Hiking in the Canadian Rockies
8 Days Starting and ending in Calgary
Visiting: Calgary to Banff National Park, Banff National Park, Icefields Parkway, Jasper National Park, Yoho National Park, Banff National Park to Calgary
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SFXR
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99 years
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
It doesn’t get more iconic than the Canadian Rockies – snow-capped peaks, glittering lakes and a tranquil escape from the modern world. Give your legs and cameras a workout as you hike through this magnificent scenery. Discover the spectacle of Jasper National Park, explore the rugged beauty of Banff and the showstopping landscapes of Yoho National Park. Search for wildlife at Maligne Lake, wander the famed landscapes of Lake Louise and travel along the iconic Icefields Parkway. Throw in an expert local leader and a group of like-minded travellers, and you’re on track for an unforgettable adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Calgary To Banff National Park
Location: Calgary to Banff National Park
Accommodation: Campground (with facilities)
Meals Included: lunch, dinner
Welcome to the Canadian Rockies! Your adventure begins in Calgary with a welcome meeting at 7.30 am. You’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers, and then it’s time to hit the road for Banff National Park. Your first hike of the trip will be at Tunnel Mountain. Take in your first experience walking among the Rockies’ unbeatable scenery. As the hike is relatively short, you’ll have some time this afternoon to explore Banff. Why not relax and unwind in the upper hot springs – at a height of 1524 m (5000 ft), these are Canada’s highest natural springs. There’s plenty to keep you entertained in Banff this evening. Maybe head to a local eatery to sample an elk burger or check out what’s on offer at the microbrewery – the views here are worth a toast!
Included Activities:
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Day 2: Banff National Park
Location: Banff National Park
Accommodation: Campground (with facilities)
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Make the drive this morning to Lake Louise. Here, you’ll experience natural beauty at its very best – dazzling peaks dusted with snow reflect on the pristine glittering lake, creating an image that looks too perfect to be real. There are many hiking options here, with a range of lengths and levels of difficulty – your leader can give you the best advice on which trail to tackle. Maybe check out the stunning Lake Agnes hike. Heading off on the well-maintained trail, find yourself at a quaint, European-style teahouse on the edge of a gorgeous mountain lake tucked in the shadows of the towering peaks above. After exploring the area, why not make your way back to the Lake Louise Fairmont Hotel? Sitting right on the shores of the lake, it serves as the perfect spot to take in the scenery with some poutine or a cocktail in hand. Late afternoon will bring another chance to visit the hot springs before regrouping with your fellow travellers for dinner.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 3: Icefields Parkway
Location: Icefields Parkway
Accommodation: Campground (with facilities)
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Rise bright and early for another day full of adventure. After a scenic ride along Icefield Parkway, arrive at the beautiful Bow Lake and set out on another of the Rockies’ many incredible walks. Your circuit will lead you around the shimmering waters of the lake, skimming a gorge with water rushing below through to an outwash plain where you can see the wild Bow Falls. Take in the epic views that greet you with every step – Crowfoot Mountain, Bow Crow Peak, Mt Gordon and many other peaks make the backdrop for your walk. This afternoon, why not join the optional hike to the incredible Athabasca glacier. Explore the lower glacier, discovering natural ice features, with the Rockies watching over you in the distance. Look down into deep ice crevasses and up towards powerful waterfalls cascading into the ice while learning about how glaciers are formed and the ways they shape the landscape around them. After an exciting day, make your way back to your remote and picturesque campground, where you’ll enjoy a BBQ dinner under the stars.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Jasper National Park
Location: Jasper National Park
Accommodation: Campground (with facilities)
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
This morning, breathe in the fresh mountain air and head out to take on the Sulphur Skyline Trail. It’s a moderately challenging hike, as you steadily make your way above the tree line and get to gaze across the valley. Your efforts to reach the summit will be more than worth it. There are 360 degree views of the national park and surrounding mountains, dominated by Utopia Mountain. Return back the way you came, then get the recovery started early with a dip in the nearby Miette Hot Springs. The afternoon is then free for you to explore Jasper – perhaps rent a bike or rest up at camp before dinner.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 5: Jasper National Park
Location: Jasper National Park
Accommodation: Campground (with facilities)
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Today, you’ll travel to Maligne Lake. Famed for its bright blue waters, this area is known as one of the most beautiful places in Canada. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way – moose, deer, grizzlies and black bears have all been spotted along this stretch of road. There are two gentle hiking options available in the area, or you may prefer to rent a canoe or kayak to see the lake’s beauty from a different perspective. Your leader will be on hand to make suggestions on the best way to enjoy your time here. Stop for lunch and take some time to soak up the scenery, then spend the afternoon in laidback Jasper.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 6: Yoho National Park
