Canada: Banff, Yoho & the Canadian Rockies

Badger Bowl, McPherson and Bowbend Trails; 4 miles, easy

After enjoying an included breakfast your guides will meet you at 9:00 a.m. in the lobby of your Calgary hotel. Please be dressed for walking.

Once you arrive at Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park enjoy a first walk on the Badger Bowl, McPherson and Bowbend Trails led by a guide from the park foundation. During your walk you’ll learn about the history, wildlife, and flora of this park. After an abundant picnic prepared by your guides, drive to Fallentimber Meadery for a tour and tasting.

Tonight, gather for a welcome reception followed by dinner at The Crossing.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Mount Yamnuska; 2–4 miles, easy to moderate, 1,200-ft. elevation gain/loss. Ghost River Indigenous Medicine Walk; 2 miles, easy

Satisfied from a hearty breakfast, set out on a hike to Mount Yamnuska. Translating to “wall of stone” in Stoney Nakoda, Mount Yamnuska towers at 7,349 feet above the Alberta prairie. At the request of the Stoney Nakoda First Nation, in 1961 the mountain was officially renamed to Mount John Laurie in honor of John Lee Laurie, a political activist and founder of the Indian Association of Alberta. While hiking towards the summit through birch forests and wildflower meadows, keep your eyes out for mountain goats, which can sometimes be seen scampering on the rocky mountain face. Along the way, stop to enjoy a packed picnic lunch in this picturesque Canadian wilderness.

This afternoon, head back to Ghost River and meet a local guide for an exploration of plant medicine from an Indigenous lens. After, sit back and relax at the hotel, or take a stroll with your guides down to the river for a late afternoon dip before enjoying another dinner at The Crossing. Either way, you’ll be basking in the peace and serenity of the Alberta Foothills.

Tonight, enjoy dinner at The Crossing.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Grassi Lakes Trail; 2 miles, easy to moderate. Emerald Lake; 3 miles, easy

Savor another full breakfast at The Crossing. Shuttle through Kananaskis Country to your first hike of the day at the scenic Grassi Lakes before continue on towards the quaint village of Canmore.

In Canmore, enjoy free time to visit the Canmore Museum and learn about the cultural heritage of the Canadian Rockies and browse the shops in town. After lunch on your own, travel to Heather Mountain Lodge (three hours driving time), your home for the next two nights. We will stop en route for a walk along the shores of Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park. Upon arrival, check-in and unwind before joining your group for dinner at the lodge.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Great Glacier Trail; 4 miles, moderate, 1,053-ft. elevation gain.

Awake to the cool mountain air and another full breakfast. Today we drive to Rogers Pass Discovery Center in Glacier National Park. Rogers Pass has been designated a National Historic Site in commemoration of its role as an essential link in the building of the transcontinental railway.

We begin our hike on the Great Glacier Trail. The Illecillewaet Glacier, which has become known simply as the Great Glacier, is the biggest of 131 named glaciers in the park, and its name is Okanagan for “swift water.” The hike starts on a portion of a rail trail, which is what remains of the great Canadian Pacific Railroad in this area, passing the ruins of the Glacier House, once a 90-room luxury hotel. Flora along this trail include Dwarf Dogwood, Leatherleaf Saxifrage, and Lewis Monkeyflower. The view exposes Illecillewaet Glacier Falls to the east and Cheops, Ursus Minor and Grizzly Mountains to the north. Pause here for your box lunch before retracing your way back.

Once you are back at the lodge, unwind in your uncomplicated alpine hideaway. Later, enjoy another gourmet cabin-style dinner.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Canoe or kayak; easy, 3 hours. Banff; 0.5-1 mile, easy

This morning, after a hearty mountain breakfast, travel (1 hour driving time) to the Columbia River, home to the Columbia Wetlands, the largest intact wetlands in North America. These wetlands provide the life support system for hundreds of thousands of birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians and mammals. They sustain the second-largest concentration of great blue heron residents in western Canada, more than 300 pairs. Migrating waterfowl—15,000 each spring and autumn—depend on the wetlands to survive their journeys. Songbirds, shorebirds and birds of prey rely on the Columbia Wetlands, as do Kokanee salmon, Rocky Mountain whitefish, ling cod and several varieties of trout.

