Canadian Rockies

It looks like I might get invited to spend a few days In Banff next summer. And if that happens, I'd take a couple of weeks and do some hiking and camping in the Canadian Rockies.

So who can recommend a few modest backpacking trips there? We're still nursing a few injuries, so 6-8 miles a day is pretty much our max. And no more than 4-5 days, total. What do you think?

It's too bad that phat left this forum five years ago; he could have recommended a lot. It might be worth searching the trip report archives, if they go that far back.

There are a series of wonderful Canadian Alpine Club huts that are reasonably priced.

I like the guidebook, "Classic Hikes in the Canadian Rockies", Graeme Pole, Altitude Publishing, 1995. They may have an updated edition. There are short hikes as well as multi-day backpacks.

This same publisher has a more touristy book "Canadian Rockies" also by Graeme Pole. This book is full of history and road trip ideas as well as short hikes.

Although not in the Canadian Rockies (and not in the above guides), the Bugaboos are close by. You can hike up to a hut. It involves a long drive on a dirt logging road and then a bit of elevation gain. Absolutely spectacular scenery. You used to be allowed to pitch a tent near the hut; not sure if that is allowed any more.

Also to the west is the Revelstoke area, with some nice hikes into huts. This area is not in the above mentioned guides.

You might want to consider the Rockwall Trail just on the other side of the Continental Divide in British Columbia’s Kootenay National Park. There are a few entrances and exits so you can fashion your own trip. Did the whole thing about a decade ago and it was pretty amazing.

Plenty of day hikes as well. Would recommend Sentinel Pass from Moraine Lake to Lake Louise.

Waterton Lakes further south has some amazing day hikes as well.