Guided Backpacking in the Canadian Rockies
What is Backpacking?
There are few better ways to experience a landscape than by travelling in it with your own feet. Backpacking is the act of self-propelled travelling, carrying all of the supplies and gear needed to not only survive, but thrive in the landscape while building a lasting sense of connection to a place. Our backpacking adventures travel to some of the most scenic and alluring destinations in Jasper National Park and have been selected for their remoteness, and grand settings.
Why Choose Starry Summit?
A guided backpacking adventure is a great way to start out or keep building your backcountry travel skills. Guests choose guided adventures for many reasons including:
Simplifying logistics (we supply group camping gear, food, and all relevant permits)
Safety (guides are skilled in managing backcountry hazards and certified in advanced wilderness first aid and emergency responses)
Learning about the landscape (gain local knowledge about natural history, wildlife, and plants)
Skill building (learn better backcountry travel, navigation, and self-sufficient wilderness expertise)
Less stressful travel (guides help carry food and equipment, setting up camp, and locating all the best viewpoints)
What is Included?
See Description on Each Specific Adventure for Details
Guiding
Park Visitor and Camping Fees
Food During the Adventure (breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks)
Group Equipment (tents, sleeping pads, cooking gear, water treatment equipment, bear spray, tarps)
First Aid Equipment (carried by your guide)
Transportation To and From The Trailheads
What is Not Included?
See Description on Each Specific Adventure for Details
Accommodation and meals in the Jasper Townsite
Personal Equipment (i.e. hiking boots, clothing, etc. see list of recommended items on the page describing each adventure)
Gratuities
How Hard Are Trips, Is it for Me?
The adventures we offer vary in difficulty and duration. While it is possible for new backpackers to set-off on any of our programs, it is recommended that guests on our longer (North and South Boundary Trail) adventures have some prior backpacking experience. Please see each individual adventure below for details or fill out the Custom Backpacking Adventure form below.
On each of our adventures we normally travel between 10-20 km per day with between 500-1000 m of elevation gain. Guest pack weight (what you will have to carry on your back) varies with each adventure (see each individual adventure for details). We recommend each guest start training for their adventure by day-hiking, climbing stairs, and other activities prior to setting off to improve their experience while out in the wilderness.
Where Do We Stay?
Backcountry camping is quite rustic compared to front-country camping. Thankfully the campsites we stay at are generally well-equipped with log-stump stools, fire-boxes, and excellent ambience. See the video link on the left for examples of three of the campgrounds that we visit on some of our adventures.
What Are The Views Like?
Jasper National Park is an astounding area for all sort of scenery. From vast glaciers, open mountain passes, and serene forests there is certainly a lot to see. Take a look at the example on the right for a small sliver of the spectacular scenery we travel through.
(INTRODUCTORY) While travelling through the Canadian Rockies is an unforgettable adventure, it is hard to truly immerse yourself in the landscape without camping in it. A night of backcountry camping, where the sounds of traffic and restaurants are replaced with loons calls and whispering winds is a must-do for a complete Canadian Rockies travel experience. For those short on time, we offer an all-inclusive overnight backcountry camping package at the Saturday Night Lake Campground. Located on the Saturday Night Lake Loop, this serene campground sits above the bank of a pristine mountain lake with views looking up to peaks of the Victoria Cross Range of mountains.
For this adventure we provide: tents, sleeping bags, group camping equipment, and mountain cuisine to make for a straightforward stroll of 7 km from the Jasper Townsite to Saturday Night Lake. Bring your own backpack or have us carry your personal equipment for you.
Your guide will delight you with tales of the Jasper wilderness, and prepare a tasty dinner and breakfast meals. All you need is a pair of boots, personal clothing, and a sense of adventure (see below for details). Jasper National Park is home to one of North America’s largest dark sky preserves so don’t forget about star-gazing after the campfires embers have burned low!
(1 Night Fully Catered and Equipped Backcountry Camping Adventure)
Custom Dates Are Available
(MODERATE to DIFFICULT) North of the Jasper Townsite rise peaks of the Victoria Cross Range of Mountains and Elysium Pass. The pass is an expansive area boasting impressive mountains, unspoiled scenery, and a brake from the busy crowds throughout much of the rest of the park. Our three-day adventure allows guests to experience the wonder of Elysium Pass, and (weather permitting) an ascent of Elysium Mountain while exploring forest and meadows in the region.