You will explore the wetlands, nestled between British Columbia’s Rocky and Purcell Mountain ranges, in a canoe, kayak, or Cataraft. These wetlands are the source of the largest river flowing into the Pacific Ocean in North America—the mighty Columbia. It is here in BC’s own wild backyard that everything begins.

These wetlands provide essential winter habitat for hundreds of elk and deer. Moose, wolf, cougar, coyote, beaver, river otter and grizzly bears are just some of the larger mammals that call this place home.

Conclude your float and enjoy a filling BBQ lunch at the Big Red Barn. You will be struck by the sheer beauty and peacefulness of this setting.

Next, you will travel (two hours driving time) through Yoho National Park to the charming town of Banff, pausing halfway to stretch your legs at the Yoho National Park Visitor Centre.  Upon arrival in Banff, check in and unwind before joining your group for a city tour and a special farewell dinner out in town.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After an included breakfast this morning, complimentary transportation is provided to Calgary International Airport based upon your departure time and shuttle bus schedule.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park; 2-4 miles, easy. Fallentimber Meadery; 1 mile, easy

After you enjoy an included breakfast, your guides will meet you at 9:00 a.m. in the lobby of your Calgary hotel. Please be dressed for walking.

Once you arrive at Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park enjoy a first walk on some of the many trails in the park led by a guide from the park foundation. During your walk you’ll learn about the history, wildlife, and flora of this park. After an abundant picnic prepared by your guides, drive to Fallentimber Meadery for a tour and tasting. Upon arrival, take a tranquil stroll though the aspen grove, admiring the many beehives and hardworking bees as you go. Afterwards, regroup in the production facility to learn about honey, mead and the importance of bees to Alberta’s economy.

Continue on to your home for the next two nights, a secluded and charming inn nestled along the Ghost River. Tonight, gather for a welcome dinner in the property’s dining room. The chef greets you to present the lovingly prepared dishes for tonight’s meal.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Mount Yamnuska; 2–4 miles, easy to moderate, 1,200-ft. elevation gain/loss. Indigenous Medicine Walk; 2 miles, easy

Satisfied from a hearty breakfast, set out on a hike to Mount Yamnuska. Translating to “wall of stone” in Stoney Nakoda, Mount Yamnuska towers at 7,349 feet above the Alberta prairie. At the request of the Stoney Nakoda First Nation, in 1961 the mountain was officially renamed to Mount John Laurie in honor of John Lee Laurie, a political activist and founder of the Indian Association of Alberta. While hiking towards the summit through birch forests and wildflower meadows, keep your eyes out for mountain goats, which can sometimes be seen scampering on the rocky mountain face. Along the way, stop to enjoy a packed picnic lunch in this picturesque Canadian wilderness.

This afternoon, head back to Ghost River and meet a local guide for an exploration of plant medicine from an Indigenous lens. After, sit back and relax at the hotel, or take a stroll with your guides down to the river for a late afternoon dip before enjoying another dinner at The Crossing. Either way, you’ll be basking in the peace and serenity of the Alberta Foothills.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Grassi Lakes Trail; 2 miles, easy to moderate.  Lake Louise; 1-3 miles, easy

Savor another full breakfast at The Crossing. Shuttle through Kananaskis Country to your first hike of the day at the scenic Grassi Lakes before continue on towards the quaint village of Canmore.

A former coal mining center, Canmore is now an enchanting mountain town. Lunch on your own at one of the many eateries including Crazyweed Kitchen or the Grizzly Paw Pub. Enjoy free time to visit the Canmore Museum and learn about the cultural heritage of the Canadian Rockies or spend your time perusing for gifts at Rocky Mountain Soap Company’s flagship store, Stonewater’s for home goods or Art Country Canada Rocky Mountain Gallery.

Depart Canmore and make your way towards British Columbia. En route, stop for a hike at the scenic Lake Louise. The glacier-fed lake was named for Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, the fourth daughter of Queen Victoria. Walk with your guides along the shore of this stunning mountain lake.

