Canadian Rockies Wilderness Walks
Canadian Rockies Wilderness Walks
Canadian Rockies Wilderness Walks
13 Days Starting and ending in Calgary
Visiting: Calgary, Lake Louise, Lake Agnes Trail, Sentinel Pass, Yoho National Park Of Canada, Jasper National Park, Parker Ridge Trail, Cavell Street, Sulphur Skyline Trail, Icefields Parkway, Landslide Lake, ሀመር።, Banff National Park, Cory Pass, Cascade Amphitheatre Trail
Tour operator:
Tour code:
PRW
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 12
Physical rating:
Moderate / Challenging
Age range:
16 to 99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Few places in the world offer such pristine and diverse walking options as the Canadian Rockies. Virgin forests, shimmering blue lakes, ancient glaciers, deep canyons and rushing rivers weave their way across the landscape whilst wildlife abounds. It's a paradise for photographers, wildlife and outdoors enthusiasts but, most of all, it's a haven for walkers. Hike along an extensive network of trails in some of the best national parks in the world as you keep your eyes peeled for species such as bear, eagles, deer and moose. Nothing will inspire you more than an epic walking holiday deep into the Canadian Rockies.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Start Calgary
Location: Calgary
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ramada Downtown Calgary (or similar)
Meals Included: No Meals
Welcome to Calgary, gateway to the Canadian Rockies, where you can take time
before the tour begins to explore this cosmopolitan city with its skyscrapers
and booming oil industry. Calgary has historically been famous for its `Wild
West' roots but in recent years has become a dynamic and exciting city. It
oozes Western culture, a feature that earned it the nickname 'Cowtown' -
evident in the Calgary Stampede. Join your tour guide and fellow travellers
for a welcome meeting at 18:00 hrs in the hotel lobby.
Day 2 : Lake Louise; Lake Agnes Trail
Location: Lake Louise, Lake Agnes Trail
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Lake Louise Campground (or similar)
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Today we go west in the heart of the Rockies, onto Lake Louise, our base for
the next three nights. Upon arrival, take in the epic panorama of the Chateau
Lake Louise and warm up those hiking boots with a walk on the Lake Agnes
Trail beside the emerald coloured lake for views of Victoria Glacier. Hike
through old-growth forest before reaching spectacular views of Lake Louise
from above and then continue along the trail until you reach Lake Agnes and a
rustic teahouse, providing much needed refreshment before the descent back
down to our campsite near Lake Louise.
*Trail name:* Lake Agnes Trail
*Maximum altitude:* 2120 metres
*Lake Agnes Trail*: 435m elevation gain/loss
Day 3 : Second Day At Lake Louise; Climb To Sentinel Pass
Location: Lake Louise, Sentinel Pass
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Lake Louise Campground (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a short transfer to Moraine Lake, neighbour to Lake Louise and situated
in the scenic Valley of the Ten Peaks. Hike along the Larch Valley before
climbing to Sentinel Pass for magnificent views of Banff National Park
backcountry. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife including elk, porcupine and
bears, which are often sighted on the trail. From here you can either hike
back or start your descent along the Paradise Valley to end this loop trail.
This is one of Banff's premier hiking trails, so we are likely to see a few
fellow hikers on the trail too.
*Trail name:* Sentinel Pass
*Maximum altitude:* 2611 metres
*Sentinel Pass Trail*: 792m elevation gain/loss
Day 4 : Yoho National Park; Iceline Trail
Location: Yoho National Park Of Canada
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Lake Louise Campground (or similar)
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Cross the Continental Divide north along the Kicking Horse River towards Yoho
National Park. Yoho means 'wonder' in the Cree Indian language, and is home
to some beautiful alpine scenery, which is best explored on foot. The trail
today delivers striking views of Takakkaw Falls, Daly Glacier and Yoho River.
