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 trip boasts the famous golden larches showcasing their natural beauty.
This backpacking trip is designed for an intermediate to advanced backpacker.
2023 DATES
2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT
July 22 - 23
August 26 - 27
September 23 – 24
* Available for private bookings
$424
per person
* price includes meals, group gear, professional guide, and more
** price does not include taxes
Prepare for your trip!
Packing for your trip
We have the ultimate backpacking list for you on our website. Check it out. 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. Ensure you read this email as it will review the meeting location and other information important for your trip.
We will meet up the evening before for a pre-trip briefing. If this is your first backpacking trip, please let us know and we can review even the smallest details. If you enjoy your trip, then we are happy! We are here to help you... cough, cough.. to guide you. 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 to organize gear, go over logistics, distribute food, and make sure we are set up for success! Please be ready to go for the pre-meeting so it can be short and sweet. We have a big day the next day and need to start early! |
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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 pre-trip meeting 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..."