Canadian Rockies Hiking Holiday

Destination: Banff and Yoho National Parks, Canada

The Canadian Rockies offer some of the most varied and scenic hiking anywhere in the world. This vast area features amazing mountain formations, ice capped peaks, glacially-fed aquamarine lakes, and sparkling glaciers. Alpine meadows carpeted in bright wildflowers add color to an already stunning landscape, and forests of spruce, alpine fir, and larch add their sweet scent to the clean air. Hiking opportunities are practically unlimited so we've chosen the best of the best for our active exploration of this fabled land. Maximum group size: 12;

Highlights

Being surrounded by stunning mountain scenery that is jaw droppingly beautiful
Hiking well marked trails to glaciers, over passes, past waterfalls, and through forests of spruce, fir, and larch
Walking in alpine meadows carpeted in an array of brightly colored wildflowers
Visiting the town of Banff home of the Lake Louise Chateau
Enjoying the camaraderie that staying in hostels makes possible

Departures and Prices

July 18 to July 26, 2020

$2395.00 - FULL

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Inclusions

1 - 2 experienced AGC guides based on group size
Eight nights lodging in hostels and hotels
All meals from dinner Saturday through breakfast the following Sunday with the exception of two lunches. We will go out to restaurants for a few meals and cook in the hostels for most other meals.
Round-trip transportation from Calgary to the Parks
Park entry fees

Not included: Travel to and from Calgary, two lunches, alcoholic beverages, guide gratuities and travel insurance

Details

Requires aerobic conditioning for at least 40-50 minutes 4-5 times a week. Additional endurance exercise (e.g. going for a 2 hour hike once a week) and/or strength training is usually required. There are typically 5 to 8 hours of activity on most days.

This trip is designed for women who enjoy hiking in the mountains surrounded by breathtaking scenery. We will be hiking 8 - 11 miles a day in hilly terrain with significant ascents and descents. One descent is especially steep and rocky. Previous hiking experience is extremely useful, as is having a sense of adventure, a desire to spend time in the mountains, and a good level of physical fitness. A rating of 4 requires aerobic conditioning for at least 40-50 minutes 4-5 times a week. Additional endurance exercise (e.g. going for a 2-hour hike once a week) and/or strength training is appropriate. Rating: 1 2 3 [4] 5.

On this trip we enjoy hiking on some of the most spectacular trails in the Canadian Rockies. The trails are well maintained; some are fairly smooth. Others may be quite rocky, steep (both up and down) and contain scree. There will also be time to explore the town of Banff one afternoon.

While in the Parks, we will stay at Fireweed hostel in Field, which we will have to ourselves. At Fireweed there are 4 bedrooms with 2 bunkbeds to a room. There are 4 people to a room. Each bedroom has mountain views, solid pine bunk beds, and warm cork flooring. Shared bathrooms and showers are located adjacent to bedrooms. Fireweed Hostel in Field BC and Yoho National Park. (250) 343-6999
At the beginning and end of the trip we'll spend the night at a hotel near the Calgary airport with a free airport shuttle.

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Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests.

DAY 1

Arrive in Calgary anytime on Saturday, in time to meet at our hotel at 5pm. We will meet in the lobby of our hotel for introductions and then go out together for a welcome dinner where we will continue getting to know each other and talk about our upcoming hiking adventure.

DAY 2

This morning we load into the vans and head for Lake Louise. We will visit the world famous Chateau Lake Louise, located in one of the most beautiful settings you will ever see (pictures of it are gorgeous and don't begin to do it justice). After visiting the Chateau we take a short uphill hike to the Lake Agnes Tea House above the actual Lake, the perfect introduction to this amazing land. Our lodging is the Fireweed Hostel in the quant town of Field. (4.5 miles)

DAY 3

The Plain of Six Glaciers is an accurate name! Actually the forefront of the Lower Victoria glacier, six glaciers are visible from it. Passing through some of the most interesting glaciated scenery in Banff National Park, our trail rises from Lake Louise to a spectacular viewpoint at the base of Mount Victoria. The teahouse at the end of the trail was built in 1924 by Swiss guides who were employed by the railway to bring tourism to the area. The baked goods served there provide an extra reward for our hiking endeavors. 8.2 miles round trip. Overnight: Fireweed Hostel

DAY 4

Larch Valley/Sentinel Pass/Paradise Valley Loop. 11 miles. Of the major trails in the mountain parks, Sentinel Pass at 8,566 feet is the highest. Sandwiched between two peaks, this barren pass offers us a glimpse into the world of mountaineers. Starting in the Valley of the Ten Peaks we walk above Moraine Lake to the beautiful Larch Valley and onto Sentinel Pass. After lunch at the pass with its outstanding vistas in all directions, we descend to Paradise Valley for a gradual walk out to the road. This hike feels long by the end but is so absolutely stunning that it is well worth tired feet. 11 miles round trip. Overnight: Fireweed Hostel

DAY 5

Today we'll see the Rockies from a different perspective - that of a glacier, one of the geologic forms that is responsible for carving out the Rockies. On our guided glacier walk on the Athabasca Glacier in the Jasper area, we'll learn how to put on and walk in crampons, which make walking on ice safe and enjoyable. And we'll stop often to learn about glaciers- how they're made, what moulin's (glacier mills) are, what a crevasse is, how moraines are made, and much more. After our full day, we'll move over to the lovely Fireweed Hostel in Field, BC.

