Mount Assiniboine: Sunshine Village to Magog Lake (6 days / 78 km)
Hiking to the Magog Lake area of Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park is a popular, premier experience in the Rocky Mountains. The main attraction is the iconic Mount Assiniboine. With its conical shape, this peak has been dubbed the ‘Matterhorn of the Rockies’.
There are several options to get into the main area (e.g., Magog Lake). These include a helicopter from Spray Valley Provincial Park in Alberta, hiking in from various trailheads in Alberta and British Columbia (there are five in total) and completing a thru-hike or an out-and-back (depending on shuttle options within the hikers’ party). For sleeping options, there is camping, huts or a lodge. All of the possible permutations are outside the scope of this report. This report covers the out-and-back route I personally took from Sunshine Village to Magog Lake.
Over 6 days, I hiked in and out of Banff National Park and Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park, through gruelling forested terrain, subalpine meadows and past stunning lakes with imposing and photogenic peaks. It was a memorable trip, and I look forward to visiting this area again!
Trip Completed: July 2025
Trip Summary
| Starting Point | Sunshine Village, Banff National Park, AB |
| Ending Point | Magog Lake, Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park, BC |
| Duration | 6 days / 5 nights |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Total Distance | 70 km |
| Elevation Gain | 951 m |
Location: Banff National Park, AB; Assiniboine Provincial Park, BC.
Traditional Territory: This route takes place on the traditional territory of Niitsítpiis-stahkoii ᖹᐟᒧᐧᐨᑯᐧ ᓴᐦᖾᐟ (Blackfoot / Niitsítapi ᖹᐟᒧᐧᒣᑯ), Ĩyãħé Nakón mąkóce (Stoney), Michif Piyii (Métis), Ktunaxa ɁamakɁis and Tsuut’ina (source).
Maps & Resources
Guidebook: N/A
Maps Used: AllTrails and BC Parks Maps.
Permits & Reservations
Campsite Reservations: Campsite reservations are required for campgrounds in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park and Banff National Park, and can be booked via the BC Parks Reservation System and Parks Canada Reservation System, respectively. A reservation is for a tent pad at a campground; specific pads cannot be booked in advance.
It can be tricky to book this trip if planning to spend a night (or more) in Banff National Park, as reservations for those sites typically open early in the year, and reservations for Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park are open 90 days before the desired arrival date. However, if following the same itinerary I did, only sites in the provincial park are required.
If you miss out, check back regularly for cancellations or use a third-party reservation scanning website, such as Schnerp. Cancellations are common.
Permits: Campsite permits are obtained when booking online. Have a copy on your phone or a printed copy.
Know Before You Go
Season: Early July to late September, for snow-free conditions (though check trail conditions before departure). Late August to September is optimal for fewer mosquitoes and biting flies.
Cell Reception: There was cell service at Sunshine Village, but none after departing that area.
Water: Yes – water sources (creeks, lakes) were plentiful along the route and at campgrounds.
Wildlife: Backpackers may encounter black bears, grizzly bears, cougar, elk or moose, and should be prepared for how to handle wildlife encounters with these animals. Bear spray (make sure it is easily accessible!) and proper food storage is a must. Dogs are permitted, but must be leashed at all times.
Waste: Pit toilets and bear lockers are available at all campgrounds along the trail. All garbage must be packed out.
Outfitters & Shuttles
Outfitter: I did not use an outfitter. Guided hikes may be available out of Banff or Canmore. There are several outdoor gear stores in these towns for last-minute supplies.
Shuttle: Shuttle not required for this route.
Trip Report
Day 1: Sunshine Village to Porcupine Campground (14 km)
After a long drive from southeast Alberta, I arrived at Sunshine Meadows, in Banff National Park, before noon. There were plenty of spots in the ample lot, and parking is free. After a quick leg stretch and snack, I made my way to Guest Services to purchase tickets for the gondola and chairlift (ticket includes both). Though not required, taking the gondola and chairlift saves approximately 6.5 km of hiking and over 600 m in elevation gain. One-way tickets may be purchased at the discretion of staff. The gondola goes to Sunshine Village, where there is a hotel, restaurants and a coffee shop. I really enjoyed the gondola ride – the views were incredible, and it was a fun way to start the trip. Make sure to check the gondola operation dates and hours before you go!
From here, the chairlift takes you to the Standish Viewing Deck and a network of short trails around some small lakes, including Rock Isle Lake. If you have the time, it is worth the effort to enjoy this area. I made a quick loop around the trails and eventually found a sign for the Citadel Pass trail, and I was off to Porcupine Campground.
The trail climbs gently through an open area and reaches a high point after 4 km. The views from here, overlooking Howard Douglas Lake, are spectacular; if the weather is cooperating, this could be your first glimpse of Mount Assiniboine. The trail then descends toward Howard Douglas Campground. Before passing the camping area, the trail skirts closely to the north end of the lake and involves some rock hopping and creativity to avoid the muddy area. I filled up my water from the lake, and hiked another 3.5 km through the subalpine to Citadel Pass.
