Hiking in the Canadian Rockies: The Hotels Edition
A North American classic, with added comfort. Roam around amazing trails soaking up all the epic views in the revered Rocky Mountains
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking guidesHotels and Lodges
7 nights in comfortable hotels and lodges dotted around the RockiesMeals
All breakfasts, 6 lunches, 2 dinnersTransfers
Airport transfers and everything in betweenNational Park Fees
All National Park permits/feesSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 12 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
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What's it like?
Tick off Banff, Glacier, Jasper and Revelstoke National Parks in one epic week, completing some of the best mountain day hikes in the world
Tackle the Sentinel Pass and Cory Pass trails, and travel up the Icefields Parkway to meander along the Wilcox Pass for glacial views
Tread the backcountry trails on Mount Revelstoke for panoramic views of the Columbia Valley, and hit the Balu Pass hike through grizzly bear country
Bunk down in cosy lodges, inns and hotels as you go, and pause for iconic views over Peyto Lake and the Athabasca Glacier
Key Information
Day 1
Touchdown in Calgary
Arrive at Calgary Airport and hop on the free shuttle to your hotel. Check in, unwind and make the most of a relaxed evening – maybe even squeeze in a swim at the pool. The adventure kicks off tomorrow morning.
Day 2
Explore the Cascade Ampitheatre
Hiking
Lace up for one of Banff National Park's classic day hikes. The Cascade Amphitheatre is a natural wonder – vast alpine meadows hemmed in by towering cliffs, with views that make the climb more than worth it. You'll set off from Mount Norquay Ski Hill, winding through shaded forest before tackling a switchback ascent that opens up to the amphitheatre. As the trees fall away, you'll step into a striking cirque beneath the jagged skyline of Cascade Mountain. After time to take it all in – and maybe spot the route scramblers use to reach the summit – you'll descend the way you came, buzzing from the big views and mountain air. Back at the Lake Louise Inn, kick off your boots and unwind in the lounge, take a dip in the pool or soak in the hot tub.
Day 3
Wilcox Pass Trail and the Icefields Parkway
Hiking
After breakfast at the lodge, jump in the van for a scenic drive along the beautiful Route 93 – the Icefields Parkway – which slices through Jasper National Park. On the way to the trailhead, you’ll stop at classic viewpoints including Peyto Lake and the Athabasca Glacier. Today’s hike follows the Wilcox Pass trail at the southern end of the park – a steady climb through alpine meadows with sweeping views of peaks and glaciers on the edge of the Columbia Icefield (if snow blocks the trail, you’ll head to Parker Ridge or a similar alternative instead). After a solid day on your feet, head back to the Lake Louise Inn for another restful evening.
Day 4
Hike the Sentinel Pass Trail
Hiking
Say goodbye to your base at Lake Louise this morning and drive over to Moraine Lake, tucked into the Valley of the Ten Peaks, where today’s hike begins back in Banff National Park. The Sentinel Pass trail climbs through pine forest, with occasional glimpses of the turquoise glacial lake below and the jagged 3000m+ peaks surrounding the valley, including Mount Allen. After reaching a meadow dotted with three alpine lakes, the trail winds beneath the flanks of Mount Temple before climbing towards Sentinel Pass. Pause at the highest lake – Lake Minnestimma – to soak up sweeping views of the Rockies and catch your breath before descending to Moraine Lake. After your hike, it’s a short drive to Revelstoke, your next base, where you’ll stay in a classic Rockies hotel with cracking views from the terrace and a spa to ease tired hikers' legs before dinner.
Day 5
Into Revelstoke National Park for the Eva Lake Trail
Hiking
After breakfast, bid farewell to Banff National Park and make a beeline for another quintessential Rockies spot – Mount Revelstoke National Park. A scenic drive to the summit of Mount Revelstoke (1939m) sets the tone with sweeping views of the Columbia Valley. From here, you'll hit the Eva Lake Trail – an out-and-back route through pine forest and past clear alpine lakes, perfect for a foot soak or a chilly dip if you're feeling bold. In summer, the trail is lined with wildflowers, and the open meadows make a top-notch picnic spot. By the time you reach Eva Lake, you’ll be surrounded by still waters reflecting jagged peaks – a proper Rockies moment. After the hike, head into Revelstoke and check in at the Coast Hillcrest Hotel. Nestled into the forest’s edge with big mountain views, it’s an ideal place to unwind with a laid-back mountain town vibe, hearty food, and a soak in the hot tub await if you fancy it.
