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Hike the Best of the Canadian Rockies

Duration
6 days
Season
June through August
Group size
Up to 8 people
Difficulty
Beginner to advanced

Set at the very heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Banff, Lake Louise, and the surrounding areas live and breathe hiking. When the snow melts in late June, outdoor adventurers all over the world rush to over 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) of well-maintained trails for their fill of Canada’s addictive wilderness. From the icy winds on the Six Glaciers to the calming sunsets of Victoria and the pristine waters of Banff, you’ll find an iconic landmark behind every bend. Hike these wild and winding trails, and see how 75,000 square miles of wilderness can be condensed into a 6-day highlight reel. Find out more about hiking in the Canadian Rockies from Greg Hill, ACMG ski guide extraordinaire, and soon-to-be assistant rock climbing guide.

Adventure highlights

  • Experience all the greatest highlights of the Rockies in a single tour
  • Over 1,000 miles of high-quality, well-maintained trails
  • Fantastic hikes that accommodate all skill and fitness levels
Highlighted reviews from other travellers
R
RJK1414
Knowledge and trust

If your looking for an adventure in the wilds of Alberta and need a professional guide service, look no further. My recent mountaineering trip to Banff was a moving experience thanks to Alpine Air guides Jeff and Jess. Their experience, easy-going personalities, and knowledge of the region made this trip memorable and safe- not to mention some tasty food along the way as well. You will learn, and you will do more than you thought you could. Outstanding guide service. Outstanding guides. Beautiful country. I highly recommend Alpine Air.

M
MParker_117
Making your adventure a reality

The small but dedicated team at Alpine Air Adventures is eager to make sure you get the adventure you are seeking. There are several guiding companies in the area and I reached out to them all when planning my trip to Banff. AAA was responsive, answered all my questions, and provided additional details to help pick my route, and they were also among the most affordable. As a small shop, they can keep their costs down while their service remains high. My guide listened to what I wanted, used his local knowledge and expertise to pick out a climb that ticked all my boxes, then took me on an adventure that I won’t soon forget.

Show all reviews

Itinerary

Discover and enjoy an abundance of breathtaking adventures on this six-day guided hiking trip through the Canadian Rockies! Let your guide take you on some of the best trails this area has to offer — spend your days learning about the indigenous cultures, making friendships with other hikers in the group, and exploring the soaring Canadian wilderness!

  • After meeting with your guides in Calgary, the biggest city of Alberta, travel to Banff National Park with a short introductory hike at Grotto Canyon. This hundred-year-old canyon features a waterfall, high walls, and ancient hieroglyphs along the steep rock walls and is good for all skill levels. Settle in and explore the small town of Banff uniquely situated within Alberta’s portion of the Rocky Mountains.

  • Explore the Cory Pass to Edith Pass hiking traverse with your friendly and experienced guide, and learn something about the geology and wildlife of this part of Canada. Hike for 15 km (9 miles) and enjoy the stunning landscapes. As you ascend up and over Cory Pass, enjoy the amazing valley of the Gargoyles on the backside. Then, pass under the flanks of Mt. Louis, part of the Sawback Range and travel back to Banff for a warm meal and some R&R.

  • Visit the Plain of the Six Glaciers at Lake Louise and hike the 15 km (9 miles) of moderate trail along the lake with stunning glacier views. You will have the opportunity to hike right up to the Victoria glacier, an amazing place surrounded by rock walls and glaciers descending from the high peaks. Spend the night at the Lake Louise Alpine Center and relax with your group.

  • After a hearty breakfast, leave Lake Louise and head up the Icefields Parkway towards Jasper National Park. Spend your day hiking up to Helen Lake — one of the premier hikes in Banff NP. That evening you will arrive at the Rampart Creek Hostel and enjoy the relaxed living of life in the Rockies! Experience the culture of the area and relax — you’ll need to be ready for the next day.

  • After a short drive to the North, you will enter Jasper National Park. Enjoy a must-do hike into Wilcox Meadows and reach Mt. Wilcox, proudly rising above it and offering unsurpassed, panoramic views of the high peaks and glaciers of the Columbia Icefields. Enjoy your front row seats to the amazing spectacle of rock and ice before leaving, and spend the evening back at the Rampart Creek Hostel.

  • Head east down the David Thompson Highway, with time for short hikes and return to Calgary. Prepare for your trip back home and enjoy your last moments in this amazing area!

