Among the Canadian Rockies

We arrive in Calgary, meet our local leader and transfer to our accommodation in Banff, our base for the next five nights, where we’ll enjoy walking amidst spectacular Rockies scenery. Our accommodation in this popular resort town is well situated for walks to the stunning Lake Minnewanka and in the Bow Valley Parkway for wildlife watching. 

Our first day begins with a tour of the Cave and Basin National Historic site, birthplace of Canada’s National Park system, followed by a group picnic. This afternoon our walk choices include the Bow Falls and Tunnel Mountain via the Banff Centre for the Arts. The Bow Falls is one of the most popular attractions in Banff and is a comfortable walk from the town and our accommodation. Tunnel Mountain is Banff’s satellite peak, and a short one-hour walk to its summit provides a central vantage point for us to enjoy great views over the famous Fairmont Banff Springs hotel and the Bow Valley.

Walk options: Bow Falls - 2 miles (3 km) round trip with no ascent; Tunnel Mountain - 3 miles (5 km) with 800 feet (250m) of ascent. Maximum elevation 1,690m.

On our second day in Banff, we'll spend time around the Johnston Lake area and the old town site of Bankhead, a thriving coal mining community at the turn of the century.

Walk options: Johnston Lake - 2.5 miles (4 km) with minimal ascent, maximum elevation 1,410m; Bankhead - 1.5 miles (2.5 km) with minimal ascent, maximum elevation 1,360m.

One of Canada’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, chosen for its unrivalled natural beauty, Lake Louise is the birthplace of mountain walking in North America. Here we’ll experience classic walking on paths built by Swiss guides for turn of the century railway tourists. We also visit the world-famous Chateau Lake Louise, a gemstone in the original Canadian Railway hotel chain.

Walk options: Lake Agnes - 6 miles (9 km) with 1,300 feet (400m) of ascent, maximum elevation 2,135m; Big Beehive - 6 miles (10 km) with 1,800 feet (550m) of ascent, maximum elevation 2,255m.

Kootenay National Park was created in 1920 and lies on the western side of the Continental Divide in British Columbia. A land of contrasts encompassing grasslands, forests and hot springs, along with valleys and canyons carved out by glaciers. Our walk in Marble Canyon leads us along the canyon rim with views of smooth limestone rock. The Stanley Glacier option takes us to a stunning alpine basin below massive cliffs, with the possibility of spotting small mammals and looking out for fossils.

Walk options: Marble Canyon - 1 mile (1.5 km) with 200 feet (60m) of ascent, maximum elevation 1,089m; Stanley Glacier - 6 miles (9.5 km) with 1,200 feet (370m) of ascent, maximum elevation 1,950m.

Distance: 4 miles (7km)

Ascent: 150ft (60m)

Maximum elevation: 2,200m

Today we transfer to Jasper National Park along Alberta’s most scenic highway – the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93). This is one of the most spectacular drives in the world. We’ll break up our journey with the following stops to take in the magnificent scenery, including choosing the perfect spot for our picnic lunch. Later we'll arrive at our resort in Jasper, our base for the next 6 nights.

Bow Lake 

Breathtaking Bow Lake is a turquoise blue lake with stunning glaciers forming an icy backdrop. 

Crowfoot Glacier 

The glacier gets its name from its three spurs that resemble a crow’s foot. Take in magnificent vistas across the glacier and surrounding mountains. 

Saskatchewan River Crossing Historic Site 

This marks the site where 19th century fur trappers crossed the North Saskatchewan River on their way through the Rocky Mountains to British Columbia. 

Athabasca Glacier 

The Athabasca Glacier is North America’s most visited glacier and is part of the colossal Columbia Icefield. 

Boundary Lake  

Here we have a chance for a short walk by this beautiful lake. Boundary Lake sits on the continental divide between Banff and Jasper National Park. It is via the Boundary Glacier and the summit of Mount Athabasca that the Columbia Icefield was first discovered over a century ago. 

