Our premier trip highlighting the very best of southern BC and Alberta!
14 Days/13Nights

Quartz Ridge Meadows, Mt. Assiniboine Provincial Park

This exciting journey from Vancouver to Banff and Calgary uncovers the natural splendours of Canada’s finest national and provincial parks. From the rugged west coast mountains, across the southern reaches of British Columbia and finally to the dramatic heights of the Rocky Mountains, we discover a vast wilderness of countless alpine lakes and pristine forests set beneath a backdrop of high peaks and tumbling glaciers. It is a land of elk, moose, bighorn sheep, black and grizzly bears.

We’ll also touch the western edge of Canada’s vast prairie and visit the most of famous native North American buffalo jumps – “Head Smashed In”, This site which was used for many hundreds of years by Blackfoot Indians as a traditional hunting ground is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

At night we stay in comfortable hotels or mountain lodges and during the day our fully supported walks reveal the diverse landscapes that this area is famous for. Time in the beautiful Canadian cities of Vancouver and Calgary round off this superb touring and walking adventure.

Inclusions

Itinerary

Lightning Ridge, Manning Park

DAY 1 Arrive Vancouver

Arrive on own in Vancouver with self arranged transfer to hotel. (Transfer to hotel is available through White Mountain Adventures.) In the evening you’ll meet your guide and go through a short group briefing where you’ll meet other participants and details of the itinerary will be discussed. Overnight Vancouver/Burnaby.

DAY 2 Walking the North Shore Mountains of Vancouver, Cypress Provincial Park

One of the most amazing things about Vancouver is that just beyond the city limits you can very quickly enter a stunning wilderness of old growth forest – of towering Douglas Firs, huge ferns, and hanging mosses. We’ll explore part of this today as we make our way up Hollyburn Mountain for an outstanding view of the city, the Strait of Georgia and Vancouver Island. Overnight Vancouver/Burnaby. (BL) Walking: 9 kms, elev. gain: 350m.

DAY 3 Sightseeing Vancouver, and afternoon drive to Manning Park

Vancouver is the most attractive city in Canada – its natural beauty derived from its superb location between the Coast Mountains, Fraser River and the Pacific Ocean. You’ll spend the morning sightseeing in Vancouver including Chinatown, old Gastown, Stanley Park, and the Lion’s Gate Bridge. From Vancouver we drive up the Fraser Valley and into the Cascade Mountains crossing Allison Pass. Overnight Manning Provincial Park. (BL) Walking: 2-3 kms, elev. gain: minimal

DAY 4 Cascade Mountains, Manning Park

The Skyline loop trail begins at Lightning Lake with a gradual ascent to the ridge. The
rewards of this climb come with a spectacular view of the Cascade Mountains whose foothill meadows are adorned with an amazing display of wildflowers. From Despair Pass we hike down to Strawberry Flats, to the trailhead and then return to our hotel. Overnight Manning Provincial Park. (BL) Walking: 19 kms, elev gain: 700 m.

DAY 5 To Nelson via the Crowsnest Highway and Okanagan Valley

We leave the Cascade Mountains and enter the northern tip of the American Great Basin
Desert, which extends as far south as Mexico. The hot and dry climate is perfect for growing apple, apricots, peaches, grapes and cherries. We’ll enjoy lunch on the patio of a vineyard and afterwards stop at an amazing overlook and cast our eyes down at Osoyoos Lake and its surrounding “pocket desert”. Later in the afternoon we make a short stop in the historic mining town of Greenwood for coffee and cake at an old style bakery. The day ends at the picturesque town of Nelson on the west arm of Kootenay Lake. Overnight Nelson. (BL)

DAY 6 Kokanee Glacier Park

Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park is an undeveloped wilderness area with over 30 high altitude lakes and an extensive network of trails. The Park covers a variety of climatic zones, with vegetation ranging from dense forest to alpine grassland. It is rugged and hauntingly beautiful. Overnight Nelson (BL) Walking: 16 kms, elev. gain: 650 m.

DAY 7 To Fernie in the Rocky Mountains

After breakfast there is an optional visit to Ainsworth Hotsprings on the outskirts of Nelson after which our journey continues on to Kootenay Lake with a 45 minute ferry ride. Crossing the water reveals astounding views of the Selkirk and Purcell Mountains as well as Kootenay Lake. We approach Fernie in the Rocky Mountains, where the visual outlook just keeps getting better. Overnight Fernie (BL)

DAY 8 Waterton Lakes National Park

Crossing the Crowsnest Pass we enter the Province of Alberta, where hugging the border with the U.S. and rising out of the gentle prairie grassland lies one of the Rockies’ finest jewels: Waterton Lakes National Park. Here several different ecological regions meet and interact in a landscape shaped by wind, fire, flood, and abundant plants and wildlife. In the early afternoon we have a choice of walking options all beginning right from town. Likely choices will include the “Bear’s Hump with its superb view of Waterton Lake or Bertha Falls for its cool cascading waters. Overnight Waterton (BL) Walking: 4-6 kms, elev. gain: 150 m.

