Mount Assiniboine

Mountain Pyramidal peak on BC–Alberta border, dramatic alpine scenery

On the Alberta-British Columbia divide, Mount Assiniboine’s pyramidal summit anchors remote multi‑day treks; backpackers come for alpine huts, cirques and concentrated high‑country scenery.

Main image

Mount Assiniboine is a pyramidal peak on the British Columbia-Alberta boundary in the Canadian Rockies, with a summit elevation of 3,618 metres. The peak is noted for its sharply pointed profile and alpine setting.

The peak was named in the late 19th century for the Assiniboine people; it has been a destination for mountaineers and backcountry travelers since the early exploration of the Canadian Rockies. The surrounding area is managed as a protected park to preserve its alpine environment.

The mountain sits on the Continental Divide on the BC-Alberta border in the Canadian Rockies, within Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park; the nearest major towns are Banff and Lake Louise to the north and east, with trailheads and helicopter services providing access from nearby valleys.

  • Elevation: Summit elevation is 3,618 metres, making the peak one of the higher summits in the Canadian Rockies.
  • Access: Access requires a multi-day hike, horse pack, or a helicopter drop; there are no vehicle roads to the mountain.

What to See #

  • Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park: Sits within a protected backcountry park that includes trails, alpine lakes and surrounding peaks; the immediate area is dominated by glacial cirques and moraine features.
  • Lake Magog: A small glacial lake at the mountain's base that reflects the peak and is the location of a seasonal backcountry lodge and campsites.
Mount Assiniboine
50.8694, -115.6508

How to Get to Mount Assiniboine #

Typical approaches start from Sunshine Village or from Mount Shark/Assiniboine Park trailheads; access may involve long hikes (10-20+ km) or helicopter drop-offs for guided climbs. Parks Canada maintains trail and hut information for planning.

Tips for Visiting Mount Assiniboine #

  • Permits are required for some backcountry routes and for multi-day hut-to-hut plans in Banff/Assiniboine areas - check Parks Canada rules.
  • Start early on popular approach trails (e.g., from Mount Shark trailheads) to secure trailside spots and avoid afternoon storms.
  • Heli-access and guiding services are available for technical climbs; local alpine guides know the glacier routes intimately.

Best Time to Visit Mount Assiniboine #

Summer months provide the safest and most accessible conditions for hiking and climbing; spring requires glacier skills.

Summer climbing and hiking
June-September · 5-15°C (41-59°F)
Best window for access; trails are generally snow-free and huts are staffed.
Late spring (glacier travel)
May-June · -5-5°C (23-41°F)
Snow still on high routes; glacier travel conditions require expertise.

Weather & Climate near Mount Assiniboine #

Climate

Mount Assiniboine's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -20°C to 12°C. Abundant rainfall (1050 mm/year), wettest in June.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
12°
Warmest Month
-20°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of -8°C and lows of -20°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-14°
Feels Like Freezing
-14°C
Temperature
-20° -8°

Weather

91 mm
Rainfall
7.7 m/s
Wind
Breezy

February

February is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -17°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm).

Comfort

-11°
Feels Like Freezing
-11°C
Temperature
-17° -6°

Weather

74 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -16°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).

Comfort

-11°
Feels Like Freezing
-11°C
Temperature
-16° -6°

Weather

83 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -11°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm).

Comfort

-7°
Feels Like Freezing
-7°C
Temperature
-11° -4°

Weather

68 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -7°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-7°

Weather

87 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -3°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (120 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-3°

Weather

120 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1° 11°

Weather

96 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

92 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-4°

Weather

73 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -9°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-9°

Weather

83 mm
Rainfall
6.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy

November

November is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -15°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-10°
Feels Like Freezing
-10°C
Temperature
-15° -5°

Weather

105 mm
Rainfall
7.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy

December

December is freezing with highs of -8°C and lows of -19°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and breezy conditions.

Comfort

-14°
Feels Like Freezing
-14°C
Temperature
-19° -8°

Weather

78 mm
Rainfall
7.4 m/s
Wind
Breezy

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