The Yoho Valley in Yoho National Park is a special place. In the Cree language, “Yoho” is an expression of wonder or awe. It pretty much means “wow!” And while it sounds cheesy, that’s what I kept saying when I spent three days backpacking the Yoho Valley Loop including the Iceline Trail. I had been …
Canadian Rockies
Note: I’ve updated my Mount Assiniboine hiking guide to include updated info for 2025 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 …
There are so many things to do in Banff all year round it can hurt your head. Most people either visit Banff in the summer or in the winter, but there are some fantastic activities to enjoy in Banff in the spring. Banff in the spring may not be the most typical time to visit. …
I’ve hiked a lot of trails in the Canadian Rockies, and Lake O’Hara has by far the best scenery: brilliant blue lakes, towering peaks, and icy glaciers. And if you are going to visit Lake O’Hara, you have to hike the Alpine Circuit. The Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit is an 11-kilometre-long loop hike that circles …
Note: The devastating 2024 fires in Jasper National Park burned a small section of the northern portion of the Skyline Trail. However, the trail has fully re-opened and is safe to hike. The Skyline Trail is one of the most popular backpacking trips in Jasper National Park. And it’s easy to see why – it’s …
Note: I’ve updated this post with the latest 2025 information for Lake O’Hara including info about the random-draw day-use bus lottery. A few years ago, I FINALLY made it to Lake O’Hara in Yoho National Park. It’s such a gorgeous area that I actually struggle to describe it. Of course, there’s a brilliant blue-green alpine …
The Rockwall Trail in Kootenay National Park has been on my list for a LONG time. I had seen photos online of a trail stretching for kilometres beside towering cliffs and I knew I had to hike it. This August, I spent 5 days on the Rockwall Trail and it was insanely beautiful – easily …
Every year I make a trip to the Canadian Rockies to go backpacking. I love the glacier views, turquoise lakes, and alpine meadows. Here’s my list of the best backpacking trips in the Canadian Rockies. I’ve done most of the trips on this list and the rest are at the top of my to-do list! …
While the Canadian Rockies are a year-round destination, most visitors arrive in the summer for the best hiking and warm weather. However, visiting Banff in the fall offers a unique experience. The crowds thin out, making it a perfect time for exploration. Vibrant foliage transforms the landscape into a painter’s palette of reds, yellows, and …
British Columbia’s backcountry is gorgeous, making day hikers wish they didn’t have to leave. The next logical step is a backpacking trip, but it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why I put together this list of easy backpacking trips in BC. I’ve been backpacking in BC for 20 years (and I …