Our first day in Jasper National Park begins with two iconic walks. During the winter of 1811, fur trader David Thompson made the first recorded crossing of the Athabasca Pass. For the next 40 years the pass was the main trading route across the Canadian Rockies. 

Option 1: Valley of the Five Lakes 

Distance: 3 miles  (5km)

Ascent: 215 ft (65m)

Maximum elevation: 1,000m

This popular hike leads to a beautiful wide valley dotted with five small jade-coloured lakes. 

Option 2: Old Fort Point Circuit 

Distance: 3 miles (5km)

Ascent: 395 ft (120m)

Maximum elevation: 1,165m

Old Fort Point rises across the Athabasca River from the Jasper townsite. It is named for the first fur trade post in the Rocky Mountains.

We explore the Maligne Valley on our walks today.   

Option 1: Moose Lake Loop  

Distance: 4 miles  (6km)

Ascent: 80 ft (25m)

Maximum elevation: 1,700m

Moose Lake is named after North America’s second largest land mammal, and today we’ll have the opportunity to spot them and learn about moose habitat on our loop walk. 

Option 2: Bald Hills  

Distance: 7 miles (11km)

Ascent: 1,600 ft (490m)

Maximum elevation: 2,170m

This walk option affords stunning views down to Maligne Lake, the second largest glacier-fed lake in the world.

The high alpine valley of Mount Edith Cavell will be our destination today. The Whistling Marmot, which can be found on the mountains above the treeline, along with ptarmigan, ground squirrels and pika are all inhabitants of the area.  

Option 1: Path of the Glacier Trail  

Distance: 1 mile (1.5km)

Ascent: 100 ft (30m)

Maximum elevation: 1,785m

This easy to moderate trail takes us through a barren rocky landscape that was covered by glacial lake only 125 years ago.  

Option 2: Edith Cavell Meadows  

Distance: 5 miles (8km)

Ascent: 1,250 ft (380m)

Maximum elevation: 2,165m

For the more energetic hiker the Cavell Meadows Trail leads to fabulous views of the Angel Glacier on Cavell’s north face.

This is one of the best drives in the Jasper area for spotting Bighorn sheep and mountain goats along Highway 16 East. Prior to the formation of Jasper Forest Park, the area was home to a number of Métis families who were the centre of human development in the Jasper region. Today we’ll learn about the early indigenous settlers to the area. 

Option 1: Cinquefoil Mountain and the Hidden Valley 

Distance: 4 miles (6km)

Ascent: 500 ft (150m)

Maximum elevation: 1,200m

The first highpoint of a long lazy ridge in the Jacques Range is our destination to observe and learn about the Rocky Mountains Bighorn sheep. Cinquefoil is an alpine plant with bright yellow petals that grows here and on many other mountains. 

Option 2: Celestine Road and the Moberly Homestead 

Distance: 2 miles (3km)

Ascent: None 

Maximum elevation: 1,100m

The Moberly Historic Homestead is known as the oldest building in Jasper National Park. 

The immediate Jasper area is popular for classic walking through the aspen forests of the valley. On our final day here, we’ll enjoy excursions to Lake Country with walk choices around Jasper including Pyramid Lake, Patricia Lake, Lake Annette and Lake Edith.  

Option 1: Pyramid Lake and Patricia Lake

Distance: 3 miles (5km)

Ascent: 100 ft 

Maximum elevation: 1,150m

The high shelf of land northwest of the Jasper townsite is known as the Pyramid Bench. Wildlife sightings including black bear are possible.  

Option 2: Lake Annette and Lake Edith Circuit  

Distance: 3 miles  (5km)

Ascent: 60 ft  (20m)

Maximum elevation: 1,000m

The loop is rolling but mostly level, offering fine views of the peaks surrounding the lakes.

