Embarking on an adventure to the Canadian Rockies is like stepping into a postcard-perfect wilderness, where towering peaks, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife await. We curated our Canadian Rockies Hiking Holiday itinerary to combine the best of the region’s natural wonders, with exhilarating hiking experiences.
As a level 4 trip, this hiking holiday is challenging, but with a carefully-planned itinerary to help you build up fitness throughout the duration of your trip, we believe you’ll be up to the task!
Here are five highlights that make this adventure a dream come true for mountain hiking enthusiasts:
Banff National Park: A Gateway to Natural Splendor
The journey begins in Banff National Park, Canada's oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Nestled amidst the awe-inspiring Canadian Rockies, this park boasts breathtaking landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Explore picturesque trails that lead to turquoise glacial lakes like Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, with their striking beauty that seems almost surreal. Immerse yourself in nature as you hike through ancient forests, encountering cascading waterfalls, abundant wildlife, and panoramic vistas that will leave you speechless.
Iconic Hikes: Discover the Best of the Rockies
The Canadian Rockies Hiking Holiday offers a collection of iconic trails that showcase the grandeur of the region. On day 3 of this itinerary, we’ll embark on the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail, a scenic journey that unveils breathtaking views of the surrounding glaciers and dramatic peaks. As we hike along the Larch valley trail towards the end of our trip, we’ll witness the iconic valley of the Ten Peaks. If you’re joining us in September, the larch trees will be wearing their vibrant, golden fall colors.
These unforgettable hikes will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
The Iceland Trail with Views of Takkakaw Falls & the Yoho Valley
One of the most beautiful and dramatic falls in the Canadian Rockies is Takkakaw Falls, which plunges 850 feet over a rocky cliff. "Takakkaw" is loosely translated from Cree, meaning "it is magnificent." The Iceline trail is magnificent too! Our hike for the day on the Iceline trail offers simply spectacular vistas of the Yoho Valley. Scratched from glacial rubble, the trail follows a sensational line, contouring the edge of Emerald Glacier for 2 miles. Panoramic vistas of the Yoho valley (Yoho is from a Cree expression meaning awe and wonder) are our reward for venturing into this rocky domain.
The Hostel Experience:
Remember the excitement of summer camp? You have your bags packed, friends confirmed, and fun adventure on your itinerary. That’s it! This is exactly the adult version within the Canadian Rockies! A whole hostel for our AGC participants only, a warm wood-burning stove, a full kitchen, and communal areas (like sitting by the river after a long day). On other trips, you return back to your hotel and that’s it for the day. For this trip, you get to bond with your peers into the evening, while your guides cook you a home-cooked meal with fire crackling in the distance. What’s not to love about that?
This hostel will give you a taste of a rustic Canadian wilderness experience with the benefit of creature comforts and convenient access to our favorite hikes and activities. On the first and last nights of the trip, we will stay at a hotel near the Calgary airport.
Athabasca Glacier Guided Experience:
On day 5 of this trip, we will drive to the Athabasca glacier and hike on it! The ‘toe’ of the Columbia IceField offers you an up-close experience. You will walk through the receding glaciers recession markers, peer down at chasms and crevasses, and even drink fresh glacial water! This trek will be about a mile and a half in length, but you will be too preoccupied with the sweeping views and history to know how long you’ve walked. The glacier recedes roughly 5 meters per year, so it won’t be around forever! Join us for this unique adventure!
What You’ll Need to Bring:
We typically run two departures for this trip: one in July, and one in September. The seasons change swiftly in the mountains, so depending on when you join us, you’ll need to reference a separate packing list. You can find more information about your particular packing list on the trip page here. The July departure offers summer sights, sunshine and bluebird days. The September departure offers less mosquitos, cooler daytime temps (perfect for hiking), and the potential for fall colors.
Our itinerary promises an unforgettable adventure through some of the world's most spectacular landscapes. From the iconic trails of Banff National Park to the hidden gems of Lake O'Hara, every step reveals breathtaking beauty and unforgettable experiences. Immerse yourself in the majesty of the Canadian Rockies, connect with nature, and create memories that will stay with you forever.
Convinced yet? Click below to join us on this hiking adventure:
