3
Introductory

Traveler Rating

 

Activities
  • 5 day hikes
Accommodation
  • 6 nights hotel/lodge
Meals
  • 1 Dinner
  • 5 Lunches
  • 6 Breakfasts

Price

7 daysfrom

$2560USD

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip code: CRH

Trip highlights

  • Hike some of the most scenic trails in the Canadian Rockies
  • Explore Banff and the natural playground that surrounds it
  • Enjoy views of limestone peaks and hanging glaciers
  • Challenge yourself on Sentinel Pass and/or the Iceline Trail
  • Take in the views at scenic Lake Louise and its surrounding peaks and glaciers
  • Get off the beaten path in Kananaskis Country

The Canadian Rockies surrounding Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise contain a lifetime of walking and hiking opportunities. Eight National and Provincial Mountain Parks are within easy driving distance. The scenery is classically magnificent - steely grey limestone peaks are clothed in forests, waterfalls, craggy cliffs and, not far west of Canmore, glaciers! The forest cover of the valley floors is broken by frequent lakes and beaver ponds. Towards treeline the forest thins, alpine larches appear as forests give way to alpine meadows. From late May to mid August the forest and especially the meadows are lit in glorious wildflower shades of red, blue, yellow and white. By late August wildflower color is replaced by the reds and golds of Fall. September is in some ways the most spectacular month as the alpine larches turn the treeline into a blazing line of gold and incandescent aspens that speckle the valley floors.

Itinerary

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We will meet you at the airport in Calgary and transfer you to Kananaskis. A welcome meeting will take place this evening. Please arrive prior to 4pm on day 1. Exact time and location to be advised with your final documents. We'll go over plans and options for the following days, look at maps of the area and check to see that you are properly outfitted.

Meals:  Nil

Your guide will meet you at the hotel after breakfast and you'll head out on your first hike which will be in one of the parks in Kananaskis country. Our choice to break the ice is Prairie View Lookout Trail. This trail, located in the Front Ranges, will allow you to see the incredible difference there is looking east towards Calgary and the Prairies or looking west towards the incredible Canadian Rockies. Hike: Approx 13 km, 3-4hrs, +/-420m

Meals:  B,L

Our drive to Banff will be done through the scenic Spray Lakes road. About half-way through, we will stop for our day hike, Chester Lake or Burstall Pass. Your guide will make the best decision depending on the group's ability and to let everyone get acclimatized to our higher elevation and air. We spend the next two nights at a comfortable lodge in Banff. Hike: Approx 10-15km, 3-5hrs, +/-350-450m Drive: Approx 2.5hr

Meals:  B,L

We head into Kootenay National Park where we hike the Stanley Glacier Trail. You'll walk through a remarkable valley of Fire and Ice: Fire being the remains of a 1968 wildfire almost regrown now, and Ice being the Stanley Glacier overhanging the cliffs at the head of the valley. Return to lodge for overnight. Hike: Approx 13km, 4-5hr, +/-600m

Meals:  B,L

After breakfast we drive to world famous Lake Louise. Here we will have a choice of hikes including a walk to the Lake Agnes Teahouse or to the Plain of Six Glaciers. We can even do a full circuit to include both incredible trails. We spend the next two nights at a comfortable inn in the village of Lake Louise. Hike: Up to 18km, 6-8hrs, +/-400m Drive: Approx 1hr

Meals:  B,L

For our final day of hiking, we'll choose between either Moraine Lake and Sentinel Pass or the Iceline Trail in Yoho National Park. It's a difficult choice to make as both trails are considered in the list of top hiking trails of the Canadian Rockies. Tonight we are rewarded with a farewell dinner as we sit together and recall the week of spectacular hiking. Hike: Approx 12-20km, 6-8hrs, +/-750m

Meals:  B,L,D

Breakfast at Lake Louise and complimentary shuttle to Calgary included this morning. Please do not schedule departing flights earlier than noon, if possible, as it's about a 2hr drive from Lake Louise to Calgary without stops.

Meals:  B

Inclusions

What's included

  • 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 1 dinner
  • professional guides
  • double occupancy accommodation in generally 3-star central hotels and lodges
  • private transportation
  • national park entry fees and sightseeing as indicated
  • return transfers from Calgary

  • airfare and transfers not indicated in the itinerary
  • items of a personal nature
  • travel insurance
  • tips and gratuities
  • applicable taxes

About Your Leader

A local guide (who also drives) will accompany the group throughout the itinerary. The leaders are highly experienced wilderness certified guides, have strong local knowledge and a love and understanding of their country.

Suitability

Introductory

3

Although graded 'introductory level hiking', this trip is designed for fit walkers. We will stay as a group while hiking each day - Expect a slow and steady pace. Most of the days involve hiking for up to 5 hours, but there are options for longer hikes on some days depending on the fitness of the group. Daily distances can range from 8km to 18km+. Elevation gains of up to 750m for some hikes. Any training you can do before you arrive will enhance your experience. The more fit you are the more great hiking you can enjoy!

Departure dates


Notes

Note:
Some accommodations may not have twin rooms. If you do not wish to share a bed with your travel companion you will have to pay a single supplement on those nights. Rooms with two beds may require an additional fee.

Want to organise a customised tour?

School groups, friends, family trips, corporate events or just tailoring a trip to suit your own needs - learn how you can tailor your own Customised Tour.

Priceper person from

$2560USD

* All prices subject to applicable taxes

Options & Supplements*
  • Single SupplementUSD$1230
* Prices listed are per person. All prices subject to applicable taxes.

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Our Expertise

Everyone who works with us, from our office staff, ground staff and guides is the ‘’real deal’’. Our team is comprised of actual hikers and cyclists who have explored or live in the region in which you will be traveling. Our entire network is highly-specialised in active travel.

Great Value

Quality services at the best price make our active trips great value for money. Having essential items included like National Park fees, accommodations, most meals, bikes for cycling trips, maps and support for peace of mind. Our inclusions allow you to better budget for your big adventure.

Innovative Itineraries

We look beyond the horizon to find new and exciting adventures. We’re passionate about shaping the next generation of outdoor travel in North America, and constantly seek different ways, routes and alternatives to exceed our clients’ dreams.

Eco Friendly

We are committed to responsible travel and true sustainability, formed when the company was established, and in the face of a multitude of threats to the environment, our commitment is stronger than ever. We aim to "leave no trace" in both an environmental and cultural sense.