Canadian Rockies Hiking Plus
Nature has taken eons to shape the Canadian Rockies and our active adventure explores the best of this dramatic setting. At the renowned nature destinations of Lake Louise, Banff, Yoho and Jasper – veteran guides map out the most exciting and scenic routes for hiking, whitewater rafting and canoeing. From our camp base near Lake Louise, hiking trails take us into grand valleys, alongside turquoise lakes and up onto ridgelines with amazing vistas of jagged peaks. Our pace quickens in Yoho with a heart-pounding whitewater raft trip through Kicking Horse Canyon. Then it's a hike onto the immense Columbia Icefields, the highlight of Jasper National Park. A final hike in Sunshine Meadows of Banff National Park, famed for its alpine meadows and views of Mt. Assiniboine wraps up this week of exploring some of the best mountain scenery in the world. As our head guide says, "This is what I would show my friends if they had a week in the Rockies!" Join us for a memorable hiking vacation.
Important Notice: Day 1 is the day you should plan to arrive at the meeting point for the trip. This may require departing your hometown one or more days in advance.
Canadian Rockies Hiking Plus Itinerary:
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Day 1
Your trip begins today in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Arrive by 4 p.m. and take the free shuttle from the airport to your hotel. We meet in the hotel lobby at 6 p.m. for a group dinner and orientation with your guide and fellow travelers. Dinner included.
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Day 2
After an early breakfast we drive to Lake Louise campground. Here we set up our camp for the next five nights in the heart of Canada's hiking capital. Then we strap on our boots and are off to our first hike. Depending upon the weather and the group itself, we have several options from which to choose, each one a spectacular trail. We may follow the trail through the famous Valley of Ten Peaks (each peak over 10,000’) from Moraine Lake to beautiful Consolation Lake (4 miles round trip; 300’ elevation gain) or we may hike instead to Bow Glacier Falls, a lovely hike along the shores of sparkling Bow Lake to the impressive 500 ft falls (5 miles round trip; 500’ elevation gain). Return to camp, where everyone pitches in with our guides to prepare a delicious campfire dinner. All meals included.
Hiking: 4-5 miles, 300 – 500’ elevation gain. -
Day 3
This morning we drive north along the scenic Icefields Parkway, one of the world’s most scenic mountain roads, to the legendary Num-Ti-Jah Lodge built by mountain man Jimmy Simpson in the heart of the Rockies. We follow the Helen Lake trail through some of the most beautiful alpine meadows in all of Banff Park. Wildflower viewing is at its best in July and August. Alternative hikes include Eiffel Lake and Molar Meadows. All meals included.
Hiking: 6-10 miles, 1200-1800’ elevation gain. -
Day 4
After a hearty breakfast, we spend the morning hiking or wildlife watching depending on the inclination of the group. One of the options includes a hike to the tea house above Lake Louise which begins in old-growth forest of spruce and fir before leading to an open view of the magical blue of glacier-fed Lake Louise and the surrounding peaks. Once at the tea house we enjoy the vista with the option to refuel before the descent. In the afternoon a bus ride takes us through Yoho National Park into British Columbia for rock-and-roll rafting on the Kicking Horse River. This exhilarating trip allows us to raft the best section of the frolicking class III-IV whitewater rapids! We return to camp in the evening. If time allows, take a short hike along the shore of Moraine Lake. The evening light is spectacular on the Valley of the Ten Peaks reflected in the lakes' turquoise waters. Breakfast and dinner included.
