Advanced hiking combined with the freedom and relaxation of comfortable camping. From Waterton to Jasper.
15 Days, 14 Nights
The stunning peaks, glaciers and high passes of Canada’s National Parks are best appreciated on foot. This Canadian Rockies guided hiking trip and adventure packs in the highlights of Canada’s best parks including an exhilarating heli-hike at the base of Mt Assiniboine, the “Matterhorn” of the Canadian Rockies. Waterton Lakes National Park with its red rock canyons and deep blue lakes is the perfect backdrop for our first hike. Travelling north we trek near Lake Louise for awesome views over Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks. We hike alpine meadows to Wilcox Pass in Jasper National Park for sweeping views of the Columbia Icefield and ascend Cirque Peak (2993m) in Banff National Park . Finally we helicopter into the base of Mt Assiniboine, a unique heli hike that really opens up the area to get us into a remote area. Here splendid panoramic views stretch from dramatic Mt Assiniboine to Yoho National Park.
| 2010 Dates |
Trip Cost |
June 19-July 3
July 17-31
August 14-28
Sept. 4-18 Sold Out |
Per person double occupancy: $2,800
Per person single occupancy: $3,100Optional Insurance: $140.00 |
Inclusions
Cost includes:
- 13 breakfasts, 12 lunches
- 13 nights hotels/lodges ranging from 2 to 4 star category
- Private transport in mini-van
- Professional hiking/interpretive guide
- National park entry fees and sightseeing as indicated
- All taxes
|
Cost does not include:
- Personal expenses
- Air Fares
- Shuttles to or from airport.
- Travel insurance
- Meals not indicated
- Tips
|
Itinerary
DAY 1 Arrive Calgary
Arrive at hotel. A briefing on the trek will be held in the evening.
DAY 2 Waterton Lakes National Park via Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo-Jump (approx driving: distance 300km, duration 3hrs)
After breakfast we will drive to Waterton Lakes National Park, with a stop at Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo-Jump, one of the largest buffalo jumps in North America and an interesting introduction to the life of the Plains Indian. In the evening, we take a sightseeing drive up to Red Rock Canyon; Grizzly and Black Bears are often seen along the road. Overnight Waterton. (BLD)
DAY 3 Hiking in Waterton Lakes National Park (approx: distance 17km, duration 6-8hrs, elevation gain 700m)
We first cross Waterton Lake by boat to reach the start of the trail to Crypt Lake. The trail climbs from the shoreline through montane forest up the valley of Hell Roaring Creek, which is prime bear habitat, and past several waterfalls. The trail continues by a climb up a ladder and into a 25m long tunnel, which we have to crawl through! Our goal is beautiful Crypt Lake, which lies at 1945m and straddles the US-Canadian border; we walk in and out of the US. On the return we take a detour following the Hell Roaring Canyon. Overnight Waterton. (BLD)
DAY 4 Hiking in Waterton Lakes National Park (approx: distance 20km, duration 6-8hrs, elevation gain 650m)
Waterton Lakes National Park has its own special scenery: red rock canyons, hundreds of deep blue lakes, bear grass (vegetation found nowhere else in the Rockies). There is plenty of wildlife: bighorn sheep, black bears, grizzly bears and cougars. Our trail climbs a forested hillside above Cameron Lake (1660m), with switchbacks to Summit Lake (1930m) and then on to Carthew Pass (2311m). The trail then descends to Carthew Lakes where it winds along the lakeshore and on to Alderson Lake (1811m). The final descent through the forested valley we view Waterton Lake and the town of Waterton below. The walk ends in the town. (BLD)
DAY 5 Banff National Park (approx driving: distance 380 km, duration 4 hrs)
Through the ranch country and the foothills of southern Alberta to Longview. We make a short stop in Longview to sample some of the best beef jerky. Then we drive across Highwood Pass, the highest paved road in Canada and through the amazing Kananaskis Country. The rugged and steep grey layers of the front ranges reach out into the sky. We leave the Kananaskis area and drive into Banff National Park for the next three nights. The snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains form a spectacular backdrop for glacial lakes, fast-flowing rivers and endless forests. The park’s vast wilderness is home to elk, deer, moose, caribou, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, black and grizzly bears, wolves and cougars. Overnight Two Jack campground or Johnston Canyon. (BLD)
DAY 6 Hiking in Banff Park (approx: distance 12km, duration 5 hrs, elevation gain 200m)
Today’s hike will be one of our easiest but definitely one of the most beautiful as we’ll be able to save most of the uphill walking today by taking the Sunshine Meadows shuttle bus into the alpine areas surrounding the Continental Divide. Our walk will lead us past 3 alpine lakes, fields of wildflowers and to vistas stretching up to 50 kms in all directions. (2150m to 2350m) An early afternoon finish will leave time to explore the town of Banff. Overnight Two Jack campground or Johnston Canyon (BLD)
DAY 7 Banff (approx: distance 13.5km, duration 6hrs, elevation gain 915m)
Set amongst the rugged limestone peaks of the Sawback Range the trail to Cory Pass ventures from the montane valley bottom to well above tree line. After climbing up to Cory Pass (2363 m), we will hike through a forested passage to Gargoyle Valley. We will then cross Edith Pass and descend into the ambient foot of Mt. Louis (2682m) a dogtooth spire, one of the most characteristic peaks in the Rockies. Below, the Bow River winds its way calmly on the valley floor. Overnight Banff. (BLD)
DAY 8 Columbia Icefields Parkway to Jasper National Park (approx driving: distance 140km, duration 2hrs. Walking: distance 5km, duration 2hrs, elevation gain 250m)
After breakfast we take one of the most magnificent mountain roads in the world, the Columbia Icefields Parkway. Along the way we stop at some of the spectacular viewpoints, including Bow Lake, Peyto Lake overlook, the Weeping Wall. On our way to the campsite near the Columbia Icefield we hike to the Parker Ridge into alpine tundra above the tree line. From the summit we look down to the two-km wide Saskatchewan Glacier. Overnight Columbia Icefield Campground. (BLD)
