Explore the jewels of Banff National Park and the Canadian Rockies on this six-day hiking adventure. Trek under the shadow of dizzying snow-capped peaks, walk high up in flower-dotted alpine meadows with unobstructed panoramic views of the Rockies and even strap on a pair of crampons for a jaunt across a glacier. Banff National Park – Canada’s first national park – is one of the world’s premier destinations, spanning a region of unparalleled majestic mountain scenery. We can’t wait to share it with you! Join us at the top of the world in this six-day journey into Banff National Park. You’ll experience the Canadian wilderness as you trek alongside colossal, jagged peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, alpine meadows, and countless species of wildlife. Uncover a renewed passion for nature that will leave you with a profound sense of awe. During this hiking trip of a lifetime, you’ll discover why Banff is a world premiere destination.
Discover what makes Banff one of Canada’s premier destination as you hike along turquoise lakes and explore Chateau Lake Louise
Strap on a pair of crampons and grab some walking sticks as you trek over one of the largest non-polar ice fields in the world
Surround yourself with some of the Rockies’ highest peaks as you float into the clouds on a gondola ride to Sunshine Meadows
Learn about the ecosystems of the world above tree line as you explore this natural garden of jaw-dropping turquoise lakes, ancient glaciers, and vast valleys
Browse the internationally acclaimed shops and galleries of Banff
A few more reasons you've gotta go:
01
World-class hiking: Sentinel Pass is one of Banff’s top-rated hikes. Discover that “top of the world” feeling you’ll get as you look down at the blue waters of Moraine Lake at the top of the pass.
02
The gondola: The gondola to Sunshine Meadows will provide you with an unforgettable mountaintop experience as you float by unobstructed, panoramic views of the dramatic mountainscape: majestic waterfalls, eye-popping wildflowers, and pristine lakes.
03
The wildlife: Spot as many different types of wildlife as you can in Banff National Park; grizzly bears, elk, and bighorn sheep are just some of the animals that frequent the area.
Your guides will pick you up in Calgary and take you straight to the mountains. After a welcome meeting with the group, take a scenic walk to Marble Canyon’s impressive waterfall. Your guides will prepare a fresh picnic lunch. Spend the afternoon enjoying the splendor of Lake Louise. Learn about the lakeside hotel’s colorful history as you explore the inside of Chateau Lake Louise. Hike the lakeshore trail and learn why the colors are so vibrantly turquoise. Dinner tonight will be served at the Baker Creek Bistro. Relax for the rest of the evening at the Baker Creek Chalet, your home for the next three nights.
About Baker Creek Chalets
Nestled in a peaceful wooded setting, beside Baker Creek, this lodge and cabins blend magically into their surroundings, far from the bustle of Lake Louise. Baker Creek is an intimate casual mountain resort consisting of log chalets, lodge suites, a Bistro restaurant, and a Heritage Executive Conference Centre. It is family-owned and operated year-round. Baker Creek is the perfect central location to explore mountain lakes, drive, hike, bike, snowshoe, cross-country ski, downhill ski, or just relax surrounded by some of the most famous scenery in the world.
Embark on a full-day hike over Sentinel Pass, rated one of the top hikes in Banff. Ascend from turquoise Moraine Lake past larch trees and alpine meadows to a delicious lunch. Once you’ve made it to the top of the pass, give yourself a much-deserved pat on the back, find a comfortable spot, and delight in the feeling of being at the top of the world. Enjoy an amazing meal at The Station tonight, a guide favorite!
Wake up early today for a world-class journey along the Icefields Parkway offering views of a vast wilderness of pristine mountain lakes, ancient glaciers, and broad sweeping valleys. Arrive at Athabasca Glacier, one of the largest non-polar ice fields in the world, where you’re outfitted in crampons and walking sticks. Spend the day hiking the glacier alongside a mountain guide, learning about its formation and the powerful way it shapes the land. Shuttle back to the Baker Creek Chalets for some R&R before tonight’s dinner.
This morning we head up to Yoho National Park for another unforgettable hike along Emerald Lake. This lake’s beautiful turquoise color is a principal reason Emerald Lake is considered the jewel of the Canadian Rockies. Our scenery as we walk today features not just this jaw-dropping lake, but also glaciers, glacier-fed creeks, and alpine vistas. We’ll also keep an eye out for grizzly bears and mountain goats as we trek along. After we’ve had our fill of hiking, we shuttle to Banff where you can enjoy a night on your own discovering one of Banff’s many renowned restaurants.