Location: Yoho National Park
Accommodation: Campground (with facilities)
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
This morning, return to the Icefields Parkway. So much more than just a road, the parkway is punctuated with world-class wonders. Making stops along the way, take in the views over magnificent lakes, waterfalls and glaciers. If you’re looking for an adventure, why not head out on an optional hike to the incredible Athabasca glacier. Explore the lower glacier, discovering natural ice features, with the Rockies watching over you in the distance. Look down into deep ice crevasses and up towards powerful waterfalls cascading into the ice while learning about how glaciers are formed and the ways they shape the landscape around them. Alternatively, set out on the Willcox Pass Hike. Trek past wetlands, take in views of the Sunwapta Pass and climb above the tree line, where you’ll find a set of Canada’s famous red chairs, inviting visitors to sit back and take a moment to soak up the view. From up here, you’ll be able to see the glaciers and peaks of the Columbia Icefield, including the Athabasca glacier. Then, drive on to Peyto Lake, made famous by its glacial waters, and take a short hike up to a viewpoint where you can look out across the lake in its glory.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 7: Yoho National Park
Location: Yoho National Park
Accommodation: Campground (with facilities)
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Begin your day by travelling to Yoho National Park, where you’ll head out on a hike. This half-day hike will take you on a loop of the park and past some of the area's most stunning landmarks, including glacial lakes and epic views over the surrounding mountains and valleys. Stand in the mist of Canada's second tallest waterfall – Takakkaw Falls (where you’ll learn why the name translates to ‘wonderful’ in the First Nations Cree language) and look out over the remarkable Emerald Glacier. Perhaps take a few detours to a few hidden lakes along the way and enjoy some time at Yoho Lake before returning to the trailhead.
Included Activities:
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Day 8: Banff National Park To Calgary
Location: Banff National Park to Calgary
Meals Included: breaksfast
Leave Banff behind this morning and make your way to the start of the Grassi Lakes Trail, your final hike of the trip. It’ll be a short and easy walk, as you follow the trail through evergreen forest to start, pass by an impressive waterfall and then reach the striking colours of Grassi Lakes. The turquoise waters are the perfect place to reflect on the trip that’s been! After, head back to Calgary, where your adventure will come to an end.
Included Activities:
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What's Included
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Accommodation
Camping (with facilities) (7 nights) -
Morning hike on Sulphur Mountain
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Lake Louise & Moraine Lake full day hike
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BBQ dinner surrounded by Rockies peaks
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Bow Glacier Falls Hike
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Valley of Five Lakes Hike
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Jasper townsite visit
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Maligne Lake walk
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Wilcox Pass walk
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Peyto viewpoint
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Icefield Parkway stops & Athabasca Glacier
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Transport
- AIRPORT TRANSFERS IN THE USA & CANADA
- We recommend taxis and rideshare services like Lyft and Uber when traveling to and from hotels in the USA and Canada. These services are widely available across North America, offering convenient and accessible transportation options. Private transfers in North America incur high costs and present an increased risk of missed connections due to their fixed schedules. In contrast, taxis and rideshares offer both cost-effectiveness and flexibility, ensuring a smoother journey. With transparent pricing, GPS tracking, and on-demand availability, we believe that taxis and rideshare apps not only offer a reliable alternative to private transfers but also provide a secure, trustworthy, and budget-friendly transportation option for our customers.
- NORTH AMERICA VEHICLES
- Our large fleet of 15-passenger vans are fully equipped with air-conditioning system, V8 engines and any camping or cooking equipment needed for your trip. Most have cloth-upholstered seats and carpeted interior with radio or CD players. Your luggage is typically transported in a trailer which is towed behind the van.
- The vans are regularly serviced by a well-established network of maintenance and service facilities throughout the continent. However, unforeseen maintenance problems can still occur while on the road and we appreciate the patience of our travellers as we make necessary repairs as quickly as possible.
- While your group will have a van for all included activities on the trip, the services of the van and leader may not be available for your use during free time, or after you have arrived for the day. If you need a special trip into town you may need to arrange transport or a taxi.