This is a difficult but rewarding adventure and an excellent way to gain more experience backpacking in more-rugged areas.
(3 Day Guided Backpacking Adventure),
Custom Dates Are Available
What is Backpacking?
There are few better ways to experience a landscape than by travelling in it with your own feet.
Backpacking is the act of self-propelled travelling, carrying all of the supplies and gear needed to not only survive, but thrive in the landscape while building a lasting sense of connection to a place.
Our backpacking adventures travel to some of the most scenic and alluring destinations in Jasper National Park and have been selected for their remoteness, and grand settings.
Why Choose Starry Summit?
A guided backpacking adventure is a great way to start out or keep building your backcountry travel skills. Guests choose guided adventures for many reasons including:
Simplifying logistics (we supply group camping gear, food, and all relevant permits)
Safety (guides are skilled in managing backcountry hazards and certified in advanced wilderness first aid and emergency responses)
Learning about the landscape (gain local knowledge about natural history, wildlife, and plants)
Skill building (learn better backcountry travel, navigation, and self-sufficient wilderness expertise)
Less stressful travel (guides help carry food and equipment, setting up camp, and locating all the best viewpoints)
What is Included?
See Description on Each Specific Adventure for Details
Guiding
Park Visitor and Camping Fees
Food During the Adventure (breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks)
Group Equipment (tents, sleeping pads, cooking gear, water treatment equipment, bear spray, tarps)
First Aid Equipment (carried by your guide)
Transportation To and From The Trailheads
What is Not Included?
See Description on Each Specific Adventure for Details
Accommodation and meals in the Jasper Townsite
Personal Equipment (i.e. hiking boots, clothing, etc. see list of recommended items on the page describing each adventure)
Gratuities
How Hard Are Trips, Is it for Me?
The adventures we offer vary in difficulty and duration. While it is possible for new backpackers to set-off on any of our programs, it is recommended that guests on our longer (North and South Boundary Trail) adventures have some prior backpacking experience. Please see each individual adventure below for details or fill out the Custom Backpacking Adventure form below.
On each of our adventures we normally travel between 10-20 km per day with between 500-1000 m of elevation gain. Guest pack weight (what you will have to carry on your back) varies with each adventure (see each individual adventure for details). We recommend each guest start training for their adventure by day-hiking, climbing stairs, and other activities prior to setting off to improve their experience while out in the wilderness.
Where do We Stay?
Backcountry camping is quite rustic compared to front-country camping. Thankfully the campsites we stay at are generally well-equipped with log-stump stools, fire-boxes, and excellent ambience. See the video link below for examples of three of the campgrounds that we visit on some of our adventures.
(1 Night Fully Catered and Equipped Backcountry Camping Adventure)
Custom Dates Are Available
(INTRODUCTORY) While travelling through the Canadian Rockies is an unforgettable adventure, it is hard to truly immerse yourself in the landscape without camping in it. A night of backcountry camping, where the sounds of traffic and restaurants are replaced with loons calls and whispering winds is a must-do for a complete Canadian Rockies travel experience. For those short on time, we offer an all-inclusive overnight backcountry camping package at the Saturday Night Lake Campground. Located on the Saturday Night Lake Loop, this serene campground sits above the bank of a pristine mountain lake with views looking up to peaks of the Victoria Cross Range of mountains.
For this adventure we provide: tents, sleeping bags, group camping equipment, and mountain cuisine to make for a straightforward stroll of 7 km from the Jasper Townsite to Saturday Night Lake. Bring your own backpack or have us carry your personal equipment for you.
Your guide will delight you with tales of the Jasper wilderness, and prepare a tasty dinner and breakfast meals. All you need is a pair of boots, personal clothing, and a sense of adventure (see below for details). Jasper National Park is home to one of North America’s largest dark sky preserves so don’t forget about star-gazing after the campfires embers have burned low!
(3 Day Guided Backpacking Adventure),
Custom Dates Are Available
(MODERATE to DIFFICULT) North of the Jasper Townsite rise peaks of the Victoria Cross Range of Mountains and Elysium Pass. The pass is an expansive area boasting impressive mountains, unspoiled scenery, and a brake from the busy crowds throughout much of the rest of the park. Our three-day adventure allows guests to experience the wonder of Elysium Pass, and (weather permitting) an ascent of Elysium Mountain while exploring forest and meadows in the region.
This is a difficult but rewarding adventure and an excellent way to gain more experience backpacking in more-rugged areas.
