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- Mount Assiniboine
11,870 ft · Continental Ranges, Alberta/British Columbia
Mount Assiniboine
Mount Assiniboine is an 11,870 ft peak in the Continental Ranges, Alberta/British Columbia. The standard route is the North Ridge: 43 mi, 6,342 ft of gain, Class 5.
Mount Assiniboine at a glance
- Elevation11,870 ft3,617 m
- RouteNorth RidgeClass 5
- Distance43 mi6,342 ft gain
- Time3 – 5 daysExtreme effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeContinental RangesAlberta/British Columbia
Climbing the North Ridge
From Canmore, drive the Smith-Dorrien/Spray Trail (Highway 742) south and take the spur road to the Mount Shark Trailhead. Hike about 27 km via Bryant Creek and Assiniboine Pass to Lake Magog, then climb the exposed Gmoser Ledges to the Hind Hut. The North Ridge is a long alpine rock climb on loose 4th and low 5th class steps (rated II 5.5) to a snowy summit ridge, with bolted rappel anchors for the descent. Rockfall, exposure and fast-building storms are the main hazards. Allow 3 to 5 days, buy a Kananaskis Conservation Pass, book the Hind Hut, and reserve Lake Magog sites with a BC Parks backcountry reservation.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (55–75 L)
Hiking Boots
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sun Hat
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
Helmet
Harness
Rope
Belay Device
Carabiners
What to watch for
- Rockfall
- Loose rock
- Steep exposure
- Technical climbing
- Rapid weather shifts
Quests with Mount Assiniboine
Canadian Rockies 11,000ersPeaks near Mount Assiniboine
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Assiniboine?
Mount Assiniboine is 11,870 feet (3,617 m) tall. It is in the Continental Ranges, Alberta/British Columbia.
How does Mount Assiniboine rank among the Canadian Rockies 11,000ers?
At 11,870 feet, Mount Assiniboine is the 7th highest of the 54 Canadian Rockies 11,000ers. The highest is Mount Robson.
How hard is it to climb Mount Assiniboine?
The North Ridge is Class 5, which means technical climbing with a rope and protection. Yak rates the overall effort extreme: 43 miles with 6,342 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Mount Assiniboine?
Most climbers plan 3 – 5 days for the North Ridge, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Mount Assiniboine dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious, rockfall from loose rock and fast-changing weather. Go with an experienced partner, wear a helmet, test holds before you trust them and turn back if the rock is wet or icy.
Do you need a rope to climb Mount Assiniboine?
Most parties bring one. The North Ridge is Class 5, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.
When is the best time to climb Mount Assiniboine?
The usual climbing window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Mount Assiniboine with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list