Accommodation
- NORTH AMERICA CAMPING
- The campsites that we use are selected for either their scenic beauty, their convenient location to places of interest and/or the facilities available. We aim to offer you a selection of different types of campsites.
- If you've never camped before - no problem! We provide a complete set of camping and cooking equipment. This includes roomy easy-to-pitch tents, which are shared by only two people and are equipped with thin foam rubber sleping mats and vinyl floors. Your leader will show you how to pitch a tent on the first day. On many trips we also spend a few nights in reasonably priced hotels/motels/hostels (as per the itinerary).
- Remember that sleeping bags and a pillow are not provided. Check out the Packing section for more information.
- You'll find the necessary facilities - toilets and in most cases showers, washing machines and dryers - at our campsites. The showers at some campsites may require a payment (usually no more than US$1-$3 for a quick shower). This is payable locally and is a contribution towards the cost of a limited water supply. Rarely, a campsite may only have cold water available for showers.
- In all campsites there are strict quiet hours when no loud noise is allowed, typically from 10pm to 7am. This means that all music, singing and noisy group gatherings must stop. We request that all our travellers respect these campsite rules.
- For trips where there are lodges/cabins used, couples travelling together may be separated when our rooming arrangements are based on single gender, however in some accommodations the group will be in mixed gender rooms.
- Our high-quality camping equipment (including tents) can be affected by bad weather conditions. This can result in some wet and cold conditions inside the tent. Your spirit of adventure and flexibility will help make your adventure trip an exciting and unforgettable experience. On nights where the group is camping, and weather conditions are extreme (such as snow or heavy rain), there may be an opportunity for the group (if everyone agrees) to stay at an alternative location such as a nearby hostel or hotel. When this is the case the upgrade is at your own expense.
Important Information
- 1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 7.30am on Day 1 in Calgary. Please see Joining Point Hotel listed in the Essential Trip Information for this itinerary. Please consider booking an extra pre tour night in Calgary to make sure you will be on time for the start of your adventure.
- 2. You are expected to arrive back in Calgary around 4pm on the last day of the tour and dropped off at the same location as the joining point.
- 3. There is no accommodation included on the last day in Calgary, however we can request any additional nights should you need them.
- 4. A sleeping bag is required for this trip. If you would like to rent a sleeping bag locally, the cost is $50 CAD, payable in cash to your guide on Day 1 of the trip. Please advise your booking agent prior to departure if you require a sleeping bag rental.
- 5. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a tent on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Due to limited space at group campsites, the single supplement is always on request. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
- 6. Please note that late season snow may impact departures in May and early June as certain trails or parking lots may be closed due to snow/ice in higher elevations. The early season can be a wonderful time to visit the Canadian Rockies as there are fewer crowds and spectacular spring scenery. While we always try to deliver the itinerary as planned, please understand that your leaders may need to make substitutions or swaps during this time.
- 7. We are not able to book airport shuttle service for North America trips. North America has convenient taxi and rideshare options from all airports, as well as public transport systems in major hub cities. Please check the joining and finishing point instructions listed in the Essential Trip Information.
Mode of Transport
- FLEET
- Our large fleet of vans are fully equipped with dual air-conditioning system, V8 engines and any camping or cooking equipment needed for your trip. Most have cloth-upholstered seats and carpeted interior with radio/tape or CD players. Your baggage is transported in a trailer which is towed behind the van.
- The vans are regularly serviced in our own maintenance facility and continuously checked and serviced by a well established network of maintenance and service facilities throughout the continent. However, unforeseen maintenance problems can still occur while on the road and we appreciate the patience of our travellers as we make necessary repairs as quickly as possible.
- DRIVING TIMES
- All driving times mentioned in our itinerary are intended as a guide only and represent an estimated driving time - not including lunch stops, fuel stops, photo stops, traffic congestion, adverse weather conditions or any last minute alterations to the itinerary for any unforeseen circumstances. Please note that there are some long driving days on this tour - we'll have some starts as early as 7am and late arrivals at our final destination, sometimes after dark). As always, your group leader will make stops for viewpoints, short walks and lunch
est breaks to help break up the journey. - We recommend you are fully prepared for these long travel days by reviewing our notes and indicated drive times. Some travellers prefer to bring pillows on board for added comfort, others prefer reading material or games and puzzles. The reality is that to get from one fabulous location to another, the distances are great and we like to think at least some of the adventure is in the journey - not just the destination. You'll be on board with up to 12 other passengers plus your group leader so patience and cooperation goes a long way in making this journey a comfortable one.