Day 6
The Balu Pass Trail in Glacier National Park
Hiking
After breakfast, head east through Rogers Pass into Glacier National Park – another gem of the Rockies – where the Balu Pass trail awaits. This lesser-known route winds through prime grizzly bear country and serves up a varied, scenic trek with a solid dose of challenge. You'll climb steadily to the high pass tucked between Cheops Mountain (2517m) and the rugged Grizzly Mountain (2730m). From the top, you'll bee rewarded with sweeping alpine views and the feeling of being in the heart of the Selkirk Mountains. Once back at the trailhead, jump in the van and drive to your final base – the mountain town of Banff. The drive is a stunner, with glaciers and jagged peaks lining the way, building up to some of the Rockies' most iconic scenery.
Day 7
The epic Cory Pass Trail
Hiking
On your final day of hiking in the Rockies, you’ll take on the Cory Pass Trail – a fitting finale to your adventure. This circular route loops around Mount Edith and serves up big views of Mount Cory. It kicks off with a punchy climb through forest before breaking above the treeline onto rocky terrain, where the panoramas really open up. A short section of scrambling adds a dash of excitement, with your guides on hand to point the way – by now they’ll know everyone’s abilities inside out. The effort pays off with sweeping vistas across the Bow Valley and a real sense of achievement. Back at the hotel, freshen up before heading into Banff for the evening to mark the end of your adventure with a farewell meal, a well-earned drink and plenty of stories to share.
Day 8
Goodbye Rocky Mountains
Driving
Tuck into one last breakfast at the hotel before saying goodbye to the Rockies as you drive back to Calgary Airport.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Element Hotel, Calgary Airport
Any time on Day 1
Ends
Calgary Airport (YYC)
Around midday on Day 8
Transfers
Arrive at Calgary Airport any time on Day 1 and hop on the complimentary 24-hour shuttle to the Element Hotel. Shuttles run on demand – you can request one by calling the hotel front desk on +1-403-984-5515 via the airport’s courtesy phones. The transfer takes about 15 minutes, and the hotel makes a handy meeting point before heading into the mountains. Your guide will meet you in the lobby at 08:00 the following morning. Breakfast is available from 06:30, so you’ll have time to fuel up before hitting the road.
On Day 8, you’ll transfer by road from Banff National Park to Calgary Airport, a journey of around 1.5 hours, arriving around midday. We recommend booking a flight that departs in the late afternoon or evening, as traffic delays can occur on the way back to the city.
Travel options
There are direct daily flights to Calgary from London, as well as from most other major European and North American airports.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4 – Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 7
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 8
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Breakfast is served buffet style each day at the lodges, inns and hotels, with both continental and cooked options. Expect the usual spread of toast and preserves, pastries, cereals, granola, yoghurt, fruit, tea, coffee and juice. Lunches are cold picnics, prepared in advance so you can carry them on the hikes and stop for a picturesque Rockies refuel. These typically include wraps, sandwiches, salads, cereal bars and fruit. On the first and last nights, your host will book a local favourite for welcome and farewell dinners, with a range of dishes to choose from. On other evenings, your guide will suggest options for the group, or you’re welcome to dine at the in-house restaurants. You can expect to pay around $15–$25 CAD at casual dinner spots, or $40–$50 CAD at mid-range restaurants.
What is the accommodation like?
Calgary Airport
On your first night, you’ll stay at the Element Hotel, Calgary Airport – a comfortable 3-star hotel with WiFi, a gym and a swimming pool. Breakfast is included and served from 06:30–09:30. For dinner (not included), the Four Points Hotel across the street offers a casual bar and restaurant, perfect for unwinding after your journey. A complimentary 24-hour airport shuttle runs from the terminal to the hotel, with check-in available from 15:00. If requested in advance, your host may be able to arrange early check-in, or you can leave your bags at reception and head out to explore the city.
Lake Louise
You’ll spend two nights at the Lake Louise Inn, an alpine-style lodge in the heart of the Lake Louise area. It’s a comfortable base and the perfect launchpad for day hikes in Banff National Park, with cosy rooms and classic Rockies hospitality. There’s a heated indoor pool and hot tub to unwind in after a day on the trails. The central location makes it easy to enjoy the views and atmosphere of Lake Louise village, while still feeling tucked away in the mountains. Accommodation is in twin-share rooms with ensuite bathrooms.
