Hiking in the Canadian Rockies
A North American classic. Explore the great Canadian outdoors on some of the best wilderness trails in the Rocky Mountains
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking guidesHotel & Camping
8 nights camping, 1 night in a hotelMeals
All your breakfasts, 8 lunches, 5 dinnersTransfers & Permits
All airport transfers, local transfers and National Park permit feesEquipment
Tents and sleeping matsSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 12 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
What's it like?
Tackle the Sentinel Pass and Bow Lake trails in Banff National Park, summit Mount Fairview (2744m) and camp near Lake Louise
Trek by the Athabasca Glacier in Jasper National Park and summit the Bald Hills (2345m) for epic views of Maligne Lake
Hit the paths less trodden in Yoho and Glacier National Parks, hiking by stunning Emerald Lake and taking on the Balu Pass
Swim in pristine alpine lakes, journey along the epic Icefields Parkway and keep your eyes peeled for bears and elk
Key Information
Day 1
Touchdown in Calgary
Arrive at Calgary Airport and jump on the complimentary shuttle to your hotel. Check in and enjoy the evening at leisure, relax and perhaps have a dip in the swimming pool. The adventure starts tomorrow morning!
Day 2
Sentinel Pass and Lake Louise
Hiking
Meet your guide in the hotel lobby at 08:00 and get ready to hit the road. Drive from Calgary to Moraine Lake, which sits within the impressive Valley of the Ten Peaks, where your first hiking trail begins in Banff National Park. The path climbs up through forest with occasional viewpoints over the turquoise waters of the lake below and the jagged mountain peaks that surround the valley. After emerging at a beautiful meadow with three alpine lakes, the trail then steepens for the ascent to Sentinel Pass. Enjoy spectacular views down to Paradise Valley before beginning your descent. Head to the campground at nearby Lake Louise for a quick crash course in how to set up camp, then settle in for the evening.
Day 3
Mount Fairview Summit Trail
Hiking
Starting from Lake Louise, today's off-the-beaten-track hike takes you up Fairview Mountain (2744m), climbing almost 1000m to find an astounding viewpoint at the summit. Be wowed by the views down on Lake Louise and out across the Banff National Park. The final 1-2 km of the ascent involves a steep incline to reach the top. Stop off for a well-earned drink in Lake Louise, take a dip in the lake if you're feeling brave, or head straight back to the campground.
Day 4
Katherine Lake Trail
Hiking
Explore another area of Banff National Park today. After a short drive north along the Icefields Parkway, one of the world's most scenic roads, you'll hit the trail at Bow Lake and climb up to Lake Helen through alpine wildflower meadows. Take in the stunning vistas of Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake and Cirque Peak along the route, as you continue on the trail to arrive at Lake Katherine. Cool off with a swim in Bow Lake after your hike if you like, then back to camp to rest before an evening out in Lake Louise.
Day 5
Wilcox Pass Trail and the Icefields Parkway
Hiking
Continue the drive along the Icefield Parkway. You'll stop off at some classic viewpoints along the way, including Peyto Lake and the Athabasca Glacier. Stop at the trailhead for today's hike – the Wilcox Pass trail, a moderate hike to alpine meadows which reveals incredible views of the peaks and glaciers on the edge of the Columbia Icefield (if the trail is closed due to snow, you'll instead hike the Parker Ridge Trail or similar). Set up camp at Whistlers Campground, your base in Jasper National Park for the next three nights.
Day 6
Valley of the Five Lakes
Hiking
Enjoy an easier hike this morning in the scenic Valley of Five Lakes, with its beautiful cluster of emerald-coloured lakes. Later on, embark on a short hiking exploration of Maligne Canyon, Maligne Lake and the surrounding area. Head back to camp or to a local alpine lake for a dip, before dinner around the campfire.
Day 7
Bald Hills Trail
Hiking
A wonderful hike within Jasper National Park, the Bald Hills trail starts in dense forest and ascends past the tree line to emerge at barren alpine peaks that give this mountain range its name. The views down to Maligne Lake, and indeed in every direction, are sublime. Explore the mountains with your guide, before making your way back down to Whistlers Campground.
Day 8
Emerald Lake and Yoho National Park
Driving
Hiking
It's time to leave Jasper and head back down south along the spectacular Icefields Parkway, today you're heading to Yoho National Park. With time for a few stops along the way, take in the views and recover from all the hiking you've done so far. Today's epic road trip includes an afternoon stop at Emerald Lake. Walk the trail around the park's largest lake and enjoy the stunning natural scenes. If you feel like it, there is the option to rent a canoe locally for approx. $90CAD/hr, and navigate the blue-green glacial waters the lake has to offer. Then, drive on to Golden Riverfront, near the small town of Golden and set up your camp – your base for the next two nights.