Overshadowed by the neighbouring parks of Banff and Jasper, Yoho National
Park is the hidden treasure of the Canadian National Parks System. If you
don’t fancy seeing the trail through the entire 21kms, you can hike a
section of the trail and join an optional rafting excursion in the afternoon,
on the glacier fed Kicking Horse River.Â
Optional activities:
Whitewater rafting CA$120-$173
*Trail name:* Iceline Trail
*Maximum altitude:* 2073 metres
*Iceline Trail*: 1053 elevation gain/loss
Day 5 : Jasper National Park; Hike The Parker Ridge Trail
Location: Jasper National Park, Parker Ridge Trail
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Whistler Campground (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our journey continues over to Jasper National Park - keep your eyes peeled
for wildlife such as Black bears and Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep which are
in abundance. On the way we stop to hike the Parker Ridge trail with the
chance to see the Saskatchewan Glacier. The trail climbs quickly until it
gets above the treeline. The trail does not actually reach the summit of
Parker Ridge, but it comes within about 60 vertical meters of it and the
views are simply incredible. Tonight, we set up camp underneath the watchful
gaze of Jasper's rugged peaks, our home for the next three nights. On our way
along Icefield's Parkway there is the opportunity for a hike on Athabasca
Glacier (please let your guide know on day one if you’re interested as this
activity is prone to selling out).Â
Optional Activities:
Guided glacier walk CA$100 (CA$60 for under 17s)
*Trail name:* Parker Ridge
*Maximum altitude:* 2270 metres
*Parker ridge **Trail*: 269m elevation gain/loss
Day 6 : Jasper National Park; Cavell Meadows
Location: Jasper National Park, Cavell Street
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Whistler Campground (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Jasper is much quieter than some other national parks, making it easier to
leave the crowds behind. We take the trail to Cavell Meadows at the foot of
Angel Glacier for a true wilderness feel. After climbing up, we'll reach the
alpine terrain with great chance to watch caribous! This is a great way to
find out more about the ever-changing environment of this stunning national
park.
*Trail name:* Cavell Meadows
*Maximum altitude:* 2288 metres
*Cavell Meadows Trail*: 500m elevation gain/loss
Day 7 : Jasper National Park; Sulphur Skyline Trail
Location: Jasper National Park, Sulphur Skyline Trail
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Whistler Campground (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we hike the Sulphur Skyline trail which has some of the most
breathtaking panoramas that Jasper has to offer. The five mile trek to the
mountain peak overlooks a phenomenally rugged section of the Canadian
Rockies. Of course, a great way to finish the day is with a soak in Miette
Hot Springs to ease those aching muscles, which is why we’ve included this
for you (don’t forget your swimwear).Â
Optional Activities:Â
* Mountain biking CA$20 per hour
* SkyTram cable car CA$50
*Trail name:* Sulphur Skyline Trail
*Maximum altitude:* 2000 metres
*Sulphure Skyline Trail*: 650m elevation gain/loss
Day 8 : Icefields Parkway To Landslide Lake
Location: Icefields Parkway, Landslide Lake
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Wilderness Campground
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We take a short helicopter flight today to the area of Landslide Lake where
we'll be dropped in the alpine, far away from other hikers, for a wilderness
trek like no other! We set up our camp here for the next three nights in an
area of wilderness devoid of other travellers, facilities, picnic tables or
the modernities of everyday life. It is important to be aware that you will
not be staying in a campsite, this is the Canadian wilderness and your guide
will set up tents where it’s best; there is no pre-determined camping spot.
You will not have access to showers or modern toilets during your three night
stay, and each day your guide will hoist food into the trees and away from
bears. After arrival and having set up your camp, your guide will take you on
a hike around the Landslide Lake area.
*Please note:* We ask that customers take no more cargo than 20 pounds each
(including carry-on) for these 3 nights and that it is packed in a soft small
gym bag. If you wish to leave luggage behind, this can be stored inside the
trailer, which is left parked at the helicopter company.
*Land slide lake*: elevation gain/loss from 300 to 800m / day
Day 9 - 10 : Landslide Lake
Location: Landslide Lake
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Wilderness Campground
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We have many options for the next two days ranging from steady walks through
alpine meadows to strenuous treks to surrounding ridges. The tour guides will
suggest hiking choices such as the 'Lake of the Fall' hike or hike along an
unnamed pass. All hikes offer a truly unforgettable experience in the
wilderness of the Canadian Rockies, but it is important to remember that
there are no designated trails - you’re in the complete wilderness here
where there aren't any 'official trails'. We will be walking on public land
but this area is ungoverned by a national park. Your guides will make
decisions based on the capabilities of the group. They carry bear spray which
will be on hand in the rare event that it is required.
*Land slide lake*: elevation gain/loss from 300 to 800m / day
Day 11 : Heli-Flight; Banff National Park
Location: Banff National Park
Accommodation: Tunnel Mountain (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We depart the Landslide Lake area this morning on a spectacular helicopter
flight out of the wilderness, to Cline River. Our journey continues by road
towards Banff National Park. Banff is our base for the next two nights,
giving us the opportunity to discover even more wonderful hiking trails. This
afternoon we'll discover Minnewanka Lake, a large glacier lake of 5
kilometres, for an easy hike by the rocky shore. Alternatively you can simply
relax by the water, visit the Banff area, relax on Banff Upper Hot Springs or
rent a canoe and paddle along the Bow River for a little watery adventure.