Hiking: Options to 5 miles, moderate; Rafting: 3 hours. -
Day 5
Today, weather permitting, we drive north to Jasper National Park. The first stop is to view Peyto Lake from a platform hanging on a cliff high above. Depending upon the time of year the hue of the lake runs from dark blue to opaque turquoise to gorgeous jade green. The road then takes us on to the Columbia Icefield, the goehydrographic center of North America. Meltwaters from the Icefield and its glacial tongues feed 3 different oceans. We hike up to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier. Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about glaciers – this is the place to learn! Then we continue our hiking up to either Parker Ridge for a spectacular view of the Saskatchewan Glacier from above or, for a true wilderness experience, a hike up to Nigel Pass. Should the weather dictate we stay closer to camp, a hike though the famed Paradise Valley will not disappoint. Paradise Valley is an unforgettable hike that has it all: forest, meadows, mountains, a stunning glacial lake, creek and cascade. It also boasts some of the finest views in the Canadian Rockies. Breakfast and lunch included. Dinner on your own in the Lake Louise area.
Hiking: Jasper area: Parker Ridge 4 miles, 800 ft elevation gain; Nigel Pass 8 miles, 1200ft elevation gain; Paradise Valley: 4-9 miles, up to 1400ft elevation gain. -
Day 6
Today we cross the Continental Divide at Kicking Horse Pass into Yoho Park and take a short hike to the highest waterfall in the Canadian Rockies: 1000' Takakkaw Falls. From here we enjoy a hike along the gorgeous Iceline Trail toward the Emerald Glacier. This trail is amazing each step of the way. Typically there's time after our hike to enjoy relaxing on the shores or paddling a canoe on Emerald Lake, a true Rocky Mountain gem surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Presidents Range and Burgess Shale. All meals included.
Hiking: up to 6 miles and 2000ft elevation gain; Canoeing is flat water and easy. -
Day 7
After breaking camp this morning we leave Lake Louise and head south to the remarkably beautiful Sunshine Meadows. This vast wilderness sits entirely above tree line right on the Continental Divide. Here there are several spectacular hiking trails right along the Continental Divide that offer sweeping views all the way from the Matterhorn of the Rockies, Mt Assiniboine (11,800'), to the seemingly endless mountain ranges of British Columbia. Our hike today is a well-deserved finish to a great week of adventure in the Canadian Rockies. On our way back to Calgary we will stop briefly in Banff. Dinner on your own in Calgary. Breakfast and lunch included.
Hiking: Options up to 8 miles; Terrain: easy to moderate. -
Day 8
Flights from Calgary can be booked for any time today. A complimentary hotel shuttle bus will take you to the Calgary airport. Breakfast at the hotel included.
Although we do our very 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, a re-routing or a different selection of hikes. Your guide has extensive knowledge of the Rockies and will choose alternate trails or activities as conditions dictate.
Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to insure your trip has the necessary minimum number of participants required to operate the trip.
If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations (hotels and tent), you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted on this itinerary. If you wish to share accommodations (hotels and tent), we will assign you a roommate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee, which is one-half of the full single supplement. Please be advised that there are a limited number of single rooms / tents available.
Airport-hotel transfers, 2 nights in hotels (double occupancy), transportation in passenger van, meals as noted in the daily itinerary, REI tents, REI self-inflating mattresses, all group camping equipment, whitewater rafting, canoeing, admission to the National Parks, camping fees, local taxes and guided services.
Airfare, beverages (except hot chocolate, tea and coffee with meals provided), 1 lunch, 2 dinners, sleeping bag, charges for museums, pools, and tips to guides.
This trip is rated Moderate [3]. Novice campers are welcome. The minimum age is 12. Trip members need to be in good physical condition. You should feel comfortable hiking 5+ miles with an elevation gain of 2000'. Your guides will certainly take the lead while in camp, however all trip members are expected to pitch-in and help with camp chores such as cooking, dishes clean-up, setting up tents and breaking down camp when departing.
Alberta has a temperate climate, it is generally dry and sunny, but often cool at night in the mountains. Big mountains create their own weather and brief thundershowers in the afternoon are not uncommon. The average summer temperatures are in the 70s and nights cool off typically to the 50s but possibly as low as the 30s. You should be prepared for all types of conditions, including hot and sunny days or rainy weather.
