Hiking in the Canadian Rockies
A North American classic. Explore the great Canadian outdoors on some of the best wilderness trails in the Rocky Mountains
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking guidesHotel & Camping
8 nights camping, 1 night in a hotelMeals
9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 5 dinnersTransfers
Airport transfers and everything in betweenEquipment & Permits
Tents and sleeping mats; all National Park permits/feesSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 12 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
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What's it like?
Tackle the Sentinel Pass and Bow Lake trails in Banff National Park, summit Mount Fairview (2744m) and camp near Lake Louise
Trek by the Athabasca Glacier in Jasper National Park, and hike the backcountry trails on Mount Revelstoke for panoramic views of the Columbia Valley
Hit the paths less trodden in Yoho and Glacier National Parks, hiking by stunning Emerald Lake and taking on the Balu Pass
Swim in pristine alpine lakes, journey along the epic Icefields Parkway and keep your eyes peeled for bears and elk
Key Information
Day 1
Touchdown in Calgary
Arrive at Calgary Airport and jump on the complimentary shuttle to your hotel. Check in and enjoy the evening at leisure, relax and perhaps have a dip in the swimming pool. The adventure starts tomorrow morning!
Day 2
Sentinel Pass and Lake Louise
Hiking
Meet your guide in the hotel lobby at 08:00 and get ready to hit the road. Drive from Calgary to Moraine Lake, which sits within the impressive Valley of the Ten Peaks, where your first hiking trail begins in Banff National Park. The path climbs up through forest with occasional viewpoints over the turquoise waters of the lake below and the jagged mountain peaks that surround the valley. After emerging at a beautiful meadow with three alpine lakes, the trail then steepens for the ascent to Sentinel Pass. Enjoy spectacular views down to Paradise Valley before beginning your descent. Head to the campground at nearby Lake Louise for a quick crash course in how to set up camp, then settle in for the evening.
Day 3
Mount Fairview Summit Trail
Hiking
Starting from Lake Louise, today's off-the-beaten-track hike takes you up Fairview Mountain (2744m), climbing almost 1000m to find an astounding viewpoint at the summit. Be wowed by the views down on Lake Louise and out across the Banff National Park. The final 1-2 km of the ascent involves a steep incline to reach the top. Stop off for a well-earned drink in Lake Louise, take a dip in the lake if you're feeling brave, or head straight back to the campground.
Day 4
Katherine Lake Trail
Hiking
Explore another area of Banff National Park today. After a short drive north along the Icefields Parkway, one of the world's most scenic roads, you'll hit the trail at Bow Lake and climb up to Lake Helen through alpine wildflower meadows. Take in the stunning vistas of Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake and Cirque Peak along the route, as you continue on the trail to arrive at Lake Katherine. Cool off with a swim in Bow Lake after your hike if you like, then back to camp to rest before an evening out in Lake Louise.
Day 5
Wilcox Pass Trail and the Icefields Parkway
Hiking
Continue the drive along the Icefield Parkway. You'll stop off at some classic viewpoints along the way, including Peyto Lake and the Athabasca Glacier. Stop at the trailhead for today's hike – the Wilcox Pass trail, at the southern end of Jasper National Park, this is a moderate hike to alpine meadows which reveals incredible views of the peaks and glaciers on the edge of the Columbia Icefield (if the trail is closed due to snow, you'll instead hike the Parker Ridge Trail or similar). Return back to Lake Louise for your final night at this campground, before heading west tomorrow.
Day 6
Emerald Lake and Yoho National Park
Hiking
Today you’ll head west to Canyon Hot Springs Resort and Campsite, in Albert Canyon. Situated between Mount Revelstoke National Park and Glacier National Park, this will be your base for the next two days. Along the way (between Lake Louise and Golden), you’ll turn off Highway 1 to stop off at Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park. Today offers an easier day of activity to aid with recovery after your first few days of hiking. Enjoy walking the trail around the park's largest lake, or if you feel like it, there is the option to rent a Canadian canoe locally for approximately $100CAD per hour, and navigate the ethereal green glacial waters of the lake. After your stop at the lake you’ll drive through the town of Golden and up over Rogers Pass, with steep-sided mountains on both sides of the highway, and on to your next campground of the trip.
