On arrival in Calgary, make your way downtown to our pick-up location for 1:45 PM. Members of our team will be picking you up around 2:00 PM. From there, we will start our 2.5-to-3-hour journey west towards our first overnight camp in the mountains. After setting up camp, the evening will be spent around the campfire discussing the trip and getting to know each other.

Meals:  D

For your first full day in the Canadian Rockies, we follow in the footsteps of the Swiss mountaineers who helped shape the region’s mountaineering history. We make our way to a historic alpine teahouse, a true piece of history showcasing a phenomenal view of the mountains and glaciers that encircle Lake Louise. Take a moment to soak in the world-renowned turquoise lakes and glacial views the region is known for.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today, we will venture up the Icefields Parkway and hike Wilcox Pass (approx. 10 km/6mi, 2350m elevation) to get a one-of-a-kind view of the Columbia Icefield. The view from the top of Wilcox Pass provides the perfect backdrop as you learn about the relationship between rock and ice that ultimately shaped the expansive landscape in front of you.

Meals:  B,L,D

An expression of awe or amazement in the Cree language, “Yoho” is the perfect word to describe today’s adventure in Yoho Valley. Accompanied by breathtaking scenery, our hike takes us beside glaciers to one of Canada’s tallest waterfalls, Takakkaw Falls. The vegetation passes from a mix of old-growth spruce forest, sub-alpine forest, alpine flowers and pristine meadows, surrounded by mountainous glaciated peaks.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we explore the pristine wilderness valley of Kootenay National Park. Since it has been free of railway development, Kootenay Valley remains protected by its National Park status and largely unspoiled by humans to this day. You'll learn more about the intense fires that have, in the past, passed through the area naturally, unhindered by human interference. Set off on Stanley Glacier Trail to wind up the valley to view sheer mountain walls, monumental peaks, and the impressive glacial mass that is the namesake of the trail itself. During your hike, you'll approach the "Burgess Shale", an ancient sea bed where several of the most well-preserved fossils have been found.

Meals:  B,L,D

What could be better than a hike off the beaten path? We set out for a little-visited alpine area by hiking the Chester Lake Trail. The hidden gem that you'll encounter today is a pristine lake at the foot of a massive mountain wall. Alpine meadow flowers accompany the dramatic scene, showcasing the beauty of the untamed wilds. Time permitting, you'll continue on to find unique and wonderful rock formations at the Elephant Rocks before your return for a final group dinner and a chance to warm your feet by the campfire for one final night.

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, we leave camp and head back to Calgary, where the trip concludes. But before we part ways, we will stop in Banff to a breathtaking canyon to see ancient pictographs or soak in hot springs, time permitting. We then rejoin the city and make our way to Calgary Airport for your 2 pm drop-off.

Meals:  B,L