Explore lesser-trekked trails on this British Columbia Hut to Hut Hiking Adventure
This backcountry hiking trip invites you to explore some of the lesser-trekked trails of British Columbia’s Esplanade Range. On your way toward jumping off the grid, visit two of Canada’s most beloved national parks – Kootenay and Yoho. Your expert guides then usher you up to the Canadian backcountry, hopping in a helicopter for a quick ride up to your starting point – Sunrise Lodge. By day you’ll hike along secluded trails, delightfully disconnected from hectic schedules and entirely immersed in the beauty around you. By night, you’ll rest your muscles and feast on fresh meals whipped up by a private chef. The unspoiled alpine wilderness will enchant you and restore you as you trek the trails of Canada’s famed backcountry.
Trip Highlights of this Multi-Day Hiking Tour:
In this multi-day hiking trip, expert guides will lead the way as you immerse yourself in the kind of wilderness that makes the mountains in Canada and British Columbia famous – without the crowds! In addition to trekking the secluded trails along the Esplanade Range, you can anticipate several awe-inspiring highlights like:
Short hikes in two of Canada’s beloved National Parks – Kootenay and Yoho.
Traverse Paradise Ridge and take in commanding views of the Canadian Rockies and the Selkirks.
Arrive and depart from your backcountry huts via helicopter.
Cozy alpine accommodation, with a private chef whipping up dinner each night on the trails.
In addition to hiking from hut to hut, you’ll have the opportunity hike the network of trails that surround each backcountry lodge, allowing you to tap into your inner explorer.
A few more reasons why you've gotta go:
01
No crowds, limited Wi-Fi, and pure alpine beauty at every turn make this a prime trip to blissfully disconnect.
02
Designed and led by one of our expert guides, this trip features many “wow” moments you won’t find anywhere else.
03
Additional hikes each day make this an ideal trip for an avid hiker.
Arrival:
Calgary, Alberta YYC
Departure:
Calgary, Alberta YYC
Download PDF Itinerary
Day 1
Day 1:
Calgary / Cascade Ponds / Kootenay National Park / Yoho National Park / Golden
Welcome to your Canadian backcountry exploration!
After a morning pickup, you’ll set off on a day full of short, scenic hikes on your way from Calgary to Golden. You’ll begin with a welcome meeting and easy stroll among towering peaks and photo-op-worthy bridges at Cascade Ponds. From there, you’ll head to Kootenay National Park to discover the turquoise waters and skeletal spruce trees of Marble Canyon. Enjoy a picnic lunch among the newly thriving growth before heading to Yoho National Park for a hike around Emerald Lake. Compared to the more popular trails in Banff and Jasper, the Emerald Lake hike offers a quieter scene with more opportunities to see wildlife. You’ll arrive in Golden this evening where you’ll get ready for your 4-day backcountry hiking experience.
Golden / Helicopter Ride / Sunrise Lodge / Meadow Lodge
After breakfast, you’ll arrive at Sunrise Lodge the only way you can – via helicopter! Just a short 5-minute ride brings you to the gateway of the Esplanade Range, the northernmost tip of the Purcell Mountains. As you hike along Paradise Ridge, soak in the commanding views of the Canadian Rockies to the east and the Selkirks to the west. Enjoy a midday rest and a picnic lunch along the trails before setting off to Meadow Lodge, one of the highest alpine huts in Canada and your home for the evening. Tonight, your personal chef will whip up dinner for you and your fellow hikers.
An alpine wonderland few get to experience lies before you today. After breakfast, you’ll begin another day hiking along stunning and secluded trails where wild beauty thrives. And mountain goats, too! Feast your eyes on an endless panorama of sky-skimming peaks and fill your stomach with a hearty midday lunch on the trail. On your way to Vista Lodge, you’ll hike through picturesque alpine meadows and spy the sparkling waters of Vista Lake.
Step out onto the alpine meadow doorstep of Vista Lodge and hike the peaks and ridges toward Sentry Lodge, the “Crown Jewel of the Esplanade.” But before you relax your delightfully tired muscles in its legendary sauna, you’ll enjoy a trailside lunch and traverse the ridgeline to wonder at the untouched alpine beauty all around you. A new-era backcountry lodge, Sentry offers plenty of space, stellar views, running hot and cold water supplied by Tetras Lake, and even Wi-Fi! But, with the views, good company, and natural treasures surrounding you, you’re just as likely to forget you even brought your phone.
You’ll spend the day hiking the network of trails that surround Sentry Lodge. Perhaps you’ll take a dip in an alpine lake along the way to cool off and revitalize your senses. Today is a day purely intended to explore the secluded wonderland the mountains hold with your expert guides. This evening, rest up and relax with your fellow trekkers and relive the lifelong memories made this week.
Sentry Lodge / Helicopter Ride / Lake Louise / Calgary
Bid the backcountry farewell this morning and catch a helicopter ride back to town. In just 12 short minutes, civilization comes roaring back to life. On your way back to Calgary, enjoy a lunch stop and a stop at Lake Louise to find out why its beauty has captivated visitors for over 100 years. Later this afternoon, we’ll drop you off at the airport, refreshed and renewed after your backcountry expedition.
*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 to Calgary, Alberta at least one day prior to your trip departure. Day one of your itinerary starts at 8am or 8:20am, depending on your pre-trip hotel. Your trip ends with a drop-off at your Calgary hotel at 5pm or later. With the helicopter’s flight schedule on Day 6 sometimes being irregular due to weather, we recommend you spend an extra night in Calgary at trip’s end, so you don’t miss your Friday night flight. Please book flights out of Calgary for Saturday.
Activities
Hiking amounts provided on the itinerary are the minimum amount of ground we’ll cover each day. There are plentiful trail networks that we’ll explore along the way. This trip is a hiker’s dream!
Meals
Your meals are included for this trip except where noted. Each lodge is fully equipped with a backcountry kitchen ready for your private chef to whip up some delicious, filling meals. While out on the trail each day, you’ll enjoy picnic lunches that will keep you going throughout the day. If you’re a snacker, you’ll want to be sure to bring your own snacks along to keep you going!
What's Included
Gear & Daypack
Since we’ll be using our own two feet as transportation between lodges, you’ll be carrying everything in your backpack, minus provisions for your main meals. You’ll want to aim for a day pack that’s roughly 30-50 liters (1830-3051 cu. in.), with 40L (2440 cu in) being the sweet spot. You’ll fly out to the trail on Day 2 and set off on a hike right after arriving. Pack any trail snacks you need, layers, pertinent daily items, etc. in your day pack. You’ll have an opportunity to include a bag drop with a clean pair of clothes, a book, etc. at Sentry Lodge on Day 4. Upon registration, we’ll provide you with a solid packing list and our pro tips.
Included in the Trip Price
Double occupancy rooms with shared baths
All meals as listed in itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
Fully trained, first-aid certified professional guides and knowledgeable local partners
Any necessary equipment – all safe and well-maintained
Land & Helicopter transportation during the trip
Austin Adventures T-shirt, water bottle, luggage tags and luggage service
Access to a guest portal with trip planner materials
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 travel insurance
Personal expenses
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.
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