(INTRODUCTORY to MODERATE) This is a great trip for those new to backpacking or those keen on seeing new sights. This adventure starts at the famous Miette Hot Springs and follows the Fiddle River Trail travelling over Fiddle Pass and into Whitehorse Wildland Provincial Park. This trip travels through pristine mountain settings and is home to wildlife such as mountain goats, and grizzly bears. Guests spend two nights camping in Jasper National Park and then on our last day travel from Fiddle Pass to the Whitehorse Creek Campground where we are driven back to the Jasper Townsite. During our trek there is plenty of time to learn skills such as map-reading, compass navigation, and getting to know the flora and fauna of the Canadian Rockies.
(3 Day Guided Backpacking Adventure)
July 16th-July 18th (Only 1 Space Remaining!), Custom Dates Are Also Available
(INTRODUCTORY TO MODERATE) Nestled along the eastern edge of Jasper National Park is one of its most impressive sights, Snake Indian Falls. By flow volume, this is one of the largest waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies, and is a truly impressive sight. Reaching the falls travels along part of Jasper's historic North Boundary Trail from Celestine Lake to Rock Lake. Our route travels as a two night (three travel days) traverse staying overnight at Shalebanks and Willow Creek Campgrounds.
(3 Day Guided Backpacking Adventure),
July 6-8, 2024 (6 Spaces Remaining), Custom Dates Are Also Available
(3 Day Guided Backpacking Adventure)
July 16th - July 18th (Only 1 Space Remaining!)
Custom Dates Are Also Available
(INTRODUCTORY to MODERATE) This is a great trip for those new to backpacking or those keen on seeing new sights. This adventure starts at the famous Miette Hot Springs and follows the Fiddle River Trail travelling over Fiddle Pass and into Whitehorse Wildland Provincial Park. This trip travels through pristine mountain settings and is home to wildlife such as mountain goats, and grizzly bears. Guests spend two nights camping in Jasper National Park and then on our last day travel from Fiddle Pass to the Whitehorse Creek Campground where we are driven back to the Jasper Townsite. During our trek there is plenty of time to learn skills such as map-reading, compass navigation, and getting to know the flora and fauna of the Canadian Rockies.
(3 Day Guided Backpacking Adventure)
July 6-8, 2024 (6 Spaces Remaining)
Custom Dates Are Also Available
(INTRODUCTORY TO MODERATE) Nestled along the eastern edge of Jasper National Park is one of its most impressive sights, Snake Indian Falls. By flow volume, this is one of the largest waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies, and is a truly impressive sight. Reaching the falls travels along part of Jasper's historic North Boundary Trail from Celestine Lake to Rock Lake. Our route travels as a two night (three travel days) traverse staying overnight at Shalebanks and Willow Creek Campgrounds.
(INTRODUCTORY to MODERATE) This is a great trip for anyone new to backpacking or those looking to improve their backcountry skills and take in fantastic terrain while doing it. The Fiddle River valley is home to wildlife such as mountain goats, and grizzly bears. Being in the Front Ranges on the eastern edge of the Canadian Rockies, this trail is often one of the first to be free of snow, and can be one of the best places to see wildflowers by late July. This route starts and ends at the famous Miette Hot Springs, and soaking your feet in the natural spring waters can be a wonderful way to wrap up a ramble out in the hills. Being an introductory adventure, there is plenty of time to learn skills such as map-reading, compass navigation, and getting to know the flora and fauna of the Canadian Rockies
(4 Day Guided Backpacking Adventure)
July 11-14, 2024 (0 Spaces Remaining) Custom Dates Are Also Available
(4 Day Guided Backpacking Adventure)
July 11-14, 2024 (0 Spaces Remaining)
Custom Dates Are Also Available
(INTRODUCTORY to MODERATE) This is a great trip for anyone new to backpacking or those looking to improve their backcountry skills and take in fantastic terrain while doing it. The Fiddle River valley is home to wildlife such as mountain goats, and grizzly bears. Being in the Front Ranges on the eastern edge of the Canadian Rockies, this trail is often one of the first to be free of snow, and can be one of the best places to see wildflowers by late July. This route starts and ends at the famous Miette Hot Springs, and soaking your feet in the natural spring waters can be a wonderful way to wrap up a ramble out in the hills. Being an introductory adventure, there is plenty of time to learn skills such as map-reading, compass navigation, and getting to know the flora and fauna of the Canadian Rockies
(MODERATE to DIFFICULT) This adventures travels on some of the most scenic sections of Jasper National Park’s North Boundary Trail. Starting on the northeast corner of the Park at Rock Lake, we follow the course of the Snake Indian River, before turning up the Blue Creek valley. The Upper Blue Creek valley is home to the Ancient Wall, and Natural Arch, two legendary geological features. Our route makes a scenic loop travelling over McLaren’s Pass to reach Little Heaven, before returning to Rock Lake. Travel on this portion of the North Boundary Trail is generally good, though there can be muddy sections and several unbridged creek crossings.