Day 9
Balu Pass Trail
Hiking
Experience another national park today for your last hike in the Canadian Rockies, as you take on the wonderful Balu Pass hike in Glacier National Park. This lesser-known trail takes you through grizzly bear country on another beautifully scenic and diverse trek, with an element of challenge involved as you tackle the steep elevation to reach the high pass at the end. Head out in Golden this evening to celebrate an unforgettable adventure in the Rockies!
Day 10
Goodbye Rocky Mountains
Driving
Say goodbye to the Rockies as you drive back to Calgary Airport. Should timings permit, you may make a stop in the town of Banff on the way.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5 – Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 7
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 8
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 9
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 10
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Whilst camping, your guide will rustle up nutritious and varied meals. As it is participatory camping, your help washing up afterwards will be appreciated by the guide! Breakfasts are served buffet style each day with varying items, allowing for a quick start before getting out on the trails, and typically include hot drinks, fruit juice, bread, croissants, cereal, granola, yoghurt and fruit. Lunches will be cold picnics, prepared earlier so that you can carry them with you and stop somewhere during the hikes. These usually involve wraps, sandwiches, salads, cereal bars and fruit. For dinners, the guide will plan a starter, main and dessert. The main dish is typically meat or fish with sides of rice or potatoes and vegetables. Some nights they may make a pasta or curry dish.
Vegetarian diets can be catered for, please request this in advance on your passenger info form once you've made your booking. Lactose-free, Nut-free and mild Gluten-free diets can also be accommodated by advance request. However, due to the limited cooking facilities in the camp kitchen, 100% strictly Vegan or Coeliac diets (requiring separate cooking equipment to prevent cross-contamination) cannot be accommodated on this trip.
What is the accommodation like?
Calgary
On the first night of the trip you'll have a comfortable overnight stay at the Hotel Clique, Calgary Airport. Take advantage of the 24-hour airport shuttle from the terminal to the hotel.
The Rockies
You'll stay in organised, permanent, 'front-country' campgrounds, each with shared facilities for washing: Lake Louise Campground, Whistlers Campground and Golden Riverfront Campground. This is participatory camping, so you'll be expected to pitch in and get your own tent set up, although your guide will be on hand to help out! Tents are allocated on a twin-share basis, although you have the option to upgrade to a sole occupancy tent should you wish – see the Optional Extras section. You'll use the campsites as basecamps from which to go off and do day hikes in nearby locations.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room and tent can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).
This trip has been rated as Moderate
Whilst in the Rockies you'll go above 2,000m altitude on multiple occasions. A good general level of fitness is recommended, as you'll be spending up to six hours per day walking on mountain trails – some of which involve large elevation gains. You'll be hiking for consecutive days, so some fitness preparation in the months and weeks prior to the trip is recommended.
The hikes are all non-technical, with no previous trekking experience required. The selected trails are 'there and back' day hikes, meaning that there is often the flexibility to shorten, sit out a section, or even stay back at the campsite should you want a rest. The early-season departure in mid-June will have some alterations to the hiking trails, as stated in the itinerary. This is due to lingering snow cover – the National Park authorities may not open some hiking trails until slightly later, typically at the start of July. For mid-June departures on Day 5 – Wilcox Pass will be replaced with the Parker Ridge Trail or similar (5.9km, elevation gain/loss 250m)
What will I need to carry?
You'll need to have a larger bag suitable for all your belongings which will be transported for you (you'll have a dedicated vehicle and trailer throughout the trip), and then a small daypack to carry personal items during each day of hiking.
The summer season for hiking in the Canadian Rockies spans from mid-June to mid-September. The peak summer months of July and August are the hottest, with temperatures typically sitting between 20-25°C during the daytime. June and September are cooler, with typical daytime temperatures in the mid-teens. Temperatures drop considerably at nighttime (to around 5°C, and lower in June and September), and of course, you should expect to encounter cooler climates when trekking to higher elevations. It is possible that during the early summer dates that there will still be snow cover on some of the trails.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Hotel Clique, Calgary Airport
Any time on Day 1
Ends
Calgary Airport
Around midday on Day 10
Transfers
Arrive at Calgary Airport any time on Day 1. Upon arrival at the airport, you can utilise the complimentary shuttle to the Hotel Clique – where you'll be staying the night – which runs 24 hours per day.
For international travellers, the shuttle pick-up is on the International Level, Door 16, Pillar 37. The shuttle is on demand, so you should call 403-460-9588 and Press 0 to arrange a pick-up. For domestic travellers, the shuttle pick-up is on the Arrivals Level, Door 4, Pillar 17. The hotel is located approx five minutes from the airport terminal and serves as a great meeting point prior to heading off into the mountains. Your guide will meet you the following morning in the lobby of the hotel at 08:00 – be ready to hit the road!