Today, we head south to the pristine wilderness of Kananaskis – or K-Country – one of the Rockies’ hidden gems and our Canmore base. We break up the journey with more visits to spectacular locations including Athabasca Falls, the Stutfield Glacier, Mistaya Canyon, and Peyto Lake.  World-class vistas of the Canadian Rockies’ main range abound en route to Canmore, our resort for the next 3 nights.

Today's included walks:

Athabasca Falls 

Distance: 2 miles (3km)

Ascent: 100 ft (30m)

The 23-metre Athabasca Falls is not very high by Canadian Rockies standards, but the size of the river makes it one of the most powerful falls to be found in the mountain national parks. Pouring over a layer of hard quartzite, the falls have cut into the softer limestone beneath, carving intricate features including potholes and a short canyon. 

Mistaya Canyon 

Distance: 1 mile  (1.5km)

Ascent: 150 ft (45m)

Maximum elevation: 1,520m

This limestone slot canyon is one of the national park system’s lesser-known jewels. 

Peyto Lake Viewpoint 

Distance: 1 mile (1.5km)

Ascent: 120 ft (35m)

Maximum elevation: 2,085m

Peyto Lake is one of the most famous vistas in the Canadian Rockies. The lake was named after Wild Bill Peyto Banff’s first game warden. 

Established in 1959, we spend time in the Bow Valley Provincial Park today. The morning’s outing takes us into the Heart Creek Canyon to enjoy a serene picnic lunch by a hidden waterfall, before heading across the valley to the Many Springs Trail, the habitat of the beaver. We finish the day on the Montane Interpretive Trail near the visitor centre, before heading back to Canmore and a dinner out. 

Today’s included walks:  

Heart Creek Canyon  

Distance: 2.5 miles (4 km)  

Ascent: 250 ft (80m)

Maximum elevation: 1,450m

This popular trail winds its way up Heart Creek over seven footbridges through a spectacular limestone canyon, leading to a hidden waterfall. 

Many Springs 

Distance: 2.5 miles (4 km) 

Ascent: 60 ft (20m)

Maximum elevation: 1,100m

This trail encircles a wetland basin with uncommon plants. There is an observation deck from which we can observe the springs and learn about beaver habitats. Interpretive signs describe the environment. 

Montane Interpretive Trail 

Distance: 1 mile (1.5km) 

Ascent: 150 ft (45m)

Maximum elevation: 1,200m

From a grassy wildflower meadow to a mixed forested trail of aspen and evergreens, this is a local favourite. 

Quieter than its national park neighbours, Kananaskis Country affords us possible sightings of moose, grizzly bear, and Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep en route to trailheads. White-tailed deer and wapiti (elk) are often seen wandering along the park roadsides.  

Our options today include a drive along the highest paved road in Canada to the summit of the Highwood pass to begin our walk today into the lovely flower-filled Ptarmigan Cirque.  

Today’s included walks: 

Wedge Pond  

Distance: 1.2 miles (2km)

Ascent: 40 ft  (12m)

Maximum elevation: 1,400m

An open and mostly level trail circles this small lake dramatically backdropped by Wedge Mountain.   

Ptarmigan Cirque  

Distance: 3 miles (5km)

Ascent: 750 ft (230m)

Maximum elevation: 2,300m

This trail takes you through sub-alpine larch forest into true alpine terrain above the trees. Wildflower enthusiasts have counted more than 80 different species in the meadows. 

 Little Elbow Lake  

Distance: 3 (5km) to 5 miles  (8km)

Ascent: 420 ft (130m)

Maximum elevation: 2,120m

This short, moderately steep trail leads through a forest to a spectacular mountain lake. 

Our tour concludes with a visit to Calgary where we take a short city walk, leaving some free time before our journey home. Popular venues and locations to explore include the Glenbow Museum and the Eau Claire market. A visit to Calgary’s Chinatown, one of the largest in North America, may also take your fancy. Alternatively, you may enjoy a visit to the Calgary Zoo. With-flight guests then transfer to Calgary International airport for our overnight return flight to the UK. 

With-flight guests arrive back in the UK.