DAY 9 Carthew Summit hike

Waterton Lakes has its own special scenery including red rock canyons, deep blue lakes, and white fields of beargrass (vegetation found nowhere else in the Rockies.) Added to this mix is the most abundant wildlife in the Rockies and sightings of bighorn sheep, mule and black bears are quite common. Today’s walk begins at Cameron Lake, located in the very corner of Alberta and touching British Columbia and Montana, where we ascend a forested hillside to Summit Lake and then on to Carthew Pass. From here we can either return the way we came or continue all the way to Waterton townsite via Carthew Lakes and Alderson Lake. Overnight Waterton (BL) Walking: 19 kms, elev. gain: 900 m.

DAY 10 To Banff via Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump, UNESCO World Heritage

En route to Banff we pause to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Head
Smashed in Buffalo Jump – a museum dedicated to the First Nations People. The site
preserves North America’s oldest and largest Buffalo Jump, used for thousands of years by Blackfoot Indians to run bison. Enjoying the sweeping prairies we drive back along the foothills and into the Rockies passing the town of Canmore, site of the Nordic events for the 1988 Winter Olympics. Overnight Banff (BL)

DAY 11 Burstall Pass and Kananaskis Country

Today’s hike takes us for a visit through Kananaskis Country, a rugged mountainous park, little known outside of Alberta, but very popular with Albertans for its excellent variety of hiking trails. The trail climbs gently at first but then becomes steeper as it ascends a hanging valley into the higher reaches of the valley. At the top, the trail
plateaus out into expansive views of the western rockies, and an eagle’s-eye view of the valley of Burstall Creek. Mt. Assiniboine, highest peak in Banff National Park, however steals the limelight with its great ridges and sheer faces that have earned it the name “Canada’s Matterhorn”. Overnight Banff (BL) Walking: 16 kms, elev. gain: 750 m.

DAY 12 Stanley Glacier Trail and Kootenay National Park

Today we’ll cross back into British Columbia for one last visit to this exceptional province. Just west of Banff National Park lies Kootenay National Park and the Stanley Glacier Trail, our walking choice for today. The route takes us quickly into a hanging valley and through the remnants of two forest fires, one occurring in 1968, the other more recently, in 2003. It is aptly known as the “Fire and Ice” trail because once through the burnt forest sections we suddenly see looming above us Stanley Glacier. The trail continues for some time and finally ends at an alpine plateau just a few hundred metres below the hanging ice. Overnight Banff. (BL) Walking: 12 kms, elev. gain: 400 m.

DAY 13 Sentinel Pass Walk and Lake Louise

Our climax walk of the trip takes place in the vicinity of Lake Louise, where many of the best hiking trails in the Rockies can be found. We start our walk at Moraine Lake and walk up the Larch Valley for an incredible view over Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks as well as Sentinel Pass. We walk beneath the ramparts of Mount
Temple; at 3543 metres it is the third highest peak in Banff National Park, and down the
beautiful Paradise Valley along Paradise Creek. We’ll leave time at the end of the day for a stop at Lake Louise itself. Overnight Banff. (BL) Walking: 19 kms, elev. gain 800 m.

DAY 14 Conclude Calgary

After breakfast we drive to Calgary where you may have some free time to explore the city, should your flight schedule permit. (B)

How difficult is it? How fit and experienced need you be?

Parker Ridge, Banff National Park

This trip is a combination of hiking days alternated with touring days. The day hikes themselves alternate between easy days and strenuous days and can involve walking for up to 6-7 hours per day, distances up to 20 km, and elevation gains of up to 900m. You will need to carry a day pack containing spare clothing, your camera, lunch and something to drink each day.

This program is designed for walkers who are in good physical condition. The trails on this trip are some of the best trails in the Rockies and on certain days you will have a good amount of elevation gain. Any training you can do before you arrive will enhance your experience. No previous mountain hiking experience required.

Guides and Group Size

White Mountain Adventures is licensed by Parks Canada, BC Parks and Alberta Provincial parks to conduct hiking tours in both National and Provincial Mountain Parks of the Canadian Rockies.
The minimum group size will be 6, maximum 12.

