Visiting Mount Assiniboine - A Complete Guide for Hiking and Photography!
Mount Assiniboine stands tall at just over 3,600 ms, it’s towering pyramid like peak sits right on the BC/Alberta. This is a mountain you can see from all around Alberta, even when skiing at Sunshine Village, and is the highest peak in the Southern Continental Ranges.
The allure of this mountain is undeniable and it’s a bucket list goal to summit for a lot of mountaineers. However when most people talk about visiting Mount Assiniboine they mean the provincial park, hiking in and camping in the shadow of this Rockies giant tucked away in the woods by Lake Magog.
There are lots of different routes in and out of Assiniboine, lots of ways to make your way there and several accommodation options. This post will give you all the info you need to hike to and around the area, get the best photos and plan a trip on any budget.
Views from the Niblet view point back at sunburst lake.
The Best Time of Year to Visit Mount Assiniboine
Fresh snow covers sunburst peak.
The Mount Assiniboine area doesn’t really close and is a popular ski touring destination for those who are skilled enough to get there. In fact the lodge opens throughout the month of March (and some times a day or two either side) where helicopters can fly you in to take advantage of some of the backcountry skiing.
However the campgrounds and lodge reopen for the summer from the end of June to the start of October in 2026 those operational dates are June 21st to October 2nd but they do change by a day or two each year.
June/July - at the start of the season you may come across a little more snow on trail on the way in if we’ve had a particularly heavy snowfall in winter. However these months often offer the longest days, warmer temps and the potential for Wildflowers in full bloom.
August - A great month for the best chance of good weather and any remaining snow should have thawed by now. This is also a great time of year to shoot some astro photography with the milky way aligning over Mount Assiniboine.
September - Mid to the end of September is the best time to catch some fall colour. The Assiniboine region is full of larch trees and the golden yellow in the valleys adds an extra element to an already photographic landscape. If you’re lucky you’ll also catch a sprinkling of fresh snow!
How to Get to the Trailhead
From Canmore - 50 minute drive
The main trail head for trails in to Assiniboine is the Mount Shark trailhead. There are a couple of ways to get here depending on where you’re leaving from. From Canmore head south in to Kananaskis on highway 742, this is the gravel, bumpy road that starts just past the Nordic centre and passes between East End of Rundle and Ha Ling Peak. Take a right just before Mount Engadine Lodge and continue up the road for 5 km.
From Calgary - 2 hour drive
The easiest way from Calgary is to drive Highway 1 westbound and turn on to highway 40 south in to Kananaskis. After about 48 km/35 minutes down highway 40 take the right towards Upper Kananaskis Lake and follow signs for the Smith Dorrien Trail, you’ll now be heading north on the 742 and need to turn left just past Mount Engadine Lodge.
What Hiking Route To Take?
There are several route options to get in and out of the provincial park that of course can also be broken up with overnight stays along the way which will get into later on. For now here are the main hiking routes in and out.
Out and Back - 48 km return
The shortest route, but not the most entertaining, would be treating the trail as an out and back and hiking in from Mount Shark Trailhead to Lake Magog via Assiniboine pass. This would make the trail approximately 24 km in each direction.
Starting at Mount Shark follow the Assiniboine Pass trail for about 13 km until the fork just before Bryant Creek Shelter, if you see the hut you’ve gone a little too far, at the fork take the right hand side. This section of the trail is fast and easy and in all honesty a little boring! It does however go through some prime grizzly territory so as always be bear aware!
At around 19 km in you’ll hit the majority of the elevation gain as you head on up and over Assiniboine pass, on the way back down the other side you’ll begin to see glimpses of the lakes, huts and campsite.
Note: There are sometimes restrictions on the certain parts of the trail for bear activity and often you’ll be required to hike in groups of 4 or more.
To be honest by going this way you’ll miss out on some of the best sections like hiking past Marvel lake and over Wonder pass so I wouldn’t really recommend it. A better, but slightly longer, out and back option would be going back and forth over Wonder Pass making your hike around 54 km total.