Day 7
Eva Lake Trail and Revelstoke National Park
Hiking
From your campsite this morning you’ll head to Revelstoke National Park. The hike will begin with the scenic drive all the way up to the viewpoint on top of Mount Revelstoke (1939m), which panoramic views of the Columbia Valley, and from there you’ll hike into the backcountry on the Eva Lake Trail. This out-and-back route offers stunning scenery all day – think pine forest and pristine mountain lakes, perfect to soak those tired hiker’s feet in. Once back at the van, you’ll drive down the mountain to Revelstoke and then on back to your camp.
Day 8
Balu Pass Trail and Glacier National Park
Hiking
Leaving Canyon Hot Springs this morning and heading east back through Rogers Pass, you’ll experience another national park, as you take on the wonderful Balu Pass hike in Glacier National Park. This lesser-known trail takes you through grizzly bear country on another beautifully scenic and diverse trek, with an element of challenge involved as you tackle the steep elevation to reach the high pass at the end in between Cheops Mountain (2517m) and the aptly named Grizzly Mountain (2730m). Once back down at the roadside you’ll drive for around 2.5 hours to the world-famous mountain town of Banff, where you’ll be based for the final two nights of your trip, offering you some of the most iconic views of the entire Rockies.
Day 9
Cory Pass and Banff
Hiking
For your last day of hiking in the Rockies you’ll tackle the Cory Pass Trail. This circular route around Mount Edith offers epic views of Mount Cory. It begins with a steep section as you head up through the forest, and once above the treeline you’ll be on more rocky terrain. This route includes a short section of scrambling, your guides will show you the way and by this point in the trip will understand everyone’s abilities well. After the rewarding challenge of today’s hike, grab a shower at camp, and then head into Banff this evening to celebrate an unforgettable adventure in the Rockies!
Day 10
Goodbye Rocky Mountains
Driving
After breakfast it’s time to pack up camp for the last time. Say goodbye to the Rockies as you drive back to Calgary Airport.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Hotel Clique, Calgary Airport
Any time on Day 1
Ends
Calgary Airport
Around midday on Day 10
Transfers
Arrive at Calgary Airport any time on Day 1. Upon arrival at the airport, you can utilise the complimentary shuttle to the Hotel Clique – where you'll be staying the night – which runs 24 hours per day.
For international travellers, the shuttle pick-up is on the International Level, Door 16, Pillar 37. The shuttle is on demand, so you should call 403-460-9588 and Press 0 to arrange a pick-up. For domestic travellers, the shuttle pick-up is on the Arrivals Level, Door 4, Pillar 17. The hotel is located approx five minutes from the airport terminal and serves as a great meeting point prior to heading off into the mountains. Your guide will meet you the following morning in the lobby of the hotel at 08:00 – be ready to hit the road!
When your trip ends on Day 10, there is a road transfer of approx 3.5 hrs to drive, from the Golden Riverfront Campground to Calgary Airport. We recommended that you don't book any flights departing before late afternoon/early evening on this day.
Travel options
There are direct daily flights to Calgary from London, as well as from most other major European and North American airports.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5 – Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 7
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 8
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 9
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 10
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Whilst camping, your guide will rustle up nutritious and varied meals. As it is participatory camping, your help washing up afterwards will be appreciated by the guide! Breakfasts are served buffet style each day with varying items, allowing for a quick start before getting out on the trails, and typically include hot drinks, fruit juice, bread, croissants, cereal, granola, yoghurt and fruit. Lunches will be cold picnics, prepared earlier so that you can carry them with you and stop somewhere during the hikes. These usually involve wraps, sandwiches, salads, cereal bars and fruit. For dinners, the guide will plan a starter, main and dessert. The main dish is typically meat or fish with sides of rice or potatoes and vegetables. Some nights they may make a pasta or curry dish.
Vegetarian diets can be catered for, please request this in advance on your passenger info form once you've made your booking. Lactose-free, nut-free and mild gluten-free diets can also be accommodated by advance request. However, due to the limited cooking facilities in the camp kitchen, strictly vegan or coeliac diets (requiring separate cooking equipment to prevent cross-contamination) unfortunately cannot be accommodated on this trip.