Accommodation and Meals

Picnic Lunch

There is a variety of different accommodation on this tour. With the exception of Vancouver, our accommodations are all in small towns or villages and so, are dependant on what is available. At each location we select the best combination of quality and value that we can find. All properties are between 2 and 4 star properties.
picnic lunch

Each day during the tour, breakfast will be included. Picnic lunches will be provided daily. These are a fast and fun way to eat in one of the many fantastic places we visit along the way. The lunches include bread, spreads, cheese, cold cuts, fruits and vegetables which you assemble yourself into sandwiches or salad plates. We have not included any dinners. This is because there are usually lots of options to choose from. Dinner prices range C$15 to C$40 or more . You can therefore elect to eat according to your personal budget.

Climate

This trip operates during the main months of summer, though snow can linger at high elevations until well into the season. Weather is unpredictable at any time of year, but is generally quite warm in July and August. Daytime highs range from 15-25 C and nighttime temperatures can drop to 5-10 C. Temperatures in June and September can be cooler with nighttime temperatures occasionally dropping below freezing. As with alpine environments throughout the globe, the higher you go, the lower the temperature becomes. Ensuring that you have the correct clothing for an alpine environment is crucial. Download our Equipment/Clothing List here.

Arrival and Departure Information

Vancouver: Executive Hotel Burnaby. A late afternoon transfer to the hotel from Vancouver International Airport will be scheduled and available to you at a cost of $25 per person. If your schedule does not fit this transfer time, the best way to get to your hotel will be by taxi which will cost approximately $35.
Calgary. A morning departure to Calgary will be scheduled after breakfast.

Insurance in the National Parks

Please ensure that your health plan will cover you in case of illness or accident whilst here. Obtain extra travel insurance if necessary.

Day 1 on Hollyburn Mountain

Our premier guided hiking trip highlighting the very best of southern BC and Alberta!
14 Days/13Nights 

This exciting journey from Vancouver to Calgary uncovers the natural splendours of Canada’s finest national and provincial parks. From the rugged west coast mountains, across the southern reaches of British Columbia and finally to the dramatic heights of the Rocky Mountains, we discover a vast wilderness of countless alpine lakes and pristine forests set beneath a backdrop of high peaks and tumbling glaciers. It is a land of elk, moose, bighorn sheep, black and grizzly bears. 

We’ll also touch the western edge of Canada’s vast prairie and visit the most of famous native North American buffalo jumps – “Head Smashed In”, This site which was used for many hundreds of years by Blackfoot Indians as a traditional hunting ground is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

At night we stay in comfortable hotels or mountain lodges and during the day our fully supported walks reveal the diverse landscapes that this area is famous for. Time in the beautiful Canadian cities of Vancouver and Calgary round off this superb touring and walking adventure. 

Western Canada Guided Hiking Trip: Vancouver to Banff and Calgary

DAY 1 Arrive Vancouver
DAY 2 Walk the North Shore Mountains of Vancouver.
DAY 3 Sightseeing in Vancouver and drive to Manning Provincial Park and the Cascade Mountains.
DAY 4 Day hike in the Cascade Mountains.
DAY 5 Drive to Nelson via historic Crowsnest Highway and the southern Okanagan Valley.
DAY 6 Hiking in Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park.
DAY 7 To Fernie in the Rocky Mountains.
DAY 8 To Waterton Lakes National Park with time for an afternoon walk.
DAY 9 Day hike to Carthew Summit in Waterton Lakes National Park.
DAY 10 To Banff via UNESCO World Heritage Site “Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump”.
DAY 11 Day hike in Kananaskis Country to Burstall Pass.
DAY 12 Stanley Glacier hike.
DAY 13 Sentinel Pass hike and visit to Lake Louise.
DAY 14 Transfer after breakfast to Calgary. Time to explore Calgary, flight times permitting.

Vancouver to Banff and Calgary: Experience a Western Canada guided hiking trip. A holiday hiking tour to remember!

Thank-you for your interest in activities and trips.

Please use this form to fill in the details regarding your requested booking. We will reply to this request as soon as possible. If the request is for a RUSH booking (within the next 48 hours), please fill in the details in the red box. Our regular office hours are Monday to Saturday, 8 am to 5 pm. If you are requesting a RUSH booking outside these hours we will contact you at the beginning of the next business day.

Experience a unique guided adventure at world famous Sunshine Village Ski Resort in the Canadian Rockies —where the Gondola and a chairlift ride takes you straight to the land above the tree line!  

Put your snowshoes on and walk with us away from the ski area and into a white powder paradise!   

Join us on this guided adventure, and experience winter with one of our professional guides the way they like to experience it – as a mix of fun, challenge, and learning, combined with the simple enjoyment of being outside in nature. Visit our hidden snow hut where we’ll stop for a hot cocoa and cookies and where you can also learn how to build one yourself (and even lend a hand with a shovel if you like). You’ll find that this trip is less like a guided tour and more like going out with friends and exploring the world around you.   

