edmonton, Vancouver or Kamloops to the Mount Robson Visitor Centre. Then walk 2.2 km to the trailhead. (That’s why Berg Lake is on my list of the best car-free backpacking trips in BC.)

If you are flying in, the closest airports are Edmonton and Kamloops, both of which have car rentals. You can also rent a car in Jasper. I use Discover Cars since it lets you compare prices from lots of different rental companies. That way you know you are getting the best deal.

You will probably want to stay near Mount Robson Provincial Park the night before so you can get an early start on the trail. We stayed at a cabin in Tete Jaune Cache since it is about 15 minutes east of the visitor centre. If you want a hotel, you can book accommodation at bit farther away in Jasper or Valemount. If you want to camp, there are car campgrounds in the provincial park near the visitor centre.

What to Bring

You will need to be totally self-sufficient on the trail and carry in everything you will need for your trip – right down to the toilet paper!

To avoid carrying a stupidly heavy pack, choose lightweight backpacking gear rather than heavy conventional camping gear. The weather in the mountains is also often very cold and wet so be sure to pack accordingly. For a full list of what to pack, see my complete Berg Lake Trail packing list, with specific gear recommendations.

READ NEXT: What to Pack for the Berg Lake Trail

Rules

The Berg Lake trail is a popular area and it is also environmentally sensitive. As always, be sure to Leave No Trace. The park rangers have put a few rules in place to protect the area.

Dogs: Allowed on leash for day hikes only. No dogs are allowed on overnight trips.

Fires: No fires are allowed. Bring a camp stove for cooking. There are wood stoves in the shelters at the Whitehorn and Berg Lake campsites, but they can only be used in an emergency.

Bikes: You can bike the first 7km of the trail to the end of Kinney Lake but you aren’t permitted to bike further than that. E-bikes are allowed. If you are comfortable biking with an overnight pack, using a bike for the first section could make your trip a little faster.

Helicopters: If you have the cash, you can pay to fly in to Robson Pass on a helicopter from Valemount. The helicopters are only allowed to land on Mondays and Fridays.

Hammocks: Not permitted as they can damage the trees. (The trees aren’t very big up in the alpine.)

Maximum Group Size: 12 people to minimize impact.

READ NEXT: How to Leave No Trace (And Why it’s Important!)

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Trail Overview

Key Distances

Starting the Trail

To start the trail you need to sign in at the Mount Robson visitor centre. It’s located on highway 16 in Mount Robson provincial park. Opening hours are 8am to 7pm 7 days a week in the summer. Bring a print out or screen shot on your phone of your reservation confirmation to show the rangers.

The rangers will give you a brief orientation and go over some safety info and park rules. You will also need to head down to the basement to watch an orientation video. The rangers will give you your laminated permit tags (one for each tent). Hang them on your backpack while you’re hiking and your tent when it’s set up. The rangers may ask to see them on the trail.

The trailhead is located 2km from the visitor centre. There’s a parking lot with a covered picnic shelter and an outhouse at the trailhead. If you’re worried about leaving things in your car while you hike, the visitor centre has lockers for rent.

Trailhead to Kinney Lake Bridge

Distance: 4.5km/2.8mi | Elevation Gain: 150m/500ft | Time: 1-2 hours | Difficulty: Easy

The trail starts with a wide bridge across the Robson River. There’s a large info board with a map. This section of trail is an old gravel road that climbs steadily uphill but is never steep. In some places the trail is quite close to the rushing river. You’ll be walking through a temperate rain forest with lots of big cedars, hemlocks and ferns. There are a few interpretive signs along the way.

After 4.5km you’ll reach a wide bridge crossing the Robson River at the outlet of Kinney Lake. This bridge was replaced as part of the trail work after the 2021 storms.

Kinney Lake is a beautiful light blue colour thanks to the glacial sediment in the water. There is a 4 way intersection on the far side of the bridge. Go right for an outhouse. Turn left for a short side trail that leads to a picnic area. Stay straight to remain on the Berg Lake Trail.

Kinney Lake Bridge to Kinney Lake Campground

Distance: 2.5km/1.5mi | Elevation Gain: 30m/100ft | Time: 40min-1 hour | Difficulty: Easy

After Kinney Lake bridge the trail stops looking like a road and more like a trail. It heads through the forest and then climbs a small hill on some short but steep switchbacks. You’ll get some peek-a-boo views of Kinney Lake before dropping right back down to lake level again.

The trail crosses a gravelly section next to the lake before heading back in to the trees. Soon you’ll arrive at the Kinney Lake Campground with its open-sided shelter.

Kinney Lake Campground to Whitehorn Campground

Distance: 4km/2.5mi | Elevation Gain: 100m/325ft | Time: 1-2 hours | Difficulty: Moderate

A few minutes past Kinney Lake campground you’ll reach the end of Kinney Lake. There’s a bike rack here since this is the furthest you’re allowed to ride a bike.

