The Subalpine ~
backpacking trip in Castle Provincial Park
Bike and hike to a truly remote alpine lake
Duration
Level
Cost
Early Bird Special: $549 + GST
Regular: $599 + GST
Location
Castle Provincial Park
Upcoming Dates
Coming Feb 2026
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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..."
Overview
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.
Highlights:
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
Details
Price:
Early Bird: $549 per person
Regular: $599 per person
2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT
with a welcome party the evening before the trip
2026 DATES
We are currently revamping our multi-day backpacking trips. New trips and dates are coming February 2026.
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* Available for private bookings. For groups of 4 or more, the price remains the same.
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.
Itinerary
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 |
Inclusions
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:
🗶 Transportation to trailhead
🗶 Mountain bike & helmet
🗶 Accommodations before and after the trip
🗶 Breakfast on Day 1
🗶 Supper on Day 2
🗶 Personal Gear (gear can be rented at an additional and discounted cost, such as tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, backpacks)
🗶 Cancellation insurance
🗶 Gratuity