The Bugaboos are a group of spectacular granite spires rising from glaciers in British Columbia's Purcell Mountains. World-famous for alpine climbing with routes ranging from moderate to extreme, this wilderness destination draws mountaineers and hikers seeking pristine alpine scenery, dramatic granite towers, and challenging ascents in one of North America's most beautiful mountain environments.
Quick Facts
Recommended Stay5 days
Budget$150/day
Mid-range$350/day
Luxury$800/day
Known For
bugaboospurcell_mountainsalpine_climbinggranite_spiresbritish_columbiabackcountrymountaineeringbugaboo_spiresnowpatch_spirehowser_towersconrad_kain_hutapplebee_domekootenay_national_parkheli_accesscanada_mountains
🇨🇦 Country Information: Canada
CapitalOttawa
CurrencyCanadian dollar ($)
Language
English ,
French
Phone Code+1
Electricity120V (Type A, B)
Tap WaterSafe to drink
Tipping
- Tipping is customary in restaurants (15
- 20% of the bill), bars, for taxi drivers, hairdressers, and hotel staff
- For delivery services, tipping is also common (10
- 15%)
Money & Payments
- ATMs are widely available
- Credit cards are widely accepted
- It is not necessary to bring large amounts of cash, but some cash is useful for small purchases
- There is no black market for cash
Cultural Norms
- Punctuality is valued in professional settings
- Canadians tend to be polite and appreciate direct, but not aggressive, communication
- Personal space is generally respected
- It is common to remove shoes when entering someone's home
LGBTQ+ Information
Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Canada has progressive LGBTQ+ laws, including legal same-sex marriage nationwide.
Alcohol & Drug Laws
- Legal drinking age is 18 or 19 depending on the province/territory
- Drug laws vary by province, but recreational cannabis is legal nationwide for adults, with strict regulations
Special Laws
- It is illegal to drive while using a handheld device
- Some provinces have laws against jaywalking
- Hunting and fishing require licenses
Common Phrases
HelloBonjour (bon-ZHOOR)
Excuse mePardon (par-DON)
Thank youMerci (mair-SEE)
Climate
High alpine climate with rapidly changing conditions. Temperatures range from 50°F/10°C in summer to well below freezing. Afternoon thunderstorms common July-August. Glaciers require technical equipment. Snow possible any month. Summer highs of 15-20°C, lows near freezing even in July.
Best Time to Visit
- Peak Season: July
- September
- Best weather, all routes accessible, heli service running
- Shoulder: April
- June for ski touring, October for late
- season climbing
- Closed: November
- March
- Winter conditions make access dangerous or impossible
Getting There
- Fly into Calgary (YYC, 4 hours drive) or Cranbrook (YXC, 2 hours)
- From Golden, Radium Hot Springs, or Invermere, access is via helicopter (most common), or an arduous 5km/1500m elevation gain hike from Bugaboo Falls trailhead
- CMH Bugaboos and Alpine Helicopters provide heli
- access
Getting Around
- This is wilderness backcountry
- Movement is entirely on foot over glaciers and rocky terrain
- Ropes and glacier travel skills required for most areas
- No roads or trails beyond the initial approach
Health & Vaccinations
- Standard Canadian travel health precautions
- Travel/evacuation insurance ESSENTIAL
- helicopter evacuation costs can exceed $10,000
- Bring first aid kit and emergency supplies
- Altitude sickness possible above 3000m
- No medical facilities in the backcountry
Staying Connected
- Cell service: NONE in the Bugaboos
- Satellite communication device (InReach, SPOT) strongly recommended
- Download offline maps before departure
- Some lodges have satellite WiFi (very limited)
Book in Advance
Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:
🔴 Must Book in Advance
Book 2-6 months in advance
The Alpine Club of Canada hut is the only accommodation in the Bugaboos and has very limited beds. Essential for any climbing trip.
Book 1-3 months in advance
Limited helicopter operators serve the Bugaboos. Weather delays are common, so flexibility in scheduling is essential.
🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead
Book 2-6 months in advance
Certified ACMG guides familiar with the Bugaboos are limited. Essential for technical routes if you lack experience.
Fun Facts
- 1. The Bugaboo Spires were formed from a 135-million-year-old granite intrusion and are among the most photographed peaks in North America.
- 2. The area receives over 60 feet of snow annually, making it one of the snowiest places in Canada.
- 3. Heli-skiing was invented in the Bugaboos by Hans Gmoser in 1965.
- 4. The granite here is the same type as Yosemite's famous climbing walls.
