Best Backpacking Destinations in Calgary, Canada

1. Banff National Park

Experience the stunning Rocky Mountains with over 2500 square miles of wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.

Unparalleled Wildlife Viewing: Spot elk, grizzly bears, caribou, and wolves in their natural habitat.
Hiking Trails for All Levels: Choose from easy day hikes to challenging multi-day backpacking adventures.
Scenic Drive Options: Enjoy the park even if you're not hiking with scenic drives like Icefields Parkway and Bow Valley Parkway.

Discover the rugged beauty of the Canadian Rockies with over 4000 square kilometers of wilderness.

Secluded Backcountry Campsites: Find peaceful and isolated campsites for a true wilderness experience.
Diverse Landscapes: From glaciers to grasslands, Kananaskis offers a variety of landscapes to explore.
Close Proximity to Calgary: Easily accessible from Calgary with just a short drive.

Marvel at the towering Takakkaw Falls and explore the many hiking trails in this picturesque park.

Iconic Takakkaw Falls: One of the tallest waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies, it's a must-see for any backpacker.
Hiking Trails with Spectacular Views: Hike the Iceline Trail for panoramic views of glaciers and mountains.
Access to Lake Louise: Easily connect to Lake Louise, another popular backpacking destination.

Explore the unique prairie-meets-mountain landscape and enjoy the crystal-clear lakes.

Prairie Grasslands and Mountains: Experience a diverse ecosystem with grasslands, forests, and snow-capped mountains.
Scenic Drives: Enjoy the drive through the park to spot wildlife and take in the stunning views.
Crystal-Clear Lakes: Swim, fish, or kayak in the pristine lakes of Waterton Lakes National Park.

Experience cross-country skiing and hiking at this world-class facility in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.

World Cup Facility: Test your skills on the same trails as Olympic athletes.
Groomed Trails for All Levels: Find trails suitable for beginners and experts alike.
Nearby Accommodations: Stay nearby in Canmore, a vibrant mountain town with plenty of amenities.

Explore the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, home to Maligne Lake and glacier-fed rivers.

Maligne Lake and Spirit Island: Take a boat tour to reach this iconic spot for stunning photography opportunities.
Glacier-Fed Rivers: Hike along the Athabasca River or the Sunwapta River for breathtaking views.
Wildlife Spotting Opportunities: Keep an eye out for moose, elk, and bears as you explore the park.

Discover pristine alpine landscapes and enjoy solitude as you backpack through this remote park.

Remote and Isolated: Avoid the crowds and find a peaceful wilderness experience.
Alpine Meadows and Scree Slopes: Hike through stunning alpine landscapes with panoramic views of the mountains.
Backcountry Campsites: Set up camp in secluded backcountry sites for a true wilderness adventure.

Reach the summit of Vermeil Pass for breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies.

Summit Views: Experience the sense of accomplishment from reaching the top.
Alpine Lake Access: Discover hidden alpine lakes along the way.
Challenging Hike: A test for experienced backpackers with steep ascents and technical sections.

Hike to the stunning Mt. Assiniboine, known as the 'Matterhorn of the Rockies'.

Iconic Mountain Views: Take in views of Mt. Assiniboine and surrounding peaks.
Alpine Lakes and Wildflowers: Enjoy the beauty of alpine lakes and wildflower-filled meadows.
Remote Backcountry Hike: Experience a remote, backcountry adventure with limited amenities.

Enjoy easy access to backcountry trails and stunning mountain views from this reservoir.

Easy Access to Backcountry Trails: Start your hike with a short drive to the trailhead.
Scenic Views of Mountains: Take in views of Mt. Assiniboine, Mt. Abernathy, and other peaks.
Popular Camping Area: Choose from various campsites near the reservoir.

Hike around a beautiful alpine lake with stunning mountain views.

Alpine Lake Views: Enjoy the beauty of Crowfoot Lake and its surrounding peaks.
Scenic Viewpoints: Take a break at scenic viewpoints along the trail.
Moderate Difficulty Hike: A moderate hike suitable for most backpackers.

Explore the Ram River Valley with its diverse ecosystems and wildlife.

Diverse Ecosystems: Find grasslands, forests, and wetlands as you explore the park.
Wildlife Spotting Opportunities: Keep an eye out for moose, elk, beaver, and other wildlife.
Nearby Amenities: Access nearby towns like Rocky Mountain House and Sundre for supplies and accommodations.

Hike through the river valley with its diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife.

Diverse Landscapes: Find grasslands, forests, and wetlands as you explore the valley.
Wildlife Spotting Opportunities: Keep an eye out for moose, elk, beaver, and other wildlife.
Close Proximity to Calgary: Easily accessible from Calgary with just a short drive.

Hike to the unique and colorful Grassi Lakes in the Canadian Rockies.

Unique Landscape: Marvel at the striking colors of the Grassi Lakes.
Moderate Hike: A moderate hike with stunning views along the way.
Nearby Accommodations: Stay nearby in Canmore, a vibrant mountain town with plenty of amenities.

Explore the rugged terrain and beautiful lakes in Mt. Shark Provincial Park.

Rugged Terrain: Challenge yourself with steep climbs and technical sections.
Beautiful Lakes: Discover secluded lakes as you hike through the park.
Remote Backcountry Hike: Experience a remote, backcountry adventure with limited amenities.