The trail then descends through the forest toward Porcupine Campground. There is a junction approximately 3 km after the start of the descent where a bypass to Porcupine Campground is an option. Be sure to take this trail if not continuing to Porcupine – your knees and toes will be grateful as the trail to the campground loses over 200 m in elevation over a kilometre. I had tears in my eyes from knee pain as I finally arrived at Porcupine. The trail to the camping area follows a creek, which is the water source for the campground.
I set up my gear at a site near the creek, which wound around the campground, stretched my sore muscles and made some dinner. After chatting with some other hikers and commiserating about the brutal descent into camp, I went to sleep, ready for another adventure the next day.
Campsite: There are 10 camp sites at Porcupine Campground, an outhouse, bear lockers and an eating area. Some sites are more private than others, with some adjacent to the creek which runs through the campground.
| Total Distance | 13.7 km |
| Elevation Gain | 147 m |
| Campsite Reservation | Reservation by Campground: Porcupine Campground (Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park) |
Day 2: Porcupine Campground to Og Lake Campground (8.7 km)
As there was only a short distance to hike on this day, I took my time at camp in the morning. The trail ascends through the forest and eventually through the Valley of the Rocks, which is an area of interesting rock formations. The trail opens up again, with views of Mount Assiniboine towering over Og Lake. Approaching the campground, the trail passes by the outhouse and bear lockers, and eventually the camping sites.
As it was just after noon, I was the first hiker to arrive at the campground and had my pick of sites. I set up my tent, had lunch, and some wine with a view. I spent the afternoon napping in the sun, snacking and wading in the lake. After dinner, I sat outside my tent and read for a few hours, and went to bed well before sunset.
Campsite: There are 10 sites at Og Lake Campground, all with incredible views of Mount Assiniboine. There are no trees at the campground, so privacy is limited, though sites are well-spaced apart. There is an outhouse and bear lockers.
| Total Distance | 8.7 km |
| Elevation Gain | 326 m |
| Campsite Reservation | Reservation by Campground: Og Lake Campground (Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park) |
Day 3: Og Lake Campground to Magog Lake Campground and Nub Peak (18 km)
Though the hike to Magog Lake is relatively short, I got up and started packing before sunrise. I wanted to arrive and get set up early, and set out for a side hike to Nub Peak, which gives the best vantage point of Mount Assiniboine, Sunburst Peak, Sunburst Lake and Cerulean Lake. I had a quick bite and some coffee, and set off for the next campground.
The trail ascends gently through open terrain, next to Og Creek. It was a relatively easy and uneventful hike, and the trail eventually entered the forest. I enjoyed the thrushes singing, and saw some elk darting across the trail. By 9 o’clock, I had entered the ‘core area’ of Assiniboine and got a glimpse of Assiniboine Lodge and Magog Lake. At the trail junction for the lodge, the trail continues for another 1.5 km to Magog Lake Campground.
I walked around the large campground for a bit to get my bearings (fortunately, I had taken a picture of the map) and selected a quiet spot near a cooking shelter. I set up, packed a day hiking bag, and was hiking again toward Nub Peak. There are a few options to get to Nub Peak – hike directly toward Sunburst Lake, or backtrack to the lodge. I opted for the direct route and arrived at Sunburst Lake after a relatively flat, 1 km hike through the forest. There is an old cabin here, which belonged to Elizabeth Rummel, a German mountaineer who spent much of her life in western Canada, and a sign which provides more information on her fascinating life. The trail continues along the lake to Cerulean Lake, where you get an up-close view of the imposing Sunburst Peak. I was already in awe and excitedly followed the trail as it ascended through the forest.
After a 1.4 km climb, there is a fork in the trail. Continuing straight and descending for a few hundred meters leads to the Niblet, a flat, bench-like area, which is the first viewpoint. Turning left at the fork, the trail continues uphill for approximately 700 m, and 150 m elevation gain, to the next viewpoint, called the Nublet. Taking a short break and perhaps an unreasonable number of pictures, I climbed another 1.5 km over 221 m elevation gain to reach Nub Peak. This involves a ridge walk and may not be appealing to everyone. Though it takes some effort to reach Nub Peak, the views of Assiboine, Sunburst Peak and the lakes were different at each viewpoint and worth the time and energy, in my opinion. By the time I reached the summit, the clouds were moving in, so I began to make my way back to my campsite.
I was delighted to be back at camp by the early afternoon, as it meant I had time for both a nap and, more importantly, afternoon tea at the lodge! This is a ‘hiker’s happy hour’ of sorts that occurs from 4 to 5 pm, 4 days per week, with hot and alcoholic beverages offered, as well as baked goods. Make sure to bring cash. Hikers are not allowed in the lodge, but can sit at tables and benches outside, overlooking Magog Lake under the imposing Mount Assiniboine. It’s a great opportunity to unwind and socialize.
I headed back to camp and made dinner, chatting some more with other hikers in the cooking shelter over cups of hot tea. Exhausted, I went to sleep with the sound of rain gently hitting my tarp.
