The Nublet and Lake Magog
A perfect and short hike that passes by multiple lakes to a stunning viewpoint that is best enjoyed in clear weather and ideally for sunset/sunrise. I found the best view to be on top of The Nublet, but many folks just stay on the lower Niblet for a very similar view. If it has recently snowed, now worries, because this trail is quite easy, although microspikes may be needed to get by the steep bit of easy scrambling on The Nublet.
The Niblet may be the most popular hike in the Assiniboine area, and arguably this is for very good reason. The simple and easy ascent for a triple lake Assiniboine view is almost unbeatable. Further up, the slightly less popular Nublet offers a slightly different perspective of what is essentially the same view (but better in my opinion). The southeast arm of Nub Peak is officially known as the Nublet, while the Niblet is just the tiny final extension of the ridge (this is the most popular spot). If you choose to pass by Sunburst Lake, you will walk by the Elizabeth Rummel Cabin historic site. Elizabeth was a prominent figure in the early Rockies days, managing many lodges and chalets, as well as being a skier and mountaineer, before running her own lodge by Sunburst Lake. Elizabeth Lake (and likely Lizzie Meadows), Rummel Lake, Rummel Pass, Rummel Creek, and a street and elementary school in Canmore are named after her. There are many more extensive articles about her life, as well as a great summary posted at the cabin itself should you choose to visit it.
The Mount Shark parking lot is situated at the very end of the Mount Shark Road, which is essentially at the furthest point on the Spray Lakes Road (Highway 742). From Calgary, both the south option and north are similar in time, although the north section of the road has a slow speed limit and can get quite bumpy. The road is all gravel, but a high clearance vehicle is not required. The total driving time from the Calgary city limits from either direction is just under 2 hours. From the parking lot, you must hike in 25 km or helicopter in to Mount Assiniboine Lodge or Lake Magog Campground.
Depending on where you are in the campground, the beginning section may be a little different. Generally, you will want to head straight up the hill and to the upper cook house. Using a map and the signs posted is helpful here. Look for Sunburst Lake on the signs and once you eventually find the right trail, hike up it a surprisingly short distance to Sunburst Lake, where you will pass by the Elizabeth Rummel Cabin and soon reach Cerulean Lake. At the end of the lake, keep right and gain some elevation until the turnoff to Nub, where you must take a right. Follow the trail up to the intersection between The Nublet and The Niblet. Take a left and hike/scramble to the top of The Nublet. Retrace your steps back down to the Niblet and then continue straight and down the trail. Please stop at the viewpoints to take photos and enjoy! Anyways, hike down the trail and continue straight past multiple intersections until Assiniboine Lodge. Head right and down to the lake and then continue on the "lakeside" trail to the campground.
After getting back from our Cave Mountain sunrise excursion, my dad wanted to go up and check out the Gmoser Ledges, but I had to get my triple lake photo, so I put that on hold while I went up to get my photo and go for a little run.
Heading up to Sunburst Lake. I ran most of the beginning section.
Mount Assiniboine over Sunburst Lake. This was a much better view than the previous time up here. I was already happy that I had come up again.
The Cerulean lake view was pretty similar though.
The larches had started larching! They were way more yellow than the last time.
After turning off, I had to climb up a bit more, but The Niblet was close.
I took this photo of Mount Assiniboine and Sunburst Peak a bit early because I was worried the peak would cloud over again.
Here's the classic view. Incredible.
I then went a little further to get a view from the Nublet and it was well worth it.
I think this is the best viewpoint that there is in the entire park. Just wow.
And now here's the edited photo of this exquisite view. I probably spent 15-20 minutes here admiring it. I really want to climb Assiniboine one day...
After my long break I started running down. This is just past The Niblet. Note the giant blob of yellow in the distance. That is Wonder pass and I was very excited to see all the larches there. It looks like it will be incredible...
This trail had some great views and was fun to walk down. More reason to do the loop (and in the clockwise direction).
I hiked down a bit of the trail, but ended up just making it quicker by running down. Since I had a bit of time, I went to check out Lake Magog.
A beautiful view of Lake Magog from a secret lookout point.
I even stopped by the lake for a bit and got a couple photos to take advantage of the fact that the entire peak was finally visible.
After my little lakeside stay, I ran back to the tent, where I had a short rest, before joining my dad to explore Gmoser Ledges/Hind Hut route.
Looking back on this, I am so glad that I decided to pop up to The Niblet and The Nublet a second time. The view and the photos were truly amazing. I guess I'll have to experience it at sunrise/sunset the next time I visit the area. I could've honestly spend hours just admiring the views on this trip. Absolutely spectacular!