Continue to your lodge for the next two nights. Upon arrival, check-in and unwind before joining your group for dinner at the lodge.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Great Glacier Trail; 4 miles, moderate, 1,053-ft. elevation gain

Awake to the cool mountain air and another full breakfast. Today we drive to Rogers Pass Discovery Center in Glacier National Park. Rogers Pass has been designated a National Historic Site in commemoration of its role as an essential link in the building of the transcontinental railway.

We begin our hike on the Great Glacier Trail. The Illecillewaet Glacier, which has become known simply as the Great Glacier, is the biggest of 131 named glaciers in the park, and its name is Okanagan for “swift water.” The hike starts on a portion of a rail trail, which is what remains of the great Canadian Pacific Railroad in this area, passing the ruins of the Glacier House, once a 90-room luxury hotel. Flora along this trail include Dwarf Dogwood, Leatherleaf Saxifrage, and Lewis Monkeyflower. The view exposes Illecillewaet Glacier Falls to the east and Cheops, Ursus Minor and Grizzly Mountains to the north. Pause here for your box lunch before retracing your way back.

Once you are back at the lodge, unwind in your uncomplicated alpine hideaway. Later, enjoy another gourmet cabin-style dinner.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

3 miles, easy

This morning, after a hearty mountain breakfast, travel (1.5 hours driving time) to Emerald Lake. Named for the stunning blue-green hue of the water, Emerald Lake’s color is caused by a glacial silt reflecting from the sun. Set off on an easy walk tracing along the lakeshore, ending at the lodge’s lakeside restaurant where you settle in for lunch with your group.

After lunch, depart for Banff (approximately 1.5 hours driving time) via the magnificent Bow Valley Parkway. This stunning wilderness corridor is celebrated for its preservation of Banff’s scenic heritage. This route is popular with local wildlife, and you may see elk, deer, bald eagles, bear, and fox along the drive. Upon arrival in Banff, check in and unwind before joining your group for a special farewell dinner at one of the town’s most celebrate restaurants (and views!).

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Banff National Park; 2-4 miles, easy to moderate

After breakfast, join your guides for a final walk in Banff National Park. Your tour ends back at the hotel before lunch.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure—perhaps explore the town, rest up in the hotel, or select a local restaurant for lunch and dinner. We provide detailed city information to help you plan your day.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Badger Bowl, McPherson and Bowbend Trails; 3-4 miles, easy

Your guides meet you at 9:00 a.m. in the lobby of your designated meeting point hotel in Calgary. They’ll be wearing Country Walkers shirts. Please be dressed for walking.

Once you arrive at Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park enjoy a first walk on the Badger Bowl, McPherson and Bowbend Trails led by a guide from the park foundation. During your walk you’ll learn about the history, wildlife, and flora of this park. After an abundant picnic prepared by your guides, drive to Fallentimber Meadery for a tour and tasting.

Tonight, gather for a welcome reception followed by dinner at The Crossing.

Included Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Mount Yamnuska; 2–4 miles, easy to moderate, 1,200-ft. elevation gain/loss. Ghost River Indigenous Medicine Walk; 2 miles, easy

Satisfied from a hearty breakfast, set out on a hike to Mount Yamnuska. Translating to “wall of stone” in Stoney Nakoda, Mount Yamnuska towers at 7,349 feet above the Alberta prairie. At the request of the Stoney Nakoda First Nation, in 1961 the mountain was officially renamed to Mount John Laurie in honor of John Lee Laurie, a political activist and founder of the Indian Association of Alberta. While hiking towards the summit through birch forests and wildflower meadows, keep your eyes out for mountain goats, which can sometimes be seen scampering on the rocky mountain face. Along the way, stop to enjoy a packed picnic lunch in this picturesque Canadian wilderness.

This afternoon, head back to Ghost River and meet a local guide for an exploration of plant medicine from an Indigenous lens. After, sit back and relax at the hotel, or take a stroll with your guides down to the river for a late afternoon dip before enjoying another dinner at The Crossing. Either way, you’ll be basking in the peace and serenity of the Alberta Foothills.

Tonight, enjoy dinner at The Crossing.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Grassi Lakes Trail; 2 miles, easy to moderate. Emerald Lake; 3 miles, easy

Savor another full breakfast at The Crossing. Shuttle through Kananaskis Country to your first hike of the day at the scenic Grassi Lakes before continue on towards the quaint village of Canmore.

