Get ready for an unforgettable adventure at Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park, a truly special place we locals call the 'Matterhorn of the Rockies.' There are no roads here, so you'll either hike in on stunning trails or take a spectacular helicopter flight to reach the core area. Once you arrive, you're greeted by a breathtaking landscape of towering peaks, pristine lakes, and vast alpine meadows. Most visitors spend several days exploring, with multi-day treks being the most common way to experience the park's rugged beauty.
You cannot take a helicopter for just a day trip, unfortunately so if you aren't prepared for a few days out here, you'll either need to just view it as a flyover or do it as an extremely long and grueling day hike (not recommended unless you are a distance runner). If you don't have camping equipment, you can get a room at the lodge or in one of the Naisset Huts. You'll need a reservation for either of those but you can get them online (huts and lodge rooms) at https://assiniboinelodge.com and (camping) at bcparks.ca
Recommended viewpoints: the trail from the Naisset Huts down to the water, the view from the lake at sunrise (with still reflective water), the Niblet, Nub, and Nublet hike
Distances and Travelling Times:
Calgary International Airport to Mt Shark Helipad/Trailhead via Highway 40: 175 km, allow 2hrs(Preferred Route).
Calgary International Airport to Canmore/Canmore Alpine Heliport: 116 km, 1.5 hours drive*.
Canmore to Mt Shark Helipad/Trailhead via Highway 40: 120km, allow 2hrs.
Canmore to Mount Shark Helipad/Trailhead: 36.3 km, 1 hour drive*(Preferred Route) (majority of route is washboard gravel road--exercise caution)
Mount Shark Trailhead to Assiniboine Lodge: 27.5 km, 7-10 hour hike or cross country ski.
Canmore to the Sunshine Village Resort parking: 26.3 km, 1/2 hour drive.
Sunshine Village Resort parking to Sunshine Trailhead: 9 km shuttle bus, gondola lift or hike.
Sunshine Trailhead to Assiniboine Lodge: 27.5 km, 1-2 days hike.
If you are coming from BC this summer be sure to check DriveBC.com for Kicking Horse Pass closures which will significantly affect your travel time.
Linked experience is to have a flyover of the park including views of Marvel Lake, just outside of the Assiniboine boundaries, the actual mountain, and Lake Magog.