Joining this daily trip from Banff means being prepared for unusual challenges: Days may be sunny with snow sparkling off of fresh snow or they may very snowy and we’ll be walking in near whiteout conditions trying to keep the wind from tearing our hats off! No matter what, every day is a great adventure. On the beautiful days you’ll finish with memories of a sea of mountains in all directions. On days when the weather is “not so good” as we like to say, you’ll head home with the sense of exhilaration and accomplishment that comes from a real experience – a real mountain winter day!   

Available Daily from November 20- May 15

Cost per person	Adults: $79 Not suitable for children under 12
Minimum Group	2 persons
Included	-Professional guide. -Pickup and drop off anywhere in Banff. -Sunshine Village gondola fare and ski lift ride. -Snowshoes and hiking poles. -Use of day pack. -Hot chocolate and/or cold drinks. -Cookies and/or snacks.
Pickup Time in Banff	12:30 pm
Drop off in Banff	approximately 5:00 pm

Michael and snowshoers at Sunshine   Snowshoeing towards Rock Isle Lake

 

Booking Terms and Conditions

All bookings require a valid credit card to hold as deposit. Bookings may be cancelled or changed up to 48 hours prior to the activity start without penalty. Cancellations less than 48 hours prior will be charged the full amount.   

     

Relaxed hiking at the foot of Mt. Assiniboine. Backcountry hut trip. Book this Trip
4 Days/3Nights

hiking to Nub Peak

Walk among flower-speckled meadows and turquoise lakes. Hike up through golden larches and along the ridges above. Take in the views from a sun-baked summit! 

Mt. Assiniboine Provincial Park, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its meadows and easy hiking peaks which lie below the Matterhorn-like summit that towers above. 

This relaxed hiking program is for those interested in experiencing four days of walking in this beautiful sub-alpine region along with the simplicity of life that comes with staying at the rustic Naisset Cabins. There are not many areas where it is possible to do this and yet avoid carrying the heavier backpack usually required to visit such a place.

Inclusions

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Mount Assiniboine
At 8.30am we’ll meet at the Canmore heliport . We’ll go over the trip with you and check to see that you are properly outfitted before packing and getting ready for a 12.30pm flight. 

Twenty eight kilometers and a twelve minute helicopter flight leaves us a world away in a land of lush meadows, turquoise lakes, snow covered glaciers and rocky peaks. We fly from Spray Lakes in Kananaskis Country, to British Columbia’s Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park, landing right beside the historic Lodge. We will be based at the nearby Naiset Cabins or Magog campground. After settling in and taking a bit of a break we can then head out for the remainder of the day to explore a bit and get a feel for the area, Gog Lake is not far away and we can sit by the lake and watch the Osprey fishing or the marmot who is checking us out! 

Day 2: Day hike
There are numerous trails and scenic circuits to explore. A good outing is to hike on past Gog Lake to Wonder Pass (2395m) with the ridge walk to the summit of Wonder Peak an option if we find there’s still energy to spare. The mountain scenery is always spectacular and depending on the season there will be wildflowers or flaming Larches to add to an already inspiring view. Then it’s back to the Naiset Cabins for a cup of tea, followed by a hearty meal and a good rest. Distance 7km. Elevation gain 650m. 

Day 3: Day hike
Today we will head off in a different direction – Either Sunburst, Cerulean and Elizabeth Lakes, Chuck’s Ridge and the Nub (14km, 545m) or to Og Pass and Windy Ridge (17km, 500m) . From high alpine meadows to rocky ridges, to crystal clear lakes and deeply shadowed forests, it’s all here for us to explore! 

Day 4: Our last day in paradise!
We still have some time for a last walk before we fly home in the afternoon, wandering the meadows for the last time we head back reluctantly for the flight back to Mount Shark. We should be back in Canmore by mid-afternoon. Join the guides for an evening in one of the local restaurants to cap off a rewarding and enjoyable trip. 

How difficult is it? How fit and experienced need you be?

Assiniboine Meadows

This a relaxed walking program and the daily itinerary will be chosen based on the groups energy and aspirations. There is NO technical mountaineering involved in the ridge walking or easy summit. We classify it as easy to moderate. 

Being in good shape for hill walking will significantly enhance enjoyment. Try to get out and do some walking and general fitness training before you come. 

On arrival we will need to move all our group gear, food plus personal gear to the Naiset Cabins which are 300m away. Hiking each day you will be carrying a day pack containing spare clothing, your camera, lunch and something to drink. 

