The Purcell Mountains & Silent Lake –

Group Backpacking Experience

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This backpacking trip offers the ultimate opportunity to immerse yourself in the backcountry while creating lifelong memories. With an off-the-beaten-path itinerary, you’ll be rewarded for the extra effort with stunning mountain vistas in some of the least-visited areas of Western Canada.

Set in a truly remote environment, this experience brings together a small group of like-minded hikers to share unforgettable moments, meaningful connections, and the joy of traveling through wild landscapes together.

Nestled between the endless Canadian Rockies to the east and the rugged Selkirk Mountains to the west, the Purcell Range is a lesser-known gem within the breathtaking Columbia Mountains. While the range is home to many iconic locations, this trip focuses on its tranquil centerpiece: Silent Lake. True to its name, this destination is ideal for those seeking to unplug, slow down, and reconnect with the natural world.

Although this journey takes place in a remote backcountry setting, the emphasis is not on long distances or peak-bagging. Instead, the focus is on stretching your legs, breathing fresh mountain air, and fully enjoying this incredible landscape.

With sparkling creeks, waterfalls, alpine passes, vivid blue lakes, and glaciers waiting to be explored, this is an experience not to be missed.

 

Price

$1,399 per person + GST(5%)

• Maximum group size: 6 backpackers

• Minimum required to confirm the trip: 3 participants

 

Dates​

July 17th to 19th 2026

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Is This Trip for Me?

This trip is rated easy to moderate, based on distance, elevation gain, and terrain.

Participants can expect to hike 5–10 km (3–6 miles) per day, with elevation gains of up to 600 m (1,968 ft), while carrying a backpack weighing up to 16 kg (35 lbs). You’ll carry your personal gear along with a fair share of group equipment such as food, tents, stoves, and fuel.

The trail to and from Silent Lake follows a well-defined forest path. Once camp is established, exploration will take place off-trail through a mix of forest, meadows, and rocky slopes. Your guide will navigate and select the most appropriate routes based on terrain and conditions.

No prior backpacking experience is required. However, we recommend that participants have some experience sleeping in a tent and hiking with a heavier pack. A good level of physical fitness is essential, and training on similar distances and elevation beforehand is strongly encouraged.

 

Itinerary Overview

Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
Location: Purcell Mountains, British Columbia

 

Day 0: Evening Meeting

Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours

Meet your guide in person to review all trip details and ask any final questions. This session includes:

• Route overview (distances, elevation, highlights)

• Equipment check (bring all backpacking gear)

• Distribution of group equipment (tents, sleeping pads, shared gear)

• Confirmation of pickup time and location

• Discussion of potential hazards

• Signing of liability waivers and confirmation of insurance

• Final questions

 

Day 1: Transport & Start of the Adventure

Driving time: ~3h30 from Banff / ~3h45 from Canmore

An early start begins with a scenic drive along the Trans-Canada Highway, crossing Kicking Horse Pass and passing through Yoho National Park. After a short stop in Golden, the journey continues south along an old, unpaved mining road that winds into the heart of the Purcell Mountains.

At the trailhead, you’ll shoulder your pack and begin hiking. The route follows a forestry road briefly before entering lush coniferous forest. A steady climb leads to gentler terrain as trees give way to meadows, offering the first glimpses of surrounding peaks. Soon, you’ll arrive at Silent Lake, your home for the next two nights.

After setting up camp, enjoy lunch beside the calm shoreline. In the afternoon, your guide will lead a short hike toward the Spillimacheen Glacier, exploring glacial moraines and alpine tarns while learning about the region’s geology and natural history.

Return to camp in the evening for a gourmet dinner prepared by your guide. As the sun sets and stars appear overhead, relax and enjoy your first night in the wilderness.

Distance: 4.8 km / 2.9 miles
Elevation gain: 460 m / 1,509 ft
Highest point: 2,058 m / 6,751 ft
Duration: ~4.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy

 

Day 2: Exploring the Silent Meadows

Wake to a gourmet breakfast with views of the Spillimacheen Glacier and a hot cup of tea or coffee. With daypacks ready, you’ll leave the established trail behind and venture into wild terrain.

The day unfolds across alpine meadows filled with wildflowers, rocky ridges, and subalpine forests. With no fixed destination, your guide will tailor the route and pace to suit the group, circling the southern slopes of Silent Mountain.

Along the way, photograph vibrant alpine flora, hear stories of early mountaineers, and watch for wildlife such as marmots, mountain goats, and—if luck allows—a grizzly bear.

Return to camp in the late afternoon for another well-earned meal and a peaceful evening by the lake.

Distance (max): 11 km / 6.5 miles
Elevation gain (max): 625 m / 2,050 ft
Duration (max): ~8 hours
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

 

Day 3: Final Glimpse of the Landscape

Break camp, pack your gear, and say goodbye to Silent Lake before retracing the trail back to the trailhead. There’s no rush—take time to enjoy the final views and reflect on the journey.

The return drive passes through the charming town of Radium and continues through the scenic landscapes of Kootenay National Park before arriving back in Banff and Canmore.

Note: Transportation to Calgary Airport can be arranged for an additional fee.

Distance: 4.8 km / 2.9 miles
Elevation loss: 460 m / 1,509 ft
Duration: ~4 hours hiking, ~3.75–4 hours driving
Difficulty: Easy

 

What’s Included

Professional Guide
Certified ACMG Hiking Guides, Professional Interpreters (IGA), and Wilderness First Responders.

Equipment
All group cooking equipment, tents, sleeping pads, trekking poles, emergency communication devices, bear spray, water filtration, and first aid equipment.

