PNOA’s Epic Mount Assiniboine Backpacking Adventure (September 9–14, 2025)

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What an incredible journey! From September 9–14, 2025, our PNOA group, Wonder4, embarked on a breathtaking backpacking trip through Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park and Banff National Park. Led by our amazing guide from PNOA, with the support of Brother Stone and the wonderful companionship of Jane and Romeo, we covered 66.5 km over four unforgettable days under sunny skies. Here’s a recap of our adventure!

Day 0: Driving to Canmore (Sep 9)

We kicked off the trip by driving to Canmore on September 9, buzzing with excitement for the adventure ahead. The clear weather set the perfect tone for what was to come.

Day 1: Helicopter to Mount Assiniboine & Lake Magog to Sunburst Peak (Sep 10, 7 km, 700 m elevation gain)

On September 10, we took a thrilling helicopter ride from Mount Shark Helipad to Mount Assiniboine Lodge, landing in the heart of the stunning Assiniboine area. Our first hike took us from Lake Magog to Sunburst Peak, a challenging 7 km scramble with 700 m of elevation gain. The Lake Magog trail was a gentle warm-up, but Sunburst Peak tested our skills. With no official trail, this full-on scramble required careful route-finding and awareness of rockfall risks. Protective gears were essential, and our experienced team navigated the terrain like pros. The panoramic views from the peak were absolutely worth the effort!

Day 2: Niblet, Nublet, Nub Peak, Cerulean & Sunburst Lakes Loop (Sep 11, 11 km, 800 m elevation gain)

Day two was pure magic! We tackled an 11 km loop from Magog Campground, passing Sunburst Lake, Cerulean Lake, and Elizabeth Lake before climbing to Nub Peak via the Niblet route. With 800 m of elevation gain, this trail offered jaw-dropping views of Sunburst Peaks and the surrounding valleys. The trails were well-marked, though the section from Nub Peak through Nublet and Niblet back to the campsite had some tricky navigation. Steep, rocky sections called for caution, but our group’s preparation and gear kept us safe. The three lakes sparkled under the sunny skies, making this a highlight of the trip.

Day 3: Lake Magog to Mount Shark Trailhead via Wonder Pass (Sep 12, 30 km, 750 m elevation gain)

On September 12, we set out on our longest day: a 30 km point-to-point hike from Lake Magog to Mount Shark Trailhead via Wonder Pass, with 750 m of elevation gain. The route took us through the scenic Wonder Pass and down to Marvel Lake before the final stretch to Mount Shark. The trail was demanding but rewarding, with endless opportunities to soak in the beauty of Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park. We kept our distance from elk, heeding Banff National Park’s bulletin about staying 30 meters away from these animals, especially during mating season when bull elk can be aggressive. Our group stayed vigilant, ensuring no encounters disrupted our hike.

Day 4: Cirque Peak via Helen Lake Trail (Sep 14, 17 km, 1200 m elevation gain)

For our final day, we ventured into Banff National Park to tackle Cirque Peak via the Helen Lake Trail, a 17 km route with a hefty 1200 m elevation gain. Starting from the parking lot along Icefields Parkway near Crowfoot Glacier, the trail climbed through forests and crossed six creeks before opening into a meadow. The steady ascent to Helen Lake was scenic, but the real challenge came after a climb through loose scree to the ridgeline and summit. Hiking poles were a lifesaver, and we bundled up against the windy, cold conditions at the top. The views of Dolomite Peak, Wapta Icefields, Peyto Lake, and the Bow Lake valley were nothing short of spectacular.

Final Thoughts

This 66.5 km adventure was a testament to the power of teamwork, preparation, and a love for the outdoors. PNOA’s leadership, Brother Stone’s support, and the companionship of Jane and Romeo made this trip truly special. The sunny weather was a bonus, illuminating the rugged beauty of Mount Assiniboine and Banff National Parks. For anyone considering this route, come prepared with proper gear, route-finding skills, and respect for wildlife—especially those elk! We left with sore muscles, full hearts, and memories to last a lifetime. Happy backpacking!