DAY 6

Today is full of options! We will visit Emerald Lake where you can rent canoes (canoe rental is additional) and/or enjoy the walk around the lake. If you want a longer hike we will pick one of the many that leave from Emerald Lake. You may be interested in learning more about the Burgess Shale in the area and attending a geology talk at the visitors center. Of course, relaxing at the hostel and exploring the quaint village of Field is also an excellent option. Overnight Fireweed Hostel

DAY 7

This morning we head for Takkakaw Falls, one of the most beautiful and dramatic falls in the Rockies as it plunges 850 feet over a rocky cliff. "Takakkaw", loosely translated from Cree, means something like "it is magnificent". The Iceline trail is too!! Our hike for the day offers simply spectacular overviews of the Yoho Valley. Scratched from glacial rubble, the trail follows a sensational line, contouring the edge of Emerald Glacier for 2 miles. Panoramic vistas of the Yoho valley (Yoho is from a Cree expression meaning awe and wonder) are our reward for venturing into this rocky domain. Hiking 10 miles. Overnight Fireweed Hostel

DAY 8

After a leisurely morning, we drive back to the city of Banff. Along the way we will stop for a three mile hike along tumbling waters in the deep cleft of Johnson Canyon. This asphalt-covered path is one of the most popular in the Park and no wonder - its gentle grade up to spectacular waterfalls is outstanding. Once in town there are a number of possible things to do, including a visit to the famous cave and basin hot springs, a ride up the Sulphur mountain gondola, or a visit to the Whyte Museum. There will also be time to shop for last minute souvenirs. We will head back to Calgary for dinner and our final farewells. Overnight Calgary

DAY 9

We will be staying at a hotel that has a shuttle to the airport and you are free to depart anytime for home. But Calgary is also an interesting town in its own right and you might want to spend time visiting it before heading home.

Trip Summary

Packing List

*These are the unfiltered reviews of women who have been on this trip in answer to the question "Did this trip meet your expectations?". We take reviews very seriously and often tweak itineraries based on feedback. Please feel free to contact us about any questions you have.

Great hiking and great guides.

Canadian Rockies Hiking Holiday 7/20/2019-7/28/2019

Exceeded them!

Canadian Rockies Hiking Holiday 7/20/2019-7/28/2019

The Iceline trail hike was the highlight for me. I also enjoyed the Athabascar glacier excursion. I was taken aback by the hordes at Lake Louise, however, and the very difficult parking situation which complicated things on the first day. I think an alternative first day hike that avoids this scene would be advisable. Not sure we need to go the teahouse--it was too crowded to appreciate anyway.

Canadian Rockies Hiking Holiday 7/20/2019-7/28/2019

The Canadian Rockies were better breathtaking, and the camaraderie of a he women was a blast.

Canadian Rockies Hiking Holiday 7/20/2019-7/28/2019

The guides were fantastic and the beauty of the Canadian Rockies. The other women on the trip made it a delight.

Canadian Rockies Hiking Holiday 7/20/2019-7/28/2019

Great trip, amazing hikes. Very good food. Appreciated both guides, especially Leigh Saint and her amazing leadership and composure. My group of 4 had the smallest room, which included a door that did not open all the way and wedged against the bunks. It felt unsafe descending from the upper bunk. Two of us swapped bunks midway to mitigate the issue.

Canadian Rockies Hiking Holiday 7/20/2019-7/28/2019

Highlights: the support from the guides as I challenged myself with a faulty piriformis and average lung capacity (I chose to let my breathing dictate how fast I walked); the AMAZING food that they prepared; the truly wonderful Fireweed Hostel in Field B.C.; the guides themselves...both are amazing women and complemented each other's skills.

Canadian Rockies Hiking Holiday 7/20/2019-7/28/2019

stupendous landscape; kind and competent guides, lovely company, highline and 10 peaks trails, bear sightings, excellent food, glaciers and glacial lakes

Canadian Rockies Hiking Holiday 7/20/2019-7/28/2019

Wonderful hikes with amazing views, fabulous guides, perfectly planned itinerary, great food and accommodations, and truly wonderful trip mates.

Canadian Rockies Hiking Holiday 7/20/2019-7/28/2019

Glacier hike Long hikes with beautiful views Interaction with participants Great guides (and food)