CANADA
Hiking in the Rockies
10 DAYS

Inspiring wilderness, high mountain trails, camping in Canadian Rockies, wild life and the companionship of adventure minded people in your own age group are just some of the many attractions of this 50plus expedition. Our fully catered and guided tour in the Rockies offer the unique opportunity to visit places rarely seen by the average tourist.

Each of our scheduled departures is limited to a maximum of 10 guests, which ensures personalized service from our highly trained guides.  The guides set up and maintain the camps, prepare and serve all meals, and accompany you throughout the trip.  We supply all of the equipment, extra large tents, comfortable camp cots, sheet lined sleeping bags, camp stools and comfy rugs for the tent floor.

All tours feature 3 to 5 hour day hikes deep into remote mountain passes and glacier filled valleys.  Our guides and our guests discuss and select hikes from our extensive list of trails in order to best suit the interests and fitness levels of our guests. We can provide anything from a short walk to a waterfall and an intermediate hike to a strenuous all day trek deep into mountain backcountry.  When transferring from one location to another we will travel in a comfortable modern air-conditioned van.

A hearty breakfast, trail lunch and a three-course dinner are served daily.

Day 1  

Your guide will meet you in Calgary at the airport, from there we set off for the Kananaskis campsite via frontal range of the Canadian Rockies, and the Highwood Pass.  After lunch we drive further into Kananaskis country for an afternoon hike into Ptarmigan Cirque where you will find beautiful alpine meadows.

Day 2

Today you will hike the north shore of Kananaskis Lake, a sapphire blue glacier fed lake, which leads to fast flowing rapids.  This is a six-mile round trip hike, or you can hike all the way around this beautiful lake, which is an 11-mile walk over moderate to easy terrain.  For the adventurous there is a very steep trail to a geological bench, which offers panoramic views of the Kananaskis Lakes and the surrounding mountains.

Day 3

We have several options again today, a full day hike to the Rae Glacier viewpoint, a half day moderate trail to the emerald green waters of Rawson Lake, followed by a second moderate walk to an indigo blue lake under the cliffs of Fortress mountain.  There are several other hikes and walks in the area to choose from as well.

Day 4

High mountain lakes, craggy ridges, and exceptional views will be found on today’s hike to Galatea Lakes, these formerly difficult to reach lakes have recently become much more accessible, be prepared to enjoy these isolated bodies of water and mountain valleys.

Day 5

We break camp today and move to Lake Louise in Banff National Park.  A stop will be made in Banff and you will have the opportunity to explore this famous mountain town.  After lunch we will drive to Johnston Canyon for a leisurely walk featuring 7 waterfalls varying in height from 2 to 30 meters.

Day 6

Today we will hike the Plain of Six Glaciers, as stated in the name, 6 glaciers may be viewed during this hike.  For a more challenging day we can extend the hike to include Lake Agnes which was described by Walter Wilcox, an early visitor as “ a wild tarn imprisoned by cheerless cliffs” it is an awe-inspiring sight.  Alternates are Fairview Lookout, Lake and Tramline walks, all moderate to easy trails.

Day 7

A full day sightseeing drive to the magnificent Athabasca Glacier and the Columbia Icefields, this is the most scenic drive in the Rockies, you will have the opportunity to see wildlife, stunning mountain lakes and countless glaciers during the drive.  At the Icefields  we may take a Snowcoach tour up onto the Athabasca Glacier or choose a hike on either Wilcox Pass or Parker Ridge.  Both are quite short trails, (approximately 3 miles return) which offer spectacular views of glaciers and backcountry mountain wilderness.

Day 8

Sentinel Pass offers panoramic views of the Valley of the Ten Peaks. It is the highest maintained trail in the Canadian Rockies and takes you through boulder fields, subalpine meadows, through a valley filled with larches.  An alternate is C Level Cirque, which takes you from aspen parkland to avalanche swept slopes in the alpine region, this is a visually stunning trail filled with much natural diversity.

Day 9

The hike for today will take you to Rockound Lake where you will see an incredible combination of mountains, lakes, wildflowers and interesting geology.  This is a full day hike under the towering cliffs of Castle Mountain.  An alternative is an easier hike to Boom Lake; you will walk through forest trails to this backcountry lake, and will have time to enjoy the beauty of the area while resting by the shore.

Day 10

Superb sightseeing is the theme of today!  You will see Takakkaw Falls, a lovely mountain waterfall situated in a picturesque setting,  and the Natural Bridge, a limestone formation along the Kicking Horse River. A stop will be made at Emerald Lake where you can marvel at the stunning green of the glacier fed water.  Then you will drive back to Calgary where you will depart for home.

SUMMARY

Inclusions: Pick up at the airport, 3 full meals per day, use of all camping equipment, full time transportation with the group, full time experienced local hiking guide, and return to the airport on the final day of the tour

Start and Finish: All tours commence at the Calgary Airport at 10:00 a.m. on the first day and end at 3:00 p.m. at the Calgary Airport on the last day. Special alternate arrangements can be made upon request

Group Size: Maximum 10 travelers

Accommodation: Comfortable extra large tents

Trip Grade: Moderate to Demanding  

Dates: 
1 departure in July - August 2008

Land Cost: TBA

Note: Please note that all itineraries and prices are subject to change.