(10 Day Guided Backpacking Adventure),
August 7th-16th (4 Spaces Remaining) Custom Dates Are Also Available
(10 Day Guided Backpacking Adventure)
August 7-16 (4 Spaces Remaining)
Custom Dates Are Also Available
(MODERATE to DIFFICULT) This adventures travels on some of the most scenic sections of Jasper National Park’s North Boundary Trail. Starting on the northeast corner of the Park at Rock Lake, we follow the course of the Snake Indian River, before turning up the Blue Creek valley. The Upper Blue Creek valley is home to the Ancient Wall, and Natural Arch, two legendary geological features. Our route makes a scenic loop travelling over McLaren’s Pass to reach Little Heaven, before returning to Rock Lake. Travel on this portion of the North Boundary Trail is generally good, though there can be muddy sections and several unbridged creek crossings.
(DIFFICULT) The North Boundary Trail is one of the longest trails the Canadian Rockies, and home to some of the most remote and spectacular scenery in Jasper National Park. Starting on the Celestine Lake Road near the Jasper Townsite, this trail follows the course of the Snake Indian River, passing by the roaring torrent of Snake Indian Falls, before crossing into the Smoky River drainage and ending within sight of Mount Robson. This is a strenuous trail with numerous unbridged river crossings, more-rustic campsites, and is replete with the feel of wilderness. For Summer 2024 exit via the Berg Lake Trail (in Mount Robson Provincial Park) is not possible due to a trail closure, this route will finish just outside the Jasper National Park boundary, where guests will be whisked away by helicopter back to civilization.
(11 Day Guided Backpacking Adventure With Helicopter Flight)
September 6 - September 16 (Only 1 Space Remaining!).
(11 Day Guided Backpacking Adventure With Helicopter Flight)
September 6, 2024 - September 16, 2024 (Only 1 Space Remaining!)
(DIFFICULT) The North Boundary Trail is one of the longest trails the Canadian Rockies, and home to some of the most remote and spectacular scenery in Jasper National Park. Starting on the Celestine Lake Road near the Jasper Townsite, this trail follows the course of the Snake Indian River, passing by the roaring torrent of Snake Indian Falls, before crossing into the Smoky River drainage and ending within sight of Mount Robson. This is a strenuous trail with numerous unbridged river crossings, more-rustic campsite, and is replete with the feel of wilderness. For Summer 2024 exit via the Berg Lake Trail (in Mount Robson Provincial Park) is not possible due to a trail closure, this route will finish just outside the Jasper National Park where guests will be whisked away by helicopter back to civilization.
(MODERATE to DIFFICULT) While somewhat shorter than the North Boundary Trail, the South Boundary abounds in wide open scenery, impressive mountain vistas, and some of the best terrain to see wildlife in the park. This trail has minimal elevation gain, and some of the most serene and iconic campsites in the park. Note, bookings along the full South Boundary Trail will not be possible in Summer 2023, check back in December for Summer 2024 bookings.
(10 Day Guided Backpacking Adventure),
Contact Us For More Details.
(MODERATE) This 4 day backpacking trip is perfect for those looking to experience the most scenic section of Jasper’s South Boundary Trail on a shorter trip. Our adventure leaves by helicopter from Jasper-Hinton Air’s heliport to the scenic heights of Rocky Pass (just outside of Jasper National Park by a 15 minute flight). Our backpacking adventure follows the course of the Medicine Tent River to surmount Cairn Pass and then descend towards the Southesk River where we leave the park and flown back to Hinton by a 30 minute breathtaking flight. While on the trail we enjoy delicious meals and experience a slice of wilderness in one of the most spectacular parts of the park.
(4 Day Guided Backpacking Adventure With Two Helicopter Flights)
Contact Us For Private Adventures in August and September.
