There’s something about backcountry camping that is so different from frontcountry. Maybe it’s the sense of accomplishment from completing the trek in, or maybe the comadarie of the other backpackers on the trail. I think it is something about being alone in nature, far from the bustle of the city or the noise of cars and trucks. Regardless, it is a magical experience that I wish every camper could try at least once in their lifetime.
Having worked as a summer camp counsellor before embarking on my own backcountry camping adventures, I have many tips and tricks to share about backcountry camping for those who are curious to try, but don’t know where to begin. I have camped in the backcountry in Kananaskis, Yoho, Kootenay, and Juan de Fuca for a total of 8 trips since 2018.
What is Backcountry Camping?
First, what does backcountry camping mean? If you are an avid camper, you are probably familiary with the terms frontcountry, backcountry, and walk-in camping sites. These terms simply define the type of accessibility each site offers. A frontcountry campsite is a campground that allows vehicles, and has space for both vehicles and sleeping units (tents or RVs) at each site.
A backcountry campground is not accessible by car. Sometimes referred to as backpacking, you must hike (or sometimes ride) into the site. There are hiking, cycling, and equestrain backcountry sites throughout Alberta. I will focus on hiking to backcountry sites as this is where my experience lies.
Finally, a walk-in campsite is usually a tent site that exists within a frontcountry campground but requires a short walk in from the road (maybe 50-100m). This type of campsite provides more privacy, without the remoteness of a backcountry excursion.
Backcountry for Beginners
If you are new to backcountry camping, I recommend a single night trip to test out your gear, endurance and comfort level. Backcountry camping is very different from day hiking. If you are a very frequent and confident hiker, you should be fine on a two night excursion as well.
If you want more information about backcountry camping as a whole, or what to pack for an overnight trip read my previous posts.
Backcountry Camping Routes for Beginners
Keep reading to learn more about specific routes and areas I recommend fro beginners (having hiked in these areas myself!)
Little Yoho Valley
Little Yoho Valley is a wonderful area for new backpackers because it has many campsite options that are varying distances from the trailhead. It is a little more remote, being about three hours from Calgary and an hour and a half from Golden.
The trails for Little Yoho start at Takakkaw Falls. From here, there are 4 campgrounds you can stay at: Yoho Lake, Laughing Falls, Twin Falls, and Little Yoho.
The easiest trail is Laughing Falls, which is 4.4 km one way and only 125 metres of elevation. This is an easy trail to do with children or for your first trip. I stayed here in 2020 and continued on to Twin Falls with a day pack after setting up camp early at Laughing Falls. There are a few steep sections on the way to Laughing Falls, but nothing technical or too strenuous.
Twin Falls is 8.2 km one way with 300 metres of elevation. If you are looking for a little more of a challenge or want to fill your day, this is a great fit. I stayed at this site in 2021 as part of a three night trip that incorporated the Whaleback and the Iceline, some of the most beautiful trails, but also more difficult, each with 520 metres of elevation. Read more about that trip in this post.
[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d60938.248708756735!2d-116.51200417499007!3d51.522956911907784!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x5377624b83614a0d%3A0xad245718899268eb!2sTakakkaw%20Falls!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sca!4v1712004870787!5m2!1sen!2sca&w=600&h=450]For more information visit the official Parks Canada website.
Mount Romulus
For my partner’s first backcountry trip in July 2022, we booked Mount Romulus. This campground is unique because it is a popular spot for backcountry cyclists and equestrains as well. The equestrian campground is separate from the hikers and bikers though.
Mount Romulus is in Elbow-Sheep Wildland Provincial Park, close to Bragg Creek. It starts at the Little Elbow Campground and continues on Little Elbow trail for 11.9 km with 175 metres of elevation gain. The trip is along a fire road that follows a stream that connects to the Elbow River.
This is a pleasant trip, though do be careful on hot days as the wide road provides limited shade. It took us about 4 hours with a break for lunch and a few short snack and hydration stops. We were hiking in above 30 degree weather, so breaks were necessary. You can read about the trip in more detail here.
[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d2523.735574936823!2d-114.99118462362254!3d50.7619365648876!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x5370db8b0c9c87fb%3A0xaf740af83128ad73!2sMount%20Romulus%20Backcountry%20Campground!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sca!4v1712005777089!5m2!1sen!2sca&w=600&h=450]Learn more about Mount Romulus at the Alberta Parks website.
Upper Kananaskis Lake
This area is home to 5 backcountry sites with varying levels of difficulty. Two of the sites are rated easy: Point Backcountry campground and Forks Backcountry Campground.
I stayed at Forks in July 2020 on the way to Three Isle Lake. The trail to Forks is 7.3 km with 100 metres of elevation. We arrived at our campsite around 2.5 hours after leaving the trailhead at North Interlakes Day Use Area. Forks is a forested campground in the valley between Mount Indefatigable, Mount Lyautey, and Mount Putnik. You can read about my Three Isle Lake trip here.
Point is even closer, with 3.4 km and only 25 metres of elevation. It sits on the northwest shore of the Upper Kananaskis Lake and is very close to the Lower Kananaskis Falls.
[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d39264.63596327287!2d-115.19918305593418!3d50.61241355471612!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x53708a831710f8c1%3A0xfe37e1a282a7449d!2sNorth%20Interlakes%20Day%20Use%20Area!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sca!4v1712006817719!5m2!1sen!2sca&w=600&h=450]Find more information about Forks or Point backcountry sites on the official Alberta Parks website.
Tips for the Backcountry
Always hike with at least one other person in the backcountry. Don’t attempt it alone for your first time.
Be educated in wildlife safety. Carry bearspray and make sure to lock up any scented items (food, toiletries, sunscreen, etc.) in bear lockers or bear hangs at night.
Do lots of research about the trail and the weather. Carry a map and compass, as well as rain gear just in case.
Always stay on the trail. Moving off the trails damages the environment and increases your chances of getting lost.
Check out my previous posts for more information. Happy Camping!