Backpacking Banff National Park: Five Days or more

See the Best of Banff National Park by Backpacking

Backpacking is one of the greatest ways to get out and see Banff National Park at it’s wildest and most quiet. Many people come to Banff as a way to escape the noise, crowds and pollution of the city, and getting out with just yourselves, the mountains and a backpack is the perfect way to fulfill the desire for some peace and quiet.

Banff National Park offers some of the Rockies best backpacking. Here are some great five or more day pack trips in Banff National Park.

Banff and Mount Assiniboine Mystic Pass, Flint’s Park and Badger Pass

Really, you’ll want seven days to get the most out of this classic Banff National Park loop that starts and ends at Johnston Canyon. You’ll see beautiful flower meadows (flowers depending on the time of year, of course) as you hike to Flint’s Park, then you’ll cross Mystic and Badger Passes, where you’ll feel like the only people in the world. You should know that this is a backpacking trip best for late summer, as the passes can be blocked by a giant snow cornices into the summer.

Campsites: Larry’s Camp – Night 1; Mystic Valley – Night 2; Flint’s Park – Night 3; Block Lakes Junction – Night 4; Badger Pass Junction – Night 5; Johnston Creek Night 6; Larry’s Camp – Night 7.

Elevation gain: 2175m

Distance: 76.4 km

The Sawback Trail

Cross three of Banff National Park’s most beautiful mountain passes on this trip. You’ll start this trip at Mt. Norquay ski area or at the Fish Creek trailhead. Check with park rangers in Banff for maps to the trail head. This is also a popular trail for horseback riding. This backpacking trip offers many options, up to a 7 night trip.

Campsites: Mystic Junction – Night 1; Larry’s camp – Night 2; Johnston Creek or Luellen Lake Night 3; Badger Pass – Night 4; Wildflower Creek – Night 5; Baker Lake – Night 6.

Elevation gain: 734 m

Distance: 74 km