When your trip ends on Day 10, there is a road transfer of approx 3.5 hrs to drive, from the Golden Riverfront Campground to Calgary Airport. We recommended that you don't book any flights departing before late afternoon/early evening on this day.
Travel options
There are direct daily flights to Calgary from London, as well as from most other major European and North American airports.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What's included?
- Camping gear: tent, self-inflating mattress, cooking equipment
What's available to hire?
- Sleeping bags (please request upon booking - CAD50 payment taken locally, in cash)
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
- Soft overnight duffel bag or rucksack (main luggage)
- Daypack for trekking with (20-30 litres)
- Waterproof liner for kitbag/rucksack or drybags
CLOTHES
- Down jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Breathable wicking layers
- Fleece jacket or similar
- Thermals (merino best)
- Warm hat
- Gloves
- Buff or neckscarf
- Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts
- T-shirts
- Underwear and socks
- Swimwear
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Something to sleep in
- Hiking boots (worn-in)
- Sandals
SLEEPING
- Cotton or silk sleeping bag liner
- Sleeping bag (3 season, 0ºC to –7ºC)
- Travel pillow or pillowcase
OTHER
- Universal travel plug adapter
- Power bank or solar charger
- Passports (and visas)
- Travel insurance documents
- Ear plugs
- Insect repellent
- Suncream
- Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
- Toilet kit (toilet paper, biodegradable bags to carry paper out to dispose of)
- Quick-dry towel
- Alcohol hand-gel
- Headtorch or torch
- Reusable water bottle x2 litre
- Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks
Single/Double/Twin Room at Calgary Airport Hotel - From:
Payable Before Departure
Single/Double/Twin Room at Calgary Airport Hotel - From:
… Per Night
Single/Double/Twin Room in Calgary Airport Hotel - 13th July Departure Only - From:
Payable Before Departure
Single/Double/Twin Room in Calgary Airport Hotel - 13th July Departure Only - From:
… Per Night
Optional private hotel room in Calgary - From:
Payable Before Departure
Optional private hotel room in Calgary - From:
… Per Night
Optional private hotel room in Calgary - 13July2024 Departure Only - From:
Payable Before Departure
Optional private hotel room in Calgary - 13July2024 Departure Only - From:
… Per Night
Optional private tent upgrade - From:
Payable Before Departure
Optional private tent upgrade - From:
… Per Person
Amazing Rockies
An amazing trip lead by our excellent guides Raph and Danny. All the hikes had spectacular scenery and views and were adjusted depending on weather conditions. The food at camp was exceptional and we were well looked after. I would highly recommend this trip.
Oh Canada… the mountains (and lakes) are calling
Wonderful trip Raph is an excellent hiker with great knowledge of Canada - he read the group well and gave us options to help us make the most of the week when weather altered plans - just come set for amazing scenes and full days out and bring layers
The scale of the landscapes
The scale of the landscapes in the Canadian Rockies are nothing like anything we can see in the UK. The colours are so vivid and the air so pure. Our guide was Raph who was passionate and enthusiastic about the location. He also varied the itinerary for the weather / snow level conditions so that we always had amazing hikes. The food was also great with a real sense of teamwork at the campsites. I can’t wait to return.
Canadian Rockies
It was incredible, very organized and the guide Raphael pushed us to reach heights we couldn't think was possible, and he was very patient with us and gave us confidence to go off the treck and explore more of the Rockies where most people would never see, everyone on the tour was full of enthusiasm and so was the guide Raphael, amazing experience 😊
A Most Excellent Adventure!
This guided hiking adventure is simply splendid. 8 days in 3 sites looking at some of the best that the Canadian Rockies has to offer. The Guides were very knowlegeable about the Rockies, how they formed and came to be as they are now, and excellent camp hosts. They were flexible if weather conditions required it and great fun to be with. Highly recommended!
Unforgettable
What an absolutely fantastic experience from start to finish. The trip exceeded all expectations and I’ve made memories that will last a life time. Raph and Danny were brilliant guides, very knowledgable and passionate. The food was great and there was always plenty of it - the camping equipment was super too! We laughed so much and enjoyed so many breathtaking views. We were lucky to see lots of different wildlife and swim in some beautiful lakes. Raph and Danny went above and beyond to ensure we had an unforgettable experience in Canada. I will miss their energy just as much as I will miss the Rockies. I have made new friends and have ticked off another adventure on my bucket list. Thank you to everyone who made it such a fab holiday!
The trip was incredible and
The trip was incredible and beyond my expectations. I would recommend it to everyone who likes hiking, exploring and getting off the beaten path. Our guides Raph and Danny were amazing and helped make the trip so memorable.
This trip far exceeded my expectations, the scenery and wildlife were breathtaking, and I couldn't have asked for a better group to share the experience with. Our guide, Fred, was exceptional, catering to all our requirements - the best food I've ever eaten on a camping trip! The campsites and facilities were great. I would say a pretty good level of fitness is needed for the hiking, but the views were incredibly rewarding. Would 100% do it all over again in a heartbeat!