Guides and Group Size

White Mountain Adventures is licensed by Parks Canada, BC Parks and Alberta Provincial parks to conduct hiking tours in both National and Provincial Mountain Parks of the Canadian Rockies.
The minimum group size will be 4, maximum 8. 

Accommodation and Meals

We will be staying in the historic Naiset Cabins near lake Magog. These are small log cabins with up to 6 bunks that were built by the Canadian Pacific Railroad to house backcountry tourists in the 1920’s and 30’s. Much later, in 2007 a cook cabin was built nearby which makes our catering much easier. White Mountain Adventures guests will be able to use the shower facilities at Mount Assiniboine Lodge. During July and August, instead of staying at the Naiset cabins we will be tenting at the nearby Magog campground. 

Accommodation in Canmore is NOT included. For your convenience we can arrange bed and breakfast hotel rooms for these and other nights at $160 per night. These will be at the recommended Westridge Country Inn. Double or single occupancy, the cost is the same. For those wishing to defray this cost we will try to pair them with other participants. This accommodation can be booked with the trip online or by calling us. Subject to availability. 

There is a strict 25 lb weight limit for your pack and gear. Excess luggage can be left at your hotel or our office. 

We supply all meals and trail snacks from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 4. Groups generally go out for dinner in Canmore with the guide on the final evening (own cost). 

Climate

This trip operates during the main months of summer, though snow can linger at high elevations until well into the season. Weather is unpredictable at any time of year, but is generally quite warm in July and August. Daytime highs range from 15-25 C and nighttime temperatures can drop to 5-10 C. Temperatures in June and September can be cooler with nighttime temperatures occasionally dropping below freezing. As with alpine environments throughout the globe, the higher you go, the lower the temperature becomes. Ensuring that you have the correct clothing for an alpine environment is crucial. Download our Equipment/Clothing List here. 

Arrival and Departure Information

Canmore is situated 100km (65miles) west of Calgary on the Trans-Canada Highway. It is well served by scheduled bus lines both from Calgary (airport and downtown), Banff (20km west) and points further west. Calgary International Airport is well connected to major cities throughout North America and Europe. Once in Canmore we will supply all transport needed. Frequent shuttles connect Calgary International Airport and Canmore. Greyhound Bus Lines (1 800 661 8747) serves Canmore from points east and west along the Trans-Canada Highway. Call 609 8790, 609 0300, 609 1490 or 609 8505 for taxis in Canmore. 

Insurance in the National Parks

Please ensure that your health plan will cover you in case of illness or accident whilst here. Obtain extra travel insurance if necessary. 

The classic hiking trip in the Canadian Rockies
7 Days/6 Nights

Make your Rockies walking holiday the best it can be and join the only trip in the Rockies that is planned, and operated by a local Canadian Rockies based company. Drawing from our many lifetimes of experience walking mountain trails, from the red rocks of southern Alberta to the wilds of Jasper National Park, 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!

Of course, covering all of the “Best of the Rockies” in one short week is really quite impossible. We should have included trails in Waterton National Park and around Jasper but have chosen not to – because of the driving distances involved. We want the “Best of the Rockies” to be not just the best walking and hiking trails in the Canadian Rockies but also to be the best use of your limited time. Don’t spend time driving when you can be walking!

Your 7 day adventure begins with a great hike in Kananaskis Country, a mountain refuge located just east of Banff National Park. It’s very familiar to local Albertans and features classic high ridge hikes and grey limestone cliffs. From here you’ll explore Banff itself and the world famous Sunshine Meadows, straddling the Continental Divide between Alberta and British Columbia. Finally you’ll conclude with the classic hikes in the Lake Louise area

Inclusions

Program Itinerary

Day 1: After arrival in Canmore we meet that evening for a welcome reception where we’ll spend some time getting to know each other. 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. Overnight Canmore Lady MacDonald Country Inn.

Day 2: Your guide will meet you at the hotel for breakfast, following which we’ll head out on our first hike – one of the many parks covering Kananaskis country. Perhaps Yamnuska Meadows or Indefatigable Ridge. We like to keep plans flexible and we like to choose a hike that’s not too hard to let you acclimatize to our higher elevation and dry air. Overnight Lady MacDonald Country Inn.

Day 3: After breakfast we’ll head west and into Banff National Park where we’ll take a shuttle bus ride up into the world famous Sunshine Meadows. The bus ride up this winding mountain road takes us right to edge of the alpine where we’ll begin walking in meadows that will make us think of the Alps and “Sound of Music”. The lakes and flower filled meadows here along the continental divide are ones you’ll remember a long, long time! Overnight tonight in Banff at Homestead Inn.