What is the accommodation like?
Calgary
On the first night of the trip you'll have a comfortable overnight stay at the Hotel Clique, Calgary Airport. Take advantage of the 24-hour airport shuttle from the terminal to the hotel.
The Rockies
You'll stay in organised, permanent, 'front-country' campgrounds, each with shared facilities for washing: Lake Louise Campground, Canyon Hot Springs Campground and Tunnel Mountain Village Campground. This is participatory camping, so you'll be expected to pitch in and get your own tent set up, although your guide will be on hand to help out! Tents are allocated on a twin-share basis, although you have the option to upgrade to a sole occupancy tent should you wish – see the Optional Extras section. You'll use the campsites as basecamps from which to go off and do day hikes in nearby locations.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room and tent can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).
This trip has been rated as Moderate
Whilst in the Rockies you'll go above 2500m altitude on multiple occasions, spending up to six hours per day walking on mountain trails with large elevation gains up to 1500m. As you'll be hiking for consecutive days, fitness and endurance are important, and some preparation hikes in your boots with your pack on prior to the trip are strongly recommended.
The hiking is generally on non-technical terrain, but it can be steep in places with shorter rocky sections. The selected trails are generally 'there and back' day hikes, in the National Parks staying on-trail is important for habitat preservation, meaning that there is some flexibility for the guides to adjust the distance and pace based on the group and weather conditions to provide the best experience possible for everyone.
If you're looking to go hiking surrounded by big mountains, up for the challenges of the trail in return for the epic viewpoints you'll reach at the top and will enjoy hanging out at camp getting to know some new adventure buddies, then this trip is for you!
What will I need to carry?
You'll need to have a larger bag suitable for all your belongings which will be transported for you (you'll have a dedicated vehicle and trailer throughout the trip), and then a small daypack to carry personal items during each day of hiking.
The summer season for hiking in the Canadian Rockies spans from mid-June to mid-September. The peak summer months of July and August are the hottest, with temperatures typically sitting between 20-25°C during the daytime but above 30°C is increasingly common. June and September are cooler, with typical daytime temperatures in the mid-teens. Temperatures drop considerably at nighttime (to around 5°C, and lower in June and September), and of course, you should expect to encounter cooler climates when trekking to higher elevations. It is possible that during the early summer dates that there will still be snow cover on some of the trails.
Great trip with beautiful scenery
This was my first group trip and it has certainly set the bar very high. We were spoilt by the weather which helped, but even so I was in awe of the scenery. We saw a variety of wildlife and generally had a great time hiking and camping in the Rockies. Our guides (Raph and Danny) were excellent, as were the great bunch of people I met on the trip.
Great adventure
Hiking the Canadian Rockies was a longtime dream of mine and this trip didn´t disappoint. We enjoyed plenty of beautiful and though hikes, amazing views and lots of wildlife. Our guides, Raph and Danny, were incredible. They made sure that everyone had a good time and was well-fed. Spending that time with like-minded people made the trip even better. I would recommend bringing hiking poles as some trails can be a bit steep and slippery. I very much recommend this trip.
Brilliant trip
An excellent trip run by Raph and Danny who were great guides, conscientious and really cared about everyone having a good experience. Some fantastic walks (Bow Lake was a highlight), a wonderful group of people and I look back on the trip with a smile!
An amazing Canadian hiking and camping experience
This trip was genuinely a lifetime experience for me. The mountain, lake, river and glacier scenery were so incredible that it was hard to know when to stop taking pictures! We were very fortunate to have consistently warm, sunny days throughout the trip.
Raph and Danny were fantastic tour guides. They put in so much effort to make it a wonderful experience for everyone, from doing all the driving and expertly guiding us on the hiking routes to cooking all the meals and helping us with tent setup etc. Their sense of humour and boundless energy was also a great way to get everyone up for the challenge.
Whilst this trip is rated moderate, I would actually say this is a challenging trip, even for experienced hikers, because all the routes involved steep inclines for prolonged sections and some sections were quite technical, requiring sure footing and even some scrambling at points. However, this was a challenge I very much relished and the views at the top were more than worth it! Furthermore, the tour guides were very understanding, patient and willing to adapt to different people's abilities. Nevertheless, whilst it's not mentioned on the kit list, I would strongly recommend a set of trekking poles to help on the hiking as they do provide some extra leverage on the inclines and extra stability on narrow paths and going downhill.
