Canada | British Columbia Hut to Hut Hiking Adventure | Adult Only

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.

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.  

Minimum Hiking Distance: 3mi (5km), 3hrs
Minimum Elevation Gain: 1,150ft (355m)
Minimum Elevation Loss: 1,000 (300m) 

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. 

Minimum Hiking Distance: 4mi (6km), 4hrs
Minimum Elevation Gain: 1,300ft (395m)
Minimum Elevation Loss: 1,500 (470m) 

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.  

Minimum Hiking Distance: 4.5mi (7km), 5hrs
Minimum Elevation Gain: 1,550ft (475m)
Minimum Elevation Loss: 1,725 (525m) 

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.  

Minimum Hiking Distance: 5-7mi (7-11km), 5hrs 

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