*Lake Minnewanka Trail*:Â NA minimal elevation gain/loss
Day 12 : Banff National Park; Cory Pass
Location: Banff National Park, Cory Pass
Accommodation: Tunnel Mountain (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today's walk is a 14-km loop trail. This is a strenuous workout up 981m to
the Cory Pass, behind Mt. Edith, past Mt. Louis and through the Edith Pass on
the way back to the trailhead. From the Fireside Picnic area, we follow the
trail 1km to the Cory pass junction, and then climb most of the 915m over the
remaining 4.5 km, eventually reaching above the tree line. There are several
points to take photos and catch your breath along the way. Once through the
Cory pass you will follow a rough trail for about 3.5 km through scree fields
and across avalanche paths until you rejoin the main hiking trail at Edith
Pass. Descend along the drainage through the forest between Mt. Norquay and
Mt. Edith until you loop past the Cory Pass junction again and then to the
trailhead. This is a really good hike and a favourite of the local climbing
community.
*Trail name:* Cory Pass
*Maximum altitude:* 2324 metres
*Cory Pass Trail*: 1168m elevation gain/loss
Day 13 : Hike The Cascade Amphitheatre Trail And Return To Calgary; Tour Ends.Â
Location: Cascade Amphitheatre Trail, Calgary
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our tour is nearly coming to an end but there is time for one last chance to
hit the trails! Today depends on the weather conditions, but we will more
than likely hike the Cascade Amphitheatre trail. This hike begins at the Mt.
Norquay ski area, crosses a bridge over Forty Mile Creek, then traverses
through dense forest to the Cascade Amphitheatre. As you emerge into the
amphitheatre, enclosed by limestone cliffs, there are usually wildflowers (in
the early season). After this we'll return to Calgary where the tour ends at
approximately 17:00 hrs.
We can book your post-tour accommodation if required. If you are planning to
fly tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before 21:00 hrs.
*Name of Hike:* Cascade Amphitheatre
*Max Altitude:* 2195 metres
What's Included
-
All accommodation
-
11 breakfasts, 11 lunches & 9 dinners
-
We can include flights from the UK. Please contact us for a quote.
-
All transport and listed activities
-
Tour leader throughout
What's Not Included
-
Optional activities
-
Arrival & departure transfers
-
Flights
-
Single accommodation (available on request)
-
Travel insurance
Accommodation
This camping tour uses national and state park campsites and a wide assortment of private campgrounds. These are not always within the national park boundaries, but we select the best from what is available in each area. Most have flush toilets and hot showers; however, some may charge an additional fee of 1-3 dollars (US$0.75-US$2.25) for use of the showers. The ground for camping is usually a mix of hard dirt and gravel.
You sleep in high-quality tents, which single travellers share with one other passenger of the same sex. Camping equipment also includes field kitchens, inflatable sleeping pads, food storage and camp lanterns and chairs. Most campsites have a quiet time from 10pm to 7am. Please respect your fellow campers who are there to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of camping.
Accommodation on our tours is based on twin-share, so if you’re travelling on your own, you share with a fellow passenger of the same sex. However, if you would prefer your own space, we offer a single supplement where you can have your own tent for an additional fee.
Food
11 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 9 dinners included. On this tour the majority of your meals are included whilst camping. Your tour guide will coordinate local shopping and assist the group in preparing healthy, hearty breakfasts, picnic lunches and delicious dinners. Occasionally, you will eat out in local restaurants. To help you budget for these meals on average hotel breakfasts cost from CAD$6-$12, lunches from CAD$8-$15 and dinners from CAD$13-$30; this does not include alcoholic beverages. Wine costs approximately CAD$5 per glass and beer CAD$4 per bottle. Please be aware that a tip of approximately 17%-20% is added to group meals in Canadian restaurants. Applicable taxes will also be added to all listed menu prices. Please make sure we are aware of any special meal requirements before travelling. We will do all we can to accommodate for various dietary requirements but in certain parts of Canada certain food types can be limited.
Check out our Q&As
-
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
-
Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
16+ age people can go on this tour.
-
Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No Arrival & departure transfers
-
What is the maximum group size?
12
-
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
-
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
Book with Confidence
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus, 43 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Exodus requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
Why book with tourhub?
Safe & Secure
Your money is protected in an external trust until you travel.
100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.
The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.
Guaranteed Best Value
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.
(Operator terms may apply)
Expert Knowledge
Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.
Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.
Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.
Trusted Service
Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.
Don't just take our word for it...
"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."