(MODERATE to DIFFICULT) While the resplendent waters of Maligne Lake are known to many, far fewer feet hike along the spectacular terrain of Maligne Pass. The pass connects Poboktan Creek (along the Icefields Parkway) to Maligne Lake on a route famously travelled by Mary Schäffer in 1908 and now part of the modern day Great Divide Trail. This route can be quite rugged with sections wallowing through willows, and several unbridged river crossings. Adventurous travelers are rewarded by excellent viewpoints and being able to visit a delicate and marvelous landscape. This trip is a great choice for backpackers who have loped along popular routes, and are looking to delve deeper into the wild.
(3 Day Guided Backpacking Adventure),
Contact Us For More Details.
(5 Day Guided Backpacking Adventure)
August 15-19, 2024 (Only One Space Remaining)
(DIFFICULT) If remote valleys and quiet mountain vistas are what you are looking for this is one of the best loops in the region. This adventure starts near Moose Lake in Mount Robson Provincial Park before heading up the Moose River valley for two days of picturesque mountain travel. We then branch eastwards and cross into Jasper National Park crossing over three passes to come across the still waters of Miette Lake; a long but straightforward trail then brings us back to civilization completing our journey.
This is a difficult but rewarding adventure, and much of the trail can be muddy and have numerous unbridged creek crossings; however, for those with a sense of adventure this is an excellent way to gain more experience backpacking in more-rugged areas.
(DIFFICULT) If remote valleys and quiet mountain vistas are what you are looking for this is one of the best loops in the region. This adventure starts near Moose Lake in Mount Robson Provincial Park before heading up the Moose River valley for two days of picturesque mountain travel. We then branch eastwards and cross into Jasper National Park crossing over three passes to come across the still waters of Miette Lake; a long but straightforward trail then brings us back to civilization completing our journey.
This is a difficult but rewarding adventure, and much of the trail can be muddy and have numerous unbridged creek crossings; however, for those with a sense of adventure this is an excellent way to gain more experience backpacking in more-rugged areas.
(5 Day Guided Backpacking Adventure)
August 15-19 2024 (Only 1 Space Remaining).
(3 Day Guided Backpacking Adventure),
Contact Us For More Details.
(MODERATE to DIFFICULT) While the resplendent waters of Maligne Lake are known to many, far fewer feet hike along the spectacular terrain of Maligne Pass. The pass connects Poboktan Creek (along the Icefields Parkway) to Maligne Lake on a route famously travelled by Mary Schäffer in 1908 and now part of the modern day Great Divide Trail. This route can be quite rugged with sections wallowing through willows, and several unbridged river crossings. Adventurous travelers are rewarded by excellent viewpoints and being able to visit a delicate and marvelous landscape. This trip is a great choice for backpackers who have loped along popular routes, and are looking to delve deeper into the wild.
(10 Day Guided Backpacking Adventure)
Contact Us For More Details
(MODERATE to DIFFICULT) While somewhat shorter than the North Boundary Trail, the South Boundary abounds in wide open scenery, impressive mountain vistas, and some of the best terrain to see wildlife in the park. This trail has minimal elevation gain, and some of the most serene and iconic campsites in the park. Note, bookings along the full South Boundary Trail will not be possible in Summer 2023, check back in December for Summer 2024 bookings.
(4 Day Guided Backpacking Adventure)
Contact Us For Private Trip Dates In August and September
(MODERATE) This 4 day backpacking trip is perfect for those looking to experience the most scenic section of Jasper’s South Boundary Trail on a shorter trip. Our adventure leaves by helicopter from Jasper-Hinton Air’s heliport to the scenic heights of Rocky Pass (just outside of Jasper National Park by a 15 minute flight). Our backpacking adventure follows the course of the Medicine Tent River to surmount Cairn Pass and then descend towards the Southesk River where we leave the park and flown back to Hinton by a 30 minute breathtaking flight. While on the trail we enjoy delicious meals and experience a slice of wilderness in one of the most spectacular parts of the park.
Custom Backpacking Adventures
To inquire about a Custom Adventure please complete the form below and be sure to include: an outline of the proposed trip, approximate dates, number of guests, and any special requirements your group may have. Please inquire at least 60 days before your planned start date.
Custom Backpacking Adventures
To inquire about a Custom Adventure please complete the form below and be sure to include: an outline of the proposed trip, approximate dates, number of guests, and any special requirements your group may have. Please inquire at least 60 days before your planned start date.