Hiking in the Canadian Rockies

Welcome to the Canadian Rockies! Your adventure begins in Calgary with a welcome meeting at 7.30am. You’ll be briefed on the activities ahead and meet your local leader and fellow travellers, then it’s time to hit the road bound for Banff National Park. First hike of the trip will be a climb up the scenic Sulphur Mountain, or you could also kick your feet up and ride a famous Banff gondola up to the summit. Sulphur Mountain is named for the two sulphurous hot springs found on its lower slopes, and it guarantees breathing, panoramic views of the Rockies. As the hike is relatively short, you will have some time this afternoon to explore Banff. You could also relax and unwind in the Banff upper hot springs – at a height of 5000ft (1524m), these are Canada’s highest natural springs. Evenings here are just as fun-filled as the days; perhaps head to a local eatery to sample an elk burger, or check out the beverages at the town’s microbrewery – the views here are worth raising a toast to!

Make the drive this morning to Lake Louise. Here you’ll experience natural beauty at its very best – dazzling peaks dusted with snow are juxtaposed against the pristine glittering lake, creating an image that looks too perfect to be real. There are many hiking options here spanning various lengths and levels of difficulty – speak to your leader for more information on which hike is best for you. If you choose a shorter option, the Lake Louise Fairmont Hotel sits right on the shores of the lake and serves as a perfect spot to take in the scenery with some poutine or a cocktail in hand. Late afternoon will bring another chance to visit hot springs and afterwards, re-group with your fellow travellers for dinner.

Rise bright and early for another day full of adventure. After a scenic ride along Icefield Parkway, arrive at the beautiful Bow Lake and set out on yet another of many truly incredible walks. This 5.6-mile circuit will lead you around the reflective waters of the lake, skimming a gorge with water rushing below, through to an outwash plain where you can see the wild Bow Falls. You’ll also soak in epic views with every step; Crowfoot Mountain, Bow Crow Peak, Mt Gordon and many other peaks provide the backdrop for your walk. After an exciting day, retire to your remote and picturesque campground and special BBQ dinner under the stars.

Wake up and breathe in the fresh mountain air before returning to the Icefields Parkway. So much more than just a road, the parkway is punctuated with many world-class wonders, and your drive will be broken up with stops at magnificent lakes, waterfalls or glaciers. You’ll then head out on the Valley of the Five Lakes hike through the remarkable landscapes of Jasper National Park. The hike is expected to take around two to three hours, and as the name suggests, you will pass by five beautiful alpine lakes, each displaying different shades of blues and greens caused by varying depths, algae and glacial dust.

This morning you will travel to Maligne Lake – famed for its bright blue waters, there are few more beautiful spots in the country. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way – moose, deer, grizzlies and black bears have all been spotted along this stretch of road. There are two gentle hiking options available in the area, or you may prefer to rent a canoe or kayak to see the lake’s beauty from a different perspective. Your leader will be on hand to make suggestions on the best way to enjoy a morning here. Stop for lunch and take some time to soak up the amazing scenery, then spend the afternoon in Jasper town, with a laidback vibe and a picture-perfect mountain backdrop. You may like to hire a bike and explore the area on two wheels, sit back and relax in one of the town’s cosy pubs or take the Jasper SkyTram up The Whistlers mountain, from where you can take a short walk with jaw-dropping views of Jasper National Park.

Put your best foot forward this morning and set out on the Willcox Pass Hike, expected to take around three to four hours. Trek past a small wetland, take in views of the Sunwapta Pass and climb above the treeline to a set of Canada’s famous red chairs, inviting visitors to sit back and take a moment to soak up the view. You’ll also be able to see the glaciers and peaks of the Columbia Icefield, including the awe-inspiring Athabasca glacier. Then, drive on to Peyto Lake, made famous by its icy glacial waters, and take a short hike up to a viewpoint where you can admire the lake in its vibrant glory. Carry on to Yoho National Park and visit its natural bridge, spanning the powerful Kicking Horse River.

Begin your day with a visit to Emerald Lake within Yoho National Park. True to its name, the cool green waters are truly a sight to behold. Then it’s time to get your heartrate up on the Iceline Trail within the park, following a splendid circuit past soaring mountains decorated with glaciers, dramatic valleys and peaceful meadows. Depending on the interests of the group, there is an 8.6 mile or 13 mile option, both serving up unforgettable scenery. After your hike, give your legs a rest as you make a short and gentle walk to the Takakkaw Falls, where you’ll soon find out why the name translates to ‘wonderful’ in the First Nations Cree language. At a cloud-piercing height of 373m, this is the second tallest waterfall in Canada, and surely the most spectacular to look at.

Start the day with a short hike at Tunnel Mountain, a final chance to walk among the Rockies’s unbeatable scenery. Afterwards, begin the journey back to Calgary (approximately 1.5 hours), stopping along the way in the cosy mountain town of Canmore. Take some time so reminisce about all you’ve achieved and discovered over the course of your adventure during lunch (at your own expense). Return to Calgary, where on arrival (approximately 4pm) your adventure will come to an end.