Food
All meals and snacks from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 3. Dietary requirements accommodated.

Transportation
Round-trip transportation from Banff or Canmore.

Park & Camping Fees
All required backcountry camping fees and National Park access permits.

 

Not Included

• Accommodation before the trip

• Sleeping bag (available for rent)

• Personal clothing and equipment

• Transportation outside listed services

• Additional food or beverages

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Personal equipment list

Having the right gear is key to safety in the mountains. We have to be ready for the Rockies' unpredictable weather and also to be ready to stay warm in case of emergency.

Footwear

• Hiking boots: boots with good traction, preferably waterproof, coming above the ankle, and broken-in.

  • Alternatively, hiking shoes: A trail-runner style shoe can be acceptable if our route will be staying mostly on established trails, and if conditions are not expected to be wet or snowy. If in doubt, reach out and ask us directly (it's possible to see snow on the ground ANY month of the year!) 

• Gaiters: we also highly recommend bringing gaiters for your boots, to help keep your feet and socks dry, as well as keep any debris from getting inside your boots. It's possible to encounter wet, muddy or snowy conditions on any trail at any time of the year.

• Crocs/closed-toe sandals: If your selected trip will involve a river crossing (read your trip description to find out) then it's essential to have this item in order to ensure a safe crossing. We recommended bringing this footwear regardless, as they are more comfortable to wear around camp than your hiking boots.

Clothing

• Hiking shirt: This will be your main item that you wear during the day, while hiking. It should be thin and light, and can either be short or long-sleeved (long sleeve will be better for sun protection). It should be made of a suitable material - not cotton! We recommend that you bring at least 2 shirts.  ​

• Mid-layer: This can be a light fleece, or micro-fleece material, with long sleeves and possibly a hood. The idea is that you can wear this while moving, if the weather is colder/windier. Bring 1.

• Thermal layer: This is your really warm layer that you'll put on when we stop for breaks in exposed areas, or for nights/early mornings around camp. It should be a thick down jacket, or very thick fleece. Bring 1.

• Waterproof/windproof shell: This is your item to protect you from the elements, and will go outside of all other layers. It should be fully waterproof and windproof, and should be Gore-tex or equivalent material. If you haven't used it for some time, it can be a good idea to re-waterproof the item before your trip! Bring 1.

• Hiking pants: This should be either full length hiking pants, or convertible pants that can unzip to become shorts. We strongly advise against bringing only shorts, as the temperatures can change quickly and drastically in the mountains. Pants must be of a suitable material - no cotton! Bring at least 1 pair of full-length pants, plus 1 pair of hiking shorts if the pants aren't convertible.

• Rain pants: We also recommend bringing waterproof rain pants that can be put on over the top of your regular hiking pants. Bring 1 pair.

• Socks​: Wearing an appropriate pair of socks can make a big difference on your footwear fit and comfort during the hike. We recommend wool hiking-specific socks, and to bring 1 pair per day of the trip + 1 extra. ​

• Base layers, top and bottom: These are an essential item. They can be worn in the case of unexpectedly cold weather at camp, and make for warm and cozy sleepwear at night. We recommend something made from merino wool, or synthetic materials. Bring 1 set (you won't wear these while hiking).

• Hands: We recommend bringing at least one thin pair of gloves during the summer, and consider bringing heavier gloves/mittens if the temperature is predicted to drop close to 0C/32F (if unsure, ask us ahead of time). Bring at least 1 pair, but consider bringing 2 pairs if the weather is expected to be rainy/snowy.

• Head: We recommend bringing some sort of cap/sunhat for during the day, as well as a warmer toque/beanie for the evenings/early mornings. In addition, be sure to bring sunglasses! It can be extremely bright when up in alpine areas in full sunlight. Bring 1 of each.

Other gear:

• Large Backpack: 55 to 75 L. Keep in mind that you will be transporting your fair share of group camping gear and food(usually 10-20L of space) 

• Pack Cover: You need to keep your gear dry at all times, so a cover big enough to protect the entire outside of your pack. It is also recommended to put your gear in dry bags inside the pack, or alternatively place one extra large heavy-duty garbage bag inside your pack, and then place everything inside of that. 

• Sleeping Bag: We recommend a 3 season sleeping bag with a comfort rating of at least 0ºC and survival rating of at least –9ºC. At any time of the year, it is frequent to encounter cold temperatures that can drop below freezing at night. 

• Sleeping mat: This will be provided by your guide, but let us know if you wish to bring your own.  

• Camping pillow: A small, compressible or inflatable pillow for sleeping. Alternatively, bring an extra stuff sack or dry bag and fill with extra clothing to make a pillow. 

• Trekking poles: Your guide will provide these, but let us know if you wish to bring your own.  

• Water bottle/bladder: 1-2 Liters capacity. Your guide will provide a water filtration device.   

• Headlamp: Great for walking around camp in the evening/early morning. Recommended to bring spare batteries. 

• Sunscreen and lip balm: Recommended with strong UV protection. 

• Personal toiletries: We recommend bringing at least a toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitiser, wet wipes, and facial tissues. Keep comfort items to a minimum, and bring unscented products where possible. Your guide will provide toilet paper for the trip. 

• Mosquito repellant 

• Personal first aid kit/medication: Our guide carries a group first aid kit, but consider bringing your own items for blisters, pain relief, allergies etc., as well as any prescribed medication. 

 

If you are missing any of the above, contact us to see if we can provide it for you, or recommend where to purchase the item from a local supplier.