Hiking in the Canadian Rockies: The Hotels Edition

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tuck into one last breakfast at the hotel before saying goodbye to the Rockies as you drive back to Calgary Airport.