In Canmore, enjoy free time to visit the Canmore Museum and learn about the cultural heritage of the Canadian Rockies and browse the shops in town. After lunch on your own, travel to Heather Mountain Lodge (three hours driving time), your home for the next two nights. We will stop en route for a walk along the shores of Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park. Upon arrival, check-in and unwind before joining your group for dinner at the lodge.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Great Glacier Trail; 4 miles, moderate, 1,053-ft. elevation gain.

Awake to the cool mountain air and another full breakfast. Today we drive to Rogers Pass Discovery Center in Glacier National Park. Rogers Pass has been designated a National Historic Site in commemoration of its role as an essential link in the building of the transcontinental railway.

We begin our hike on the Great Glacier Trail. The Illecillewaet Glacier, which has become known simply as the Great Glacier, is the biggest of 131 named glaciers in the park, and its name is Okanagan for “swift water.” The hike starts on a portion of a rail trail, which is what remains of the great Canadian Pacific Railroad in this area, passing the ruins of the Glacier House, once a 90-room luxury hotel. Flora along this trail include Dwarf Dogwood, Leatherleaf Saxifrage, and Lewis Monkeyflower. The view exposes Illecillewaet Glacier Falls to the east and Cheops, Ursus Minor and Grizzly Mountains to the north. Pause here for your box lunch before retracing your way back.

Once you are back at the lodge, unwind in your uncomplicated alpine hideaway. Later, enjoy another gourmet cabin-style dinner.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Canoe or kayak; easy, 3 hours. Banff; 0.5-1 mile, easy

This morning, after a hearty mountain breakfast, travel (1 hour driving time) to the Columbia River, home to the Columbia Wetlands, the largest intact wetlands in North America. These wetlands provide the life support system for hundreds of thousands of birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians and mammals. They sustain the second-largest concentration of great blue heron residents in western Canada, more than 300 pairs. Migrating waterfowl—15,000 each spring and autumn—depend on the wetlands to survive their journeys. Songbirds, shorebirds and birds of prey rely on the Columbia Wetlands, as do Kokanee salmon, Rocky Mountain whitefish, ling cod and several varieties of trout.

You will explore the wetlands, nestled between British Columbia’s Rocky and Purcell Mountain ranges, in a canoe, kayak, or Cataraft. These wetlands are the source of the largest river flowing into the Pacific Ocean in North America—the mighty Columbia. It is here in BC’s own wild backyard that everything begins.

These wetlands provide essential winter habitat for hundreds of elk and deer. Moose, wolf, cougar, coyote, beaver, river otter and grizzly bears are just some of the larger mammals that call this place home.

Conclude your float and enjoy a filling BBQ lunch at the Big Red Barn. You will be struck by the sheer beauty and peacefulness of this setting.

Next, you will travel (two hours driving time) through Yoho National Park to the charming town of Banff, pausing halfway to stretch your legs at the Yoho National Park Visitor Centre.  Upon arrival in Banff, check in and unwind before joining your group for a city tour and a special farewell dinner out in town.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a plentiful breakfast, you are free to continue your exploration of Banff or depart for your next destination.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park; 2-4 miles, easy. Fallentimber Meadery; 1 mile, easy

Your guides meet you at 9:00 a.m. in the lobby of your designated meeting point hotel in Calgary. They’ll be wearing Country Walkers shirts. Please be dressed for walking.

Once you arrive at Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park enjoy a first walk on some of the many trails in the park led by a guide from the park foundation. During your walk you’ll learn about the history, wildlife, and flora of this park. After an abundant picnic prepared by your guides, drive to Fallentimber Meadery for a tour and tasting. Upon arrival, take a tranquil stroll though the aspen grove, admiring the many beehives and hardworking bees as you go. Afterwards, regroup in the production facility to learn about honey, mead and the importance of bees to Alberta’s economy.

Continue on to your home for the next two nights, a secluded and charming inn nestled along the Ghost River. Tonight, gather for a welcome dinner in the property’s dining room. The chef greets you to present the lovingly prepared dishes for tonight’s meal.

