Hiking in the Canadian Rockies

This is a hiking trip that features a balance of moderate to challenging hikes that highlight the beauty of the Canadian Rockies. Your daily hiking distance ranges from 3.2km (2 miles) to 11 km (6.6 miles), some with significant elevation gain. Please check the special information within the daily itinerary for exact distances and elevation gain/loss. A good level of fitness and appropriate hiking gear is a must.

This is a camping trip where you are expected to pitch in with setting up tents and helping out with cooking and washing up.

It is not uncommon for snow to remain on the ground in higher elevations until the end of May and even during early June. The presence of snow may impact certain activities such as scenic gondolas or mountain hikes. Your trip leader will have a range of alternative activities/hikes to do if a planned activity is impacted by snow.

This trip starts on Day 1 as early as 7.30am and finishes on day 8 upon arrival to Calgary at around 4pm. You may wish to pre-book additional nights in Calgary at the start and end of the trip.

In 2024, Jasper experienced a significant wildfire, but much of its beauty remains untouched. As we return in 2025, you’ll witness firsthand how nature is beginning its recovery after this important and natural process that is vital to the region's ecology. This is also a crucial time to support local businesses as they rebuild from the fire’s impact. Join us in experiencing Jasper’s resilience and natural beauty while helping the community recover.

1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 7.30am on Day 1 in Calgary. Please see Joining Point Hotel listed in the Essential Trip Information for this itinerary. Please consider booking an extra pre tour night in Calgary to make sure you will be on time for the start of your adventure.

2. You are expected to arrive back in Calgary around 4pm on the last day of the tour and dropped off at the same location as the joining point.

3. There is no accommodation included on the last day in Calgary, however we can request any additional nights should you need them.

4. A sleeping bag is required for this trip. If you would like to rent a sleeping bag locally, the cost is $50 CAD, payable in cash to your guide on Day 1 of the trip. Please advise your booking agent prior to departure if you require a sleeping bag rental.

5. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a tent on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Due to limited space at group campsites, the single supplement is always on request. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

6. Please note that late season snow may impact departures in May and early June as certain trails or parking lots may be closed due to snow/ice in higher elevations. The early season can be a wonderful time to visit the Canadian Rockies as there are fewer crowds and spectacular spring scenery. While we always try to deliver the itinerary as planned, please understand that your leaders may need to make substitutions or swaps during this time.

7. We are not able to book airport shuttle service for North America trips. North America has convenient taxi and rideshare options from all airports, as well as public transport systems in major hub cities. Please check the joining and finishing point instructions listed in the Essential Trip Information.

We will provide tents, basic sleeping mats, camp kitchen essentials, camp chairs and campfire supplies.

All luggage is carried in trailers or inside the vehicle so please don't bring more than one medium sized bag, backpack or suitcase (20kg/44lb maximum) per person. Your suitcase/rucksack may get some rough handling, so make sure it's a tough one. A small daypack with your water bottle and camera may be carried with you inside the vehicle.

If traveling in shoulder season (April, May, September, October), please be prepared with extra cold weather clothing as temperatures can dip below freezing at night. Even during summer months it can get quite cold overnight, especially in desert and mountainous areas.

ESSENTIAL:
 Sleeping bag. Please bring one from home or you can purchase one before your trip starts. On some trips we are able to provide a sleeping bag rental - please check the Important Notes section of the trip to see if this option is available. Otherwise, sleeping bags can easily be bought in the US and Canada at big stores like Walmart and Target or at sports and camping supply stores like Mountain Warehouse in Canada or REI in the US. As we offer trips throughout the year and travel in diverse climate zones, we recommend you carefully consider the weather and choose an appropriate sleeping bag. Please bear in mind that nights can be very cold even in the warmer months. We can experience temperatures as low as -5C and even snow. If you choose to purchase a sleeping bag during your trip, please consider donating it to a secondhand shop or homeless shelter before you return home.
 Quick-dry towel
 Travel Pillow
 Sun protection - hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
 Light jacket, fleece and base layers. No matter the season, you should be prepared for changing temperatures and weather conditions.
 Wind and waterproof jacket
 Breathable, non-cotton hiking t-shirts
 Long hiking pants or zip-offs
 Nylon hiking shorts
 Water bottle or bladder: you will need water during activities and it’s best to avoid buying unnecessary plastic. We recommend 2-3 litres of capacity
 Closed-in hiking shoes with a good grip, ankle support and waterproof membrane that are comfortable to walk for an entire day
Comfortable shoes for shorter walks or evenings spent around the campsite
Torch/flashlight/headtorch
 Personal travel documents which may include a passport, visa, driver's license, travel insurance, flight tickets and your Essential Trip Information. Photocopies of these documents stored separately from the originals will be handy. While not valid, a photocopy of your identification makes it much easier to obtain replacements if necessary.

