Canadian Mountain Holidays Heli-Hiking

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Book online at rei.com/adventures or call 1-800-622-2236

Trip Details
Gear List
Dates & Prices

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Highlights

Trip Dates:

2008

Jul – Sep Weekly Departures

Click here for more information on our Canadian Holidays Family Adventures

Price:

See Dates & Prices tab.

Additional Fees:

Single supplement: Depends on trip length

Total Days: 4 or 7

Group Size: Lodges accommodate a maximum of 44 guests

Activity Level:

We have active trips for every skill level, novice to expert. These guidelines will help you select the level of adventure that's right for you.
1 2 3 4 5 Relaxed: Adventure travel at its most relaxed pace.
Activity: 1-3 hours most days
Distances: walk less than 3 miles most days
Surfaces: flat terrain
Elevation change: little to none
Altitude: less than 3,000 ft
1 2 3 4 5 Easy Active: Great for newcomers to active travel.
Activity: 2-5 hours most days
Distances: Hike up to 6 miles, cycle 10-30 miles most days
Surfaces: flat or rolling terrain with some possible steeps
Elevation change: up to 2,000 ft/day
Altitude: up to 6,000 ft
1 2 3 4 5 Moderate: For outdoor novices and above.
Activity: 4-6 hours most days
Distances: Hike up to 10 miles most days, cycle 20-40 miles most days
Surfaces: rolling or mountainous terrain with some steep ascents/descents and uneven trails
Elevation change: up to 3,000 ft/day
Altitude: up to 10,000 ft
1 2 3 4 5 Moderate Plus: Trips rated as Moderate Plus [3-4] are recommended for travelers seeking both moderate [3] and vigorous [4] activity levels. Please refer to daily trip itineraries for specifics.
1 2 3 4 5 Vigorous: Recommended for fit travelers with basic skills.
Activity: 5-8 hours most days
Distances: Hike up to 12 miles most days, cycle 30-50 miles most days
Surfaces: mountainous, exposed terrain with steep ascents/descents and uneven trails
Elevation change: up to 4,000 ft/day
Altitude: up to 14,000 ft.
Experience and a doctors release may be required
1 2 3 4 5 Strenuous: A trip for experienced and very fit travelers.
Activity: 10+ hours/day
Distances: Hike 12 or more miles most days, cycle 50 or more miles most days
Surfaces: remote mountainous, exposed terrain with steep ascents/descents, uneven trails with loose features.
Elevation change: up to 4,000 ft/day
Altitude: may well exceed 14,000 ft
Experience and a doctors release are required

Varies

Activities:

Hiking

Accommodations:

Remote, comfortable mountain lodges; all bedrooms have private baths.

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 Full Itinerary:

+ At-a-Glance Itinerary

Day 1 Banff To Bobbie Burns Helipad (driving time 2 1/2 hrs.)
7:15 am - Boarding time at the Brewster Transportation Centre (Banff Bus Depot) for the motorcoach journey from Banff to the Bobbie Burns Helipad.

8:15 am - Depart Lake Louise, from the Post Hotel. Our route takes us west toward Golden, BC, through the fabulous scenery of Banff and Yoho National Parks. We travel over Kicking Horse Pass, site of the famous Spiral Tunnels, which minimized the steep grade for the rail lines of Canada’s National Dream, the transcontinental railway, when it was heroically built in the late 1800s. From Golden, we head south through the Rocky Mountain Trench, with the Rockies to the east and the front ranges of the Columbia Mountains to the west. The Rocky Mountain Trench, down which flows the great Columbia River, is the boundary between the Columbias and the Rockies. One of earth’s most dramatic landmarks, it’s clearly visible from orbital space.

10:00 am (MDT) - We arrive at the helipad for the quick, exhilarating flight to Bobbie Burns Lodge. After settling into our rooms, we’ll be outfitted with all the necessary hiking gear, get acquainted with helicopter safety procedures, then fly up for an afternoon of hiking in some of the world’s most stunning mountains. We fly back to the lodge in the afternoon for snacks, beverages, and relaxation before dinner.

7:00 pm - Dinner with wine is served family style, with guests and staff eating together, topped off with dessert prepared by Bobbie Burns’ resident pastry chef. Before retiring we can enjoy the company of fellow guests by the fire, or relax in the whirlpool and sauna. (L, D)
Days 2 & 3 Full Days Of Heli-Hiking
7:30 am - The morning stretch class is an option, but then again, so is sleeping in.

8:00 am - Breakfast buffet. After breakfast, choose from a variety of sandwiches and snacks for picnic lunch in the mountains.

9:00 am - The first helicopter leaves the lodge. Each group of hikers, accompanied by a guide, spends the day exploring the immense variety of landscapes in the Bobbie Burns, a winsome sub-range of the Columbias. The Bobbie Burns abounds with personality-rich glaciers, turquoise lakes, and airy mountain ridges. And everywhere, from every vantage point, vast, heart-stirring views. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch (or, on special days, a grand high mountain barbecue) amidst stunning, utterly unspoiled scenery (the chances of us seeing any other hikers up here are almost nil). After a memorable day, we fly back to the lodge, where snacks, beverages, a good book, or the sauna and restful outdoor whirlpool await.

7:00 pm - One of the charms of family-style dining is getting to know our fellow guests as we savor the chef’s creation of the evening. After dessert and coffee, we may share stories and experiences of the day with new friends and staff, visit the lodge’s cheery and excellently stocked retail shop, set up an appointment with the masseuse (not included, but well worth the extra charge), or enjoy peace and quiet on the deck as the alpenglow settles on the mountain peaks above.
Day 4 Bobbie Burns Lodge To Calgary Airport (driving time 4 1/2 hrs.)
8:00 am - Breakfast buffet, then prepare for departure.

9:30 am - First flight out of the lodge.

11:00 am - We depart the Bobbie Burns Helipad by motorcoach and retrace the journey through Western Canada’s national parks to Lake Louise, Banff, and Calgary International Airport. A boxed lunch is provided for the return trip.

1:30 pm - Arrive in Banff at the Brewster Transportation Centre (Banff Bus Depot).

4:00 pm - Arrive at the Calgary Airport (B, L)

Canadian Mountain Holidays Heli-Hiking At-a-Glance Itinerary:

+ Full 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.)

Note on Itinerary:

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.

Single Travelers:

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).

Price Includes:

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.

Not Included:

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).

The lodges:

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.

Qualifications:

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:

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.

Weather:

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.

General Information:

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

Provided Gear

Hiking boots

Daypack

Insulated hooded jacket

Water bottle

Rain poncho

Trekking poles

Wind pants

Official Papers

Airline tickets

Photo identification

Passport or proof of U.S. citizenship

Luggage

Duffel bag or soft-sided suitcase

Small carry-on bag

Travel Clothing

Bring a few lightweight, easily washable items for travel wear and evenings at the lodge.

Clothing

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

Outerwear

Rain jacket, waterproof and breathable (if you prefer your own)

Rain or wind pants, waterproof and breathable (if you prefer your own)

Clothing Accessories

Sun hat

Wool or fleece hat

Bandana

Thin liner gloves

Footwear

Sturdy hiking boots, waterproof, lightweight, broken-in, aggressive tread

Comfortable shoes for evenings

Travel Accessories

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

Optional Field Gear

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.

Canadian Mountain Holidays Heli-Hiking

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.