Canadian Rockies: Heli-Hike & Wilderness

Canadian Rockies: Heli-Hike & Wilderness

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12 Days From

$5325

Canadian Rockies: Heli-Hike & Wilderness

12 Days Starting and ending in Calgary, Canada

Visiting: Calgary, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Jasper National Park, Landslide Lake, Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park, Banff

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

TRW

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 12

Physical rating:

Moderate & Challenging

Age range:

16-99

Interests:

Wildlife Tours

Activities:

Mountain Biking

From: $5325

NB: Prices correct on 07-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the Canadian Rockies with our Heli-Hike & Wilderness tour. Begin your journey in Calgary, then venture into the heart of the Rockies, exploring the stunning landscapes of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Experience the thrill of hiking the Sentinel Pass and Parker Ridge Trail, with breathtaking views of glaciers and alpine valleys. Spend nights under the stars in Jasper National Park, and enjoy the tranquility of wilderness camping at Landslide Lake, accessible only by helicopter. Discover the beauty of Banff National Park, with opportunities to hike iconic trails and relax in natural hot springs. This tour offers a perfect blend of adventure and serenity, with all accommodations, meals, and transport included, ensuring a seamless and immersive experience in one of the world's most spectacular natural settings.

Highlights

  • Embark on a heli-hike experience in the wilderness around Landslide Lake.

  • Drive the breath-taking Icefields Parkway.

  • Walk through alpine-covered valleys.

  • Marvel at the beauty of Saskatchewan Glacier and Moraine Lake.

  • Hike the Sentinel Pass trail for magnificent views over Banff National Park.

  • Explore Jasper National Park with hikes like the Cavell Meadows trail.

  • Discover the stunning landscapes of Banff National Park, including Lake Minnewanka.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Start Calgary

Location: Calgary

Accommodation Name: Ramada Downtown Calgary (or similar)

Welcome to Calgary, gateway to the Canadian Rockies, where you can take time before the tour begins to explore. It was historically famous for its Wild West roots but in recent years has become a dynamic, exciting city. Join your tour guide and fellow travellers for a welcome meeting at 6pm in the hotel lobby.



Accommodation: Ramada Downtown Calgary (or similar)

Day 2 : Lake Louise; Lake Agnes Trail

Location: Lake Louise

Accommodation Name: Lake Louise Campground (or similar)

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

We go west into the heart of the Rockies, travelling to Lake Louise, our base for the next three nights. Upon arrival, we take a warm-up trek on the Lake Agnes Trail (maximum altitude: 6,955ft/2,120m). Hike through old-growth forest before reaching spectacular views of Lake Louise from above and then continue along the trail until you reach Lake Agnes and a rustic teahouse, providing much-needed refreshment before the descent back to our campsite near Lake Louise.



Accommodation: Lake Louise Campground (or similar)

Day 3 : Moraine Lake; Climb To Sentinel Pass

Location: Moraine Lake

Accommodation Name: Lake Louise Campground (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Take a short transfer to picturesque Moraine Lake, neighbour to Lake Louise and situated in the scenic Valley of the Ten Peaks. This is one of the most photogenic lakes in the Canadian Rockies, surrounded by ancient pine forests and snow-capped mountains. We take the Sentinel Pass trail (maximum altitude: 8,566ft/2,611m), hiking along the Larch Valley before climbing to Sentinel Pass itself for magnificent views over Banff National Park backcountry. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife including elk, porcupines and bears, which are often sighted on this route. From here, you can either hike back or start your descent along the Paradise Valley to end this loop trail. This is one of the premier hiking trails in Banff, so we are likely to see a few fellow hikers on our way.



Accommodation: Lake Louise Campground (or similar)

Day 4 : Icefields Parkway To Jasper National Park; Hike The Parker Ridge Trail

Location: Jasper National Park

Accommodation Name: Whistlers Campground (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our journey continues north along one of the most breath-taking roads in the world, the Icefields Parkway, surrounded by jagged mountains and twinkling glaciers. Along the way, there is the opportunity for a guided walk on Athabasca Glacier and we stop for a hike on the Parker Ridge trail (maximum altitude: 7,448ft/2,270m) with the chance to see the Saskatchewan Glacier. The trail climbs quickly until it gets above the treeline. It does not actually reach the summit of Parker Ridge, but comes within about 195ft (60m) of it and the views are simply incredible.



Our destination for today is Jasper National Park; keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as black bears and the abundant Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. Tonight, we set up camp underneath the watchful gaze of Jasper’s rugged peaks.



