Overview
Type
Multi-Day Hike
Duration
5 Nights, 6 Days
Distance
30 kms
Elevation
1550 - 2600 m
Difficulty
Challenging
Price
$1999/person
STill HAVE Questions?
Before you book
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.
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.
2026 Hiking Dates:
August 8th - August 13th, 2026
August 17th - August 22nd, 2026
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
"A once-in-a-lifetime adventure.”
The Baffin Island Expedition with Playwest Mountain Experiences was honestly one of the most incredible things I’ve ever done. From the moment we landed in Pangnirtung to our final night back in the community, everything was so well organized and thoughtfully planned.
The landscape in Auyuittuq National Park is hard to describe — massive granite peaks, glaciers, and valleys that feel like another planet. It’s wild, remote, and unbelievably beautiful. The guides were amazing — professional, calm, made me feel safe and were a ton of fun to be around. You could tell they really love what they do and care deeply about the people and the place. The food blew me away (I never expected to eat this well on a trip like this), and the time we spent with the local Inuit community was something I’ll never forget. It gave the whole trip a sense of connection that went way beyond hiking.
This isn’t a “vacation” — it’s an experience that changes how you see the world and yourself. I came home tired, happy, and already thinking about where I could go next with Playwest.
Trevor
Google - 5 Stars
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
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