Note: I’ve updated my Mount Assiniboine hiking guide to include updated info for 2024 including the new requirement for reservations at Porcupine Campground.
With its prominent Matterhorn shape, Mount Assiniboine is one of the most photographed peaks in the Canadian Rockies. And that makes hiking to Mount Assiniboine one of the most spectacular backpacking trips near Banff.
I had dreamed of visiting for years, but when it came time to plan my trip, I was overwhelmed with information. There are so many campgrounds and access routes to consider! I’m a hiking guidebook author who has hiked all over BC and the Canadian Rockies, so doing hiking research is my jam – I figured out the best way to get there and the best places to camp.
My visit to Assiniboine was gorgeous, and I can’t wait to go back (probably to try one of the other access routes). In this guide, I’ve got all the info I used on my hike so that you can plan your own epic Mount Assiniboine hiking trip.
My guide to hiking to Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park includes:
- Quick facts about Mount Assiniboine including hiking distances, how long it takes, where to camp, and more
- Mount Assiniboine trail maps with all key locations marked
- Reservations: important dates plus booking tips
- How much does it cost: a complete breakdown of all fees
- Route options: how to take a helicopter and five hiking routes to the core area
- How to get to the trailheads: driving directions and info about parking and shuttles
- Where to stay at Mount Assiniboine: info on camping, huts, and the lodge
- Day hikes at Mount Assiniboine: where to hike in the core area including iconic Nub Peak
- Mount Assiniboine itineraries from several trailheads
- Mount Assiniboine hiking tips: advice for bears, weather, photography, and more
Mount Assiniboine Quick Facts
Description: Mount Assiniboine is a spectacular 3618-metre peak, nicknamed the Matterhorn of the Rockies. The core area of Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park is a popular place for day hikes with incredible views of Mount Assiniboine and the surrounding peaks. However, the park is very remote – it takes one or two days to hike into the park (there are no roads) and there are several approach routes to choose from.
Location: Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park is located in the Canadian Rockies southwest of Banff and Canmore. The park borders Banff National Park and Kootenay National Park.
Pronunciation: “Uh-sin-a-boyn”
How to Get There: There are five hiking routes into the park. You can also fly in by helicopter. More info in the Route Options section below.
Distance: 25.5 km to 32.3 km each way to the core area (depending on route) plus more for day hikes
Elevation Gain: 766 m to 1625 m to the core area (depending on route)
Difficulty: Moderate (if you break up the hike into the core area into two days)
How Many Days to Spend at Mount Assiniboine: Ideally 4 or 5.
Best time to Hike to Mount Assiniboine: Early July to late September.
Mount Assiniboine Weather: Mount Assiniboine is high in the Canadian Rockies and the mountains make their own weather. In July and August, the average high temperature is 23°C and the average low is 7°C. Thunderstorms in the afternoon are common. Use my picks for the Best Weather Apps for Hiking to see the forecast for your trip. I had a lot of rain and snow on my early September trip. The Mount Assiniboine webcam is also helpful.
Mount Assiniboine Reservations and Cost: You must make reservations to camp at most campgrounds in the Assiniboine core area and on the hike in (although there are some first-come, first-served campgrounds). The cost of your trip will vary depending on your itinerary. See the reservations and costs section below for a full breakdown.
What to Bring to Mount Assiniboine: This is a remote hiking trip, so you will need to bring typical backpacking gear. Don’t forget a waterproof jacket and warm layers as the weather can get cold and wet fast. Use my backpacking checklist to make sure you have everything you need and my guide to reducing your backpack weight so you don’t over pack.
Wildlife at Mount Assiniboine: The trail is in bear country (both black bears and grizzly bears). Carry bear spray, hike in a group, and make noise, especially in brushy areas. Use campground cooking areas and store all your food in toiletries in bear lockers. Read my bear safety tips for backpackers for more info.
Mount Assiniboine Rules: Dogs are allowed on-leash. No fires or drones.
Indigenous Context: The Mount Assiniboine area is in the traditional territory of the Tsuut’ina, Michif Piyii (Mestis), Niitsítpiis-stahkoii (Blackfoot / Niitsítapi), Ĩyãħé Nakón mąkóce (Stoney) and Ktunaxa ɁamakɁis. The government forced Indigenous people to leave soon after Banff National Park was created in 1885 and prohibited them from accessing their traditional territory to hunt, fish, gather, and conduct cultural practices. George Dawson, an early settler surveyor, named the mountain after the Indigenous Stoney people, who the Cree called “Assin Bwan”.
Have questions about Mount Assiniboine? Join the Mount Assiniboine Facebook Group to connect with other hikers!