What you get on this adventure: An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area 5 days of guided hiking Daily transportation from your hotel to the hiking areas Accommodation on Day 3 & 4 Permit and entrance fees 5% GST What’s not included: Transportation to/from Banff Accommodations on Day 1 & 2 (must be in Banff) Meals and snacks National Park Pass — can be purchased once you arrive Guide gratuities — optional Travel and medical insurance — optional

How fit do I need to be?

This hiking tour in the Canadian Rockies is best experienced with a good fitness level and some previous multi-day hiking experience. The most you’ll hike within a day is 15 km (9.3 miles), with 900 m (2,950 ft) of elevation gain and loss. As long as you can handle such distances and gains over 5 consecutive days, you’re good to go! Keep in mind, the weather in summer can be very hot and you’ll also be packing a daypack filled with water and other things you’ll need throughout the day.

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag) Hiking poles Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity) Lightweight hiking boots or shoes Warm clothing Spare clothes for layering Waterproof rain jacket Sunhat Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.) Headlamp or flashlight Sunglasses Camera — optional (but recommended) Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and prices: For this hiking adventure in Banff, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 6:1. That’s also the maximum group size. It takes a minimum of 3 people for this tour to operate. Hiking in the Canadian Rockies can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to Banff National Park, most people fly into Calgary International Airport . Once you’re there, you have a 1.5-hour drive to Banff. You can either rent a car or take a shuttle service. Make sure to arrive a day prior to Day 1 of the tour, as you’ll get straight into your hiking adventure on Day 1. Also note that apart from Day 3 & 4 of the tour, accommodation is on you—please choose accommodation in Banff, but feel free to reach out to us before booking it.

Safety measures and insurance

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection . To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible , simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner ! Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered. Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

Banff National Park | Alberta

Hiking in the Canadian Rockies’ Wilderness With Lake O’Hara

5.00 ()

Cory Pass and Gargoyle Valley in Banff NP.

Two happy hikers in the Canadian rockies

Hiking tour in Banff in the Canadian Rockies.

Bow Lake, Helen Lake, and Wapta Icefield.

From $1,040 ()

Duration

5 days

Season

July through September

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Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Reviews
Things to know

With vast stretches of untamed beauty of multiple national parks, the Canadian Rockies make for an unrivaled guided hiking experience. And it’s no wonder—the views here look ripped from the pages of National Geographic: sharp-ridged peaks of the Gargoyle Valley, emerald hues of the surreal Lake O’Hara, or monumental glaciers above mirroring lakes. Feel the remoteness of the Canadian wilderness by walking along well-maintained trails, which offer over a thousand miles of unparalleled hiking opportunities. Make sure to keep a watchful gaze for any signs of the wildlife roaming these lands: it’s not uncommon to spot bighorn sheep, bull elk, or mountain goats, just to name a few!

Adventure highlights

Canadian Rockies' best-ofs

Countless hiking trails winding their way through unspoiled wilderness, including to Lake O’Hara
Lessons from the guide

Explore and learn about the local flora and fauna right from the trail
Straight-off-a-postcard views

Hike along spectacular mountains, sparkling lakes, mighty glaciers, and other natural marvels

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Itinerary

Discover and enjoy an abundance of breathtaking adventures on this five-day guided hiking trip through the Banff National Park. Learn about the indigenous nature and culture of the Canadian Rockies. Let your guide take you on some of the best trails this area has to offer — spend your days making friendships with other hikers in the group, and explore the splendid Canadian landscape!

After meeting with your guides in Banff, let’s kick off the trip with one of the most beautiful gems in the Canadian Rockies—Lake O’Hara! This is a very scenic hike leading you to this turquoise alpine lake at 6,630 ft. Due to Parks Canada regulations, it is extremely difficult to access this pristine alpine area, but you don’t have to worry about that when you go out with your ACMG guides. You will visit Lake O’Hara, Lake Oesa, Opabin Lake, and the Opabin plateau today.
Today we’ll hike 15 km (9.3 miles), with 900 m (2,950 ft) of elevation gain and loss. As we ascend up and over Cory Pass, we will enjoy the amazing valley of the Gargoyles on the backside. Then, we will pass under the flanks of Mt Louis. And then it’s back to Banff for food and refreshments. A stark lunar style landscape with a drier climate than the continental divide hikes awaits us today!
We will have the opportunity to hike right up to the Victoria glacier, an amazing place surrounded by rock walls and glaciers descending from the high peaks. This is one of the world’s most photographed mountains! We’ll spend the night at the Lake Louise Alpine Center or a similar mountain hostel.

Accommodation: Lake Louise Alpine Center or mountain hostel
We will leave Lake Louise and head up the Icefields Parkway towards Jasper National Park, hiking up to Helen Lake on the Dolomite Pass circuit. The mighty Wapta icefields dominate the western skyline, the headwaters of the Bow river. That evening, we will arrive at the Rampart Creek Hostel and experience the relaxed living of life in the Rockies.

Accommodation: Rampart Creek Hostel
We will drive a short distance to the North, entering Jasper National Park. We will enjoy a must-do hike into Wilcox meadows Mt Wilcox ascent, with magnificent views of the world-renowned Columbia icefields. The drive back to Banff may include short stops at waterfowl lakes and Bow Lake Lodge.

Hiking in the Canadian Rockies’ Wilderness With Lake O’Hara

Adventure Brochure

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If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

Meet your guide

5.00

Alpine Air Adventures

You’re never on your own in the Banff wilderness because the experienced professionals from Alpine Air Adventures are here to guide you. While they know how to have a great time, they’re always mindful of advanced safety practices. They’re committed to showing each of their guests the best of the Rockies while protecting them every step of the way.