Optional activities:



Guided glacier walk: 112 dollars (US$83) or 67 dollars (US$49) for under 17s



Accommodation: Whistlers Campground (or similar)

Day 5 : Jasper National Park; Cavell Meadows

Location: Jasper National Park

Accommodation Name: Whistlers Campground (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Jasper is much quieter than some other national parks, making it easier to leave the crowds. We take the Cavell Meadows trail (maximum altitude: 7,507ft/2,288m) to the foot of Angel Glacier for a true wilderness feel. After climbing up, we reach the alpine terrain with a great chance to watch caribous. This is an excellent way to discover more about the ever-changing environment of this stunning national park.



Accommodation: Whistlers Campground (or similar)

Day 6 : Jasper National Park; Sulphur Skyline Trail

Location: Jasper National Park

Accommodation Name: Whistlers Campground (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We hike the Sulphur Skyline Trail (maximum altitude: 6,562ft/2,000m), which has some of the most breath-taking panoramas in Jasper. The 3mi (5km) trek to the mountain peak overlooks a phenomenally rugged section of the Canadian Rockies. A great way to finish the day is with a soak in Miette Hot Springs (don’t forget your swimwear).



Optional activities:



Miette Hot Springs: 16.50 dollars (US$12)

SkyTram cable car: 60 dollars (US$44)

Mountain biking: 30 dollars (US$22) per hour



Accommodation: Whistlers Campground (or similar)

Day 7 : Helicopter Flight To Landslide Lake

Location: Landslide Lake

Accommodation Name: Wilderness camping

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We take a short helicopter flight to the Landslide Lake area, where we are placed far from other hikers for a wilderness trek like no other! We set up camp here for the next three nights in an area devoid of other travellers and the distractions of everyday modern life. After setting up camp, our guide takes us on a hike in the Landslide Lake area.



Please note: You are not staying in a campsite, this is the Canadian wilderness, and your guide will set up tents where it’s best; there is no predetermined camping spot. You will not have access to showers or modern toilets during your three-night stay, and each day your guide will hoist food into the trees and away from bears.



We ask that you take no more cargo than 20lb (9kg) each including carry-on for these three nights and that it is packed in a soft, small kitbag. If you wish to leave luggage behind, store it inside the trailer, which is left at the helicopter company.



Landslide Lake elevation gain/loss: 985ft-2,625ft (300m-800m) per day



Accommodation: Wilderness camping

Day 8 - 9 : Landslide Lake

Location: Canadian Rockies

Accommodation Name: Wilderness camping

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We have many options for the next two days, ranging from steady walks through alpine meadows to strenuous treks to surrounding ridges. The tour guides suggest hiking choices such as the Lake of the Fall hike or a trek along an unnamed pass. All hikes offer a truly unforgettable experience in the wilderness of the Canadian Rockies, but it is important to remember there are no designated trails – you’re in complete wilderness. We walk on public land, but this area is ungoverned by a national park. Your guides make decisions based on the group’s capabilities. They carry bear spray, which will be on hand in the rare event it is required.



Landslide Lake elevation gain/loss: 985ft-2,625ft (300m-800m) per day



Accommodation: Wilderness camping

Day 10 : Heli Flight; Banff National Park

Location: Banff National Park

Accommodation Name: Tunnel Mountain (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We depart Landslide Lake this morning on a spectacular helicopter flight to Cline River. Our journey then continues by road towards Banff National Park. Banff is our base for the next two nights, giving us the opportunity to take more wonderful hiking trails. This afternoon, we discover Lake Minnewanka, a glacier lake of 3mi (5km), with an easy hike by the rocky shore. Alternatively, relax by the water, visit the Banff area, relax on Banff Upper Hot Springs or rent a canoe and paddle along the Bow River.



Lake Minnewanka Trail: Minimal elevation gain/loss



Accommodation: Tunnel Mountain (or similar)

Day 11 : Banff National Park; Cory Pass

Location: Banff National Park

Accommodation Name: Tunnel Mountain (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today we take the Cory Pass Trail (maximum altitude: 7,625ft/2,324m), an 8.5mi (14km) loop. This is a strenuous workout up 3,219ft (981m) to the Cory Pass, behind Mount Edith, past Mount Louis and through the Edith Pass on the way back to the trailhead.



From the Fireside Picnic area, we follow a 0.6mi (1km) trail to the Cory Pass Junction, and then climb most of the 3,002ft (915m) over the remaining 3mi (4.5km), eventually reaching above the tree line. There are several points to take photos and catch your breath along the way. Once through the Cory Pass, we follow a rough trail for about 2mi (3.5km) through scree fields and across avalanche paths until we rejoin the main hiking trail at Edith Pass. We descend along the drainage through the forest between Mount Norquay and Mount Edith until we loop past the Cory Pass Junction again and then to the trailhead. This is a really good hike and a favourite of the local climbing community.



