Hiking in the Canadian Rockies

Welcome to the Canadian Rockies! Your adventure begins in Calgary with a welcome meeting at 7.30 am. You’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers, and then it’s time to hit the road for Banff National Park. Your first hike of the trip will be at Tunnel Mountain. Take in your first experience walking among the Rockies’ unbeatable scenery. As the hike is relatively short, you’ll have some time this afternoon to explore Banff. Why not relax and unwind in the upper hot springs – at a height of 1524 m (5000 ft), these are Canada’s highest natural springs. There’s plenty to keep you entertained in Banff this evening. Maybe head to a local eatery to sample an elk burger or check out what’s on offer at the microbrewery – the views here are worth a toast!

Make the drive this morning to Lake Louise. Here, you’ll experience natural beauty at its very best – dazzling peaks dusted with snow reflect on the pristine glittering lake, creating an image that looks too perfect to be real. There are many hiking options here, with a range of lengths and levels of difficulty – your leader can give you the best advice on which trail to tackle. Maybe check out the stunning Lake Agnes hike. Heading off on the well-maintained trail, find yourself at a quaint, European-style teahouse on the edge of a gorgeous mountain lake tucked in the shadows of the towering peaks above. After exploring the area, why not make your way back to the Lake Louise Fairmont Hotel? Sitting right on the shores of the lake, it serves as the perfect spot to take in the scenery with some poutine or a cocktail in hand. Late afternoon will bring another chance to visit the hot springs before regrouping 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 another of the Rockies’ many incredible walks. Your circuit will lead you around the shimmering waters of the lake, skimming a gorge with water rushing below through to an outwash plain where you can see the wild Bow Falls. Take in the epic views that greet you with every step – Crowfoot Mountain, Bow Crow Peak, Mt Gordon and many other peaks make the backdrop for your walk. This afternoon, why not join the optional hike to the incredible Athabasca glacier. Explore the lower glacier, discovering natural ice features, with the Rockies watching over you in the distance. Look down into deep ice crevasses and up towards powerful waterfalls cascading into the ice while learning about how glaciers are formed and the ways they shape the landscape around them. After an exciting day, make your way back to your remote and picturesque campground, where you’ll enjoy a BBQ dinner under the stars.

This morning, breathe in the fresh mountain air and head out to take on the Sulphur Skyline Trail. It’s a moderately challenging hike, as you steadily make your way above the tree line and get to gaze across the valley. Your efforts to reach the summit will be more than worth it. There are 360 degree views of the national park and surrounding mountains, dominated by Utopia Mountain. Return back the way you came, then get the recovery started early with a dip in the nearby Miette Hot Springs. The afternoon is then free for you to explore Jasper – perhaps rent a bike or rest up at camp before dinner.

Today, you’ll travel to Maligne Lake. Famed for its bright blue waters, this area is known as one of the most beautiful places in Canada. 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 your time here. Stop for lunch and take some time to soak up the scenery, then spend the afternoon in laidback Jasper.

This morning, return to the Icefields Parkway. So much more than just a road, the parkway is punctuated with world-class wonders. Making stops along the way, take in the views over magnificent lakes, waterfalls and glaciers. If you’re looking for an adventure, why not head out on an optional hike to the incredible Athabasca glacier. Explore the lower glacier, discovering natural ice features, with the Rockies watching over you in the distance. Look down into deep ice crevasses and up towards powerful waterfalls cascading into the ice while learning about how glaciers are formed and the ways they shape the landscape around them. Alternatively, set out on the Willcox Pass Hike. Trek past wetlands, take in views of the Sunwapta Pass and climb above the tree line, where you’ll find a set of Canada’s famous red chairs, inviting visitors to sit back and take a moment to soak up the view. From up here, you’ll be able to see the glaciers and peaks of the Columbia Icefield, including the Athabasca glacier. Then, drive on to Peyto Lake, made famous by its glacial waters, and take a short hike up to a viewpoint where you can look out across the lake in its glory.

Begin your day by travelling to Yoho National Park, where you’ll head out on a hike. This half-day hike will take you on a loop of the park and past some of the area's most stunning landmarks, including glacial lakes and epic views over the surrounding mountains and valleys. Stand in the mist of Canada's second tallest waterfall – Takakkaw Falls (where you’ll learn why the name translates to ‘wonderful’ in the First Nations Cree language) and look out over the remarkable Emerald Glacier. Perhaps take a few detours to a few hidden lakes along the way and enjoy some time at Yoho Lake before returning to the trailhead.

Leave Banff behind this morning and make your way to the start of the Grassi Lakes Trail, your final hike of the trip. It’ll be a short and easy walk, as you follow the trail through evergreen forest to start, pass by an impressive waterfall and then reach the striking colours of Grassi Lakes. The turquoise waters are the perfect place to reflect on the trip that’s been! After, head back to Calgary, where your adventure will come to an end.