RECOMMENDED:
 Cell phone, camera with spare batteries, charger, and power/plug adaptor (Types A & B are used in North America. Voltage is 120V). Some of our vans have USB-2 style charging ports inside.
 Insect repellent (insects are present intermittently all over the USA and Canada depending on recent rainfall.)
 Personal trekking/hiking poles (Pack these in your checked baggage. Trekking poles are not permitted in your carryon luggage on flights to or within the USA and Canada)
 Gaiters and/or waterproof pants – recommended for wet or snowy conditions
A cotton bandana or scarf. Can be wetted and worn around the neck to facilitate evaporative cooling in dry and hot conditions, used as sun or dust protection, or used to protect your neck and head from cold
 A simple plastic bag/waterproof toiletry bag (that can hang on a nail on the back of a door) will be useful to keep your clothes dry inside basic camp shower structures.
 Travel eco-friendly wipes/hand sanitizer
 Swimwear
 Shower shoes – rubber sandals to be worn while in camp showers
 Personal medical kit. Your guide will carry a large kit but we recommend you carry items such as mild pain killers, electrolytes, anti-diarrhoeal, antibacterial gel, wet wipes, blister patches/moleskin, bandaids/plasters etc.

OPTIONAL:
 Sleeping bag liner
 Thermarest. While we provide a basic camping mattress for each client, some travellers find they like the extra comfort of a double layer.
 Lip balm and extra moisturizer if traveling to arid desert areas.
 Ear plugs to guard against a snoring tent-mate
 A good book, a journal or headphones to listen to music with.

If you need some further tips for packing, you can always check out our essential checklist for hiking/trekking trips here:

https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/trekkies-packing-guide/, SLEEPING BAG RENTAL
We can provide sleeping bag rentals on our Canada camping trips. If you would like to rent a sleeping bag locally, the cost is $50 CAD, payable in cash to your leader on Day 1 of the trip. Please advise your booking agent prior to departure if you require a sleeping bag rental so we can ensure its availability.

Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown, 888 - 7th Avenue SW, Calgary, Calgary, T2P 3J3, CANADA, Phone: 403 2378626

The Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel is conveniently located directly on Calgary’s light-rail transit line, quickly transporting you off to all the attractions: Calgary Stampede grounds, Calgary Zoo, TELUS Convention Centre, Calgary Tower, museums, and more.

Alternate Joining Point

The Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel is located 20 km / 12 miles from Calgary International Airport (YYC). A taxi will take 20 minutes and cost approximately $40-$45CAD.

Ramada Plaza Calgary Downtown, 708 8th Avenue SW, Calgary, T2P 1H2, CANADA, Phone: +1 4032637600, Fax: +1 4032376127

Enjoy the excitement of downtown at our Ramada Plaza Calgary Downtown hotel. Conveniently located in walking distance to the Telus Convention Centre and a block from the C-train with efficient access to the BMO Convention Centre, Calgary Stampede Park, Calgary Zoo and many more Calgary attractions.

Alternate Finish Point

For trips departing on the following dates
use this finish point.
24 May 2025 (SFXR250524)
31 May 2025 (SFXR250531)
07 Jun 2025 (SFXR250607)
10 Jun 2025 (SFXR250610)
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28 Jun 2025 (SFXR250628)
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16 Sep 2025 (SFXR250916)
23 May 2026 (SFXR260523)
30 May 2026 (SFXR260530)
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Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown
888 - 7th Avenue SW
Calgary
Calgary
T2P 3J3
CANADA
Phone: 403 2378626

The quickest way to get from/to Calgary Airport is to take a taxi. This costs approx. CA$45 and takes about 15 minutes.

You can also reach the airport by bus, by walking approximately 1km to 625 Centre Street, and then taking the Red Arrow bus north to Calgary Airport. The bus costs approx. CA$31 and takes 30 minutes, but it is not very frequent. For schedules see redarrow.ca.

Breakfasts included: 7

Lunches included: 7

Dinners included: 7

On this trip, you’ll tuck into tasty, flavour-packed meals to fuel your outdoor adventures. Along with foods that are ideal for camping like pastas, lentils, packaged meats, breads, and granola, you’ll also be offered snacks like trail mix and dried fruits. While all meals on your trip are included, be prepared to roll up your sleeves and help out with food prep and washing up. Vegan, vegetarian, kosher, non-gluten diets, and food allergies can usually be accommodated at the same cost or for an additional fee. Please let your booking agent know about any dietary restrictions before you travel.

WEATHER IN WESTERN CANADA & THE ROCKIES

Coastal Areas & Vancouver Island:
Coastal regions, including Vancouver Island, Vancouver and Victoria, have a temperate maritime climate. This means mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. In winter, temperatures rarely drop below freezing. Winter high temperatures range from 7°C to 10°C (45°F to 50°F) and lows range from 1°C to 4°C (34°F to 39°F). Rain is common in winter, and there may be some snowfall, particularly in the surrounding mountains. Summers are warm and dry, with average high temperatures 20°C to 23°C (68°F to 73°F) and lows 12°C to 15°C (54°F to 59°F). Vancouver Island’s microclimates can vary significantly from one region to another. The west coast is known for its lush rainforests, while the eastern side is drier. The northern areas tend to be cooler than the southern regions.