It's also worth being aware that a Canadian camping experience is a bit different to a UK one in that you have to be mindful of wildlife such as bears when it comes to what you leave in your tent unattended. The tour guides were very good at explaining bear safety and went to great lengths to minimise risk through carrying bear spray on hikes and deliberately making noise etc.
I made many great friends and wonderful memories on the trip, with the travelling, camping and hiking together all making for a genuine bonding experience with people of a similar age to me. It was particularly nice to feel part of the group by helping the tour guides with the cooking, cleaning and tent setup. I cannot highly recommend enough this trip for anyone who enjoys mountain hiking and wants an excuse to visit Canada!
Trip of a lifetime
I can honestly say this might have been the best trip of my life. First group trip after many solo trips, but it has been amazing to bond with a group of likeminded people. The guides Raph and Danny were amazing. We had so much fun together, they really know how to create a great atmosphere. Besides this, they were also super professional and have a lot of knowledge about the mountains and its wildlife. I really fell in love with Canada and the Rocky Mountains. The hikes all varied with different sceneries every day. I definitely recommend this trip to anyone who loves being in the mountains, enjoys some challenging hiking and doesn’t mind basic camping.
Challenging hikes, lovely scenery and
Challenging hikes, lovely scenery and great guides.
Highly recommended
The views encountered on this hike are breathtaking. Beautiful lakes, mountains and wildlife aplenty, but the camping experience and interaction with like-minded travellers also made for an unforgettable experience. Some parts may be challenging, but our awesome guides Ralph and Danny were able to adapt the itinerary to meet the requirements of the group
Fantastic trip
Loved my time on this trip. It was amazing to meet so many wonderful people. Hikes are challenging but worth it for the views. Big shout out to Raph & Danny who listened to the groups needs and wanted to make sure we all had a good time.
Amazing trip
Incredible hikes and views visiting the best places. Some of the hikes were challenging but guides Raph and Danny were caring, helpful and entertaining. Would highly recommend this trip.
Get yourself to the Rockies!!!
Fantastic hiking trip with a pair of great guides, Raph and Danny. And yes, we got lucky with the weather so that helped! Views are amazing, socials were good and met some great people. Make sure you read the trip details since we had some travelers who were a touch surprised about the participation camping bit! The hiking itself isn't too hard but does become a bit more challenging when you factor in the jet lag. Especially on that first day. If you get unlucky with the rain then that can take the edge of a bit in the evenings but hey, that's camping! And if you're a nervous hiker don't listen to Raphs stories in the evening!! :-) (Not from when he's guiding I hasten to add).
Great Trip
This trip was part of my longer Canadian holidays and it was a perfect last adventure before getting to the last town. The group I ended up with had incredible chemistry and the guides were the best. As a slower hiker I'm used to be at the end of the pack. In this trip I never felt left out or unsafe: we actually always ended up with a nice smaller group chatting about the most random topics. I'd also like to commend how the guides were able to adapt the trip to unexpected changes, due to wildefires, weather, car accidents, and the energy level of the group. Highly recommended!
Great trip! Amazing views! Hikes
Great trip! Amazing views! Hikes were challenging and varied. Would definitely recommend.
Epic Adventure
The Rockies are incredible, but the trip was perfect due to the care and attention of guides Raph and Danny. They listened to what we wanted as a group and adapted the trip in the face of lingering snow and a general group desire to push harder and experience more than the tourist trail. Fantastic! Ben
Amazing!
My husband and I booked this trip as our honeymoon and wanted a once in a lifetime experience which it definitely was! Raph and Danny were fantastic and dealt with everything that the Rockies threw at them (forest fires, thunderstorms, car accidents, tired legs) with ease and professionalism. The food was great too. We made some great friends and can't wait to book another trip with MBA! We also saw the northern lights!
