Overview
Type
Multi-Day Hike
Duration
4 Nights, 5 Days
Distance
30 kms
Elevation
1550 - 2600 m
Difficulty
Challenging
Price
$1599/person
STill HAVE Questions?
Before you book
Purcell Mountain Traverse Itinerary
Note: This is a general outline of what your day could look like — the specific trail and pace could be customized for your group and the day’s conditions.
Day 0
We’ll meet you downtown Invermere at the Invermere Inn. Your guides will review the trip itinerary, distribute rental gear and food, offer packing tips, review your equipment, and answer any questions. After our gear check, we’ll head to the ULLR Bar, our favourite Invermere watering hole. Known for their Fried Chicken and unique Viking Theme, it's a great place to share a beverage and get to know each other (dinner not included in the package).
Day 1
We’ll kick off the day with an early start, with a pick up at 8:00am and a stop at Kootenay Coffee Works for a quick coffee and breakfast sandwich. We will travel for approximately 1.5 hours to the trailhead.
Once we arrive at the trailhead, we will get our boots on, do a final gear check and set out on our first day. Today we have a long, steady climb to get out of the valley floor up to ridge-top and our first camp. Good trail through mature timber and beautiful wildflowers is worth the effort. Rewarding views of the Bugaboo complex await, and a swim to finish the day.
Day 2
Wake up with fresh coffee and “Skinners Almost World Famous Breakfast Cereal” to get the day started. Today is all about ridge walks. After we pack up camp, we make our way up to the northern ridge and through the pass. This is a reasonably leisurely day, providing incredible views of the Septets, Bugaboos, Rocky Point and beyond.
To wrap up the day, we will descend to our camp destination through a broad valley full of wildflowers. What a beautiful spot to sleep under the stars.
Day 3
Today’s a workin' day... After breaking camp, we start a long descent on a trail that is seldom used. Travelling through old growth Spruce and Fir we may be rewarded with fresh blueberry’s making the “juice worth the squeeze”. Descending to a creek we follow a confined valley before crossing and making our ascent to camp.
A hard day’s work definitely means a refreshing swim at camp and a well-earned hot meal. Nice work!
Day 4
Today is one for the books and probably one of our favourites. Our destination is by far the best backcountry campsites we have been to in the region. We leave camp and start our climb to the ridgetop beside the towering Taurus Mountain. A short pitch of challenging ground is rewarded by a incredible veiw of Thuderwater Lake, Catamount Glacier, The Welsh & Irish Groups and more. A sharp descent takes to camp for our last night.
Stunning!
Day 5
Our final day on the trail...make no mistake, it’s not short on stunning views and incredible trails. We ascend a short granite slope to an amazing overlook of the lake. After admiring this place, we descend to its shores and the massive granite headwall. A steep descent takes us to the valley floor, where we move through the alluvial fans from the glaciers above. Creek crossings are the challenge of the day.
After moving through the meadows, we make it to the trailhead. Our driver and a cooler with ice-cold refreshments and salty snacks!
GREAT JOB!
Details
Is this hike for me?
This hike is for experienced adventurers who are ready for a true backcountry challenge. The Purcell Mountain Traverse is a demanding multi-day backpacking trip designed for fit hikers with previous backpacking experience and comfort travelling in rugged, remote alpine terrain. If you’re looking to push your limits, carry a full pack, and explore wild, untamed landscapes with professional guidance and support, this journey is for you.
Hike Difficulty: Challenging Hike
What is included?
ACMG-Certified Guide: Professional, knowledgeable, and experienced in remote alpine travel
Training Preparation: 6-week pre-trip training program
Pre-trip Zoom Session: Gear prep, trip planning, and Q&A with your guide
All Group Safety Gear: Including first aid kits, bear spray, emergency communication device
Fresh, Homemade Meals: Nutritious backcountry meals from dinner Day 1 to lunch on the final day
Group Equipment: All cooking stoves, fuel, pots/pans and culinary skills
Transportation: From Invermere to the trailhead and from the end point back to town
Backpacking Skills Support: Guidance throughout the trip to boost your backcountry confidence
What do I bring?
Every multi-day trip is a bit different. Figuring out what to pack for a overnight backpacking trip is a daunting task. Often times people “pack for their fears”…We’ve seen shower caps and volleyball knee pads…seriously. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We will send you a full and detailed list of what to pack with your booking making sure you are comfortable for you trip.