Interior Areas:
Interior regions, including towns like Kelowna and Kamloops in British Columbia, have a semi-arid climate characterized by hot, dry summers and cold winters. Winter highs average 1°C to 4°C (34°F to 39°F) and lows average -5°C to -2°C (23°F to 28°F). In summer, highs average 27°C to 32°C (81°F to 90°F) and lows are 13°C to 16°C (55°F to 61°F).

Mountainous Areas:
The mountainous regions, including Whistler, Jasper and Banff, are known for their changeable weather, and rain or snow showers can occur even in summer. Be prepared for variable conditions and pack accordingly. Expect significant temperature variations between day and night. Be prepared for cooler temperatures in the evening, especially in the shoulder seasons (spring and fall). Spring in the mountains is cool and marked by melting snow, which may impact activities such as boat tours and alpine hikes. Crowds are much less dense. Springtime average highs are 4°C to 11°C (39°F to 52°F) and lows are -6°C to 1°C (21°F to 34°F). Summers are the busiest season and experience daytime temperature highs from 18°C to 22°C (64°F to 72°F) and lows from 3°C to 7°C (37°F to 45°F). In Fall, temperatures begin to cool, especially in the evenings, and foliage changes color. Average highs are -6°C to 1°C (21°F to 34°F) and lows are -1°C to 4°C (30°F to 39°F). Winters are snowy and cold with average high temperatures -6°C to -1°C (21°F to 30°F) and lows -15°C to -11°C (5°F to 12°F).

Wildfire season in Canada runs from late spring to early fall, peaking in summer. Most wildfires occur in remote areas, but smoke can travel and affect distant locations. Our team has contingency plans in place to address any impacts from wildfires on our travel plans.

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with our local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.
We recognise that there may be times when your local partner may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask to speak to their direct manager.
You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.

For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us

POLICE AND AMBULANCE
In case of an emergency, local authorities can be contacted by calling 911 – this is the toll free phone number for the police, fire department and the ambulance in the USA and Canada. In case of doubt, call the operator on 0.

For general enquiries or questions about your booking, please contact your agent or adventure specialist, or visit us at www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us

In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local operator on the number below.

Intrepid local operator: Available for phone call on +1 514 948 4145

NORTH AMERICA CAMPING
The campsites that we use are selected for either their scenic beauty, their convenient location to places of interest and/or the facilities available. We aim to offer you a selection of different types of campsites.

If you've never camped before - no problem! We provide a complete set of camping and cooking equipment. This includes roomy easy-to-pitch tents, which are shared by only two people and are equipped with thin foam rubber sleping mats and vinyl floors. Your leader will show you how to pitch a tent on the first day. On many trips we also spend a few nights in reasonably priced hotels/motels/hostels (as per the itinerary).

Remember that sleeping bags and a pillow are not provided. Check out the Packing section for more information.

You'll find the necessary facilities - toilets and in most cases showers, washing machines and dryers - at our campsites. The showers at some campsites may require a payment (usually no more than US$1-$3 for a quick shower). This is payable locally and is a contribution towards the cost of a limited water supply. Rarely, a campsite may only have cold water available for showers.

In all campsites there are strict quiet hours when no loud noise is allowed, typically from 10pm to 7am. This means that all music, singing and noisy group gatherings must stop. We request that all our travellers respect these campsite rules.

For trips where there are lodges/cabins used, couples travelling together may be separated when our rooming arrangements are based on single gender, however in some accommodations the group will be in mixed gender rooms.

Our high-quality camping equipment (including tents) can be affected by bad weather conditions. This can result in some wet and cold conditions inside the tent. Your spirit of adventure and flexibility will help make your adventure trip an exciting and unforgettable experience. On nights where the group is camping, and weather conditions are extreme (such as snow or heavy rain), there may be an opportunity for the group (if everyone agrees) to stay at an alternative location such as a nearby hostel or hotel. When this is the case the upgrade is at your own expense.

AIRPORT TRANSFERS IN THE USA & CANADA
We recommend taxis and rideshare services like Lyft and Uber when traveling to and from hotels in the USA and Canada. These services are widely available across North America, offering convenient and accessible transportation options. Private transfers in North America incur high costs and present an increased risk of missed connections due to their fixed schedules. In contrast, taxis and rideshares offer both cost-effectiveness and flexibility, ensuring a smoother journey. With transparent pricing, GPS tracking, and on-demand availability, we believe that taxis and rideshare apps not only offer a reliable alternative to private transfers but also provide a secure, trustworthy, and budget-friendly transportation option for our customers.

NORTH AMERICA VEHICLES
Our large fleet of 15-passenger vans are fully equipped with air-conditioning system, V8 engines and any camping or cooking equipment needed for your trip. Most have cloth-upholstered seats and carpeted interior with radio or CD players. Your luggage is typically transported in a trailer which is towed behind the van.

The vans are regularly serviced by a well-established network of maintenance and service facilities throughout the continent. However, unforeseen maintenance problems can still occur while on the road and we appreciate the patience of our travellers as we make necessary repairs as quickly as possible.

While your group will have a van for all included activities on the trip, the services of the van and leader may not be available for your use during free time, or after you have arrived for the day. If you need a special trip into town you may need to arrange transport or a taxi.