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 Rockies Hiking Plus
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
Alberta has a temperate climate. It is generally dry and sunny but often cooler at night in the mountains. Big mountains create their own weather, and brief thundershowers in the afternoon are not uncommon. The average summer temperatures are in the 70s during the day, and nights cool off typically to the 50s but possibly as low as the 30s. You should be prepared for all types of conditions, including hot and sunny days or cool to cold, rainy weather.
Gear Checklist
- Tents
- Wetsuit and booties (rafting day)
- Cooking and eating utensils
- REI self-inflating mattresses
- Stoves and fuel
- Trip leader first-aid kit
- Water filter (while hiking)
- Valid passport
- Airline tickets
- Duffel bag. Sturdy medium or large sized, able to hold sleeping bag and clothing
- Rain cover or large plastic trash bag for your daypack, if it rains
- Daypack, 2000-2500 cu. in. to carry your camera, water bottles, lunch, rain gear
- Luggage tags and luggage locks
- Sleeping bag rated to 20° F (or 0° F if you are a cold sleeper). A lightweight, compressible bag of down or synthetic material is best
- A few lightweight, easily washable items for travel and to wear in towns
- Comfortable shoes
- Midweight fleece or wool sweater
- Lightweight thermal underwear top and bottom, synthetic or wool
- Hiking pants
- Hiking shorts
- Long-sleeve shirts
- T-shirts, synthetic
- Underwear
- Hiking socks and liner socks
- Swimsuit (rafting day)
- Sun hat
- Wool or fleece hat
- Wool or fleece gloves, lightweight
- Rain jacket, lightweight, waterproof and breathable, or a waterproof rain poncho
- Rain or wind pants, waterproof and breathable
- Warm insulating jacket or down vest
- Sturdy hiking boots, water-resistant, lightweight, broken-in, aggressive tread
- Camp shoes such as tennis shoes or sandals
- Water sandals (rafting day)
- Two one-quart water bottle(s) or hydration system
- Flashlight or headlamp, and spare batteries/bulb
- Ear plugs
- Sunglasses and retainer strap
- Sunblock and lip balm
- Toiletry kit
- Towel (showering)
- Personal first-aid kit, small
- Insect repellent
- Several Ziploc plastic bags for wet clothes
- Camera, film/memory cards and spare batteries
- Small binoculars
- Watch with alarm or travel clock
- Motion sickness remedies
- Spare contact lenses or glasses
- Games and toys, Frisbee, cards, etc.
- Reading and writing materials
- Paddling gloves
- Travel pillow
- Hiking staff or trekking poles
- Favorite energy snacks and drinks (especially if you have special dietary requirements)
Things to Consider
- Please remember to always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, a change of clothing (including hiking boots), and medications in your carry-on baggage in case your luggage is delayed. Pack your camera and film in your carry-on, too.
- Your clothing and gear will be stored in your tent. You may find it more convenient to pack your clothing in stuff sacks inside a duffle versus a small suitcase or wheeled duffle. Use different sizes/colors of stuff sacks to differentiate contents.
- Wind chill can be a significant factor on this trip. Air temperatures are not very cold, but when combined with the stress that altitude puts on your body, you can be robbed of body heat quickly. Wind and rain gear are both 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.
- A warm insulating jacket or down vest is important to bring in addition to other layers. Nights can be chilly in the Rockies!
- 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 and bring moleskin, Second Skin® or Blister Block® for foot treatment. Thin liner socks made of silk or synthetic fibers worn under regular hiking socks may minimize the risk of blisters. Test your sock combination before you go on the trip.
- Please refrain from bringing a laptop computer. If you do bring a laptop, please store it at the hotel in Calagary while on the trip. REI Adventures cannot be responsible if your laptop is lost, stolen, or damaged.
- Plenty of trail snacks are provided each day. However, if you have a favorite snack that you just can't live without, feel free to pack it along.
