Hiking in the Canadian Rockies
During this hiking tour in Banff, Yoho and Jasper Parks you reach the most outstanding viewpoints and even summits. You marvel at the stunning landscapes overlooking vast valleys with lakes and rivers. You gain the crown of the Rockies via the famous alpine road, the Icefields Parkway, up to the immense glaciers of the Columbia Icefields. You have time and opportunity for optional fun activities like whitewater rafting, mountain bike rentals, trail riding and much more. There is no shortage of fun, thrills and action during this hiking tour in the Canadian Rockies.
Tour P9, Hiking in the Canadian Rockies, good hotels in Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper in the Rocky Mountain Parks.
A hiking tour for active adventurers with 7 moderate day hikes on selected trails in the most outstanding places of the Rocky Mountain National Parks of western Canada. Stunning vistas of glaciers and lakes along the famous Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper are backdrop for exceptional hikes. Evenings are for relaxing in the lively mountain towns of Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper with many stores and boutiques and choices of restaurants. Touring in a small group with an enthusiastic guide makes it easier to perhaps arrange a picnic or to schedule fun activities.
What’s Included:
airport transfers, transportation in 15-seat minibus, 8 nights in hotels (twin), 7 breakfasts, admission to the national parks, services of a Timberwolf Tours guide, who accompanies the group on all day hikes.Not included:
personal equipment, not mentioned meals, day pack, gratuities.Extras:
- mountain bike rental about: $55.00/day
- whitewater rafting about: $195.00
Demands:
bus tour for small groups with easy to moderate mountain hikes with light day pack, always accompanied by the guide. Good middle class hotels or cabins.Building Blocks
Tour K5, Rocky Mountain Canoe Adventure, is our popular 5-day canoe tour and fits with all departures.You might consider:
Tour P7, The Best of Banff and Jasper, a similar hiking tour, but with camping accommodations.Tour Itinerary
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Transfer from the airport to your hotel. Meet the guide for pre tour information in the hotel.
Banff National Park, first easy hike
After breakfast you board the bus for the drive through ranch country in the foot hills into Banff National Park. After an orientation drive of the surrounding area you check into the hotel in this lively little holiday town of Banff. Now it is time for the first hike along the shores of Minnewanka Lake or on one of the many mountain trails near Banff. Hiking time 2 – 3 hours.
Banff National Park, full day hike
On a full day hike you explore passes above the tree line and alpine meadows. For example, 7.5 km with 725 m gain (4.6 mi, 2414 ft) to a small lake and possibly 2 km further into the pass at 2470m (8225 ft). After the hike you might want to relax in the warm sulphur pool or walk along the busy streets of Banff with its many stores and visitors from around the world. Hiking time 5 – 7 hours.
Lake Louise, hiking in the high alpine
You would not want to miss the picture postcard scenery surrounding Lake Louise. The guide suggests the 3.5 km (2 mi) path with 400 m gain (1325 ft) to the historic tea house by an alpine lake. Here a network of easy to demanding trails is tempting you to go further and higher. For example, the 15 km (9.3 mi) circuit into the Plain of Six Glaciers or a 2.5 km (1.6 mi) climb with 515 m (1705 ft) gain to a summit with exceptional views of nearby peaks and distant landscapes. Hotel in Lake Louise. Hiking time 3 – 5 hours.
Lake Louise, day hike in Yoho Park, or whitewater rafting
There is an opportunity for a great white-water rafting trip on the Kicking Horse River. It involves a side trip to Golden in B.C., headquarters for many outdoor adventures. Of course, hiking is always an alternative. Among the choice of trails, the guide would like to show you is an 18 km (11 mi) circuit trough two flower decorated passes at 1830 m and 2180 m (6093 ft and 7250 ft) and spectacular views of Emerald Lake. The Natural Bridge, Takakkaw Falls, Spiral Tunnel are other attractions of Yoho Park. Hiking time 6 hours.
Icefields Parkway into Jasper National Park
Frequent stops and short excursions along the Icefields Parkway on your way into the heart of the Rockies. Famous names like Peyto Lake and Bow Summit. At the Columbia Icefields huge glaciers spawn rivers, which eventually reach three different oceans. Saskatchewan Glacier is best viewed from far above after hiking 2.5 km (1.6 mi) to a windy ridge at 2260 m (7525 ft). Then on to Jasper and your hotel in this small mountain town. Hiking time 2 hours.
Jasper National Park, hiking at Maligne Lake
So many possibilities, swimming and a picnic at Pyramid Lake, mountain biking, trail rides, canoeing and more. Or join the guide for a side trip to Maligne Lake and a 8 km (5 mile) loop hike with 460 m gain (1532 ft) into the hills above tree line at 2150 m (7160 ft) elevation and possibly all the way to the 2790m (9290 ft) peak overlooking this beautiful lake. Hiking time 2 – 6 hours.
Hiking at the Columbia Icefields and return to Calgary
Mighty Athabasca Falls count among the attractions of this park. Trails near the Columbia Icefields start at tree line and are especially rewarding thanks to their magnificent views of the glaciers and surrounding ranges. Your farewell to the Rockies is the 8 km (5 mi) hike with 335 m (1155 ft) gain into a pass at 2375 m (7980 ft). Now the transfer back to Calgary. Arrival at the hotel at about 7:00 pm. Hiking time 2 – 3 hours.
Transfer to Airport
Breakfast on own and transfer to the airport with the hotel owned shuttle bus.
CDN $4,190 / person
Single rooms: $1590.00 extra
no mandatory single charge
First meeting: 18:30 in our hotel in Calgary
minimum age: Book or Enquire