Accommodation: Tunnel Mountain (or similar)

Day 12 : Hike The Surprise Corner To Hoodoos Trail And Return To Calgary; Tour Ends

Location: Banff

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Our tour is nearly coming to an end but there is time for one last chance to hit the trails! Today depends on the weather conditions, but we more than likely hike the Surprise Corner to Hoodoos Trail. This is a well-maintained trail, easily accessible from Banff and offering some of its most iconic lookouts. As we hike between Surprise Corner to the Hoodoos, we walk in the cliffside shadow of Tunnel Mountain and along the shores of the Bow River while enjoying views of some of Banff’s most iconic mountains. We pass through lush evergreen forests, past moss-covered boulders, huge Douglas Firs and open meadows with panoramic views.



We can book your post-tour accommodation if required. If you are planning to fly tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before 7pm.

What's Included

  • All accommodation

    All accommodation is included during the tour, with camping in national and state park campsites and private campgrounds.

  • Meals

    10 breakfasts, 11 lunches, and seven dinners are included, with most meals provided while camping.

  • All transport and listed activities

    All transport and the activities listed in the itinerary are included in the tour package.

  • Tour leader throughout

    A tour leader will accompany the group throughout the entire tour.

  • Group arrival and departure transfers

    Group arrival and departure transfers are available as part of the tour package.

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately by the traveler.

  • Single accommodation

    Single accommodation is not included but is available on request for an additional fee.

  • Optional activities

    Optional activities such as guided glacier walks, hot springs visits, and mountain biking are not included and may incur additional costs.

  • Meals in restaurants

    Meals in local restaurants are not included, and costs for these meals are the responsibility of the traveler.

  • Alcoholic beverages

    Alcoholic beverages are not included in the meal package and must be purchased separately.

Food

There are 10 breakfasts, 11 lunches and seven dinners included.



Most of your meals are included while camping. Tour guides co-ordinate shopping and assist the group in preparing healthy, hearty breakfasts, picnic lunches and delicious dinners.



Occasionally, you eat out in local restaurants. To help you budget, meals cost on average:



Hotel breakfasts: 15-20 Canadian dollars (US$11-US$15)

Lunches: 20-25 dollars (US$15-US$19)

Dinners: 30-50 dollars (US$23-US$38), this does not include alcoholic beverages



Drinks cost on average:



Wine: 15-20 dollars (US$11-15) per glass

Beer: 8-12 dollars (US$6-US$9) per bottle



A tip of approximately 17%-20% is added to group meals in Canadian restaurants. Applicable taxes are also added to all listed menu prices.



Please make sure we are aware of any special meal requirements before travelling. We do all we can to accommodate various dietary requirements but in certain parts of Canada certain food types can be limited.

Accommodation

This camping tour uses national and state park campsites and private campgrounds, offering high-quality tents for twin-share accommodation. Most campsites have flush toilets and hot showers, though some may charge a small fee. Single supplements are available for those preferring their own tent.

Mode of Transport

The tour includes a mix of road travel and helicopter flights, providing group arrival and departure transfers. The journey features scenic drives along the Icefields Parkway and helicopter flights to remote wilderness areas, ensuring a unique and adventurous travel experience.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes camping in national and state park campsites as well as private campgrounds. High-quality tents are provided, and single travelers share with another passenger of the same sex. A single supplement is available for those who prefer their own tent. Most campsites have flush toilets and hot showers, though some may charge a small fee for shower use.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour includes 10 breakfasts, 11 lunches, and seven dinners. Most meals are provided while camping, with the tour guides coordinating shopping and assisting in meal preparation. Occasionally, meals are eaten out at local restaurants.

  • What should I expect during the heli-hike experience at Landslide Lake?

    The heli-hike experience involves a short helicopter flight to the Landslide Lake area, where you will camp in the wilderness for three nights. There are no designated trails, and the area is ungoverned by a national park. You will not have access to showers or modern toilets, and food will be hoisted into trees to keep it away from bears. You are advised to pack light, with a maximum of 20lb (9kg) of cargo.

  • What wildlife might I see during the hikes?

    During the hikes, you may encounter wildlife such as elk, porcupines, bears, black bears, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, and caribous. The guides carry bear spray for safety.

  • What is the difficulty level of the hikes included in the tour?

    The hikes vary in difficulty, with some being strenuous, such as the Cory Pass Trail, which involves a significant elevation gain. Other hikes, like those around Landslide Lake, offer options ranging from steady walks to more strenuous treks.

  • Are there any optional activities available during the tour?