Find the trail on All Trails download trails offline using a free trial HERE
Point to Point - 56 km (more like 60 km if you don’t take the gondola down)
You can visit Mount Assiniboine as a point to point hike, starting at Mount Shark and hiking through to Sunshine Village. This however adds some distance and some elevation gain and is logistically difficult as you’ll need to drop a car at both trailheads which are 1.5 hours apart by car.
Most people don’t hike this way just because of the difficulty in organisation. You’d cover 56 km to Sunshine Village with 1950 m of elevation gain. You could then take the gondola back down to shave off the last 4 km of downhill hiking back down the ski out trail.
Find the trail on All Trails download trails offline using a free trial HERE
Lollipop Loop - My Preferred Route! - 52 km
Logistically this is the best way to go if you’re hiking both in and out to Lake Magog in Assiniboine provincial park and is my preferred method if you aren’t splashing out and flying either way!
To do the lollipop loop start at Mount Shark trailhead and take the same flat and boring 13 km of wooded trail down Assiniboine pass trail until just before Bryant Creek shelter, here take the right hand side fork in the trail, follow it through and over Assiniboine Pass the majority of the elevation gain starts 19 km in. Once over and down off the pass there are views of, and some signage to, the lake, lodge and campground.
On the way back out you’ll hike out via Wonder Pass. Simply head towards and past the lodge and Naiset huts where the trail starts to go uphill. Wonder pass is a little steep, but stunning, especially during larch season.
Once at the top of Wonder Pass it’s all really down hill from here! You’ll negotiate a few short switch backs on the way down before turning left to follow alongside Marvel lake. Before long you’ll be back at the Bryant creek shelter and eventually to the fork in the road you came in on. This time you’ll need to take a right back along the long, flat and uninteresting 13 km from Bryant Creek shelter back to Mount Shark Trailhead.
On the way back out running along side Marvel Lake.
This is personally the way around I would recommend doing it as otherwise the hike up from Marvel Lake to the pass is rather strenuous especially with a potential 22 km already under your belt.
Most people will do this last section in one day on the way out. You’ll cover about 27 km in the one day if you do do it this way, so it is a big day if you have a heavy pack. Even though that last 13 km from Bryant Creek shelter to the trailhead is long and boring it’s easy going so you may very well be happy to see it by that point!
I’ve run this loop in a day before and it’s a fantastic circuit. We added a detour up to one of the famous viewpoints and clocked 55 km and about 1600m of elevation gain in total. There’s a video at the end of the article if you want to see what that looks like!
The views near Bryant Creek and going through larch forest on Wonder Pass
Find the trail on All Trails download trails offline using a free trial HERE
Fly in Via Helicopter
Marvel lake from up above.
Now one of the best things about visiting Mount Assiniboine is that there are plenty of different ways to get there, some of them being a little fancier than others!
Assiniboine Lodge organise and book flights in to the centre of Assiniboine either from Mount Shark or Canmore or alternatively will also fly your gear in and out for you.
In the past I’ve flown in and the time it saves and the experience itself is well worth the money. I recommend flying in to Mount Assiniboine so you’re fresh to hike when you arrive and then hike out via Wonder Pass and Marvel lake on the way back. We have even paid a little extra to have excess gear flown out on the way back to make the hike out even easier!
Note: The helipad is not at the trailhead so on the hike back out you may very well think you’ve finished but your car will be a couple of kms further away back at the helipad making the hike out around 29 km!
This way you’ll get the best of the views and hiking as well as an amazing helicopter flight!
Prices As of 2026
From Mount Shark: $245 pp + GST (40lbs of luggage)
From Canmore: $275 pp + GST (40lbs of luggage)
Flying gear only: $6 per lb one way.
Flights depart throughout summer on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
Loading up before flying in.
How Long Should I Stay?
3 Days 2 Nights - Perfect when flying in!
Now the length of your stay in Mount Assiniboine itself will depend on how you plan to get here. I’ve done the whole trail in a single day and on several occasions stayed for 3 days and 2 nights. However when I’ve done it this way I’ve always flown in. This has meant my first day isn’t wasted on the walk in but instead I’m at camp with fresh legs, ready to hike, by around lunch time. Flying in means you can really maximise that first day and explore the area, giving you another full day the next day before you hike out on the 3rd day.
This also gives you two sunrises and two sunsets if photography is your aim!
4 Days 3 Nights - Time to hike in and out
If you are planning on hiking in and out I’d suggest booking an extra night. This way you can either break up either the hike in or the hike out with an overnight stay as well as get at least one full day in to explore the area.
A longer stay is also something to consider if you’re a photographer because the more nights you get the more golden hours you get and the more likely you are to get good weather when you need it!
What Accommodation Should I Stay in? How to Book
A cabin at Assiniboine Lodge
Mount Assiniboine Lodge
This is the fanciest way you can stay in the area. A stay here is fully catered including breakfast, dinner, packed lunches and even afternoon tea! The lodge also offers guided hikes on certain days as part of the package! Because of all these added extras and it’s unbeatable location the lodge is of course on the pricier side but still remains incredibly popular.
Bookings for Assiniboine Lodge opened on January 13th in 2026 and sold out the same day - however there is a waitlist you can jump on!
Prices as of 2026
Lodge room double: $499/person + 6.2% tax.
Cabin (3-5 people): $499/person + 6.2% tax.
Private Cabin double: $615/person + 6.2% tax.
Lodge room Single: $729/person + 6.2% tax(limited availability).
Children(2-12yrs): $255/person + 6.2% tax.
For more information, to get added to the wait list or book, click the button below!
Naiset Huts
Fleabane hut that sleeps 8..
Now these huts have to be my favourite way to stay in Mount Assiniboine and if you can fill a hut the price per night per person is actually pretty reasonable.
These cute log cabins were built in 1925 by the Alpine club of Canada. The huts are equipped with wood burning stoves to keep you warm and padded mattresses to keep you comfortable, however hikers are responsible for bringing their own sleeping bags.
(Compressed fire logs can be bought at Assiniboine Lodge for $8.00, prices subject to change).
You also get access to the Wonder lodge cook shelter which has drinking water, propane stoves and heating, picnic benches, cooking equipment and food storage lockers.
The main benefit of all these facilities is that you can travel lighter leaving the sleeping pad, tent and cooking equipment at home and you’ll also have a place to stay warm and play cards in the evenings!
BOOKING THE NAISET HUTS
Unfortunately as most things Assiniboine these book out incredibly quickly too and there is no wait list for the Naiset huts. In 2026 booking opened on January 13th and sold out the same day.
Prior to 2020 you could book an individual bed in any of the huts and because of this booking a spot was much easier to achieve. During COVID a rule requiring hikers to book an entire hut was put into place and never lifted. In all honesty this means beds regularly go empty as parties aren’t able to fill a whole hut and getting a place in a Naiset hut has now become increasingly more difficult.
If you can’t get a booking it’s worth scouring Canadian Rockies Hiking groups on Facebook as you’ll often see people advertising spaces in a hut they’ve been forced to book out in its entirety but don’t have the hikers to fill the beds.
Prices as of 2026
$150/night for Arnica (Sleeps 5)
$180/night for Jonesy & Forget-Me-Not (sleep 6)
$240/night for Fleabane & Aster (sleep 8). *Family Rate Available.
For more information and to try and book during the short stint bookings are open for click the button below!
Camping
Now realistically this is probably the way most of us are going to be able to visit Mount Assiniboine provincial park. There are several campsites spread across the area but realistically you’ll most likely want to be staying at Lake Magog.
The campsite bookings are run by BC parks, are reasonably priced and can only be booked 3 months ahead. This means you should have several opportunities to try and book your chosen campground as a new booking date gets released as days go on. For example on April 1st you’ll be able to book a campsite stay starting July 1st and on April 2nd be able to book one starting July 2nd.
I think this is the fairest system of any campground booking system and gives the fairest chance for people to get a spot.
What Campsites to Book?
Lake Magog - BC Parks
As I mentioned before Lake Magog is probably the campsite you’re after, especially if you plan on hiking in in one day or flying in, as if gives you the best access to other hikes in the area as well as all the lakes, lodge and views.
This campground has 40 tent pads, a cooking shelter, food storage lockers, grey-water pits, three water taps, and four pit toilets.
Magog Lake Campground in the snow.
Og Lake - BC Parks
Og Lake campground has 10 tent pads, an out house, cooking area and food storage lockers. It’s situated around 5 km from Magog Lake and can be a good back up if you’re unable to book Magog for the dates you need. It will extend your day when hiking either in or out to Mount Shark but can be used as a stop over if hiking out towards Sunshine Village.
Marvel Lake - Parks Canada
Marvel Lake is your best option if breaking up your hike in to Mount Assiniboine Provincial park and lays about 13 km from the trailhead, a small detour off the main path. Marvel lake itself is nearby and the campsite offers 5 tent pitches, food storage and a cooking area.
Mcbride - Parks Canada
Mcbride campground is another option to break up your hike in or out of Magog Lake. This small campsite offers 5 tent pitches and basic facilities like a cooking area and food storage lockers. It’s situated approximately 12 km from Mount Shark trailhead.
Note: To book both Marvel Lake and Mcbride camp grounds you’ll have to search under ‘Backcountry Zone’ rather than ‘Backcountry campsite’
BC Parks campgrounds are available to book 3 months ahead. Parks Canada campgrounds are available from 26th of January 2026.
Side Hikes and Photography Spots
Sunburst Lakes
Sunburst lakes are the lakes sat right in front of Sunburst peak, the very famous peak you see at the forefront of most large landscape images from the area. The shore front of these lakes are a great spot to shoot sunrise or sunset. Early in the morning you’re much more likely to get a reflection but with them being just 1.1 km from the campground there’s no excuse to not go and check them out!
Sunburst Lakes
The Tarns
Further back towards the lodge away from Lake Magog lay a couple of shallower tarns. These can be great places to relax and catch a reflection of Mount Assiniboine reflecting below. Due to the more sheltered nature of these tarns they can be a safer bet for reflections when the larger lakes are rippled!
This image was taken on a GoPro, which was all I had on me at the time!
The Niblet
Now this is the show stopper location that you’ve probably seen plenty of images from if you’ve ever looked in to Mount Assiniboine. You may even notice it from Instagram or your favourite photographer. The Niblet view point is about half way up The Nublet (confusing names I know). It’s probably the most famous of the view points and is around 2.5 km hike from Lake Magog with 200 m of elevation gain. As a photographer I’d be visiting here multiple times for good light as the view is just unbelievable and looks fantastic in any weather!
Larch trees in the valley below.
The nublet cave
Another 700 or 800 m higher up past the Niblet lies the Nublet summit! A lot of hikers and photographers don’t venture this far up as the view lower down is just so stunning, however your commitment can pay off! If you make the hike and find one of the secret little overhangs and caves you’ll be rewarded with some more unique compositions.
Views from the Nublet cave.
Larch Trees!
If you’ve been lucky enough to get a spot out here during larch season you will be rewarded with unique compositions all over the valley. Pull out the long lens and isolate smaller sections in every direction for some more abstract and unique compositions.
Larch trees sat in the valley.
My Favourite Itinerary Options
3 Days 2 Nights - Fly in - Stay at Naiset Huts
If it’s in the budget and you’re lucky enough to get a booking this is probably my top choice. Not having to take an extra day off work to hike in should pretty much cover the cost of the helicopter in, well that’s at least what I tell myself anyway!
Then not having to carry as much stuff with you makes the hike out nice and easy and can easily be completed in one single day.
Day 1 - Drive to Mount Shark, fly in, land at Mount Assiniboine and check in. Drop gear off at the hut and cook shelter and then head on up to The Niblet viewing point for sunset.
Day 2 - Wake up before sunrise and hike to Sunburst Lake for beautiful reflections and photography. Spend the rest of the day hiking to Og Lake and back before going to the lodge for Afternoon Tea. If you’re a photographer it would be rude not to head back up to the Niblet one more time for sunset but this time head up a bit earlier to make time to get all the way to the Nublet and find the cave.
Day 3 - One last sunrise before heading back out spent either at Magog Lake or a little further back at the tarns, drop any gear off at the helipad to be flown out if applicable. Hike back out via wonders pass and marvel lake back to Mount Shark Helipad where you left your car (Approx 29 km on the last day).
You can always camp this itinerary too but you’ll have a little more weight to carry out or fly out on the way out. Either way camping or staying at the huts the flight in is my go to option!
Assiniboine lodge Cabins.
4 Days 3 Nights - Hike in and OUt
Day 1 Lake Magog - Start the hike from Mount Shark and hike in to Lake Magog campground via Assiniboine Pass. This will take the majority of the day and be around 25 km. I’d personally do the longer hike on the first day when you’re feeling a bit fresher!
Day 2 Lake Magog - Wake up at Magog and if you have the energy get out for sunrise at Sunburst Lake. Spend the day exploring trails around Magog and Og Lake, grab afternoon tea at the lodge and visit the Niblet for sunset.
Day 3 Marvel Lake - Spend sunrise at either Sunburst Lake or up at the Niblet depending on your energy levels. Enjoy lunch by the lake before hiking out via Wonder Pass, taking in the views on the way, then traverse along Marvel Lake before finding the turning to the Marvel Lake campground where you’ll spend your 3rd night.
Day 4 - Finish off the last of the trail from Marvel Lake to Mount Shark, an easier last day which should only take a few hours and give you plenty of time to drive home.
You could of course do this in reverse and have an overnight stay on the way in but I really think it’s better to hike out via Wonder Pass than in. Alternatively put a night in at Mcbride campground on the way in on the first night and hike Assiniboine pass on Day 2.
The views from Wonder Pass on the hike out.
What Gear Should I Take?
Through years of hiking and camping in the Rockies as well as working in outdoor retail and producing gear reviews I’ve dialled in my backcountry kit!
You’ll be a little limited on how much you can fly in to Assiniboine or potentially have a long walk ahead of you. So the lighter and more effective your kit is the better you’ll sleep and the better you’ll feel on trail!
Lightweight Backcountry Tent
I’ve owned the Big Agnes Copper Spur tent for years, in fact I own 2 and it’s never let me down! It’s lightweight, always waterproof and fits perfectly on those backcountry tent pads.
One of the world’s best sellers for good reason
Get it on Backcountry.com
High Quality Sleeping Bag
Getting a high quality down sleeping bag is the best investment I’ve ever made! The Sea to Summit Spark 3 weighs in at 600 grams and packs down to just a few litres whilst keeping me warm down to -8ºC .
Doesn’t take up a lot of room in my bag and keeps be warm!
Get it on Backcountry.com.
4 season Sleeping Pad
The Rockies can be cold! Even in the summer the temperature will drop in the mountains. An insulated sleeping pad will help keep the cold off the ground. Both me and my partner use the Nemo Tensor.
Get it on Backcountry.com
Cooking System
The Jetboil Flash cooking system has become my favourite. It’s incredibly efficient, light and packs down well. You can fire up a hot chocolate on the windiest of ridge lines in just a minute or two!
Get in on Backcountry.com
Water Filter
A Katadyn BeFree has to be the easiest filtration system to use. When out on the backcountry you want to be able to filter and refill your water along the way.
This filter packs down small and filters fast. It’s in my bag on every hike!
Get it on Backcountry.com
Capture Clip
Another item that comes on every hike with me and a must own for every photographer.
Keeps your camera close at hand making capturing moments much faster!
Get it on Peakdesign.com.
Things to Know Before You Go
Trail Advisories As mentioned earlier some trails may have bear advisories at certain times of year and hiking in groups of 4 or more is required.
You can check out reports from BC Parks Here or national parks here depending on which way you plan on hiking you’ll most likely cross through both.
Afternoon Tea is served at Assiniboine Lodge each Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays (non-helicopter flight days) there is tea, cake, wine and beer for sale. They ask you bring cash with you for afternoon tea however you’ll have to pay card if you want to fly your bags out so I’d definitely take both!
Offline maps knowing where you’re going is super important as to not get lost on your way home. I recommend All Trails Plus for finding routes and offline mapping allowing you to safely find your way. It’s also a great app for finding side hikes whilst you’re already in the backcountry.
GET THOSE BOOKING DATES IN THE DIARY EARLY!
This year Naiset Huts and Assiniboine Lodge booked out on the day bookings went live on January 13th 2026.
Campsite bookings for Lake Magog and Og Lake are on a 3 month rolling basis.
Parks Canada campsites open for booking January 26th 2026.
Keep an eye out here for future dates for summer 2027.
Any questions? Feel free to ask in the comments below!
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