Day 4: Today’s hike takes us into Kootenay National Park and 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. Overnight Homestead Inn.

Day 5: Enroute to Lake Louise! A one hour drive to Lake Louise brings us to the Canadian Rockies’ most famous trailheads, the trails along Lake Louise, the Plain of Six Glaciers and Lake Agnes. It’s a popular area but for a very good reason – the scenery is absolutely breathtaking! We have a number of route choices here but at the end of the day all trails will lead directly back to our hotel for the night, the rustic Deer Lodge, located just a few minutes walk from the shores of the lake.

Day 6: For our final day of hiking, we’ll have a difficult choice to make: either Moraine Lake and Sentinel Pass or the Iceline Trail in Yoho National Park. It’s a difficult choice to make because we consider both of these trails to be in the list of top 3 hiking trails of the Canadian Rockies! Overnight Deer Lodge.

Day 7: Breakfast at Deer Lodge with complimentary shuttle to Calgary included in the morning.

How difficult is it? How fit and experienced need you be?

This program is designed for fit walkers. No previous mountain hiking experience required.
This Canadian Rockies walking trip involves hiking for up to 6 to 7 hours per day, usually with distances of 10-14 kilometres. The final walk may be longer with a possible distance up to 21 km. Elevation gains will vary from 300 m up to 800 m. (2,800 ft) on the final day. You will need to carry a daypack large enough for spare clothing, your camera, lunch and something to drink each day.

Guides and Group Size

Your guides are experienced professional hiking guides with certification from the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and from the Mountain Parks Heritage Interpretation Association. They are chosen for their enthusiasm and interest in sharing their knowledge of these mountains.

The minimum group size will be 4, maximum 10.

Accommodation and Meals

Accommodation is double occupancy. Each of the accommodations we’ve chosen have been selected for their unique character and relatively easy access to other amenities. Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise are all very interesting communities and we have found over the years that most people who visit the Canadian Rockies also want to get a feel for the local culture. Canmore is known for its arts community and local galleries, Banff for its tourism heritage going back to the 1880’s and Lake Louise for its spectacular scenery. All 3 have excellent choices for restaurants and pubs – which is why we have not included dinner, except for the last night’s farewell dinner. The Lady Macdonald Inn is a small country style Inn run by a longtime Canmore couple. The Homestead Inn in Banff is a small hotel/motel in downtown with a great restaurant and local’s pub upstairs with easy access to everything in town. The Deer Lodge in Lake Louise is a rustic lodge with an excellent restaurant and best of all, is just a few minutes walk from the lake itself.

We will be happy to book rooms for you in before and after the tour.

All breakfasts are included as are picnic lunches and trail snacks. Dinner on the final night is included. Please specify any special dietary requirements you have on your application so we can incorporate them into our lunch menus.

Getting to Canmore and Transportation

We will arrange a shuttle for you from Calgary or Calgary Airport to Canmore and from Lake Louise back to Calgary. Once the final group is confirmed your guide will plan a group shuttle departure that fits most arrivals. If your arrival does not fit this departure we will arrange a shuttle for you with one of the scheduled services. Return to Calgary will be arranged in the same manner. Driving time from Calgary to Canmore is approx. 1 ¼ hours and driving time from Lake Louise to Calgary is approximately 2 ½ hours. 

Climate

This trip operates during the main months of summer, though snow can linger at high elevations until well into the season. Weather is unpredictable at any time of year, but is generally quite warm in July and August. Daytime highs range from 15-25 C and nighttime temperatures can drop to 5-10 C. Temperatures in June and September can be cooler with nighttime temperatures occasionally dropping below freezing. As with alpine environments throughout the globe, the higher you go, the lower the temperature becomes. Ensuring that you have the correct clothing for an alpine environment is crucial. Download Equipment/Clothing List here.

Insurance in the National Parks

Please ensure that your health plan will cover you in case of illness or accident whilst here. Obtain extra travel insurance if necessary.

Classic hikes combine with an outstanding wilderness getaway. Book this Trip
10 Days, 9 Nights

Lake Agnes

The combination of classic Canadian Rockies hikes and wilderness makes this a trip you’ll always remember. You’ll walk the fabled trails of Banff National Park including Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway for the first part of the trip and then fly in by helicopter to remote Mt. Assiniboine Park for 4 days of beautiful alpine wandering with hardly a soul to see! This trip can be split into separate trips (Best of the Rockies and Mt. Assiniboine) but the combination of both makes this the complete Rockies experience .

Inclusions

Itinerary

Day 1: Every one arrives in Canmore and we meet that evening for a welcome session where we spend some time getting to know each other. 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.