Don’t have the gear you need? Guess what, we do. Playwest has a fully equipped rental fleet ready to help you fill the need. Like we said…we’ve got you covered.
How many people are in the group?
The Purcell Mountain Traverse is limited to a maximum of 6 participants, ensuring a small group experience with personalized support, minimal impact, and a stronger sense of community on the trail.
Are there age restrictions?
Most of our hikes are designed for ages 12 and up due to the duration and terrain. We welcome younger adventurers on private or custom tours. Just reach out to discuss the best fit for your group.
How do I sign up?
Depending on your sense of adventure (and decision-making mood), you’ve got two great options:
You’re ready to hike in the Purcell Mountain Traverse:
Book now and secure your spot on the Purcell Mountain Traverse.
You’ve got this hike in your sights, but have a few questions first:
Contact Playwest to ask your questions and book directly with our experienced guides. We’re here to help you tailor the perfect trip.
2025 Hiking Dates:
July 28 - August 1, 2025
If you don’t see an available date for a hike you are interested in. Please contact us, as we may be able to arrange an alternative date for you.
The Purcell Mountain Traverse is an immersive alpine experience that offers seasoned adventurers the chance to explore some of the most dramatic and remote terrain in the Purcell Mountains. Over five unforgettable days, this high-elevation circuit blends rugged backcountry travel with the serenity of alpine wilderness, offering an ideal challenge for hikers ready to push their boundaries.
The route winds through towering granite peaks, expansive alpine basins, and hidden passes rarely traveled. Expect long, rewarding days on the trail, with ever-changing terrain ranging from boulder fields and ridgelines to wildflower-filled meadows and pristine glacial tarns. Each day brings new perspective and new views as the circuit unfolds across untouched landscapes where few others tread.
Designed for strong, experienced hikers, this multi-night hike is a true test of endurance, teamwork, and backcountry skill. You’ll carry a multi-day pack, navigate uneven terrain, and camp in remote alpine locations that feel worlds away from civilization.
Your certified ACMG guide will lead the way, offering safety, navigation, and a deeper understanding of the land you’re traveling through. From stories of the area's geological past to practical instruction in backcountry travel, each day brings not just miles underfoot, but moments of learning and connection.
As with all Playwest expeditions, the trip is fully supported. Meals, group gear, safety equipment, and logistics are all taken care of, allowing you to focus on the adventure.
Purcell Mountain Traverse
A bucket-list-worthy multi-day hike through one of BC’s wildest and most stunning alpine landscapes. Over five unforgettable days, you’ll hike ridgelines, cross alpine meadows, and camp in remote backcountry locations, all with jaw-dropping views of the Purcell and Rocky Mountains. Designed for experienced hikers ready to level up, this traverse offers solitude, challenge, and unmatched natural beauty, all guided and fully supported by Playwest Mountain Experience.
What the Playwest Adventurers Say
Testimonials
Rated 5 stars on Google
Chris led us through some stunning hikes around the Invermere area. I really appreciated all of the guidance and tips on how to navigate more challenging terrain, including steep slopes and icy paths. Chris is extremely knowledgeable about the area and its geology, flora and fauna, so we learned a lot on each hike. He is a fabulous guide and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Playwest!
Michelle K
Google - 5 Stars
Chris guided us on our Sunsets & Fondue experience on Mt. Sansea. It exceeded our expectations!!!!! We met Chris at the lower parking lot & he drove us up to the upper lot in his Yukon--somewhat bumpy at times but still comfortable. He expertly shared hiking strategies & encouragement for steep sections going up & coming down with headlamps in the dark--2 78 year olds & a 64 year old with vision limitations. The sunset & the fondue was spectacular. We toasted 56 years of marriage!! Thanks, Chris for your expertise & hospitality. Excellent fondue!!
Marilyn W
Google - 5 Stars
My husband and I had an epic day hiking Pedley Pass with Chris! I was a bit nervous leading up to the trailhead, and appreciated being checked in on. We felt super safe on the trail and definitely jived with Chris’ sense of humour. He really gave us confidence on the trail and made it a memorable day! We’ll for sure be booking a guided hike with Chris again in the future.
Cindy L
Google - 5 Stars
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