Revelstoke
Midway through the trip, you’ll head into Revelstoke National Park for a two-night stay at the Coast Hillcrest Hotel. Set just outside the mountain town of Revelstoke, it’s surrounded by sweeping mountain views and offers a welcoming lodge-style atmosphere with spacious rooms and modern comforts. The hotel has a sauna, outdoor hot tub and a terrace where you can relax as the sun sets behind the peaks. With Revelstoke’s adventure-loving vibe just down the road, it’s a great spot to recharge after your hikes in the national park. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with ensuite bathrooms.
Banff
For the final two nights, you’ll stay at the Charlton Hotel, a family-run spot in the centre of Banff. Known for its relaxed mountain charm and friendly service, it’s within easy walking distance of Banff’s shops, cafés and hot springs, while still offering a quiet and comfortable retreat. Rooms are modern and spacious, and there’s a cosy fireside lounge to round off your evenings.
Note: Departures in August 2026 will instead stay at the Royal Canadian Lodge, and departures in September 2026 will stay at the Banff Inn, each offering the same level of quality and welcoming Canadian hospitality.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, a private room can be booked for an extra charge; see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking.
This trip has been rated as Moderate
Whilst in the Rockies you'll go above 2500m altitude on multiple occasions, spending up to six hours per day walking on mountain trails with large elevation gains up to 1500m. As you'll be hiking for consecutive days, fitness and endurance are important, and some preparation hikes in your boots with your pack on prior to the trip are strongly recommended.
The hiking is generally on non-technical terrain, but it can be steep in places with shorter rocky sections. The selected trails are generally 'there and back' day hikes in the National Parks, where staying on-trail is important for habitat preservation, meaning that there is some flexibility for the guides to adjust the distance and pace based on the group and weather conditions to provide the best experience possible for everyone.
If you're looking to go hiking surrounded by big mountains, up for the challenges of the trail in return for the epic viewpoints you'll reach at the top and will enjoy hanging out at camp getting to know some new adventure buddies, then this trip is for you!
What if i need to skip an activity?
If you don't feel up to one of the hikes on this trip, you can speak with your guide who can arrange for you to skip out. You'll stay two consecutive nights at Lake Louise, Revelstoke and Banff, so on three days of the trip the option to sit out the hike and remain at the hotel will be there for you. On other days you'll be checking out of the hotel, heading for a hike before checking into the next hotel; however, your guide will take an appropriate course of action should you need to skip a hike on a day where you transfer between accommodation.
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 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 (68–77°F) during the daytime, but days which go above 30°C (86°F+) are becoming increasingly common. June and September are cooler, with typical daytime temperatures in the mid-teens (around 59°F). Temperatures drop considerably at nighttime (to around 5°C/41°F), 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 there will still be snow cover on some of the trails.
We’re still waiting to collect any reviews from other travellers on this trip. However, all our hosts go through an extensive vetting process to ensure that your adventure is awesome.
Itinerary Activities
- Guided hike to Cascade Amphitheatre (Banff NP)
- Guided hike on the Wilcox Pass Trail (Jasper NP)
- Guided hike at Sentinel Pass and Lake Louise (Banff NP)
- Guided hike on the Eva Lake Trail (Revelstoke NP)
- Guided hike on the Balu Pass Trail (Glacier NP)
- Guided hike on the Cory Pass Trail (Banff NP)
Guides
- Expert, local, English-speaking hiking guides
Accommodation
- 1 night in a comfortable hotel by Calgary Airport
- 2 nights at a lodge-style hotel in Lake Louise
- 2 nights at a hotel in Revelstoke
- 2 nights at an inn or lodge in Banff
Meals
- All (7) buffet-style breakfasts at the hotels
- All (6) picnic lunches in beautiful spots while out hiking
- Welcome dinner in Calgary
- Farewell dinner in Banff
Transfers
- There's a free airport shuttle (24 hrs) from Calgary Airport to the Element Hotel, where your trip begins
- Group departure transfer to Calgary Airport on Day 8
- All transfers throughout the trip
Permits
- All National Park permits
Our trips are hassle-free by design. We include all the activities and equipment, as well as many of the meals, so you can simply rock up with your rucksack and share the adventure with your new pals.
Travel to and from the trip
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Tips
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 you budget, we'd recommend around $5-10 (CAD) per day for your driver/guide.
