The Best Backpacking in Alberta
Looking for the best backpacking in Alberta? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Alberta. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top backpacking spots in and near Alberta
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Banff, Alberta
Dawn to Dusk in Banff National Park
5.06.8 miThis is a micro adventure in one of the world’s most desired National Parks. The common excuse for those who tend to skip the great outdoors is lack of time. This one day adventure is an example that you can cram a lot into a day! Dawn: Sunrise hike up to South Ridge in Banff. Start at the famous...Read more -
Lake Louise, Alberta
Hike the Plain of Six Glaciers
4.74.2 mi / 1263.1 ft gainStarting from the parking lot on the east end of Lake Louise, there are a few options you can take to get to the Plain of Six Glaciers. One is to head directly along the lakeshore trail, and in about 7 km (4.2 miles) you will be at the lookout offering the best vantage point of the glacier field....Read more -
Lake Louise, Alberta
Hike to the Lake Agnes Teahouse
4.85 mi / 1300 ft gainTowering peaks, glaciated valleys and crystal clear water draws thousands of visitors a year to the shores of Lake Louise in Banff National Park. A short hike takes you beyond the crowds up to Lake Agnes, in a beautiful valley surrounded by jagged peaks and golden Larch trees. At the foot of Lake...Read more -
Banff, Alberta
Mount Assiniboine: Sunshine Village to Mount Shark
5.036.37 mi / 5869 ft gainThis trek specifically covers the distance from Sunshine Village to Mount Shark. You will need a car at Mt. Shark, as there are no shuttles from that location to Canomre or any local areas. Otherwise, you can try to hitch a ride back – your best bet is to talk with some locals or visit the Canmor...Read more -
Improvement District No. 9, Alberta
Hike to Boom Lake
4.06.2 miBoom Lake offers amazing views of Boom Mountain and the ridge separating Alberta and British Columbia. It is not as popular as many other hikes in the area, which means exclusion for anyone willing to explore the lake. The abundant wildlife in the area includes wolves, bears, mountain goats, de...Read more -
Improvement District No. 12, Alberta
Hike the Sulphur Skyline Trail
4.75 mi / 2296.6 ft gainTake Highway 16 to Pocahontas. Turn onto the Miette Hot Springs Road (Pocahontas). Drive to the Miette Hot Springs parking area.The trailhead is to the right and behind the hot springs building. Walk up the stairs to the hot springs and through the passenger drop off loop drive. Don't be confused...Read more -
Clearwater County, Alberta
Backpack the Vision Quest Trail
4.24.16 mi / 2818 ft gainThis short, but steep hike includes a moderate scrambling section, leading to an open spine that becomes increasingly difficult. The views of Abraham Lake are well worth the uphill grind, however, and this makes for a great half-day or beautiful backcountry overnight trip. About one third of the...Read more -
Improvement District No. 9, Alberta
Hike to Hector Lake
5.03.1 miHector Lake is one of the larger lakes in Banff National Park. It is surrounded by the Waputik Range to the west, and offers pristine views of the mountains. Hector Lake is idyllic and peaceful. Most tourists drive past the trailhead on the parkway, which means the hike is not at all busy. An...Read more -
Sawback, Alberta
Hike Mount Bourgeau
5.012 mi / 2460 ft gainTaking Hwy 1 West of Banff for approximately 8 miles you'll come to the Bourgeau Lake Trailhead. This trail starts with a 4.5 mile, 2460ft elevation through the forest to the beautiful Bourgeau Lake. This glacial tarn signals the start of the alpine and a wonderful morning hike on it's own. From ...Read more -
Waterton, Alberta
Hike to Crypt Lake
4.310.8 mi / 2296.6 ft gainThe hike begins with a gradual climb through shaded forest, which thins as you progress into the hanging valley. Along the way, you will pass by three amazing waterfalls: Twin Falls at 3.5km (2 mi), Burnt Rock Falls at 5.6km (3.5 mi) and the 600ft Crypt Falls at 8km (5 mi). There is also a 1km (0...Read more -
Improvement District No. 12, Alberta
Hike to Wilcox Pass
5.07.45 mi / 1100 ft gainViews of the Columbia Icefield from the Icefields Parkway pale in comparison with those achieved along this trail. Few trails anywhere are so instantly and extravagantly gratifying. That being said, be prepared to share the trail with a dozen other hikers as this premier scenery is no secret.Begi...Read more -
Kananaskis, Alberta
Ribbon Falls
3.812.4 mi / 1148.3 ft gainRibbon Creek trail is accessible via Highway 40 at the turn off for Nakiska Mountain Resort. From there take a left at Centennial Drive and then a right onto Ribbon Creek Road. The hike begins at the far end of the Ribbon Creek Trailhead parking lot. There is an old coal mining cart at the start...Read more -
Bragg Creek, Alberta
Winter Hike Up Vent's Ridge
Whether it was the unseasonably warm weather; the forested, uneven, foot-wide, root-covered trail; limestone cliffs towering above me; the view of Myosotis Peak from the ridge; or exploring along Powderface Creek on the descent, this trail was an absolute blast.If you do this hike in February lik...Read more -
Lake Louise, Alberta
Overnight in the Skoki Backcountry
21.1 mi / 3280.8 ft gainThis area is best known for Skoki Lodge, a world class back country destination. Unfortunately Skoki Lodge is quite expensive, and very rarely has rooms available. Luckily you can still enjoy everything the area has to offer if you're on a budget. From Highway 1 take the exit to the Lake Louise S...Read more -
Kananaskis, Alberta
Hike up Galatea Creek to Lillian Lake
Located on Highway 40 (Kananaskis Trail) and marked by the "Galatea" sign, there's not much more to this hike other than putting one foot in front of the other, but the amount of traffic it sees is a testament to the quality of this hike.Even on the backend of winter the numerous shades of green ...Read more -
Jasper, Alberta
Hike the Saturday Night Loop
4.016.54 mi / 2326 ft gainThe trail is split up into three types of terrain: one-third uphill, one-third rugged, and one-third downhill. Begin at Cabin Creek Rd parking lot and follow Trailhead #3. If you plan on mountain biking the trail, most people do it in a day. If you happen to want to take longer or are hiking it,...Read more
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