Kananaskis Backpack Trip: Canadian Rockies

You will camp by Ribbon Lake for 2 nights and enjoy the stars, moon, sunrises, and sunsets from an elevation of almost 7000 feet. You will trek high ridges, explore alpine meadows, hike across summer snowfields, and move through passes exceeding 8000 feet. Some of the terrain you will traverse is very remote and accessed only by game trails.

You will experience the sounds, smells and sights of true wilderness with excellent opportunities to view wildlife. Our certified interpretive guides are experienced and knowledgeable about this area and will enhance your experience with fascinating stories about the natural and human history. They will also offer advice on the finer points of wilderness travel and camping.

ITINERARY:

Pre-trip orientation to meet the group, issue necessary equipment, pack backpacks, check personal gear.

Day 1

We leave Canmore for the trailhead and begin hiking up Buller Creek to Buller Pass. Once over the pass we descend steeply to Ribbon Lake. This is where we will camp for both nights of our adventure. We will set up camp and prepare for dinner. If we have the time and inclination, we might choose to explore the area around our camp. If you have brought fishing gear and have a current Alberta license, you may try your luck in Ribbon Lake. Today you will have traversed immense avalanche slopes, passed by charming water falls and hiked through alpine meadows to the rock environs of a 2484 m pass (8149 feet) and descended to 2073m (6800 feet) to the campground.

Distance 13 Kilometres (8 miles)

Day 2

Our day hike from camp will take us to Guinn Pass and along the west ridge of Mount Kidd high above Galatea Creek. Views of peaks and mountain passes will be plentiful as we traverse this. Our return to camp will be via the same route. The distance travelled this day will be short but the elevation gain considerable, with excellent opportunities for viewing wildlife. In the evening we will sit around the campfire with a hot drink, discuss the day's activities, and enjoy the tranquility of this wilderness camp.

Day 3

Today we will hike out through Guinn Pass and Galatea Creek. This route involves a fairly stiff hike through meadow and scree to attain the summit of the pass at 8200 feet. From here, our trail will follow Galatea Creek from its upper meadows to its junction with the Kananaskis Trail with a visit to Lillian Lake. The last kilometres of Galatea Creek is through a canyon that requires many creek crossings. Our transportation will be waiting, and return us to Canmore. Alternate passes and approaches may be used depending on the party's abilities and interests.

Please Note:

Changes in this itinerary may be necessary due to snow or weather conditions, trail safety or closures, and availability of backcountry camping spots.