Campsite: Magog Lake Campground is quite large (40 sites) in a bit of a disorienting layout. Make sure to take a photo of the campground map upon arrival. The sites are on gravel or on dirt. There are bear lockers, outhouses, covered cooking huts, water pumps (you must still filter!) and grey water disposal.
| Total Distance | 6.6 km to Magog Lake + 11 km for side hike Nub Peak |
| Elevation Gain | 134 m to Magog Lake + 546 m for side hike to Nub Peak |
| Campsite Reservation | Reservation by Campground: Magog Lake Campground (Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park) |
Day 4: Lake Magog Campground to Gog Lake (11 km)
My plan for this day was to hike back up to the Nublet and continue on to the Marvel Lake lookout, a 15 km hike, round trip. Following the same route as the previous day, I again enjoyed the views of the peaks and lakes, but without the difficult push to Nub Peak. Leaving the Nublet, the clouds darkened, though the hiking was a pleasant descent through the forest, past Assiniboine Lodge and the Naiset Huts. As I passed by Gog Lake, it started to rain. I hiked up some switchbacks through the forest and began to feel a bit off and unwell. Having learned from past mistakes of not listening to my body, I decided to turn back and return to the campground.
Back at my tent, I climbed in, jacket and all, and immediately fell asleep for a few hours. I’m not sure what was going on, but when I awoke, I was feeling a bit better! I was a bit regretful for not finishing the hike to Marvel Lake, but it was pretty clear I needed the rest. I spent some more time chatting with hikers in the cooking shelter, had some dinner and went back to bed.
Campsite: Lake Magog Campground
| Total Distance | 11 km |
| Elevation Gain | 546 m |
| Campsite Reservation | Reservation by Campground: Magog Lake Campground (Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park) |
Day 5: Magog Lake Campground to Porcupine Campground (14 km)
I wasn’t feeling a lot of urgency in the morning and took my time sipping coffee and packing up my gear. The hike for the day was going to be a relatively easy backtrack to Porcupine Campground. I left Magog Lake, caught some final views of Mount Assiniboine, and headed back through the forest toward Og Lake. I passed through the Valley of the Rocks, back into the forest, and made sure to stay left at the signed fork so I wouldn’t accidentally take the Porcupine bypass route.
The weather during the hike was lovely, but by the time I selected a spot to set up, the clouds had moved in, and it began to rain again. I set up my tarp, grateful for the extra space under which I could hang out, as it was only mid-afternoon. I read, snacked and quickly ate dinner at the eating area by the bear lockers. I was still feeling a little unwell, so it was early to bed.
Campsite: Porcupine Campground
| Total Distance | 13.7 km |
| Elevation Gain | -460 m |
| Campsite Reservation | Reservation by Campground: Porcupine Campground (Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park) |
Day 6: Porcupine Campground to Sunshine Meadows (14 km)
I had another early morning, as I was feeling a bit anxious about the impending 4 km hike with 590 m elevation gain, which began immediately upon leaving Porcupine. Remembering the descent to the campground from the first day, and still feeling a little under the weather, I ate a solid breakfast for energy and did a quick stretch to prepare. More importantly, I tried to maintain a positive mindset (maybe by lying to myself a little, let’s be honest!).
Grateful it was still early and not too hot, I climbed the long ascent, one step at a time, until Citadel Pass. I had to admit it wasn’t as bad as I had thought it would be! I continued through the subalpine to Howard Douglas Campground, where I stopped by the lake for a rest and snack with a view. The mosquitoes were unrelenting, which was my cue to get moving and finish up the last 6 km to Sunshine Village.
When I began to see day hikers, I knew I was getting close to the chairlift, which meant Sunshine Village, and lunch at Mad Trapper’s pub, was in my near future. Thinking only of a burger with poutine and crisp cider, I picked up my pace and rode the chairlift down to the village. Grateful to have completed the hike (and to be able to sit!), I ate my meal in the busy pub, and took the gondola back down the mountain to begin the journey home.
Campsite: N/A
| Total Distance | 13.7 km |
| Elevation Gain | – 146 m |
| Campsite Reservation | N/A |
Reflections
There are so many ways to experience this area, from different trailheads, day hiking options and even comfort levels for sleeping. I was really impressed with Magog Lake Campground- there were lots of amenities to make camping more comfortable, and opportunities to chat with other hikers if feeling sociable.
Research which trailhead options work best for you and your party, and spend at least two nights at Magog Lake Campground if possible. There are lots of campgrounds along the routes, so hikers can have long days or take a more relaxed pace to get to the core area.
Getting a clear view of Mount Assiniboine may be tricky, as it can be obscured during poor weather or when cloudy. It is worth the effort to make multiple trips, time (and energy!) permitting to the Niblet, Nublet or Nub Peak to get the full view.
Long term, I would like to come back to Magog Lake, via helicopter, and hike back to Mount Shark to complete my final section of the Great Divide Trail.
Author Bio
I am a biologist living in southern Alberta. My first backpacking trip was the West Coast Trail in 2019, and after that, I was hooked. I’ve backpacked in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia and Peru. My current goals are to complete the Great Divide Trail, in sections, and become slightly less terrified of mountain biking.
Instagram: @wildmoo