    Yes, there are optional activities such as a guided glacier walk, a soak in Miette Hot Springs, a SkyTram cable car ride, and mountain biking. These activities are available at an additional cost.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

HIKING IN THE CANADIAN ROCKIES

Really excellent in every respect, the trip content, the guides and the company. The scenery was breath taking and the walking great. Don’t be put off by the ‘challenging’ description it was easier than many Peaks or Lakes walks and the paths mainly well-manicured. Some of the slopes are steep tough so you do need to be fit. We did see wild life and our guides went out of their way to try and find it. Which we did but unfortunately the number of animals sighted was limited but there is nothing anyone could do about that if they’re feeling shy.

Rockies and Wilderness Walk

We had a fabulous time. All weather's were experienced....snow, rain, heat and smoke. Our Great American Adventure guides (Audrey and Simon) were a terrific double act with a tremendous sense of fun. The food was exceptional and rapidly geared to the groups requirements.

HIKING IN THE CANADIAN ROCKIES

Amazing!!!!! Thoroughly Recommeded! You won't beat the spectacular scenery of Banff and Jasper National Parks. Weather, leader and group all first class.

HIKING IN THE CANADIAN ROCKIES

This was an awesome trip, it exceeded all my expectations and I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone with a love for the outdoors, gorgeous scenery and challenging hikes.  This is a hiking trip, it’s full on and for the most part you will be busy – hiking!  There are a couple of opportunities to spend time in Jasper and Banff, catch up with laundry or do some souvenir shopping,  but for me it was all about the Rockies and enjoying panoramas that no photograph could ever do justice! All the hikes are perfectly doable if you have a good level of fitness and a real desire to get to the top! You’re in the Rockies, the elevation gain is going to be tough, but all the pain will be forgotten the second you get to the top – every hike has a prize of the most spectacular views!

Canadian Rockies adventure

Fantastic trip expect all weathers from cold and wet to very warm. Its tough but worth it. Camping is good but expect hard ground to pitch tent on not grass. It's a trip that you will talk about for a long time. So many different experiences.

Memorable trip to the Canadian Rockies

Really fantastic trip! I got to experience the totally breathtaking Canadian Rockies with a lovely group of people, and led by knowledgeable and passionate guides. The hiking is brilliant, and this trip allows you to walk on the less touristy trails and really get a taste for the wilderness. The itinerary is really well thought-out, meaning you get to walk in a few of the national parks to get a fuller and more varied sense of the landscape, and also the longer hikes are perfectly spread out with easier walking in-between. The guides worked really hard and were incredibly considerate of the group's preferences. The meals were varied and delicious, and nothing beats sitting by a campfire after a long day of hiking. Such a memorable way to see the Rockies, and definitely served to convince me that I'm going back!

HIKING IN THE CANADIAN ROCKIES

An excellent trip, great walking and amazing scenery!

HIKING IN THE CANADIAN ROCKIES

An excellent holiday. It was fun mixing with people from different backgrounds and ages (37 to 66). Everyone bar us was a regular Exodus traveller, and I think we will travel with them again.

Canadian Rockies Wilderness Walks

Generally a nice holiday, in spectacular scenery. The food was varied and very plentiful (although having 10 females in the party of 12, plus 2 male guides might have had a bearing on this). Assorted dietary restrictions were catered for. The sites were fine, with the exception of the "last" one near Waterton Park (Waterton Springs Campground) which, in all honesty, was unacceptable for a holiday costing in excess of £3,000 for 11 days camping. We had a 1km walk to get hot water for anything, the toilet facilities near our tents were basic and only just about acceptable (if you ignore the lack of hot water) and the sinks for washing up in were disgusting. They had a large number (40-50) of RVs on site, all situated next to the office and all facilities. We were put as far away from there as was possible on the site (presumably so that a "noisy" group wouldn't disturb their main source of income - the RVs). There may have been another 5-6 people in tents while we were there. We were unfortunate in that, due to fires, Waterton Park was closed the day after we arrived and then totally evacuated, so I cannot comment on the walks there. This was a shame as I had visited there for 2 days last year and really loved it - there is what looked to be a reasonable site in Waterton Park itself, beautifully situated next to the village, although I can't comment on its facilities as I was in a hotel. In fact, returning there was a major factor in me choosing to go on this holiday. On the plus side, we only stayed at the poor site for one night. The tour company arranged a new site, well away from the fires (a 500km drive in fact), in a much nicer site, at very short notice.

Fantastic trip

Lovely holiday in the Rockies, varied walks, great guides who cooked 3 course meals every night on a 3 ring gas burner. Bus time kept to a minimum but we covered a lot of ground. Just remember, you are in the mountains and the weather can be variable, the averages given in the trip notes can be deceiving!

Read all 25 reviews

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Prices last published on 06-Nov-2024

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