The Subalpine Backpacking Trip
near Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta
Bike and hike to a truly remote alpine lake
The Subalpine Backpacking Trip with Uplift Adventures
The Subalpine Backpacking Trip with Uplift Adventures
The Subalpine Backpacking Trip with Uplift Adventures
The Subalpine Backpacking Trip with Uplift Adventures
The Subalpine Backpacking Trip with Uplift Adventures
THE SUBALPINE BACKPACKING TRIP
Castle Parks, near Waterton Lakes National Park
The subalpine is the natural region right before you reach above the treeline. It offers stunning views and amazing flora. The first part of your adventure will require a mountain bike as you will ride along an old backcountry road. The final destination for your trip will showcase a towering mountain with ruby red sedimentary rock and stunning patches of yellow lichen on the rocky cliffs. On a hot day, you can go for a dip into the subalpine lake where your camp is located nearby. As the sunsets, the mountain viewscape will transform to give you the most significant show of alpenglow. Our September is a favourite with fall colours and the start of the golden larch season.
This backpacking trip is designed for an intermediate to advanced backpacker.
2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT
with a welcome party the evening before the trip
2025 DATES
Aug 8-10 (women only)
Aug 22-24 (co-ed)
Sept 19-21 (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): $549 per person
Regular Pricing: $599 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
- River crossings
- True backcountry experience
INCLUDED
Food on Day 1 (lunch, snacks, supper)
Food on Day 2 (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
✕ Mountain bike & helmet
✕ 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 2
✕ 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.
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Day 0 |
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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! |
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Day 1 |
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6AM |
Meet in Crowsnest Pass at the designated location discussed the night before. |
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6AM – 8AM |
Travel to trailhead. You are travelling deep into the backcountry on roads that are not paved. A high clearance vehicle is recommended. |
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8AM – 4:30PM |
This is a signature backpacking trip with incredible views around every corner. Your trip will start with a creek crossing that is not bridged. You will want a quality pair of river crossing shoes. We continue to travel up a small creek bed where we cross the creek a few times. After this creek, you will then start paralleling the mountain range and going up and over several hills. There are some punchy climbs with some punchy downs. At the end, you will be rewarded with a remote alpine lake where you will camp for the night. Distance: 16km |
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Day 2 |
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9AM – 5PM |
You will want to pack your backpack and hit the trails. This day is full of adventure and a bit of history. You will make a side trip to visit a historical mine site, and we promise you, it is cool! After this, you start to head back towards our vehicle drop off while enjoying the true headwaters of the South Canadian Rockies. Distance: 14.5km |
Total Distance: 30.5km
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.
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"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..."