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.
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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!
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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!
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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
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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
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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.
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Included:
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- 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
Not included:
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- 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
- Insurance — recommended, available at checkout
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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.
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Liability waivers are a standard part of all guided outdoor adventures. Recently, the requirements have become a bit more rigorous for ACMG guides—meaning that you’ll need to agree to the signing of the waiver at the time of booking.
Prior to booking, we ask you to review the waiver. During the checkout process, you’ll have to acknowledge the risks and agree to the signing of the waiver. You are required to bring a printed copy on the trip.
Please note that signing and agreeing to the terms of the waiver is required in order to join this adventure. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us prior to booking.
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Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
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- 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.
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Group sizes and prices:
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- 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:
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- 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.
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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.
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We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors 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.
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