Sep7Berg Lake Trail
Glaciers, roaring falls and turquoise Berg Lake under Mount Robson.
from$1,575CADSep 7–12
4 Day Backpacking Adventure to learn and explore beautiful wild places!
Tucked deep in the Purcell Mountains in the Columbia Valley lies a quiet, alpine basin that comes alive for a brief, magical window each September.
In the autumn, the larches shift to a golden hue, the air sharpens, and the mountains glow in a way that feels almost unreal.
Perfect Purcells is a four-day, three-night backpacking journey designed for those who want to explore, wander through wild spaces, and experience autumn in the high alpine at its very best.
In all seasons, the Purcell Mountains are a stunning location to hike and explore!
Trip Highlights:
- Stunning wildflowers in July
- Golden larch forests at peak autumn colour
- Quiet alpine terrain far from crowds
- Remote campsites under big mountain skies
- High passes, open meadows, and reflective tarns
- An opportunity for learning and navigation in the backcountry.
Level of difficulty
Challenging
- Pack~40 lb · 18 kg
- On the moveup to 6 h a day
Day by day
- Day1
This day is for the pre-trip meeting only. We will be meeting in Invermere, BC The exact location and time are to be determined. The meeting will be in the evening between 530 pm and 7 pm.
- Day2
We will begin with an interesting drive to the trailhead, followed by a steady and enjoyable hike. The route features a gradual climb as we make our way toward our first campsite, allowing time to settle into the rhythm of the trip and take in the surrounding landscape along the way.
- Day3
Today is a full day of backpacking and exploration. We’ll travel through beautiful mountain ridges and vast valleys, moving at a steady pace and taking time to explore the landscape along the way.
- Day4
Today we continue our journey of exploration toward our next campsite. With fewer fixed plans and a flexible distance, we’ll move at a relaxed pace and let the landscape guide us—leaving room for the unexpected.
- Day5
We pack up and begin our journey out, retracing our steps through glowing forests and wide open valleys. The descent offers one last chance to absorb the colours, textures, and silence that make this place so special.
- Safety:
- Be prepared for variable weather – mountain conditions can change quickly.
- Follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve the beauty of this wilderness trail.
This trip is designed for those with an intermediate fitness level. Being self-sufficient for 4 - 5 days will create a heavy pack. You should have the ability to carry ~40 lbs (18 kg) for up to 6 hours over 800 m elevation gain.
If you have the fitness level, minimal experience is needed for backpacking; let me teach you!
Gear, food & lodging
Included
- Backcountry skills learning
- Tents for camping
- Amazingly delicious food from the evening on day 1 to lunch on the last day
- The expertise, navigation and learning from an ACMG Guide.
- All group gear - stoves, pots, food storage materials and water treatment.
- All safety equipment - bear spray, first aid kit, emergency communication device, and tarp
You bring
- Accommodations the night before getting on the trail
- Transportation to the trailhead (if you require transportation, please inquire; we can provide transportation at an additional cost if needed).
- Breakfast & Lunch on day 1, supper on last day.
- Personal Gear (Can be arranged for an additional fee)
Personal Gear List
Photos from the trail
Taken by our guides and guests on this trip.
Where
Purcell Mountains, Columbia Valley, BC
Get Outside is based in Canmore, Alberta — 1.25 hours from Calgary International Airport, 5 km from the entrance to Banff National Park. Multi-day trips start with an in-person pre-trip meeting where we check everyone’s gear and hand out group equipment.
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