Hiking Week in the Banff Area

57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in the Banff area, please refer to the official Alberta COVID-19 travel requirements website.

Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

What you get on this adventure:

• • An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  • A half or full day of hiking depending on your chosen itinerary
  • Accommodation during the hike
  • Transportation from Banff or Canmore to the start of the trip and back
  • Permit and entrance fees
  • 5% GST

What’s not included:

• • Transportation
  • Meals and snacks

The best thing about hiking in the Canadian Rockies is that there are incredible options for all skill levels. For beginner hikes, if you can walk for four to six hours with little elevation gain, you are good to go! Intermediate hikes will see a little more change in elevation and hikes will start to increase in length, hiking anywhere between four to eight miles. Advanced hikes are full-day treks with steep descents and challenging switchbacks. 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 40L bag)
  • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  • Hiking poles
  • Warm clothes (layering system)
  • Rain gear
  • Waterproof rain jacket
  • Hiking essentials (sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, blister care, etc.)
  • Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
  • Spare clothes for layering
  • Sunhat
  • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  • 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. Your guide will send you a detailed trip package with a comprehensive gear list upon booking.

Group sizes and prices:

• • For the group adventures, the usual client to guide ratio is 8:1. It takes a minimum of 2 people for a tour to operate.
  • The cost does not decrease as the group grows.

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. You will meet with your guide at a predetermined location in Banff or Canmore.

From there, you will travel with your guides to Banff National Park for a short introductory hike at Grotto Canyon. Once you reach Banff, you’ll head on your tour. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the hiking ability of the group.