Canadian Rockies: Heli-Hike & Wilderness
Canadian Rockies: Heli-Hike & Wilderness
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:
Tour code:
TRW
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Age range:
16-99
Trip Styles:
Active, Adventure Tours, Camping, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Interests:
Activities:
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
Itinerary
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
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All accommodation
All accommodation is included during the tour, with camping in national and state park campsites and private campgrounds.
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Meals
10 breakfasts, 11 lunches, and seven dinners are included, with most meals provided while camping.
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All transport and listed activities
All transport and the activities listed in the itinerary are included in the tour package.
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Tour leader throughout
A tour leader will accompany the group throughout the entire tour.
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Group arrival and departure transfers
Group arrival and departure transfers are available as part of the tour package.
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately by the traveler.
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Single accommodation
Single accommodation is not included but is available on request for an additional fee.
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Optional activities
Optional activities such as guided glacier walks, hot springs visits, and mountain biking are not included and may incur additional costs.
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Meals in restaurants
Meals in local restaurants are not included, and costs for these meals are the responsibility of the traveler.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
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