- SEAT BELT POLICY
- Safety is our priority and therefore our travellers are asked to sign a document on Day 1 of the itinerary indicating your understanding of our seat belt policy.
Accommodation
- NORTH AMERICA CAMPING
- The campsites that we use are selected for either their scenic beauty, their convenient location to places of interest and/or the facilities available. We aim to offer you a selection of different types of campsites.
- If you've never camped before - no problem! We provide a complete set of camping and cooking equipment. This includes roomy easy-to-pitch tents, which are shared by only two people and are equipped with thin foam rubber mattresses and vinyl floors. Your leader will show you how to pitch a tent on the first day. On many trips we also spend a few nights in reasonably priced hotels/motels/hostels (as per the itinerary).
- Remember that sleeping bags are not provided. Check out the Packing section for more information.
- You'll find the necessary facilities - toilets and in most cases showers, washing machines and dryers - at many of our campsites. The showers at some campsites only have cold water available and some may require a payment (usually no more than US$1-$3 for a quick shower). This is payable locally and is a contribution towards the cost of a limited water supply. Some campsites won't have any facilities, but this will rarely be for more than one night at a time. This is true of many campsites within Yosemite National Park, so if your trip is visiting this park, please prepare to go without a shower on this night, although it can often be arranged to stop and utilise facilities on our way out of the park.
- In all campsites there are strict quiet hours when no loud noise is allowed. This means that all music, singing and group gatherings must stop. We request that all our travellers respect these campsite rules.
- For trips where there are lodges/cabins used, couples travelling together may be separated as our rooming arrangements are based on single gender.
- Our high-quality camping equipment (including tents) can be affected by bad weather conditions. This can result in some wet and cold conditions inside the tent. Your spirit of adventure and flexibility will help make your adventure trip an exciting and unforgettable experience. On nights where the group is camping, and weather conditions are extreme (such as snow or heavy rain), there may be an opportunity for the group (if everyone agrees) to stay at an alternative location such as a nearby hostel or hotel. When this is the case the upgrade is at your own expense.
- CAMPING OUTSIDE THE SUMMER MONTHS:
- Our trips extend beyond the traditional vacation months (June - September). This is because over the years we've recognised there's a demand from our travellers for trips outside this period. Many enjoy the experience of North America in the snow, or in the crisp and clear atmosphere of spring. We've operated successful trips throughout the year however some consideration must be taken when choosing a trip that travels in the colder months such as:
- - Have you got a suitable sleeping bag?
- - Do you have suitable warm clothing - fleece, waterproofs, thermals?
- - Are your walking and hiking boots waterproof and warm?
- You may also like to think about bringing your own camping mat for this period as the double layer provides extra warmth.
- In some locations it may be possible to upgrade from camping to cabins if it is cold. You will need to pay for, and arrange this locally and it is of course subject to availability. In some locations it may only be possible to upgrade if the whole group is willing to.
- If you come prepared and are willing to experience North America at this very special time of year, then you will be set for a great time.
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
This is a hiking trip that features a balance of moderate to challenging hikes that highlight the beauty of the Canadian Rockies. Your daily hiking distance ranges from 3.2km (2 miles) to 11 km (6.6 miles), some with significant elevation gain. Please check the special information within the daily itinerary for exact distances and elevation gain/loss. A good level of fitness and appropriate hiking gear is a must.
This is a camping trip where you are expected to pitch in with setting up tents and helping out with cooking and washing up.
It is not uncommon for snow to remain on the ground in higher elevations until the end of May and even during early June. The presence of snow may impact certain activities such as scenic gondolas or mountain hikes. Your trip leader will have a range of alternative activities/hikes to do if a planned activity is impacted by snow.
This trip starts on Day 1 as early as 7.30am and finishes on day 8 upon arrival to Calgary at around 4pm. You may wish to pre-book additional nights in Calgary at the start and end of the trip.
In 2024, Jasper experienced a significant wildfire, but much of its beauty remains untouched. As we return in 2025, you’ll witness firsthand how nature is beginning its recovery after this important and natural process that is vital to the region's ecology. This is also a crucial time to support local businesses as they rebuild from the fire’s impact. Join us in experiencing Jasper’s resilience and natural beauty while helping the community recover. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions