12 Breathtaking Backpacking Trips in the Canadian Rockies

The Canadian Rockies aren't exactly a secret. You've almost certainly seen photos or heard the hype about Jasper, Banff, and Yoho national parks and the surrounding areas. Believe it or not, the lakes really are that blue and the hype is definitely real. As is true with so many of the world's most beautiful places, the Canadian Rockies can get pretty packed with other folks eager to explore. If you want to avoid the crowds and take in these stunning mountains away from the tourist centers, you know what you can do? Yup, head to the backcountry. These backpacking trips will certainly prove that all the amazing things you heard about the Canadian Rockies are true.

1. Backpack Mount Assiniboine Sunshine Village to Mount Shark

Photo: Talia Touboul

2. Backpack the Kananaskis Backcountry

Photo: Matt Clark

3. Backpack the Rockwall Trail

Photo: Erik Turner

4. Backpack the Fortress Cirque

Photo: Stephen Underhay

5. Backpack to Alberta’s Abbot Pass Hut

Photo: Matt Clark

6. Backpack the Vision Quest Trail

Photo: Stephen Underhay

7. Backpack Burgess Pass to the Iceline to Takakkaw Falls

Photo: Natalie Panek

8. Backpack Mount Cline

Photo: Stephen Underhay

9. Backpack to Robson Pass

Photo: Colin Ayers

10. Backpack the Saturday Night Loop

Photo: Talia Touboul

11. Backpack to Berg Lake

Photo: Morgan Lee Alain

12. Backpack the Watchtower Basin

Photo: Christopher Grilz

Cover photo: Matt Clark