Day 2: Your guide will meet you at the hotel for breakfast, following which we’ll head out on our first hike – one of the many parks covering Kananaskis country. Perhaps Yamnuska Meadows or Indefatigable Ridge. We like to keep plans flexible and we like to choose a hike that’s not too hard to let you acclimatize to our higher elevation and dry air.

Day 3: After breakfast we drive north towards Lake Louise stopping to hike in Kootenay National Park on the way. Paget Lookout and Stanley Glacier are two choices. After hiking we complete our drive north another 25km to Lake Louise with its gem of a lake surrounded by enormous peaks with their hanging glaciers.

Day 4: There is a bit of driving today, but it is one of the most scenic drives in the world … the ‘Icefields Parkway’! We follow it up valleys overhung by glaciers, past lakes and Icefields then over alpine passes and meadows to reach the world-famous Columbia Icefields. With the Columbia Icefields and stunning Mt. Athabasca our backdrop we hike on Wilcox Meadows. Return to Lake Louise for the night.

Day 5: Head a little west over “Kicking Horse Pass’ into Yoho National Park . Hike either to Yoho Lake or, if feeling fit, the Iceline Trail. Return to Banff for the last two nights.

Day 6: A final day of hiking in Banff National Park, perhaps to Healy Meadows, Sunshine or Larch Valley. Enjoy a night on the town in Banff.

Day 7: After breakfast, we head to the Canmore heliport to prepare for our flight to Mt. Assiniboine. We’ll need to repack gear to fit the helicopter and pick up our food supplies for the stay at the Naisset Huts.

Twenty eight kilometers and a twelve minute helicopter flight leaves us a world away in a land of lush meadows, turquoise lakes, snow covered glaciers and rocky peaks. We fly from Spray Lakes in Kananaskis Country, to British Columbia’s Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park, landing right beside the historic Lodge. We will be based at the nearby Naiset Cabins. After settling in and taking a bit of a break we can then head out for the remainder of the day to explore a bit and get a feel for the area, Gog Lake is not far away and we can sit by the lake and watch the Osprey fishing or the marmot who is checking us out!

Day 8: There are numerous trails and scenic circuits to explore. A good outing is to hike on past Gog Lake to Wonder Pass (2395m) with the ridge walk to the summit of Wonder Peak an option if we find there’s still energy to spare. The mountain scenery is always spectacular and depending on the season there will be wildflowers or flaming Larches to add to an already inspiring view. Then it’s back to the Naiset Cabins for a cup of tea, followed by a hearty meal and a good rest. Distance 7km. Elevation gain 650m.

Day 9: Today we will head off in a different direction – Either Sunburst, Cerulean and Elizabeth Lakes, Chuck’s Ridge and the Nub (14km, 545m) or to Og Pass and Windy Ridge (17km, 500m) . From high alpine meadows to rocky ridges, to crystal clear lakes and deeply shadowed forests, it’s all here for us to explore!

Day 10: We still have some time for a last walk before we fly home in the afternoon, wandering the meadows for the last time we head back reluctantly for the flight back to Mount Shark. We should be back in Canmore by mid-afternoon. Join the guides for an evening in one of the local restaurants to cap off a rewarding and enjoyable trip.

How difficult is it? How fit and experienced need you be?

This tour involves hiking for up to 6 hours per day, distances up to 18km, elevation gains of up to 600m (c. 2000 ft.) Participants will be carrying a daypack containing spare clothing, your camera, lunch and something to drink each day.

Hikes will be chosen to best suit the group. This program is designed for fit walkers. Any training you can do before you arrive will enhance your experience. No previous mountain hiking experience required.

Guides and Group Size

White Mountain Adventures is licensed by Parks Canada, BC Parks and Alberta Provincial parks to conduct hiking tours in both National and Provincial Mountain Parks of the Canadian Rockies.
The minimum group size will be 4, maximum 8

Accommodation and Meals

Accommodation is double occupancy hotel or lodge during the first portion of the trip. No single supplement applies unless you wish to guarantee a single for yourself.

We will be staying in the historic Naiset Cabins near lake Magog for the 2nd half of the trip. These are small log cabins with up to 6 bunks that were built by the Canadian Pacific Railroad to house backcountry tourists in the 1920’s and 30’s. Much later, in 2007 a cook cabin was built nearby which makes our catering much easier. White Mountain Adventures guests will be able to use the shower facilities at Mount Assiniboine Lodge.

There is a strict 25 lb weight limit for your pack and gear. Excess luggage can be left at your hotel or our office.

All breakfasts are included as are packed lunches and trail snacks. Dinners are included while at the Naisset Huts. In Canmore, Lake Louise, and Banff there are many easily accessible restaurants nearby or in your hotel. Please specify any special dietary requirements you have on your application so we can incorporate them into our lunch menus. Groups generally go out for dinner in Canmore with the guide on the final evening (own cost).