Adventure brochure
Download to share and explore full itineraries, key info, FAQs, and guide details.
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If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

Meet your guide

Alpine Air Adventures
5.00
Alpine Air Adventures
You’re never on your own in the Banff wilderness because the experienced professionals from Alpine Air Adventures are here to guide you. While they know how to have a great time, they’re always mindful of advanced safety practices. They’re committed to showing each of their guests the best of the Rockies while protecting them every step of the way.
5.00(2 reviews)
R
RJK1414
Knowledge and trust

If your looking for an adventure in the wilds of Alberta and need a professional guide service, look no further. My recent mountaineering trip to Banff was a moving experience thanks to Alpine Air guides Jeff and Jess. Their experience, easy-going personalities, and knowledge of the region made this trip memorable and safe- not to mention some tasty food along the way as well. You will learn, and you will do more than you thought you could. Outstanding guide service. Outstanding guides. Beautiful country. I highly recommend Alpine Air.

M
MParker_117
Making your adventure a reality

The small but dedicated team at Alpine Air Adventures is eager to make sure you get the adventure you are seeking. There are several guiding companies in the area and I reached out to them all when planning my trip to Banff. AAA was responsive, answered all my questions, and provided additional details to help pick my route, and they were also among the most affordable. As a small shop, they can keep their costs down while their service remains high. My guide listened to what I wanted, used his local knowledge and expertise to pick out a climb that ticked all my boxes, then took me on an adventure that I won’t soon forget.

Show all reviews
5.00(2 reviews)
R
RJK1414
Knowledge and trust

If your looking for an adventure in the wilds of Alberta and need a professional guide service, look no further. My recent mountaineering trip to Banff was a moving experience thanks to Alpine Air guides Jeff and Jess. Their experience, easy-going personalities, and knowledge of the region made this trip memorable and safe- not to mention some tasty food along the way as well. You will learn, and you will do more than you thought you could. Outstanding guide service. Outstanding guides. Beautiful country. I highly recommend Alpine Air.

M
MParker_117
Making your adventure a reality

The small but dedicated team at Alpine Air Adventures is eager to make sure you get the adventure you are seeking. There are several guiding companies in the area and I reached out to them all when planning my trip to Banff. AAA was responsive, answered all my questions, and provided additional details to help pick my route, and they were also among the most affordable. As a small shop, they can keep their costs down while their service remains high. My guide listened to what I wanted, used his local knowledge and expertise to pick out a climb that ticked all my boxes, then took me on an adventure that I won’t soon forget.

Things to know

  • 57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

    We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in the Banff area, please refer to the official Alberta COVID-19 travel requirements website.

    Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

  • What you get on this adventure:

      • An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
      • 6 days of hiking
      • Daily transportation from your hotel to the hiking areas
      • Permit and entrance fees
      • 5% GST

    What’s not included:

      • Transportation to/from Banff
      • Accommodations (must be in Banff)
      • Meals and snacks
  • The best thing about hiking in the Canadian Rockies is that there are incredible options for all skill levels. For beginner hikes, if you can walk for four to six hours with little elevation gain, you are good to go! Intermediate hikes will see a little more change in elevation and hikes will start to increase in length, hiking anywhere between four to eight miles. Advanced hikes are full-day treks with steep descents and challenging switchbacks. Keep in mind, the weather in summer can be very hot and you’ll also be packing a daypack filled with water and other things you’ll need throughout the day.

  • Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

      • Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 40L bag)
      • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity) 
      • Hiking poles
      • Warm clothes (layering system)
      • Rain gear
      • Waterproof rain jacket
      • Hiking essentials (sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, blister care, etc.)
      • Sturdy hiking boots or shoes
      • Spare clothes for layering
      • Sunhat
      • Toiletries (hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
      • Camera — optional (but recommended)

    Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans. Your guide will send you a detailed trip package with a comprehensive gear list upon booking.

  • Group sizes and prices:

      • For the group adventures, the usual client to guide ratio is 8:1. It takes a minimum of 2 people for a tour to operate.
      • The cost does not decrease as the group grows.

    Hiking in the Canadian Rockies can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements:

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

    If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

  • To get to Banff National Park, the starting point of the tour, most people fly into Calgary International Airport. You will meet with your guide at a predetermined location in Banff or Canmore.

    From there, you can take a shuttle to Banff National Park. Once you reach Banff, you’ll head on your tour. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the hiking ability of the group.

  • Cancel within 48 hours of booking your trip for free, no questions asked. If you need to change your plans up to 31 days ahead of your scheduled adventure, we offer a full refund on most trips. Within 31 days we offer free date changes or the option to convert your booking to credit to use on any 57hours adventure at a later date.

Have more questions? Read our FAQ, or Talk with us
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