Great local host, camp sites all had hot showers. Some of the treks were challenging but all the views were amazing and some of them out of this world. Recommend trip
An amazing trip with a fantastic group - including the guides. The trip was well catered with a good variety of food, quite unexpected for a camping trip. There were also restaurant trips which provided a good opportunity to try some more local cuisine.
The hikes were fantastic, with some splendid views. Some of the hikes seemed to be a little "off the beaten path" which I think added to the charm, and these were, perhaps, some of my favourites.
We also got to see some of the local fauna, for which I gather we were rather lucky - it's certainly not guaranteed.
A great whirlwind tour of the Canadian Rockies which I highly recommend.
This was a fantastic trip. Our guides - Juliette and Fred - supported us brilliantly with great facilities, tasty meals (including an inspired selection of sandwiches!), logistical problem solving and even a bit of cheerleading when needed. The group worked well together and we enjoyed the hikes - Balu Pass and Bald Hills Trail were particular highlights. We saw moose, elk and even a bear disappearing into the forest!
Great scenery, brilliant guides and a really welcoming, friendly group
Fantastic time in the Canadian Rockies, lots of variation in hikes and views. Overall good campsites, a fair amount of driving but I feel this was well spread out. Our guide Fred was great, informative and very accommodating I could not recommend his beetroot salad enough! Thanks again
This was an amazing trip with a fantastic group of people! Our local guides Fred and Juliette went above and beyond to make sure we were catered for and looked after the group extremely well. Some of the hikes had quite steep inclines but we were rewarded with some of the most breathtaking views I have ever seen. This was the best introduction to the Canadian Rockies!
Amazing treks, my favourite was the Balu Pass at the end. Views were unreal, the guides Frederic and Juliette couldn’t have been any better. Plenty of opportunities to go for a swim. All the food was beautiful, the guides really were fantastic! I’ll be back to Much Better Adventures for sure!
This trip was a fantastic way to explore the Canadian Rockies. The guides, Frederic and Juliette, were excellent; I've never had better food camping! Every meal was delicious, and each meal was unique. They were also very accommodating to dietary restrictions.
The hikes had excellent views, and you get to hike in 4 national parks. We were able to see a variety of wildlife, including elk, black bear, and moose.
The group was filled with incredible people. The time spent with them was just as fun as the hikes. You couldn't ask for much more!
Some great views.
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 152kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
Yes, bring your swimsuit and a towel! The water will be cold, largely glacial fed lakes, but throughout the trip you'll have opportunities for taking a dip in different mountain lakes: Herbert Lake, Lake Louise, Bow Lake, Pyramid Lake, Patricia Lake, Annette Lake, Cedar Lake.
There will also be the option to hire a canoe locally at Emerald Lake on Day 8, subject to availability and weather conditions. The cost is approx. $90CAD per hour for a Canadian canoe that typically can be shared between 1-3 people.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. To help budget, 5 to 10 CAD per day for your driver/guide would be a recommended tip.
Drinking water is available at the campgrounds and other points during the hiking days. You will need to carry your own water supply in a daypack throughout the hikes. If you are interested in using a water filter, then you may wish to read our guide here.
No, as we don't return to the start hotel it isn't possible to leave excess luggage there, unless you have booked an additional night post-trip at the same hotel.
We recommend checking out the country specific information here and also talking to a travel nurse.
Should localised weather conditions mean that particular trails are either closed or not recommended, then the local guide will adjust the itinerary to try and offer a similar alternative, maintaining group safety as paramount and re-working the order of the itinerary if necessary. Several of the trekking trails are not guaranteed to open in June, they could be closed until July depending on snow levels in the mountains. In this case, the guide will arrange for an alternative trek within the same national parks.
This trip visits locations at or above 2500m. At this altitude some people may experience symptoms associated with Altitude Sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Previous experience at high altitude is not necessarily an indicator of future performance. Your guide(s) are trained to mitigate the risks associated with altitude, by carefully managing the rate of ascent and the intensity of the activity, and to provide the appropriate support response should someone feel ill during the trip. Should you experience health issues during your trip you should inform your guide immediately so the proper care can be provided. Owing to the nature of this trip, it is essential that your personal travel insurance policy provides cover up to the maximum altitude visited on this trip as well as emergency medical evacuation by helicopter.
Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.
Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.
We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.
Our team of Adventure Hunters create exclusive adventures with highly vetted, specialist hosts. We only work with independent, local in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
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DEPARTURE DATES
Saturday • 3rd August 2024
to Monday • 12th August 2024
Fully Booked
Saturday • 17th August 2024
to Monday • 26th August 2024
Fully Booked
Saturday • 31st August 2024
to Monday • 9th September 2024
Fully Booked
