5 Days Climbing & Camping in the Canadian Rockies
Based in Canmore, this trip combines accessible scrambles, technical rock climbing and backcountry camping in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Suits hikers with scrambling experience and climbers seeking summer sport routes and alpine hut stays.
What to expect
- Scramble Mount Rundle (2949m) via East Ridge; views of Banff and Lake Minnewanka.
- Camp at Phantom Lake alpine basin surrounded by Cascade Range peaks.
- Sport-climb limestone at Cougar Creek or Cascade Mountain.
- Hike to Spray Valley's turquoise lakes and wildflower meadows.
- Sleep in backcountry camps with zero light pollution.
Day by day
Arrive Canmore; pick up provisions and rent climbing gear if needed.
Drive to Cougar Creek sport-climbing area (15 min from town); belay 5–6 pitches.
Camp at Bow River Provincial Campground; explore downtown Canmore.
Pre-dawn start from Rundle parking lot; scramble East Ridge (4 hours to peak).
Descend via south ridgeline; return to town for resupply.
Camp at Canmore's Silvertip Campground; rest and cook.
Drive to Spray Valley Provincial Park; begin hike to Phantom Lake (6 hours, moderate).
Reach alpine lake basin; set up base camp and filter water.
Wild-camp at lakeside with views of Spruce and Quadrant peaks.
Day-hike to adjacent Glacier Lake and surrounding unnamed passes.
Wildflower photography; fish or rest at Phantom Lake.
Second night in same alpine camp; stargaze and cook dehydrated meals.
Descend Phantom Lake trail (3 hours); return to Canmore by noon.
Explore Canmore museums, breweries or thermal pools.
Depart or overnight in town.
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