Canadian Mountain Holidays Heli-Hiking
A heli-hiking vacation is a high mountain adventure of helicopter rides and spectacular encounters with nature, combined with private rooms in remote, alpine lodges and fantastic food. It is unlike anything you've ever experienced before. REI Adventures and Canadian Mountain Holidays have teamed up to provide you with a hiking trip filled with glaciers, mountain lakes, alpine meadows and awesome peaks—all off the beaten path and accessible only to a lucky few. With comfort and safety as the highest priority, we hike during the day in the Columbia Mountain range of British Columbia with our highly trained guides and spend our evenings relaxing in our lodge and enjoying each other's company by the fireplace. Weekly departures 4-7 days in length are available from July to September. REI members receive a 5% discount off of CMH's published prices. Be sure to check out the Canadian Mountain Holidays Family Adventures trip as well.
Call our office for details on heli-mountaineering.
REI Adventures shares non-exclusive departures with Canadian Mountain Holidays.
Sample 3-night Itinerary (Bobbie Burns Lodge):
Please note that times and itineraries vary based on lodge stay.
Canadian Mountain Holidays Heli-Hiking Itinerary:
- Day 1 Banff To Bobbie Burns Helipad (driving time 2 1/2 hrs.)
- Days 2 & 3 Full Days Of Heli-Hiking
- Day 4 Bobbie Burns Lodge To Calgary Airport (driving time 4 1/2 hrs.)
Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.
Weather and other conditions may, on occasion, necessitate a change to the itinerary. Your expert guide has extensive knowledge of the area and will choose alternate trails or activities if necessary.
If you are traveling alone and are willing to share accommodations, we will assign a roommate if one is available. If we are unable to assign a roommate you will not be required to pay an additional fee. Single rooms cannot be specifically requested in advance (with the exception of the Adamant Lodge which can accommodate single requests for an additional fee).
Accommodations for the specified number of nights in a full-service alpine lodge (all lodges feature outdoor sundecks, whirlpool, sauna, and massage service); 3 meals each day from lunch on the first day to lunch on the last day; helicopter transfers to and from the lodge (except for Valemount where you drive directly to the lodge); helicopter flights for each hiking day at all lodges; activity for each day as outlined for each package; a guide for each day's excursion; the use of top quality equipment (see gear list); ground transportation from Banff (except for the Cariboos) to the helipad and return to Banff or Calgary.
Airfare to Calgary; transfer to Banff; extra hotel nights (if needed) in Banff or Calgary; excess baggage charges; airport taxes; trip cancellation insurance; tips to local guides; and Goods & Services Tax (GST).
CMH lodges blend harmoniously into their mountain surroundings. Guests enjoy the finest quality living space and amenities, such as rooms with private bath and a relaxation massage service, while the camaraderie of both staff and guests contribute to the family atmosphere of the lodges.
As long as you enjoy walking and have a spirit of adventure, you can enjoy any one of Canadian Mountain Holidays' trips. One of the greatest advantages of these vacations is that we can accommodate all abilities! Hikes can range from 1-10 miles on any given day depending on your preference and ability level.
Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Altitude considerations: Compared to the US Rockies and the Alps, the Columbia Mountain range of British Columbia is at a relatively low altitude. Because tree line is at 7,000' and the highest peak is 11,000', we don't have to go to the rarefied air of higher altitudes to get spectacular views. Hiking generally takes place between 6,000'-9,000', which is very comfortable for most people.
Generally, the weather is sunny and pleasant. Due to the high mountain environment, this adventure can also bring adventurous weather. You need to be prepared for cooler temperatures, rain, windy conditions and possibly snow. As long as it is safe to fly, we do hike in the rain. The temperatures range from highs of 50-85°F during the day to lows of 30-60°F at night.
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.
Canadian Mountain Holidays Heli-Hiking
The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.
Weather
Daytime temperatures usually range between 50-85° F, with evening temperatures dropping to 30-60° F. Due to high mountain environment, this adventure can also bring adventurous weather.
Gear Checklist
- Hiking boots
- Daypack
- Insulated hooded jacket
- Water bottle
- Rain poncho
- Trekking poles
- Wind pants
- Airline tickets
- Photo identification
- Passport or proof of U.S. citizenship
- Duffel bag or soft-sided suitcase
- Small carry-on bag
- Bring a few lightweight, easily washable items for travel wear and evenings at the lodge.
- Midweight fleece or wool sweater
- Fleece pants
- Lightweight thermal underwear top and bottom, synthetic or wool
- Hiking pants
- Hiking shorts
- Long-sleeve shirt(s)
- T-shirts
- Underwear
- Hiking socks
- Liner socks
- Casual socks
- Swimsuit
- Rain jacket, waterproof and breathable (if you prefer your own)
- Rain or wind pants, waterproof and breathable (if you prefer your own)
- Sun hat
- Wool or fleece hat
- Bandana
- Thin liner gloves
- Sturdy hiking boots, waterproof, lightweight, broken-in, aggressive tread
- Comfortable shoes for evenings
- 2 one-quart water bottles or hydration pack
- Flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries/bulb
- Sunglasses and retainer strap
- Sunblock and lip balm
- Toiletry kit
- Baby wipes
- Hand sanitizer gel
- Insect repellent
- Several Ziploc plastic bags
- Camera, film and spare batteries
- Altimeter
- Compass
- Whistle
- Watch with alarm or travel clock
- Spare contact lenses or glasses
- Reading and writing materials
- Sewing kit
- Knee supports
- Travel pillow
- Ear plugs
Things to Consider
- Please remember to always pack essential items such as appropriate identification, money, eyewear, a change of clothing, hiking boots and medications in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.
- Wind chill can be a significant feature of this trip. Air temperatures are not very cold, but when the wind is constant, and when you combine this with the stress that altitude puts on your body, you can be robbed of body heat quickly. Wind or rain gear is very important.
- Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. However, once it becomes wet, it will drain your body heat. Bring wool or synthetics such as Capilene®, MTS® and Thermax®.
- Always test your layers before a trip. Your outer layer should fit easily over the inside ones without binding and bunching up.
- Make sure boots are broken-in. Bring moleskin for foot treatment. Thin liner socks worn under regular hiking socks may minimize the risk of blisters. The liner sock should be synthetic, not cotton. Test your sock combination before you go on the trip.
- Stuff sacks are great for sorting gear. Use different sizes/colors to differentiate contents.
- Feel free to give us a call at (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores or Direct Sales (800-426-4840) are happy to help you with gear questions. Or visit REI's website at www.rei.com. The Expert Advice section has great information to help you prepare for your trip.
| Package | Adult | Child (14yrs & under) | Youth (15-17yrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-night stay / BB, BU & CA | $2,187 CAD | $1,667 CAD | $1,966 CAD |
| 6-night stay / BB & BU | $4,203 CAD | $3,214 CAD | $3,788 CAD |
| 6-night stay / AD & MO | $4,643 CAD | $3,527 CAD | $4,184 CAD |
BB – Bobbie Burns Lodge
BU – Bugaboo Lodge
CA – Cariboo Loge
AD – Adamant Lodge
MO – Monashee Lodge
Note on Pricing: Prices are quoted in Canadian Dollars and reflect a 5% member discount from Canadian Mountain Holidays published prices. Please note that Canadian GST (Goods & Services Tax) may be additional.
