Stage 4 of the Mount Assiniboine Traverse covers 12.9 km from Marvel Lake to Mount Shark, with 163 m of ascent and 234 m of descent. The highest point is 1,833 m. Allow about 4.5 hours of walking, plus breaks.
Distance, climb and elevation come from the Outest route data. Difficulty and time are estimates from distance and climb; your pace will vary with heat, pack weight and photo stops.
Parks Canada backcountry campground on the Bryant Creek trail, on the line about 9 km from the Mount Shark trailhead; a short last day if you camp here. Book a Banff backcountry permit.
Lodge rooms, cabins, glamping tents and a yurt with all meals included, on Mount Shark Road about 5 km by road from the Mount Shark trailhead (no walking trail between them). Day visitors can book afternoon tea or dinner; rates are per two guests, so book well ahead.
Checked online in October 2026. Places marked "not confirmed by the operator" are listed on OpenStreetMap or in guides but could not be checked on an official page. Every campground on this route must be booked before you go: Banff backcountry permits on the Parks Canada Reservation Service, and Porcupine, Og Lake and Lake Magog on the BC Parks site. The Naiset Huts and Assiniboine Lodge are booked through the lodge and sell out months ahead.
Emergency: call 911. By satellite phone: Parks Canada 403-762-4506. Emergency & health guide
Pharmacies, ATMs, shops and stops: © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hospitals and health centres checked online.
The full stage works offline in Outest, with the route, elevation, water and village points, and a trail guide you can ask about conditions and the next place to sleep.