Canada's 'Matterhorn Of The Rockies' Is Just As Gorgeous As Banff Without The Crowds

Just beyond the bustle of Banff lies Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park, perched on British Columbia's side of the Continental Divide. Nicknamed the "Matterhorn of the Rockies," Mount Assiniboine has a striking pyramidal silhouette. At around 11,940 feet, it is the highest summit in the Continental Ranges' southern section.

Located about 50 miles south of Banff, Alberta, the park is remote and has no road access. Yet its wild beauty rivals that of its more famous neighbor — with far fewer tourists. Instead of encountering the throngs of people at Lake Louise, visitors can soak in alpine meadows and views of Lake Magog in peaceful solitude.

The journey here is part of the allure: Choose a scenic 15.7-mile hike via Bryant Creek-Assiniboine Pass or the more sweeping Sunshine Village-Citadel Route, or (if you can afford it) treat yourself to a helicopter ride into the wilderness. It's a great side quest on any Canadian Rockies road trip route.

Most travelers fly into Calgary International Airport in Alberta. From there, it's a 1.5-hour drive to Canmore or about two hours to the Mount Shark helipad in Kananaskis County. Banff's Sunshine Village Resort, a popular starting point, lies about 30 minutes from Canmore by car, where you can catch a shuttle or gondola ride to the trailhead.

Hikers can choose from two main approaches. First, the Bryant Creek-Assiniboine Pass trail from Mount Shark covers roughly 15.7 miles and takes about eight hours. Alternatively, the Citadel Pass route from Sunshine Village is slightly longer but more scenic, covering 17.1 miles with sweeping mountain views. Backcountry camping is available in about 75 designated sites managed by B.C. Parks, including Magog Lake, Og Lake, and Porcupine Campground near Citadel Pass. Reservations can be made up to four months in advance and tend to fill up quickly.

Would you rather skip the long trek? Board a helicopter through the Assiniboine Lodge. In less than 20 minutes, passengers are whisked over the jagged peaks and deposited at the edge of the park. At the time of writing, one-way trips started around $170. If you're looking for comfort after the day's adventures, the historic Assiniboine Lodge also offers cozy double rooms and private cabins, with stays that include meals and guided hikes (if you're up for it). Built in 1928, the lodge is open from late June to early October. Summer bookings often sell out months in advance, so it's wise to plan ahead.

Mount Assiniboine's pyramid-like summit rises dramatically above Lake Magog, creating a scene so striking that you'll hardly believe it's real. On calm mornings, the mountain's reflection shimmers in the water, a view that rewards those who make the journey with a sense of remoteness and tranquility hard to find in the more visited corners of the Rockies.

Beyond the scenery, the park is bursting with opportunities for hikers, ski tourers, wildlife watchers, and anglers. In early October, the alpine larch trees turn a brilliant gold, drawing those in the know for "Larch Madness," when the valleys glow in autumn light. Visitors often call it the best scenery they have ever laid eyes on, a sentiment that captures the park's awe-inspiring quality.

A stop at Lake Magog is essential whether you get there on a guided walk from the lodge or as part of a multi-day backpacking trip. The best months to visit are July and August, when wildflowers carpet the meadows and the weather is mild, though June and September can also be rewarding. In summer, bug spray is useful, and sturdy hiking boots and layered clothing are a must year-round. Because the park has no road access or emergency services, it's important to check B.C. Parks updates before heading out and to carry a reliable communication device, especially in the shoulder seasons. For more scenic outdoor adventures, plan a trip to Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland. Or, knock multiple parks off your bucket list on this epic road trip through Canada.