Guided Hike and afternoon BBQ at the Sunshine Meadows, Banff

 Visit one of the Canadian Rockies’ most spectacular hiking and walking areas – the Sunshine Meadows.  The walking is 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. 

Duration: Up to 5 hours
P/U Time: 10:30 pick‐up 

Includes:

‐ Transportation from/to the Rimrock Resort Hotel 
‐ 1 guide / 12 hikers
‐ Hiking poles
‐ Bottled water
‐ BBQ at the Sunshine Daylodge (inside or on deck)
          (salads, hamburgers, bratwurst, desserts, juice & pop)
‐ GST and gratuity 

**Wine, beer and coolers can be purchased at the lodge upon request** 

Cost: 105.00/person 

You can find out more about visiting the Sunshine Meadows before or after the Symposium by clicking here:

Half‐Day Lake Louise Tour  

Revel in the grandeur of turquoise waters sparkling underneath the towering Victoria Glacier, at one of the world’s most photographed destinations.  

Enjoy a half day tour to Lake Louise. On the way to and from Lake Louise, take in the spectacular view of the Rockies and lean all about Banff National Park’s colourful natural and human history from one of Banff’s best interpretive guides. 

Duration: 4 ½ hours 
P/U Time: 9:30 pick‐up 

Includes:

 ‐ Transportation from/to the Rimrock Resort Hotel 
‐ 1 guide and van /10 people  
‐ GST and gratuity 

Options: At Lake Louise you can join your driver-guide for an interpretive walk to the end of the lake and back, or relax and explore the area on your own.
   **Enjoy lunch at any of the area restaurants (not included)** 

Note: In event of poor weather, the program will include a more extensive sightseeing tour between Banff and Lake Louise .

Cost: $59.00/person

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.

Inclusions

 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.

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. Our Canadian Rockies Guided Hiking Trip Holiday Itinerary DAY 1 Arrive Calgary  DAY 2 To Waterton Lakes National Park via Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo-Jump  DAY 3-4 Hiking in Waterton Lakes National Park DAY 5 To Banff National Park DAY 6 Hiking in Banff National Park DAY 7 Hiking in Banff National Park  DAY 8 Drive the Columbia Icefields Parkway to Jasper National Park  DAY 9 Columbia Icefield  DAY 10 Hiking around Lake Louise Day 11 Hiking in Yoho National Park  DAY 12-14 Helicopter to Mt Assiniboine, hiking, return to Canmore  DAY 15 Trip concludes with shuttle to Calgary

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!

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.   

     

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. 

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.