About Royal Canadian Lodge
Located in the heart of the mountain town, Royal Canadian Lodge is the quintessential Canadian lodge, with a distinctive Rundle Rock fireplace and walls covered in Canadian artwork. The rooms are elegantly appointed with custom-made Canadian furnishings and Canadian artwork.
The oversized bathrooms have an Alberta granite-topped vanity and a full bathtub and shower. Considered one of Canada’s premier national parks, Banff National Park has been designated a World Heritage Site, renowned for its majestic mountain ranges, and pristine mountain lakes and forests. The Town of Banff is a sophisticated mountain resort featuring excellent shopping opportunities, diverse dining, and fun nightlife spots.
Today, we spend an entire day hiking one of the most stunning alpine settings in the Canadian Rockies. We begin our day with a gondola ride up to Sunshine Meadows where we’ll trek through an incredible landscape surrounded by some of the Rockies’ highest peaks. Take in unobstructed, panoramic views as our high alpine trail winds its way past waterfalls, lakes, and flower-gorged meadows. You’ll learn all about the wildlife, vegetation, and ecosystem of the world above the tree line as you explore this high elevation natural garden with your knowledgeable guide. Our farewell dinner will be served at the Evergreen Restaurant at the lodge tonight.
A short shuttle will bring us to our trailhead where we will have time for one more hike around Johnson Lake • Shuttle back to Calgary to be dropped off at the airport or your hotel for your departure home.
**Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, weather, and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate by Austin Adventures.
Please plan on arriving at least one day prior to your trip departure. Day one of your itinerary starts at 8:00 or 8:20 am, depending on your hotel. Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the Calgary airport (1:00 pm) or your Calgary hotel (1:30 pm).
Activities
Hiking: 5 to 10 mile hikes, moderate to strenuous terrain.
Discovery: Spot as many different types of wildlife as you can in Banff National Park; grizzly bears, elk, and bighorn sheep are just some of the animals that frequent the area. Discover why the world-renowned Icefields Parkway is rated as one of the top drives in the world by Condé Nast Traveler. Hike with a bird’s eye view from Sentinel Pass. Expand your mind as you learn about how the mountains were carved and shaped by glaciers. In your cozy bed at your home away from home, recognize why Baker Creek Chalet received the Banff Heritage Tourism Award for authentic mountain lodging. Take in the views of Lake Louise while your guides educate as to why the lake is really that blue. Learn the ins and outs of glacier trekking as you strap on crampons to make your way up the icy surface of Athabasca Glacier. See how many different kinds of flowers you can spot in one of the most stunning alpine settings in the Canadian Rockies at Sunshine Meadows. Come discover for yourself this place they call Wild Rose Country. Austin Adventures guides are experienced facilitators and regional experts. They will take the time to explain the details of each activity, answer any questions, and demonstrate the use of all equipment. Each activity has been carefully planned to include options for all levels. Most importantly, your guides will help you select the distance that’s right for you.
Meals
The hallmark of an Austin Adventures vacation is our exceptional dining. All meals: breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners, refreshments, and receptions – except one dinner on your own – are included as indicated by the itinerary. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities are not included in the trip price.
Included in the Trip Price
Double occupancy rooms with private baths.
All meals: breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners, refreshments, and receptions.
Fully trained, first-aid certified professional guides and knowledgeable local partners.
Any necessary equipment – all safe and well maintained.
Vehicle support and land transportation during the trip.
Austin Adventures T-shirt, water bottle, luggage tags, and luggage service.
Pre-departure and packing information.
Incidental expenses such as taxes, dining and housekeeping gratuities, local partner and expert gratuities, and national park entrance and permit fees.
Not Included in the Trip Price
Gratuities to Austin Adventures guides.
Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities.
Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses.
Air and land transportation to/from host cities.
All types of personal insurance.
Personal expenses.
Pre-departure Information
After receiving your reservation and deposit, we’ll send you a pre-trip planner with general information about the area you’ll be visiting, a packing list, exercise guidelines, a guest information questionnaire, and a liability release agreement for you to sign and return within 10 days.
View the "Wow Factor" Included in Each Austin Adventure
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
1Easy (1)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
2Moderately Easy (2)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
3Moderate (3)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
4Moderate to Challenging (4)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
5Challenging (5)
Canada Expert
Will Woods
Unsure if that adventure in that wild place is right for you? Austin Adventures guide Will Woods will assure you it is, but he’ll also tell you how that trip will change your life, how to prepare for it, and why you should never pass up an opportunity to see breathtaking scenery, do thrilling things, and meet new people. Born beneath the Canadian Rockies in Calgary, Alberta, Will turned his love of adventure into a profession and has spent nearly 20 years building and leading adventure trips for a variety of guests, who all seem to catch his passion for wild places.