FELL IN LOVE WITH THE ROCKIES (AND MADE INCREDIBLE NEW FRIENDS)
I could go on and on about how great this tour was and still only be scratching the surface. We lucked out with a fantastic group who made even the most challenging hikes hilarious and fun. And don't even get me started on our guides... Raph and Danny are INCREDIBLE. They're experts at rolling with the punches and keeping spirits high (more than once, they had to edit the itinerary at the last minute to account for things like accidents, wildfires and bad weather — and they did it like the absolute pros they are). FULLY RECOMMEND!
Amazing Trip!
An absolutely amazing trip! Canada is definitely a new favourite country after this. The hikes were all a decent challenge, and the views are 100% worth it! Raphael and Danny were awesome guides, I cannot fault them at all. They managed some difficulties along the way and had amazing knowledge to overcome these and make this the best trip!
Thanks to Raph and Danny and a great group of fellow travellers, we now have a honeymoon that we will never forget!
Incredible views, incredible guides
To start, we thought our trip would be cancelled due to the fire in Jasper, but the guides and muchbetter pulled a new itinerary together within a weekend and it was so appreciated, as well as the hikes were incredible! The guides were informative, knowledgeable, down to earth, and put forth so much extra effort outside of what their job responsibilities were. The hikes were accurately challenging, scenic, and worth every step. Would definitely book again. It’s impossible not to have a good time on a trip like this and with guides like we had.
Canada is awright….
An awesome trip! Canada is an incredible country. The hikes are a good challenge, and the views are definitely worth it! You might get a few aches from the camping, but that just adds to the experience, with more to laugh about as a group!
Raphael and Danny surpassed all expectations as guides. They managed some unexpected challenges with professionalism and some of these moments became the best and funniest of the trip!
Like any MBA trip, you’ll have a good time - but combine a smashing group of other travellers, with two 5 star guides, insane scenery, and this will be a trip that sticks with you for a long time!
A fantastic trip made even better by incredible guides
This trip is an absolute must-do! The scenery is breathtaking and our guides Raph and Danny did a wonderful job with providing a mix of hikes with varying landscapes. One day we hiked to the top of a glacier and the next scrambling across a ridge line. I can't praise them enough on all the hard work they did putting the itinerary together and also managing it whilst we were there when we experienced some bad weather and end of the week fatigue. They always had contingency plans in place and this was very much appreciated. Raph even organised an extra activity to go see the sunrise on top of a monutain which was awesome. The campsites were also great. All had facilities for showering and the tents and equipment provided were perfect. This is my third MBA trip and defintely the best one yet!
The best group trip I've done
I had the best time on this trip. The scenery was stunning, the hikes were fun and the group was lovely. Our guides, Raph and Danny, were great. They were nice, very knowledgeable and amended the itinerary to suit the weather conditions. The food at camp was amazing too. I 100% recommend this trip.
Breathtaking scenery!
Amazing trip with and An amazing group and guides, scenery was unreal, hikes fantastic!
Amazing Rockies
An amazing trip lead by our excellent guides Raph and Danny. All the hikes had spectacular scenery and views and were adjusted depending on weather conditions. The food at camp was exceptional and we were well looked after. I would highly recommend this trip.
Oh Canada… the mountains (and lakes) are calling
Wonderful trip Raph is an excellent hiker with great knowledge of Canada - he read the group well and gave us options to help us make the most of the week when weather altered plans - just come set for amazing scenes and full days out and bring layers
The scale of the landscapes
The scale of the landscapes in the Canadian Rockies are nothing like anything we can see in the UK. The colours are so vivid and the air so pure. Our guide was Raph who was passionate and enthusiastic about the location. He also varied the itinerary for the weather / snow level conditions so that we always had amazing hikes. The food was also great with a real sense of teamwork at the campsites. I can’t wait to return.
Canadian Rockies
It was incredible, very organized and the guide Raphael pushed us to reach heights we couldn't think was possible, and he was very patient with us and gave us confidence to go off the treck and explore more of the Rockies where most people would never see, everyone on the tour was full of enthusiasm and so was the guide Raphael, amazing experience 😊
A Most Excellent Adventure!
