Banff 
Overview
About Mt Assiniboine Provincial Park
Mt Assiniboine Provincial Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and situated along the continental divide, in British Columbia.
Named after Assiniboine people, the park’s name sake, Mt Assiniboine sits at an elevation of 3,618m and is also called “Matterhorn of the Canadian Rockies”. Assiniboine means “stone boiler”, which comes from the Indian practice of using hot rocks to cook food.
The park is maintained by BC parks.
What to do in Mt Assiniboine Provincial Park ?
Assiniboine is a paradise for outdoor activity enthusiasts which suits all kinds of budgets. Spend the night under the star lit skies.
Hiking
Breathe the cool mountain air and experience nature in its finest as you hike the many spectacular scenic trails of this remote provincial park. Lake Magog, where the park’s main campgrounds are located is the trail head for most of the popular trails. Sunburst Lake – Elizabeth Lake – Nub ridge trail is the one of the best trails. Enjoy the priceless view from Nub peak with the sparkling Lakes. For other trail options , here. If you choose to do it as part of vacation package,check White mountain adventures and Yamnuska.
Og Lake GPS coordinate : 50.949289,-115.635488
Elizabeth Lake GPS Coordinate : 50.918903,-115.656835
Sunburst Lake GPS Coordinate : 50.910367,-115.646689
Nub Peak GPS Coordinate : 50.9307,-115.6579
Check current trail report before hiking.
Mountaineering
Mt Assiniboine is for experienced mountaineers – More details here about the climb and to do it as part of a tour package.
In winter, with powder snow blanketing the park, discover Dead Horse Canyon, Jones Bench,Moose Bath, Og Lakes and Wonder Pass through cross country skiing. Yamnuska Mountain Adventures and Assiniboine lodge offers guided ski touring inside the park.
Snowshoeing
As winter takes over, snowshoe any of the hiking trails.
Fishing
There are many fishing spots in the park, but the quality of fishing is not guaranteed. Lake Magog, Nestor Lake and Wedgwood Lake are some of the options. Appropriate fishing license required.
Hunting, Horseback riding are the other activities that can be done in the park. Permits are required for this activity. Check the BC parks website for more details.
How to get to Mt. Assiniboine Provincial Park ?
Mt Assiniboine Location / Directions
Located 48 kilometres southwest of Banff, Alberta, this provincial park is in a remote location with no road access. It is only accessible by hiking, cross-country skiing or helicopter.
Lake Magog Camp GPS coordinate : 50.90345,-115.640545
Mt. Assiniboine Lodge GPS coordinate : 50.910759,-115.620606
Hiking: (map)
One can reach Mt. Assiniboine Provincial Park through three different hiking routes.
1. Sunshine meadows (Sunshine Village) -Howard Douglas Lake Campsite-Citadel Pass – Og Lake Campground-Assiniboine Lodge/Magog Campground : Distance ~ 27.5 km. This is the most scenic route. Click here for a youtube video
Trail Head :Sunshine Village Parking Lot GPS :51.111282,-115.780792
2. Mount Shark Day Use Parking-Bryant Creek-Assiniboine Pass route Distance : Distance-28 km.
or Mount Shark Trialhead – Wonder Pass and Bryant Creek – Distance ~28km or a combination.
Trail Head : 50 51.554,-115 22.781
3. Highway 93 to Lake Magog
Highway 93- Surprise Creek- Ferro Pass-Lake Magg Campground or Highway 93- Surprise Creek-Golden Valley and the Valley of the Rocks – Og Creek to Lake Magog Distance ~32 km
Trail Head : Junction of the Vermilion and Simpson Rivers near Highway 93
Cross-country skiing
Mount Shark cross-country ski trail – Bryant Creek – Assiniboine Pass -Og Lake. Distance : 27.5 km.
Helicopter flights to Mt. Assiniboine Provincial Park
The easiest way to get in the park is through helicopter. Alpine Helicopters Inc. provides the transfer to and from the Mt. Assiniboine Park. Travel to be booked through the Assiniboine Lodge. Email : info@assiniboinelodge.com
Directions to Mount Shark Heliport : Here
Mount Shark Heliport GPS coordinate :50.848277,-115.358083
Where & How much to stay at Mt Assiniboine Provincial Park ?
Accomodation/Camping in Mt Assiniboine Provincial Park
Lake Magog Campground (most popular) : 29 sites & 4 outhouses – $10.00 per night for adult(16+) & $5.00 (6-15years)
Og Lake Campground : 7 sites & 1 outhouse – $10.00 per night for adult(16+) & $5.00 (6-15years)
For other free campgrounds like Porcupine Camp (Citadel Pass), Mitchell Meadows and Rock Lake (Ferro Pass), and Scoup Camp (along the Simpson River and North Simpson River) see the link.
Rustic public cabins : At Surprise Creek/Simpson River confluence, Police Meadows, and along the Mitchell River. – Free.
Naiset Huts : GPS coordinate : 50.9070, -115.6162
5 small rustic cabins accomodation – $25 per person per night (inclusive of reservation fee; Reservations are mandatory in winter).
Hind Hut (climbers hut) : $25 per person per night (inclusive of reservation; Reservations are required). $55.00 per family, per night. Booked through Assiniboine Lodge.
Minimum two day stay required. 6 log cabins which can sleep 2 – 5 persons and are also rented as private cabins. 5 rooms in the main Lodge which sleeps 1 – 3 persons in each room.
Winter
Price Range (plus 6.2% tax): $ 80.00 per person, per night for Lodge rooms (2-3 per room) to $345.00 per person, per night, for private cabins.
Single room: 1 person, $410.00 per night. Child (2-12) :$160.00 , per night.
Summer
Price Range (plus 6.2% tax): $ 325.00 per person, per night for Lodge rooms (2-3 per room) to $400.00 per person, per night, for private cabins.
Single room: 1 person, $495.00 per night. Child (2-12): $165.00, per night.
Helicopter travel cost to Assiniboine Park.
The easiest way to get to Assiniboine park is by flying in through helicopter from Mt. Shark for $165.00/person/flight + 5% tax
and from Canmore for $185.00/person/flight + 5% tax. Luggage of 40 pounds per person/flight is included in the ticket. Children under 2 – free on adult’s lap.
To save money, one can hike in and let the Helicopter company fly in the gear or luggage for $3 per pound per flight (includes tax).
When to visit Mt Assiniboine Provincial Park?
Park – Year round.
Assiniboine Lodge operating season
February 10 – April 2, 2017
June 23 – October 1, 2017
Hind Hut
February 10, 2017 to April 2, 2017, June 23 – October 1, 2017
Naiset Hut
February 10, 2017 to April 2, 2017, June 23 – October 1, 2017
Helicopter flying into Mt. Assiniboine details & time- Here
What about Amenities at Mt. Assiniboine Provincial Park?
Mt. Assiniboine lodge provides many services for campers in campgrounds and in Huts including afternoon tea and wine. For more details check the website of Assiniboine Lodge. For amenities on Campsites, check this link.
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