Banff Sawback Trail Trip - Saturday, Sep 05, 2026

The Basics:
Event Type: Hike 
Event Location: Sawback trail - Banff National Park 
Event Starts:   Saturday, Sep 05, 2026 08:45 AM  
Event Ends:   Tuesday, Sep 08, 2026 02:00 PM  
Registration Cut Off:   Saturday, Aug 22, 2026  
Difficulty Rating:   D4 - See Conversion Chart  
Trip Coordinator(s):   Eric Tremblay
 

Participant Info:
Who's Invited:   Members Only  
Attendee Screening:   Attendees are Pre-Screened
Maximum Group Size: 18
Maximum No. Guests: 0
Minimum Group Size: 6
Maximum No. Guests Per Member: 0
Number Registered So Far:   2 (View sign-ups, waiting list)
Are Dogs Permitted:   No

Itinerary:

CUSTOM MAP


Saturday September 5 2026

8:30AM arrival @ Fish Creek trailhead Parking Lot

10AM group departure for Mystic Lake Camp - 18km - 860m gain

12PM lunch at Mount Cockscomb Camp

1PM departure for Mystic Lake Camp

5PM camp setup & meals

8:20PM Sunset & 8:50PM Dusk


Sunday September 6 2026

6:30AM Dawn & 7:05AM Sunrise

9AM group departure for Luellen Lake Camp - 19km - 920m gain

1PM lunch at Larry’s Camp

2PM departure for Luellen Lake Camp

5:30PM camp setup & meals


Monday September 7 2026

8:30AM departure for Baker Lake Camp - 23km - 1085m gain

11:00AM lunch break at Badger Pass Camp

11:30AM departure for Baker Lake Camp

3:30PM supper at Wildflower Creek Camp

4:30PM departure for Baker Lake Camp

7:00PM camp setup


Tuesday September 8 2026

9AM departure for Fish Creek Trailhead - 13km - 205m gain

2PM vehicle retrieval & return home
Required Items to Bring:
  • Bear Spray (accessible at all times)
  • Backpack
  • Headlamp, insulation layers, rain gear, hiking boots.
  • Cooking gear, food, +1 day extra
  • Hiking poles & gaiters. (we will definitely find snow)
  • Sleeping pad (R-Value +4) & sleeping bag (0°C rated or colder)

Recommended Items to Bring:

  • First Aid Kit (we will have multiple)
  • Water filtration kits (we will have multiple)
  • Satellite Communications (we will have multiple)
  • Powerbank to charge devices
  • Personal hygiene & towel

How to Get There:
Event Directions:  

START HERE

- Bus Transfer at 9am at Mount Norquay to start hike 

  

Notes:

Trip Rules, Standards & Etiquette

  • 5 pads total: 1 tent per pad, max 4 people/tent (we’ll pair to fit 10-18)
  • Organizer assigns tents based on signup (request partner if desired; no changes at trailhead)
  • Previous backpacking experience required.
  • All hikers must be members of the Edmonton ACC Chapter.
  • Test ALL your gear prior to the trip.
  • Willingness to share required—no solos unless group size is 9 or less.
  • Mandatory group ZOOM meeting 7 to 14 days before departure for planning.
  • The group travels together & decides about weather/injury as a group.
  • Travel in subgroups MUST BE of 4 or more. (will be using handheld radios)
  • All travel times estimated at a 2.5km/h pace.
  • Food in bear lockers only. (No food or scents inside tents)
  • Quiet time 10PM-6AM. NO FIRES. NO PETS.
  • Pack out ALL trash, (even if it’s not yours), no exceptions.
  • Use outhouses at campground. Follow “Leave No Trace” principles.
  • Have FUN! (large group backpacking is amazing!


  • Reservation Cost: $60/person (Parks Canada fees & private bus shuttle; pay upfront via e-transfer)
  • Signup to confirm experience, tent capacity (2/3 person) & willingness to share tent with strangers (same/mixed gender)
  • Deadline: 2 weeks before to confirm numbers and pairings; waitlist for no-shows.

Cancellation Policy
You can view our cancellation policy here.

Click Here to return to the ACC Edmonton Website Home Page
Waiver and Membership Requirement
Participation in this activity is subject to you having a current membership and a current signed ACC Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risks Agreement (the “Waiver”), which is signed in conjunction with purchasing/renewing your membership.

A separate Waiver is not required. Your membership Waiver in place at the time of the activity will apply to your participation in this activity. You can review your completed waiver by logging onto your profile at alpineclubofcanada.ca. If your membership renews prior to the activity taking place, you will be required to agree to a new Waiver upon renewal, this new Waiver will apply to your participation in this activity. By proceeding with the booking, you agree to the foregoing waiver terms. Bookings without a current Waiver at the time of the activity will be cancelled.

The Waiver is a legal document by which you waive or give up the right to sue or claim compensation following an accident. PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY! You can review your completed waiver by logging onto your profile at alpineclubofcanada.ca.

SIGN UP HERE
The trip coordinator needs to review and accept your application for this event. Add yourself to the waiting list here.

Never (not until the event has passed) 
2 Days Before Event  
7 Days Before Event