This guided hiking adventure is simply splendid. 8 days in 3 sites looking at some of the best that the Canadian Rockies has to offer. The Guides were very knowlegeable about the Rockies, how they formed and came to be as they are now, and excellent camp hosts. They were flexible if weather conditions required it and great fun to be with. Highly recommended!
Unforgettable
What an absolutely fantastic experience from start to finish. The trip exceeded all expectations and I’ve made memories that will last a life time. Raph and Danny were brilliant guides, very knowledgable and passionate. The food was great and there was always plenty of it - the camping equipment was super too! We laughed so much and enjoyed so many breathtaking views. We were lucky to see lots of different wildlife and swim in some beautiful lakes. Raph and Danny went above and beyond to ensure we had an unforgettable experience in Canada. I will miss their energy just as much as I will miss the Rockies. I have made new friends and have ticked off another adventure on my bucket list. Thank you to everyone who made it such a fab holiday!
The trip was incredible and
The trip was incredible and beyond my expectations. I would recommend it to everyone who likes hiking, exploring and getting off the beaten path. Our guides Raph and Danny were amazing and helped make the trip so memorable.
This trip far exceeded my expectations, the scenery and wildlife were breathtaking, and I couldn't have asked for a better group to share the experience with. Our guide, Fred, was exceptional, catering to all our requirements - the best food I've ever eaten on a camping trip! The campsites and facilities were great. I would say a pretty good level of fitness is needed for the hiking, but the views were incredibly rewarding. Would 100% do it all over again in a heartbeat!
Great local host, camp sites all had hot showers. Some of the treks were challenging but all the views were amazing and some of them out of this world. Recommend trip
Itinerary Activities
- Guided hike from Moraine Lake over Sentinel Pass (Banff NP)
- Guided hike on the Mount Fairview Summit Trail (Banff NP)
- Guided hike on the Katherine Lake Trail from Bow Lake (Banff NP)
- Guided hike on the Wilcox Pass Trail (Jasper NP)
- Guided hike around Emerald Lake (Yoho NP)
- Guided hike on the Eva Lake Trail (Revelstoke NP)
- Guided hike on the Balu Pass Trail (Glacier NP)
- Guided hike on the Cory Pass Trail (Banff NP)
Guides
- Expert, local, English-speaking guides
Accommodation
- 1 night in a comfortable hotel by Calgary Airport
- 8 nights camping in front-country campgrounds
Meals
- All (9) buffet-style breakfasts
- 8 picnic lunches
- 5 hearty three-course dinners
Transfers
- There's a free airport shuttle (24 hrs) from Calgary Airport to Hotel Clique, where your trip begins
- Group departure transfer to Calgary Airport on Day 10
- All transfers throughout the trip
Permits
- All National Park permits
Equipment
- Tents and sleeping mats
Our trips are hassle-free by design. We include all the activities and equipment, as well as many of the meals, so you can simply rock up with your rucksack and share the adventure with your new pals.
Travel to and from the trip
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Tips
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. To help you budget, we'd recommend around $5-10 (CAD) per day for your driver/guide.
Personal Expenses
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness. Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine, as their insurance offers all of the above.
Visas
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What's included?
- Camping gear: tent, self-inflating mattress, cooking equipment
What's available to hire?
- Sleeping bags (please request upon booking - CAD50 payment taken locally, in cash)
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
- Soft overnight duffel bag or rucksack (main luggage)
- Daypack for trekking with (20-30 litres)
- Waterproof liner for kitbag/rucksack or drybags
CLOTHES
- Down jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Breathable wicking layers
- Fleece jacket or similar
- Thermals (merino best)
- Warm hat
- Gloves
- Buff or neckscarf
- Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts
- T-shirts
- Underwear and socks
- Swimwear
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Something to sleep in
- Hiking boots (worn-in)
- Sandals
SLEEPING
- Cotton or silk sleeping bag liner
- Sleeping bag (3 season, 0ºC to –7ºC)
- Travel pillow or pillowcase
OTHER
- Universal travel plug adapter
- Power bank or solar charger
- Passports (and visas)
- Travel insurance documents
- Ear plugs
- Insect repellent and mosquito head het
- Suncream
- Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
- Toilet kit (toilet paper, biodegradable bags to carry paper out to dispose of)
- Alcohol hand-gel
- Quick-dry towel
- Headlamp or torch
- Hiking Poles (optional but recommended)
- Reusable water bottle x2 litre
- Electrolyte tabs/Rehydration salts
- Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks
Single/Double/Twin Room at Calgary Airport Hotel - From:
Payable Before Departure
Single/Double/Twin Room at Calgary Airport Hotel - From:
… Per Night
Optional Private Room Upgrade - Hotel Only
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade - Hotel Only
… Per Person
Optional Private Room Upgrade - Hotel + Tent
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade - Hotel + Tent
… Per Person
Optional Private Room Upgrade - Tent Only
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade - Tent Only
… Per Person
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 152kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
Should weather conditions mean that particular trails are either closed or not recommended, then the local guide will adjust the itinerary to try and offer a similar alternative, maintaining group safety as paramount and re-working the order of the itinerary if necessary.