Climate

This trip operates during the main months of summer, though snow can linger at high elevations until well into the season. Weather is unpredictable at any time of year, but is generally quite warm in July and August. Daytime highs range from 15-25 C and nighttime temperatures can drop to 5-10 C. Temperatures in June and September can be cooler with nighttime temperatures occasionally dropping below freezing. As with alpine environments throughout the globe, the higher you go, the lower the temperature becomes. Ensuring that you have the correct clothing for an alpine environment is crucial. Please see below for information on clothing and equipment requirements.

Arrival and Departure Information

Canmore is situated 100km (65miles) west of Calgary on the Trans-Canada Highway. It is well served by scheduled bus lines both from Calgary (airport and downtown), Banff (20km west) and points further west. Calgary International Airport is well connected to major cities throughout North America and Europe. Once in Canmore we will supply all transport needed for the trip. Banff Airporter and Brewster Transportation offer frequent departures from Calgary Airport. Greyhound Bus Lines (1 800 661 8747) serves Canmore from points east and west along the Trans-Canada Highway. Call 609 0300 for taxis in Canmore.

Insurance in the National Parks

Please ensure that your health plan will cover you in case of illness or accident whilst here. Obtain extra travel insurance if necessary.

Home

Trips and Tours across Western Canada

• Parks and Mountains
  • Parks and Mounains Trip Notes
• Banff and Mt. Assiniboine
  • Banff and Mt. Assiniboine Trip Notes
• Best of the Rockies Walking
  • Best of the Rockies Walking Trip Notes
• Mt. Assiniboine Hiking Tour
  • Mt. Assininiboine Hiking Tour Trip Notes

Hikes, Walks, Snowshoeing around Banff

• Guided Hiking and Walking Experiences around Banff
• Winter Adventures and Activities around Banff

Heli-Hiking in the Rockies

• Custom Heli-Hiking Adventures in the Canadian Rockies
• Heli-Weddings on Top of the World
• Scheduled Heli-hikes from Canmore

Photos

Contact

About Us

News/Media

Connections

Canmore, Lake Louise, Kananaskis and Banff Hiking Tours: Full Day Hikes

From popular trails in Lake Louise and Banff to virtually unknown routes in Kananaskis Country there’s a hike for all abilities and interests. And there are lots of reasons to hire a guide for a day: you’ll travel safely, learn about the area, meet locals, and best of all you’ll hike a trail or route that provides you with maximum reward for your effort! German, French, and Japanese speaking guides are also available. Bottled water and use of day packs included.

Hiking Tours Rates: 1-6 persons: $450. Each additional person add $75, additional children 8-12 add $50 each.
Ask about our family and school group rates for this program.
Transportation from Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise add $25 per person. (min. charge: $150)

Sample Full Day Hiking Tours

Stanley Glacier – from Banff or Lake Louise

Exciting hike through old and new forest with dramatic views of Stanley Glacier. Variety of difficulties and distances. 4-6 hours.

Lake Louise area hikes – from Lake Louise or Banff

Some of Banff National Park’s most popular trails leading to two teahouses and high level views of glaciers, Lake Louise, and the Bow Valley. 5-7 hours.

Larch Valley and Valley of Ten Peaks – from Lake Louise or Banff

Choice of some of Banff’s best hikes all beginning at Moraine Lake. Trails include Sentinel Pass and Eiffel Lake. 5-8 hours.

Wind Pass and Tower – from Canmore or Banff

Hike in the Spray Valley that quickly leads to an alpine pass with options to easily hike to the summit of Wind Tower. Steep hiking at times. 3-6 hours.

Yamnuska Ridge – from Canmore or Kananaskis

Great early season hike with open views of prairie stretching as far as Calgary. Steep trail with option to reach summit and circumnavigate mountain. 4-6 hours.

Loder Peak – from Canmore or Kananaskis

Ridgeline hike leading to a summit at the edge of the Rockies. Ideal in early season. Steep trail. 4 – 6 hours.

Healy Pass – from Banff or Lake Louise

Hike begins at Sunshine Meadows Parking lot and leads to one of the Rockies’ best flower filled alpine meadows.
5-8 hours.

Baldy Pass – from Kananaskis or Canmore

Exciting hike through a wild valley leading to a pass with views to the prairies. 4-6 hours.

Sunshine Meadows – from Banff, Canmore or Lake Louise

Variety of high alpine trails reached by shuttle bus suitable for all lengths of time and abilities. See Sunshine Meadows information on this website.

Great Hiking Tours: Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise & Kananaskis