PNOA 2025年9月9-14日阿辛尼博因山背包旅行

第0天：驱车前往坎莫尔 (9月9日)

多么精彩的旅程！2025年9月9日至14日，我们的PNOA团队Wonder4在阿辛尼博因山省级公园和班夫国家公园进行了一次令人难忘的背包旅行。在PNOAD领队的带领下，Brother Stone的协助，以及Jane和Romeo的愉快陪伴，我们在连续晴朗的天气下完成了66.5公里的徒步。这次的经历点点滴滴，值得一记！

9月9日，我们驱车前往坎莫尔，兴奋地为即将开始的冒险做准备。晴朗的天气为旅程奠定了完美的基调。

第1天：直升机飞往阿辛尼博因 & 玛戈湖至Sunburst Peak (9月10日，7公里，700米海拔增量)

9月10日，我们从Mount Shark直升机停机坪乘坐直升机飞往阿辛尼博因山庄，降落在壮观的阿辛尼博因地区。首日的徒步从玛戈湖到Sunburst Peak，全程7公里，海拔增量700米，是一次充满挑战的攀爬。玛戈湖段轻松宜人，但Sunburst Peak没有正式步道，是一段纯粹的攀岩路线，需要高超的路线寻找技巧和对落石风险的警惕。防护装备必不可少，我们的团队凭借经验成功应对挑战。山顶的全景视野让人叹为观止，所有的努力都值了！

第2天：Niblet、Nublet、Nub Peak、Cerulean湖及Sunburst湖环线 (9月11日，11公里，800米海拔增量)

第二天简直如梦似幻！我们从玛戈湖营地出发，完成了一条11公里的环线，途经Sunburst湖、Cerulean湖和Elizabeth湖，经Niblet路线攀登至Nub Peak，海拔增量800米。这条路线提供了Sunburst Peaks和周边山谷的壮丽全景。步道标记清晰，但从Nub Peak经Nublet和Niblet返回营地的部分导航稍有挑战。陡峭的岩石路段需要小心，但我们装备齐全，安全通过。阳光下，三个湖泊闪闪发光，成为旅程的一大亮点。

第3天：玛戈湖至Mount Shark步道头经Wonder Pass (9月12日，30公里，750米海拔增量)

9月12日是我们最长的一天：从玛戈湖到Mount Shark步道头的30公里点对点徒步，途经Wonder Pass，海拔增量750米。这条路线穿过风景如画的Wonder Pass，下行至Marvel湖，再完成最后一段路程。路途漫长但美景不断，充分展现了阿辛尼博因山省级公园的魅力。我们谨记班夫国家公园的公告，保持与麋鹿至少30米的距离，尤其在交配季雄麋鹿可能具有攻击性。团队保持警惕，确保安全无虞。

第4天：经Helen Lake步道攀登Cirque Peak (9月14日，17公里，1200米海拔增量)

最后一天，我们进入班夫国家公园，挑战经Helen Lake步道攀登Cirque Peak，全程17公里，海拔增量1200米。步道从Icefields Parkway旁Crowfoot冰川观景点附近的停车场开始，前3公里穿过树林，跨越6条小溪后进入开阔草甸。通往Helen Lake的路段景色优美，但湖后的碎石坡和山脊攀登颇具挑战。登山杖非常有用，山顶风大且冷，我们穿上额外衣物保暖。Dolomite Peak、Wapta冰原、Peyto Lake和Bow Lake谷的景色令人叹为观止。

总结

这次66.5公里的冒险展现了团队合作、充分准备和对户外的热爱。PNOA的领导、Brother Stone的协助以及Jane和Romeo的陪伴让这次旅程格外特别。晴朗的天气为阿辛尼博因山和班夫国家公园的壮丽景色增添光彩。对于计划此路线的朋友，务必带好装备，具备路线寻找技能，并尊重野生动物，尤其是麋鹿！我们带着疲惫的身体、满足的心灵和终生难忘的回忆离开。祝大家背包旅行愉快！