This section was heavily washed out in the 2021 storms and has been repaired. Follow trail signs here to stay on the restored trail.

Here are directions for the old trail: There’s also a fork in the trail here. The left fork goes down on to the gravel river flats. The right fork climbs 30 meters up a bluff, then descends back down. The trails merge back together in about 1km. The flats route is closed in times of high water. If it’s open there will be a posted sign that letting you know that the flats are open to hikers. If possible, take the left fork across the flats as it is faster and easier.

The trail across the flats is not that well marked, so pay attention to stay on trail and cross the little bridges over the side channels. After the two trails meet back up, you’ll cross two bridges over branches of the Robson River. These bridges have been replaced as of 2025.

From here you have a 2km climb up Whitehorn hill. There are a few short switchbacks, but it’s mostly a steady climb through the forest. You’ll know you’ve reached the top when you spot the suspension bridge. Just before the suspension bridge there is a side trail to the ranger cabin. Cross the bridge to reach the Whitehorn campground. This bridge was replaced as part of the repairs from the 2021 storms.

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Whitehorn Campground to Emperor Falls Campground

Distance: 5km/3.1mi Elevation Gain: 520m/1700ft Time: 2.5-4 hours | Difficulty: Hard

The first section the trail from Whitehorn is on the opposite side of the river from the old trail. While the old trail was flat, the new trail has some ups and downs in the forest. It’s also a bit longer. (I’m not sure how much longer yet so I’ll updatet this guide with new stats once I have it.

Cross a heavy duty bridge and get your first view of the Valley of a Thousand Falls. This tight gorge channels the Robson River rapidly downhill. This means you’ll be doing a lot of steep climbing in this section of trail! You’ll gain 500m over 5km! This is also the only section of the trail where you won’t encounter any water sources, so be sure to fill up your water bottles before you head up the hill.

After the first few switch backs you will reach a viewpoint over White Falls. Continue steadily uphill in the forest for another kilometre to Falls of the Pool viewpoint. Past here the trail emerges from the forest and travels near the edge of the canyon.

Eventually you will reach a signed junction with a side trail to Emperor Falls. The sign says it is a 500m walk, but don’t worry, it’s only about 200m each way. (I measured!) You might be tempted to leave your heavy backpack at the junction. However, the park rangers want you to take them with you since the food inside can attract animals. Be sure to take the side trail to the falls since they are spectacular! You’ll definitely get hit with spray so wear a rain jacket.

Past the Emperor Falls junction you’ll continue walking uphill for another half kilometer to reach the Emperor Falls campground. The campground isn’t actually anywhere near Emperor Falls, but it is located right next to the beautiful Robson River.

Emperor Falls Campground to Marmot Campground

Distance: 2.8km/1.7mi | Elevation Gain: 30m/100ft | Time: 45min-1 hour | Difficulty: Easy

Shortly after Emperor Falls camp, the trail curves away from the river and traverses a rock slide. The trail builders did an amazing job across the rock slide: The path is remarkably smooth and they have built some great retaining walls.

After the rock slide the trail goes down to another river flats section. This section has been rerouted since the 2021 storms and is a bit longer than before. You’ll start to get views of the lake and the dirt-speckled Mist glacier. As you finally reach the shore of Berg Lake, you’ll arrive at Marmot Campground and get your first good views of the Berg glacier as it runs down into the lake.

Marmot Campground to Berg Lake Campground

Distance: 2.2km/1.4mi | Elevation Gain: 0m/0ft | Time: 30-40min | Difficulty: Super easy

This flat section of trail follows the lakeshore between the Marmot and Berg Lake campgrounds. A few hundred meters after leaving the Marmot Campground you’ll pass the intersection for the Hargreaves Lake trail. 

The trail is often a few meters above the lake level and there are a couple of great places to stop and look at the Berg glacier through the gaps in the trees. As you approach the Berg Lake campground there will be a side trail heading uphill to the campsites. Stay on the main trail for the fastest route to the shelter.

Berg Lake Campground to Robson Pass Campground via Rearguard Campground

Distance: 2km/1.2mi | Elevation Gain: 0m/0ft | Time: 30-40min | Difficulty: Super easy

After leaving the Berg Lake campground, the trail crosses a bridge. The trailhead for Toboggan Falls is right after the bridge. The main trail continues on through the forest and some river flat sections.

One kilometer from the Berg lake campground you’ll pass the Rearguard campground. A few hundred meters after that, look for the junction for the Snowbird Pass trail on your right.

Soon you’ll pass a ranger cabin, then arrive at the Robson Pass campground. This is the last campground on the Berg Lake trail, so most descriptions stop here, but the trail actually continues on. Right after the campground is the junction with the Mumm Basin trail. Past there, the trail heads over Robson Pass, then goes downhill into Jasper National Park in Alberta.

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Camping on the Berg Lake Trail