5.00 (3 reviews)

Lisa Luck

Our Guide was Jacob Downie. He was exceptional- this was a first for me on a hiking adventure to this degree, and he had patience and kindness throughout my whole experience. I had a difficult time with the elevation and Jacob slowed and guided me to areas that would help in my journey. Very knowledgeable of the surrounding areas on nature, mountain facts, wildlife and history. Was willing to help and give advise without being pushy. I would recommend anyone to ask for Jacob as their guide and I would much want him again if I decide to take another adventure like this one in the area. I felt the upmost comfortable, safe and never felt my life was in any danger . And this means a lot for a woman to feel secure in her surroundings. I want to Thank Jacob for an outstanding experience and he has made me feel I would like to venture again someday soon.

Knowledge and trust

RJK1414 (source: Tripadvisor)

If your looking for an adventure in the wilds of Alberta and need a professional guide service, look no further. My recent mountaineering trip to Banff was a moving experience thanks to Alpine Air guides Jeff and Jess. Their experience, easy-going personalities, and knowledge of the region made this trip memorable and safe- not to mention some tasty food along the way as well. You will learn, and you will do more than you thought you could. Outstanding guide service. Outstanding guides. Beautiful country. I highly recommend Alpine Air.

Making your adventure a reality

MParker_117 (source: Tripadvisor)

The small but dedicated team at Alpine Air Adventures is eager to make sure you get the adventure you are seeking. There are several guiding companies in the area and I reached out to them all when planning my trip to Banff. AAA was responsive, answered all my questions, and provided additional details to help pick my route, and they were also among the most affordable. As a small shop, they can keep their costs down while their service remains high. My guide listened to what I wanted, used his local knowledge and expertise to pick out a climb that ticked all my boxes, then took me on an adventure that I won’t soon forget.

Things to know

What you get on this adventure:
- - An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 5 days of guided hiking
  - Daily transportation from your hotel to the hiking areas
  - Accommodation on Day 3 & 4
  - Permit and entrance fees
  - 5% GST
What’s not included:
- - Transportation to/from Banff
  - Accommodations on Day 1 & 2 (must be in Banff)
  - Meals and snacks
  - National Park Pass — can be purchased once you arrive
  - Guide gratuities — optional
  - Travel and medical insurance — optional
This hiking tour in the Canadian Rockies is best experienced with a good fitness level and some previous multi-day hiking experience. The most you’ll hike within a day is 15 km (9.3 miles), with 900 m (2,950 ft) of elevation gain and loss. As long as you can handle such distances and gains over 5 consecutive days, you’re good to go! Keep in mind, the weather in summer can be very hot and you’ll also be packing a daypack filled with water and other things you’ll need throughout the day.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
- - Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag)
  - Hiking poles
  - Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  - Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
  - Warm clothing
  - Spare clothes for layering
  - Waterproof rain jacket
  - Sunhat
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  - Headlamp or flashlight
  - Sunglasses
  - Camera — optional (but recommended)
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and prices:
- - For this hiking adventure in Banff, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 6:1. That’s also the maximum group size.
  - It takes a minimum of 3 people for this tour to operate.
Hiking in the Canadian Rockies can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to Banff National Park, most people fly into Calgary International Airport. Once you’re there, you have a 1.5-hour drive to Banff. You can either rent a car or take a shuttle service.

Make sure to arrive a day prior to Day 1 of the tour, as you’ll get straight into your hiking adventure on Day 1. Also note that apart from Day 3 & 4 of the tour, accommodation is on you—please choose accommodation in Banff, but feel free to reach out to us before booking it.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Deposits

You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

Secure your early bird spot with a 10% deposit! This tour gets sold out very quickly, but with early-bird booking, you’ll be the first one to know. Pick the month that suits you best and we’ll let you know once the dates are live—don’t risk missing out on your bucket list adventure!
- Only 10% of the total amount should be paid as a deposit upon booking. This deposit is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another 57hours adventure anytime in case the dates don’t suit you.
  
  Once the set dates for the following season are live, you can confirm your booking by the end of this year by paying another 20% of the total amount.
  
  The final balance is due 3 months (90 days) prior to departure.
  
  Once the trip has been confirmed, the regular cancellation policy applies.
Cancellations

Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

Basic
- In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  
  For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 70% refund of the trip price.
  
  For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, there is no refund.
Flexible
- In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  
  For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
  
  For cancellations 30-59 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
  
  For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, there is no refund.
Super Flexible
- In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  
  For cancellations 30 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
  
  For cancellations 0-29 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
Your guides reserve the right to modify or cancel the trip due to insufficient enrollment, unfavorable weather conditions, or other reasons. In the unlikely event they have to cancel the trip, clients will be notified as soon as possible.

If you want to cancel your trip, you can go on another one offered by the guide if it’s available—you can transfer to another course or program date with an administrative fee.

Please note that booking fees are non-refundable in all cases and will be deducted from the refund amount.
57hours partners with Redpoint Travel Protection, offering you a fully integrated program with a single point of contact for all your needs, from emergency services to travel assistance and protection claims. We highly recommend purchasing a comprehensive protection policy from Redpoint, which will protect you both before and during your travels. Before your departure, your investment is protected by the trip cancellation benefit. Once you depart, your policy provides coverage for trip interruption, medical assistance and rescue, baggage loss, trip delay, and more. Once you complete booking with 57hours, we'll create bespoke quote for you (and your group), making sure you're fully protected for the adventure ahead.