You can hike happy anywhere in the Canadian Rockies — but we declare the best multi-day route to be Sunshine to Mount Assiniboine. Why ?
- easy access
- option to bus from Sunshine trailhead
- option to heli-hike from Mt Shark trailhead
- constant spectacular vistas
- suitable for all hikers including children
Of the many ways to hike the Assiniboine area our 2 preferred itineraries are:
1) Sunshine to Mt. Shark trailhead
- bus from Banff up to Sunshine Village ski resort
- hike to Mt. Assiniboine
- explore Assiniboine area for 2-3 days
- hike 24km (15mi) down to Mt. Shark trailhead, or helicopter out to Mt. Shark (or Canmore)
Check the detailed itinerary.
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2) Mt. Shark trailhead to Sunshine
- helicopter from Mt. Shark (or Canmore) to Assiniboine (we would not hike this section up hill)
- explore Assiniboine area
- hike to Sunshine Meadows
- bus down from Sunshine Village to Banff
Check the detailed itinerary.
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Alternative Routes to consider:
- Helicopter in from Mt. Shark, hike back out to Mt. Shark
- Bus in and out of Sunshine Meadows
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We recommend starting in Sunshine — but only if you have a vehicle waiting in the Mt. Shark parking lot. (Otherwise transportation back to civilization is a hassle.)
If you do not have private transportation, logistics are easier starting by helicopter from Canmore.
Easier still is starting & finishing at Sunshine.
We once hiked from Magog out to Mt. Shark trailhead, 24km in one day — sending our packs out on the helicopter for C$1.50 / pound.
You might change these itineraries based on local information. Check in with Parks Canada in Banff for last minute advice.
In 2004 we planned our dream route, The Great Divide — Assiniboine to Lake O’Hara, 10 days along the Continental Divide. Superhiker Chris Townsend called this the best of the Canadian Rockies. Unfortunately, Parks Canada would not approve the itinerary & it is unlikely they will in future.
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