Where is Mt. Assiniboine?
In the Canadian Rocky Mountains, on the border between Alberta and British Colombia.
The jumping off point for most hikers is the tourist Mecca of Banff, less than 90 minutes drive from Calgary, Alberta.
Where are the trailheads?
Most hikers start this hike from either:
1. Sunshine Village ski resort parking lot
2. Mt. Shark trailhead
Sunshine is very easy to access by car or shuttle bus. Mt. Shark is much more complicated.
Mt. Shark trailhead is remote, located at the end of Spray lakes Reservoir 38.4km (24mi) about an hour drive from Canmore (1.5 hours from Banff).
Two highways lead to the Mt. Shark trailhead:
- Smith-Dorrien Road (shorter but gravel)
- Highway 40 (longer, but mostly paved)
You can also take a helicopter from either Mt. Shark or the town of Canmore, Alberta.
Check our Recommended Hiking Routes.
How do I get there?
First travel to Banff, Alberta, Canada.
The nearest major airport is Calgary, Alberta. There is no commercial airport in Banff.
It is easy to get from Calgary to Banff. Check our transportation Details.
What does it cost to hike?
The assortment of fees & charges can get confusing. Someday Parks Canada will simplify — but we are not holding our breath.
Hiking in Glacier National Park in Montana is cheaper, if cost is a factor.
budget (minimum) for the items below which apply to your itinerary:
+ transport to and from Banff, Alberta
+ Banff National Park entry fees = C$8 / person / day, or ... Annual C$55 / person / year. We normally buy a group pass good for one vehicle C$109 / year for 28 National Parks.
confirm fees
+ accommodation in Banff (or Canmore)
+ bus Banff <> Sunshine Meadows = C$21 / person one way
confirm fare
Parks Canada backcountry fees:
+ Wilderness Permit for National Parks = C$9 / person / night, or ... Annual C$63 / person / year
+ Shelter Fee (campsite) about C$7 / person / night
+ Magog campground C$5 / person / night cash at the campsite
+ helicopter Mt Shark <> Assiniboine Lodge = in 2005 C$135 (US$115) / person one way plus C$1.50 / lb overweight luggage over 40lbs.
confirm price
+ Assiniboine Lodge starts at about C$220 / person / night.
check costs
+ Naiset Huts at the Lodge are a good deal at C$20 / person / night, or C$35 / family / night (including tax & reservation fee)
check costs
We normally stay in the excellent Magog campground for cheap! And bring extra cash to spend at the restaurant at the Lodge.
+ food = buy & cook your own food
Banff & Canmore have grocery stores for outfitting your trip
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photographer Mark Glaser <e-mail>
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