Included Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Mount Yamnuska; 2–4 miles, easy to moderate, 1,200-ft. elevation gain/loss. Indigenous Medicine Walk; 2 miles, easy

Satisfied from a hearty breakfast, set out on a hike to Mount Yamnuska. Translating to “wall of stone” in Stoney Nakoda, Mount Yamnuska towers at 7,349 feet above the Alberta prairie. At the request of the Stoney Nakoda First Nation, in 1961 the mountain was officially renamed to Mount John Laurie in honor of John Lee Laurie, a political activist and founder of the Indian Association of Alberta. While hiking towards the summit through birch forests and wildflower meadows, keep your eyes out for mountain goats, which can sometimes be seen scampering on the rocky mountain face. Along the way, stop to enjoy a packed picnic lunch in this picturesque Canadian wilderness.

This afternoon, head back to Ghost River and meet a local guide for an exploration of plant medicine from an Indigenous lens. After, sit back and relax at the hotel, or take a stroll with your guides down to the river for a late afternoon dip before enjoying another dinner at The Crossing. Either way, you’ll be basking in the peace and serenity of the Alberta Foothills.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Grassi Lakes Trail; 2 miles, easy to moderate.  Lake Louise; 1-3 miles, easy

Savor another full breakfast at The Crossing. Shuttle through Kananaskis Country to your first hike of the day at the scenic Grassi Lakes before continue on towards the quaint village of Canmore.

A former coal mining center, Canmore is now an enchanting mountain town. Lunch on your own at one of the many eateries including Crazyweed Kitchen or the Grizzly Paw Pub. Enjoy free time to visit the Canmore Museum and learn about the cultural heritage of the Canadian Rockies or spend your time perusing for gifts at Rocky Mountain Soap Company’s flagship store, Stonewater’s for home goods or Art Country Canada Rocky Mountain Gallery.

Depart Canmore and make your way towards British Columbia. En route, stop for a hike at the scenic Lake Louise. The glacier-fed lake was named for Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, the fourth daughter of Queen Victoria. Walk with your guides along the shore of this stunning mountain lake.

Continue to your lodge for the next two nights. Upon arrival, check-in and unwind before joining your group for dinner at the lodge.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Great Glacier Trail; 4 miles, moderate, 1,053-ft. elevation gain

Awake to the cool mountain air and another full breakfast. Today we drive to Rogers Pass Discovery Center in Glacier National Park. Rogers Pass has been designated a National Historic Site in commemoration of its role as an essential link in the building of the transcontinental railway.

We begin our hike on the Great Glacier Trail. The Illecillewaet Glacier, which has become known simply as the Great Glacier, is the biggest of 131 named glaciers in the park, and its name is Okanagan for “swift water.” The hike starts on a portion of a rail trail, which is what remains of the great Canadian Pacific Railroad in this area, passing the ruins of the Glacier House, once a 90-room luxury hotel. Flora along this trail include Dwarf Dogwood, Leatherleaf Saxifrage, and Lewis Monkeyflower. The view exposes Illecillewaet Glacier Falls to the east and Cheops, Ursus Minor and Grizzly Mountains to the north. Pause here for your box lunch before retracing your way back.

Once you are back at the lodge, unwind in your uncomplicated alpine hideaway. Later, enjoy another gourmet cabin-style dinner.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

3 miles, easy

This morning, after a hearty mountain breakfast, travel (1.5 hours driving time) to Emerald Lake. Named for the stunning blue-green hue of the water, Emerald Lake’s color is caused by a glacial silt reflecting from the sun. Set off on an easy walk tracing along the lakeshore, ending at the lodge’s lakeside restaurant where you settle in for lunch with your group.

After lunch, depart for Banff (approximately 1.5 hours driving time) via the magnificent Bow Valley Parkway. This stunning wilderness corridor is celebrated for its preservation of Banff’s scenic heritage. This route is popular with local wildlife, and you may see elk, deer, bald eagles, bear, and fox along the drive. Upon arrival in Banff, check in and unwind before joining your group for a special farewell dinner at one of the town’s most celebrate restaurants (and views!).

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Banff National Park; 2-4 miles, easy to moderate

After breakfast, join your guides for a final walk in Banff National Park. Your tour ends back at the hotel before lunch. From here you may make connections for onward travel or continue your explorations independently.

Included Meals: Breakfast