The Massif Backpacking Trip
near Crowsnest Pass, Alberta
The ultimate backpacking trip in the Canadian Rockies
The Massif Backpacking Trip with Uplift Adventures
The Massif Backpacking Trip with Uplift Adventures
The Massif Backpacking Trip with Uplift Adventures
The Massif Backpacking Trip with Uplift Adventures
The Massif Backpacking Trip with Uplift Adventures
THE MASSIF BACKPACKING TRIP
Near Crowsnest Pass
A massif is a compact group of connected mountains. This incredible mountain backpacking trip gives surreal vistas of long mountain ranges and showcases the amazing backcountry around Crowsnest Pass. During this 5-day adventure, you will find yourself in the alpine, in the subalpine, at mountain lakes, going over high mountain cols, and seeing landscapes that will inspire you to spend more time in the South Canadian Rockies.
This backpacking trip is advanced and should only be attempted by adventurers with experience and high physical endurance.
5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS
with a welcome party the evening before the trip
2025 DATES
Aug 1-6 (co-ed)
Aug 22-27 (women only)
Sept 3-8 (co-ed)
* Available for private bookings. For groups of 4 or more, the price remains the same.
PRICE
Early Bird Special (Dec 31-Feb 28): $1,215 per person
Regular Pricing: $1,315 per person
* price includes meals, group gear, professional guide, and more
** price does not include taxes
Prepare for your trip!
Packing for your trip
After you book your trip, check your email for a booking confirmation. If you didn't get it, then something went wrong and you can email us. In the booking confirmation we send out information on how to prepare for your trip and a link to our Visitor Guide to help with planning. If you have more questions, ask ahead of time and ease your mind.
The day of your trip
An email is sent out at least a week before your trip and we will confirm a meal plan with the group. Ensure you read this email and respond to the meal plan. The email will also indicate the meeting location and other information important for your trip.
Your trip starts with us meeting up in the evening for a welcome party (Day 0 in the itineray). If this is your first backpacking trip, please let us know and we can review even the smallest details. When you enjoy your trip, then we are happy! We are here to help you and to make this trip positively memorable. All questions are welcome.
Highlights of this tour
- Remote alpine lake with stunning views
- Single-track hiking trails away from the crowds
- Expert knowledge from our locals guides
- Some of the best views in the Canadian Rockies
INCLUDED
Food on Day 1 (lunch, snacks, supper)
Food on Day 2 (breakfast, lunch, snacks, supper)
Food on Day 3 breakfast, lunch, snacks, supper)
Food on Day 4 (breakfast, lunch, snacks, supper)
Food on Day 5 (breakfast, lunch, snacks)
Safety equipment (carried by guide: bear spray, first aid kit, satellite communication device, repair kit, guide tarp, maps)
Group equipment (water filter / purification, cooking pots, cooking utensils, soap and scrubby, dishes, stoves, fuel, bear hang, rope)
Professional guide (our backpacking guides are certified through the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and are Wilderness First Responders)
Permits
Small group sizes
NOT INCLUDED
✕ Transportation to trailhead
✕ Personal Gear (gear can be rented at an additional and discounted cost, such as tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, backpacks)
✕ Accommodations before and after the trip
✕ Breakfast on Day 1
✕ Supper on Day 5
✕ Cancellation insurance
✕ Gratuity
Tentative Trip Itinerary
This backpack is a thru-hike, which means we will need to park vehicles at opposite ends of the trail.
|
Day 0 |
|
|
7 – 9PM |
Meet the night before in Crowsnest Pass for the welcome party. We will organize gear, go over logistics, distribute food, and make sure we are set up for success! |
|
Day 1 |
|
|
6AM |
Meet in Crowsnest Pass at the designated location discussed the night before. |
|
6AM – 8:30AM |
Travel to the end of the trail to drop off vehicles, then head to the start of the trail. You are travelling deep into the backcountry on roads that are not paved. A high clearance vehicle is recommended, but not required. |
|
8:30AM – 5PM |
You will start near a lovely waterfall with great views. From here, you will start making your way towards those beautiful views. The day will be spend going up and down hills with some punchy bits. Expect to have more than one creek crossing where water shoes will be beneficial. You will camp by a small creek your first night. Enjoy this moment while realizing that you are at the headwaters that supplies Canada with their water. It’s a special place to be. Distance: 16km |
|
Day 2 |
|
|
9AM – 3PM |
Your distance is shorter today, but you have one big ascend over a high alpine col today. It will be a quick ascend and a quick descend. If the weather cooperates, you will want to reward yourself with the views from this high altitude and really relish the fact that these mountains are mighty big! You will camp along a creek again this night in a remote wilderness setting. Away from the sight of another human being. Distance: 10km |
|
Day 3 |
|
|
9AM – 5PM |
Watch for mountain goats as you handrail these incredible mountains. You don’t venture into the high alpine today, but you will sure feel their size while you hike below these spectacular landforms. You will have a lot of ups and downs, but they are gentler on this day. Distance: 18km |
|
Day 4 |
|
|
7AM – 5PM |
This will be your biggest day. You will go up and down several hills and spurs to make your daily destination of a stunning alpine lake. This will be a welcoming sight where you can take a dip and freshen up. Distance: 17.5km |
|
Day 5 |
|
|
9AM – 4PM |
Your last day on the trail will not disappoint. From one mountain lake to another, you will not be disappointed. You will be treated with spectacular views and decide that you need to spend more time outdoors. |
|
Distance: 16km |
Total Distance: 77.5km
Meeting Location (Day 0): In Crowsnest Pass
A welcome party will be held the night before your trip. We ask all participants to attend.
The exact location will be emailed to you the week leading up to your adventure.
Tours can be offered to private groups with a minimum of four people between July and September. Please contact us for a private booking.
Book an upcoming tour now!
Select a date on the calendar to book your tour, or contact us to book a private tour.
Searching Availability...
OTHER TOURS YOU MIGHT LIKE
WATERTON WINTER WONDERLAND
Best experience during Waterton's winter
SCIENCE ICE WALK
Become a scientist-in-training
ADVENTURE CLUB
Weekly trips around Crowsnest Pass
"I had a wonderful weekend adventure with Uplift Adventures! I highly recommend this service to anyone heading out to the south Canadian Rockies and looking for a little fun and guidance to spice up your trip. Whether you're experienced or not, the team will make you feel comfortable and will not fail to make you smile..."