Backpacking Lake of the Falls and Landslide Lake in Banff, Canada

Are you tired of the endless battle for the overnight backpacking permits for Parks Canada? So were we! Then we found this hidden gem in the middle of Banff and Jasper, that doesn’t require any permits or reservations! Here is an encompassing guide on how to backpack through this remote area including directions, camping information, gear guides, trail specs, and a sample itinerary. Don’t let the frustration of never getting an overnight backpacking permit deter you from exploring this amazing area!

Disclaimer: This blog post may feature some affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). It’s one of the ways I can keep producing free guides and resources for my readers.

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Lake of the Falls

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Travel

• Airport

  • Calgary International Airport

• Transportation

  • Will need to rent a car to get to trailhead (about 2 hours from Calgary International Airport)

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Passes/Permits

This route does not require any lottery/permits, but its does require a backcountry pass which can be purchased here.

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Preachers Point Campsite

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Packing List

Here is a packing list specifically to backpack Lake of the Falls, if you are looking for an all inclusive backpacking gear guide click here!

• Backpacking

  • Backpack (50-65L)

  • Tent

  • Sleeping pad

  • Sleeping bag

  • Camping chair

  • Blow up pillow

  • Headlamp

  • Camping stove

  • Lighter

  • Eating Utensil

  • Water filter

  • Water bladder (3L)

  • Rain Shell

  • Trowel

  • Trekking Poles

  • Bear Spray

  • Bear Bag

  • Lantern

  • Paracord

  • Satellite phone (Garmin) 

  • Body wipes

  • Ziplock bags

  Clothes

  • Hiking boots

  • Hiking socks

  • Rain jacket

  • Sleep wear (thermal layers)

  • Hiking shorts

  • Hiking tanks

  • Hiking pants

  • Hiking long sleeve shirt

  • Bug suit

  Misc

  • Sunscreen

  • Bugspray

  • Sun hat

  • First Aid kit

  • Portable Charger

  • Paracord

  • Quick dry towel

  • Toiletries 

Campsite at Lake of the Falls

Resources

Lake of the Falls Google Map

Lake of the Falls/Landslide Lake All Trails Map

You will piece together the trail map of Lake of the Falls and Landslide Lake to make the backpacking route

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Trail Specs

• 28 Miles

• 3,300 Elevation Gain

• Out and Back Route (Y Shaped)

• Suggest 3 nights overnight

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Landslide Lake

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Sample Itinerary

Day 1 (Travel)

• Fly into Calgary Airport

• Buy bear spray and fuel canisters in town

• Stay the night in Calgary

  • Hotel Options

Day 2

• Drive to trailhead

• Hike 4 miles to Cline River campsite

Day 3

• Hike 6 miles to Landslide Lake campsite

  • Multiple Campsites throughout the area to choose from!

Day 4

• Hike 5 miles to Lake of the Falls campsite

  • Best campsite is further along the trail past the bear lockers and the first section of the lake

Day 5

• Hike 11 miles back to trailhead

• Stay the night at Preachers Point Campsite (down the road from trailhead and no reservations required)

Day 6

• Drive back to Calgary to fly home