Personal Expenses
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures, and you'll need to provide your policy details before departure. Your insurance should offer adequate cover for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment, and the specific activities involved in your adventure. We also recommend ensuring your policy includes cancellation and curtailment cover, in case you're unable to join your trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness.
Standard travel insurance may not cover all the activities included in your adventure, so it's essential to check the details carefully. There are adventure-specific providers that many travellers have used in the past, such as True Traveller (for those based in the UK or Europe), or Rise + Shield, both of which offer cover for a wide range of adventurous activities.
Please make sure your chosen policy meets your individual needs and covers all aspects of your trip.
Visas
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
- Soft overnight duffel bag or rucksack (main luggage)
- Daypack, for hiking with (20-30 litres)
- Waterproof liner or drybags for kitbag/rucksack
CLOTHES
- Light down jacket, for colder days and nights early in the summer
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Breathable wicking layers
- Fleece jacket or similar
- Warm hat and gloves, for colder days earlier in the summer
- Buff or neckscarf
- Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts
- T-shirts
- Underwear and socks
- Swimwear
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Something to sleep in
- Hiking boots (worn-in)
- Shoes to relax at hotels in
OTHER
- Universal travel plug adapter
- 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)
- Alcohol hand-gel
- Quick-dry towel
- Hiking poles (optional but recommended)
- Reusable water bottle x2 litre
- Electrolyte tabs/Rehydration salts
- 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
Optional Private Room Upgrade - August
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade - August
…
Optional Private Room Upgrade - June & July
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade - June & July
…
Optional Private Room Upgrade - September
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade - September
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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 236kg 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 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
- A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 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.
Should 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.
Some 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 national parks. In addition, poor air quality can also be an issue during periods of wildfire activity, which is increasingly common across North America from mid- to late summer. Wildfires often result in hazy skies and at worst, severely limit outdoor activities. Your guides will follow the official guidance from the local authorities on how best to manage this within the national parks.
As the trip doesn't return to the starting hotel it isn't possible to leave excess luggage there, unless you have booked an additional night post-trip at the same hotel. Your luggage will be transferred for you in between each of the bases on this trip, and you can leave it securely in your hotel room when heading off for the day hikes.
You'll usually have two experienced hiking guides leading the group throughout the trip (group sizes of six and below will have one guide, rather than two).
Drinking water is available at the hotels and other points during the hiking days. You will need to carry your own water supply in a daypack throughout the hikes.
This trip takes place in environments where wild animals are present in their natural environment, where protections and controls on their movement may be limited or non-existent. Some species may be dangerous, venomous, or unpredictable. Sightings are a privilege, but safety is key. Always follow your guide’s instructions and any posted signage.
We recommend considering your comfort around wildlife and discussing any concerns with your host before travel, particularly if you have allergies, phobias, or related health conditions.
This trip operates in areas where daytime temperatures can reach extreme levels, with limited shade and, at times, high humidity adding to the challenge. These conditions can affect physical performance and increase the risk of dehydration or heat-related illness. Your guide will adjust the pace and monitor the group closely, but staying well hydrated, wearing suitable clothing, and using sun protection is essential.
Before travelling, consider your ability to remain active in high temperatures and consult a medical professional if you have any concerns, especially if you have cardiovascular or heat-sensitive conditions. Arriving a day or two before the trip may help you adjust gradually to the heat.
This trip visits locations at or above 2500m, where some people may experience symptoms of Altitude Sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
Previous experience at altitude doesn’t guarantee the same response again – your body can react differently on each trip. However, having been at altitude before is still valuable: it gives you a better understanding of how your body might respond, what symptoms to look out for, and how to manage your pace and energy levels.
Your guide is trained to manage the risk of altitude sickness by controlling the rate of ascent, monitoring group wellbeing, and responding appropriately if anyone feels unwell.
Before booking, we recommend considering your personal health, particularly if you have any pre-existing conditions, and consulting a medical professional if you’re unsure. Arriving early to allow your body to acclimatise can also make a big difference.
Your travel insurance must cover the maximum altitude reached on this trip and include emergency evacuation.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. 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. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
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.
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
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 as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.
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.
Need help finding flights?
From logistics and how to get there, to fitness, group dynamic and trip difficulty, Rory and his team of friendly experts are on hand to help.
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DEPARTURE DATES
Sunday 28th June 2026
to Sunday 5th July 2026
New Trip Offer - Next 2 spots available at 10% off