For example: several of the trekking trails are not guaranteed to open in June, they could be closed until July depending on snow levels in the mountains. In this case, the guide will arrange for an alternative trek within the national parks.
Also, poor air quality can be an issue during periods of wildfire activity, which is increasingly common across North America from mid to late summer, often resulting in hazy skies and at worst severely limiting outdoor activities. Your guides will follow the official guidance from the local authorities on how best to manage this within the national parks.
Yes, bring your swimsuit and a towel! The water will be cold, largely glacial fed lakes, but throughout the trip you'll have opportunities for taking a dip in different mountain lakes, such as: Herbert Lake, Lake Louise, Bow Lake and Eva Lake
There will also be the option to hire a canoe locally at Emerald Lake on Day 6, subject to availability and weather conditions. The cost is approx. $100CAD per hour for a Canadian canoe that typically can be shared between 1-3 people.
No, as the trip doesn't return to the starting hotel it isn't possible to leave excess luggage there, unless you have booked an additional night post-trip at the same hotel.
Drinking water is available at the campgrounds and other points during the hiking days. You will need to carry your own water supply in a daypack throughout the hikes. If you are interested in using a water filter, then you may wish to read our guide here.
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. To help budget, 5 to 10 CAD per day for your driver/guide would be a recommended tip.
This trip visits locations at or above 2500m. At this altitude some people may experience symptoms associated with Altitude Sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Previous experience at high altitude is not necessarily an indicator of future performance. Your guide(s) are trained to mitigate the risks associated with altitude, by carefully managing the rate of ascent and the intensity of the activity, and to provide the appropriate support response should someone feel ill during the trip. Should you experience health issues during your trip you should inform your guide immediately so the proper care can be provided. Owing to the nature of this trip, it is essential that your personal travel insurance policy provides cover up to the maximum altitude visited on this trip as well as emergency medical evacuation by helicopter.
This trip visits locations where wild animals are present in a natural environment, where protections and controls on their movement may be limited or non-existent. Some wild animals may be predatory in nature, poisonous, venomous or otherwise can be considered dangerous in a close encounter. Wild animals by their nature are unpredictable and visitors into their habit should follow the safety instructions given by their local guide(s) and/or any signage present. It is a privilege to see wild animals in a natural environment and an experience that should be respectfully conducted at all times.
During this trip, you'll be camping in locations where there can be wildlife present in their natural habitat. Both smaller animals (i.e. birds and rodents) and larger ones (such as bears, deer, moose and elk) are primarily attracted to food, not humans. To protect the local wildlife, you need to ensure your food is kept out of their reach. When camping, the key is to be vigilant about not leaving any food or scented items (like toothpaste and other toiletries) in tents or exposed at the campsite. Your guides will typically designate a safe place to store these items overnight away from the tents, which campers can access if needed. Occasionally a larger animal may pass through or near to your campsite, especially in areas that overlap with their natural travel routes. In these cases, just like when encountering wildlife on the trail, it's important to maintain a safe distance, respect the animal's space, and calmly make your presence known if necessary. Your guides will provide more details and directives once at camp so everyone can follow best practices camping and do their bit to help keep wild animals wild.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.
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DEPARTURE DATES
Saturday 14th June 2025
to Monday 23rd June 2025
Saturday 28th June 2025
to Monday 7th July 2025