DAY 9 Columbia Icefield (approx: distance 12km, duration 4-6hrs)
Our hike begins near the Icefield Centre through an ancient forest. At the other end of the forest the open alpine meadow unfolds in front of us. The views of Mount Athabasca (3490 m), Mount Andromeda (3442 m), Mount Kitchener (3511 m), the Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier are outstanding. For an even better view we might scramble the ridge of Mount Wilcox (2884 m). We descend to the other side of the pass to Tangle Falls a favourite rest place for bighorn sheep. In the afternoon we explore the toe of Athabasca Glacier. Overnight Columbia Icefield Campground. (BLD)
DAY 10 Lake Louise (approx driving: distance 150km, duration 2.5hrs.) Walking: distance 18km, duration 6-8hrs)
After an early morning departure, we’ll drive directly back down the Icefields Parkway and stop at world famous Lake Louise, where will have a choice of hikes available including a walk to the Lake Agnes Teahouse, or to the Plain of Six Glaciers or to do a round trip circuit including both. After our hike we’ll set up camp and relax for the evening. Overnight Lake Louise. (BLD)
DAY 11 Hiking in Yoho National Park (approx: distance 21km, duration 6-8hrs, elevation gain 695m)
We drive west across the Continental Divide into British Columbia along the Kicking Horse River past the spiral tunnels built for the railroad, and into Yoho National Park. We reach the trail head near 380m high Takakkaw Falls, meaning ‘magnificent’ in the Cree Indian language. We walk up from the falls, ascending steeply up to the Ice line (1860m) trail between glaciers and tree line. The trail then maintains its elevation with spectacular views of Takakkaw Falls and the alpine glaciers until we descend into little Yoho Valley. Overnight Lake Louise (BLD)
DAY 12 Helicopter to Mt Assiniboine, hiking (approx driving: distance 60km, duration 1hr. Walking distance 7km)
We depart for Mt. Assiniboine (3618m) by helicopter. From Spray Lake we fly through the Sundance Range towards the glaciers and Lake Magog at the base of the “Matterhorn in the Canadian Rockies”. In the afternoon we hike past Sunburst Lake and Cerulean (meaning resembling the blue colour of the sky) Lake to Nub Ridge a stunning viewpoint of 5 mountain lakes and Mt Assiniboine as a dramatic backdrop. Overnight Lake Magog. (BLD)
DAY 13 Hiking (approx: distance 16km, duration 6-8hrs)
We ascend to the meadows near Og Pass (2309m) and continue north to Windy Ridge (2635m). The ridge provides a splendid panorama of Mt. Assiniboine and north to Yoho National Park. Overnight Lake Magog. (BLD)
DAY 14 Hiking, return to Canmore) (approx: distance 27km)
From Lake Magog we drop most of our gear to be helicoptered out. Then we cross Wonder Pass (2395m) on foot and descend to Marvel Lake (1785m) and to Mt. Shark Trailhead (1770m). We say goodbye to the Canadian Rockies as we head back to Calgary. After settling into our Calgary hotel, we have a farewell dinner at our favourite Restaurant. Overnight Canmore Hotel (BLD)
DAY 15 Trip concludes.
After breakfast we will provide transfers to Calgary and the airport. (B)
NOTE: Drive times provided above are approximate and may vary according to weather, traffic and changes in road conditions.
How difficult is it? How fit and experienced need you be?
This hiking holiday is for experienced and fit hikers. Distances travelled can be over 20 kms and include elevation gains of up 1,000m (3,300ft). Walking times can be up to 8 hours. You will need to carry a day pack containing spare clothing, rain gear, your camera, lunch and something to drink each day.
Every effort will be made to follow the itinerary outlined above but this may not always be possible due to uncontrollable variables. This program is designed for fit walkers. Any training you can do before you arrive will enhance your experience.
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 5, maximum 10
Accommodation and Meals
Accommodation on the first and last night are at hotels in Calgary and in Canmore in double occupancy rooms. All other nights are camping. Most nights we will be staying at national park campgrounds in tents provided with comfortable “Thermarest” mattresses. We use 4 person tents for couples and 2 person tents for singles. We do not include sleeping bags but they are available for rent if booked in advance. Most, but not all campgrounds have running water, flush toilets and showers. Where showers are not available, we will be carrying portable shower bags.
Since our camping trips are designed as communal affairs you will be expected to help out with setting up and taking down your own tent and in helping with meal set up and cleanup.
On the Mt. Assiniboine portion of the trip, we will be staying in the historic Naiset Cabins. (except Trip 1 and 2 which will be camping) 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.
For the helicopter flight in to Mt. Assiniboine, 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 and dinners are included as are packed lunches and trail snacks. Please specify any special dietary requirements you have on your application so we can incorporate them into our meal menus.
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
The International Hotel is situated in downtown Calgary. It is most easily reached by taxi. (Approx. $40) We will schedule a welcome briefing with your guide at the hotel on the evening of your arrival and will inform you of the meeting time and location shortly before your arrival. On our final day we will organize a shuttle to Calgary and to Calgary International Airport at a time that suits the majority of the group. Anyone not fitting in with this shuttle will have a separate airporter shuttle scheduled for them.
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.
easy, the above treeline views magnificent in all directions, and best of all, the golden larch colours will be at their very best! Suitable for all ages. Mt. Assiniboine, “the Matterhorn of the Canadian Rockies” and Banff National Park’s highest peak, will be your backdrop! Note: Alternate walk will be arranged in the event of poor weather. 
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