This guided hiking module is generally a component of a longer itinerary, therefore international flights are not shown. Contact us to create your full holiday package. This module includes:
Make your Rockies walking holiday the best it can be and join the only Banff tour that is planned, and operated by a local Canadian Rockies based company. Drawing from 30+ years of experience guiding in the mountains we have created what we think is an itinerary that packs the biggest punch for the first time hiker in the Rockies. The trails have been selected for their diversity of scenery, variety of terrain, easy accessibility and most of all, because they rank highest on our “reward for effort” index. They are but a small sample of what’s to be found in the Rockies – but each hike ranks as one of the best!
What to bring: Gear: Hiking boots/shoes, Day pack, Sunglasses, Water bottle, Personal First Aid Kit, Sun Block and Lip Balm, Insect Repellent. Clothing: Hat, Sun hat, light tops, shirts, Fleece jacket, Rain Jacket with hood, Gloves/Mitts, Socks, Short Pants, Hiking Pants, Rain Pants, Running shoes or other light weight footwear. Optional Gear: Trekking Poles, Camera.
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From Calgary International Airport, you will be transported to your hotel. This evening you go over plans and options for the following days, look at maps of the area and check to see that you are properly outfitted.
After breakfast, your guide will meet you at the hotel. You’ll then hop on the bus for a scenic drive through ranch country in the foothills, heading into Banff National Park. Following a brief orientation drive of the area, you’ll check in to your hotel in the bustling holiday town of Banff for a two-night stay. It’s now time for your first hike, either along the shores of Minnewanka Lake or on one of the numerous mountain trails close to Banff. The hiking duration is approximately 2 to 3 hours.
During this full-day hike, you’ll venture through passes above the tree line and traverse alpine meadows. For instance, you’ll cover approximately 7.5 km with a 725 m elevation gain (about 4.6 mi, 2414 ft) to reach a small lake, with the possibility of continuing another 2 km into the pass at 2470 m (8225 ft). Following the hike, you may choose to unwind in the warm sulphur pool or take a stroll along the bustling streets of Banff, teeming with numerous stores and visitors from around the globe. The hiking duration is estimated to be between 5 to 7 hours.
Begin your day with a picturesque 90-minute drive amidst the stunning scenery surrounding Lake Louise. Embark on a 3.5 km (2 mi) hike along a path with a 400m elevation gain (1325 ft) leading to a historic tea house nestled by an alpine lake. A network of trails ranging from easy to demanding will entice you to explore further and ascend higher. For instance, you can opt for a 15 km (9.3 mi) circuit into the Plain of Six Glaciers or a 2.5 km (1.6 mi) ascent with a 515 m (1705 ft) gain to reach a summit offering exceptional views of nearby peaks and distant landscapes. Conclude the day by spending the night at a hotel in Lake Louise. The estimated hiking duration is between 3 to 5 hours.
Today presents an exciting opportunity for a thrilling white-water rafting adventure on the Kicking Horse River. However, if you prefer, hiking is always an alternative option. Your guide will offer a selection of trails, including an 18 km (11 mi) circuit that traverses two flower-decorated passes at 1830 m and 2180 m (6093 ft and 7250 ft). Additionally, Yoho Park boasts attractions such as the Natural Bridge, Takakkaw Falls, and Spiral Tunnel. The hiking duration for this particular trail is approximately 6 hours.
Indulge in frequent stops and brief excursions along the breathtaking Icefields Parkway as you journey into the heart of the Rockies, featuring highlights like Peyto Lake and Bow Summit. At the Columbia Icefields, immense glaciers give rise to rivers that eventually cascade into three distinct oceans. For an optimal view of the Saskatchewan Glacier, hike 2.5 km (1.6 mi) to a windswept ridge at 2260 m (7525 ft). Afterwards, continue on to Jasper and settle into your hotel in this quaint mountain town. The hiking duration for this leg of the journey is approximately 2 hours.
There are numerous options to choose from, such as swimming and having a picnic at Pyramid Lake, mountain biking, trail rides, or canoeing. Alternatively, you can join your guide for a side trip to Maligne Lake, where you can embark on an 8 km (5 mile) loop hike with a 460 m elevation gain (1532 ft). This trail leads into the hills above the tree line, reaching an elevation of 2150 m (7160 ft) and possibly extending all the way to the 2790 m (9290 ft) peak overlooking the stunning lake. The hiking duration for this excursion ranges from 2 to 6 hours.
The impressive Athabasca Falls stands out as one of the highlights of this park. Trails near the Columbia Icefields commence at the tree line and offer particularly gratifying experiences, thanks to their breathtaking views of the glaciers and surrounding mountain ranges. Your final adventure in the Rockies is an 8 km (5 mi) hike with a 335 m (1155 ft) elevation gain leading to a pass at 2375 m (7980 ft). Following this, it’s time to transfer back to Calgary, with an estimated arrival at the hotel around 7:00 pm. The hiking duration for this trail is approximately 2 to 3 hours.
You can savour breakfast (at your own expense) at Acclaim Hotel Calgary Airport before catching the complimentary shuttle to Calgary International Airport later in the morning.
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