Mt. Assiniboine Hiking Trip Notes

Relaxed hiking at the foot of Mt. Assiniboine. Backcountry hut trip.
4 Days/3Nights

 

Walk among flower-speckled meadows and turquoise lakes. Hike up through golden larches and along the ridges above. Take in the views from a sun-baked summit!

Mt. Assiniboine Provincial Park, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its meadows and easy hiking peaks which lie below the Matterhorn-like summit that towers above.

This relaxed hiking program is for those interested in experiencing four days of walking in this beautiful sub-alpine region along with the simplicity of life that comes with staying at the rustic Naisset Cabins. There are not many areas where it is possible to do this and yet avoid carrying the heavier backpack usually required to visit such a place.

 

 

 

 

2011 Dates	Trip Cost
This program is set up on a private basis for individuals, families, or groups, and we can organize to leave the trip open for more people to join.  Departures booked for July - August will be staying at the Lake Magog campground instead of the Naiset Cabins.	Per person double occupancy:              $1,435.00 Per person single occupancy:not available Optional Insurance: $75.00

 

Inclusions
 

Cost includes:	Cost does not include:
3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners 3 nights simple accommodation at the remote Naisset Cabins helicopter flight to and from Mt. Assiniboine local transportation in Canmore to and from heli-port Professional hiking/interpretive guide All taxes	Personal expenses Air Fares Shuttles to or from airport. Travel insurance Meals not indicated Tips

 

 

 

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Mount Assiniboine
At 8.30am we'll meet at the Canmore heliport . We'll go over the trip with you and check to see that you are properly outfitted before packing and getting ready for a 12.30pm flight.

Twenty eight kilometers and a twelve minute helicopter flight leaves us a world away in a land of lush meadows, turquoise lakes, snow covered glaciers and rocky peaks. We fly from Spray Lakes in Kananaskis Country, to British Columbia's Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park, landing right beside the historic Lodge. We will be based at the nearby Naiset Cabins. After settling in and taking a bit of a break we can then head out for the remainder of the day to explore a bit and get a feel for the area, Gog Lake is not far away and we can sit by the lake and watch the Osprey fishing or the marmot who is checking us out!

Day 2: Day hike
There are numerous trails and scenic circuits to explore. A good outing is to hike on past Gog Lake to Wonder Pass (2395m) with the ridge walk to the summit of Wonder Peak an option if we find there's still energy to spare. The mountain scenery is always spectacular and depending on the season there will be wildflowers or flaming Larches to add to an already inspiring view. Then it's back to the Naiset Cabins for a cup of tea, followed by a hearty meal and a good rest. Distance 7km. Elevation gain 650m.      

Day 3: Day hike
Today we will head off in a different direction - Either Sunburst, Cerulean and Elizabeth Lakes, Chuck's Ridge and the Nub (14km, 545m) or to Og Pass and Windy Ridge (17km, 500m) .  From high alpine meadows to rocky ridges, to crystal clear lakes and deeply shadowed forests, it's all here for us to explore!

Day 4: Our last day in paradise!
We still have some time for a last walk before we fly home in the afternoon, wandering the meadows for the last time we head back reluctantly for the flight back to Mount Shark. We should be back in Canmore by mid-afternoon. Join the guides for an evening in one of the local restaurants to cap off a rewarding and enjoyable trip.

 

How difficult is it? How fit and experienced need you be?

 

This a relaxed walking program and the daily itinerary will be chosen based on the groups energy and aspirations. There is NO technical mountaineering involved in the ridge walking or easy summit. We classify it as easy to moderate.

Being in good shape for hill walking will significantly enhance enjoyment. Try to get out and do some walking and general fitness training before you come.

On arrival we will need to move all our group gear, food plus personal gear to the Naiset Cabins which are 300m away. Hiking each day you will be carrying a day pack containing spare clothing, your camera, lunch and something to drink.

 

Guides and Group Size

White Mountain Adventures is licensed by Parks Canada, BC Parks and Alberta Provincial parks to conduct hiking tours in both National and Provincial Mountain Parks of the Canadian Rockies. 

The minimum group size will be 4, maximum 8.

 

Accommodation and Meals

 

We will be staying in the historic Naiset Cabins near lake Magog. These are small log cabins with up to 6 bunks that were built by the Canadian Pacific Railroad to house backcountry tourists in the 1920's and 30's. Much later, in 2007 a cook cabin was built nearby which makes our catering much easier. White Mountain Adventures guests will be able to use the shower facilities at Mount Assiniboine Lodge.

Accommodation in Canmore is NOT included. For your convenience we can arrange bed and breakfast hotel rooms for these and other nights at $160 per night. These will be at the recommended Westridge Country Inn. Double or single occupancy, the cost is the same. For those wishing to defray this cost we will try to pair them with other participants. This accommodation can be booked with the trip online or by calling us. Subject to availability.

There is a strict 25 lb weight limit for your pack and gear. Excess luggage can be left at your hotel or our office.

We supply all meals and trail snacks from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 4. Groups generally go out for dinner in Canmore with the guide on the final evening (own cost).

 

Climate

This trip operates during the main months of summer, though snow can linger at high elevations until well into the season. Weather is unpredictable at any time of year, but is generally quite warm in July and August. Daytime highs range from 15-25 C and nighttime temperatures can drop to 5-10 C. Temperatures in June and September can be cooler with nighttime temperatures occasionally dropping below freezing. As with alpine environments throughout the globe, the higher you go, the lower the temperature becomes. Ensuring that you have the correct clothing for an alpine environment is crucial. Please see below for information on clothing and equipment requirements.

 

Arrival and Departure Information

Canmore is situated 100km (65miles) west of Calgary on the Trans-Canada Highway. It is well served by scheduled bus lines both from Calgary (airport and downtown), Banff (20km west) and points further west. Calgary International Airport is well connected to major cities throughout North America and Europe. Once in Canmore we will supply all transport needed. Frequent shuttles connect Calgary International Airport and Canmore. Greyhound Bus Lines (1 800 661 8747) serves Canmore from points east and west along the Trans-Canada Highway. Call 609 8790, 609 0300, 609 1490 or 609 8505 for taxis in Canmore.

Our ride to Mount Assiniboine

 

Insurance in the National Parks

Please ensure that your health plan will cover you in case of illness or accident whilst here. Obtain extra travel insurance if necessary.