Juniper Hotel, Banff
There's nowhere else in Banff like the Juniper Hotel. From the panoramic view and natural setting to their vintage modernist architecture, Juniper sits majestically above Banff yet only minutes away.
If there is more beautiful hiking terrain on earth, we don’t know it. Protected as National Parks, with stunning peaks, mountain tarns, aqua-marine lakes and a myriad of ideal hiking trails makes this a mecca for walkers and hikers. There are a limited number hotels to stay in (otherwise the region would be overwhelmed), that include one-of-a-kind luxurious lodges that complement their surroundings. Our 7 day itinerary starts from the idyllic & vibrant mountain village of Banff, Alberta. From here, we make our way to the post-card perfect Lake Louise, and then to lesser known, but equally stunning trails in Yoho National Park. You will marvel at water-falls, and high alpine vistas that may leave you breathless. Welcome to the Canadian Rockies!
Only Great Explorations:
- Small groups, extraordinary guides, and authentic experiences.
- Order off the menu at restaurants you won’t find in guidebooks.
- Distinctive, charming hotels too small for larger groups.
- We design and operate our own trips so there are only good surprises.
Canadian Rockies Hiking
Banff
Banff, AB, Canada
Day 1
Lake Louise
Lake Louise, AB, Canada
Day 2+3
Takakkaw Falls
Takakkaw Falls, British Columbia, Canada
Day 4
Yoho National Park
Yoho National Park, Field, BC, Canada
Day 5
Emerald Lake
Emerald Lake, Columbia-Shuswap A, BC, Canada
Day 6+7
Trip Inclusions
What’s Included
- Services of one or more experienced Great Explorations guide(s)
- Support vehicle
- 6 nights lodging
- All breakfasts, 2 lunches, and all dinners but 1
- Entrance fees for selected historical sites and museums
- GPS routes and maps
- All baggage transportation
- All transportation from initial meeting point to final drop-off
Particulars
Departure Dates
| 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|
| Jul 3-9 | Jul 2-8 |
| Jul 10-16 | Jul 9-15 |
| Jul 31-Aug 6 | Jul 30-Aug 5 |
| Aug 7-13 | Aug 6-12 |
| Sep 4-10 | Sep 3-9 |
| Sep 11-17 | Sep 10-16 |
Trip can start at any date. Self-guided and custom trips also available. Call or email for details.
Trip Size
4-12 participants
Total Days
7 days / 6 nights
Arrive/Depart
Banff / Lake Louise
Activity Level
4-6 hours hiking each day. Options to shorten some day hikes
Terrain
Fitness and sure-footedness required
Cost
Land Cost
CAD $3,150
Includes 5B/2L/4D
Single Supplement
CAD $800
Prices subject to GST (5%) for trips in Alberta.
Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. Due to cancellations and waiting lists, trip availability fluctuates daily. If you have any questions or would like to confirm space on this trip before making your reservation, please contact us at info@great-explorations.com or by telephone at 604.730.1247.
Getting There
There is regularly-scheduled air service to Calgary from across North America, with non-stop flights to Calgary from all major Canadian and many US centres. Additionally, non-stop international flights are available from London and Frankfurt. A number of companies offer an airport shuttle service to Banff from the Calgary Airport.
1
Day 1
Banff
Arrive to Banff. First settled in 1888, this historic resort town has been a magnet for visitors for its mountainous surroundings, hot springs and vibrant town center. Although our formal meeting time is 7pm for a welcome wine reception, for those who have arrived early, we’ll meet at 2pm and take a leisurely walk around Johnson Lake and or Lake Minnewanka. There will be time to visit Banff prior to our meeting.
Distance: 3 km; 40 m gain
2
Day 2
Lake Louise
We’ll awake to the splendor of being surrounded by mountain peaks – Cascade, Rundle and others. We will walk a trail from the Hoodoos to Surprise Corner and then along a river-side trail to Bow Falls, followed by lunch at a charming café in Banff. Afterwards, we will transfer towards Lake Louise, first walking a trail to spectacular Johnston Canyon and waterfalls. We’ll stay at the Mountaineer Lodge, located in the village of Lake Louise.
Distance: 10 km; 100 m gain (morning) and 5 km; 130 m gain (afternoon option)
3
Day 3
Lake Louise
There are many options today, starting from stunning aqua-marine Lake Louise. For a moderate hike, climb up to Mirror Lake and Lake Agnes, where a charming tea-house has been a welcome mountain refuge, serving tea since 1905. There are add-on options to Little Beehive and Big Beehive (spur trails well worth the effort) and a longer, more challenging hike to another tea-house at the Plain of Six glacier, linking these two alpine tea-houses is known as ‘the tea-house challenge’ and the reward is an up-close view of Victoria Glacier. The walk back down the valley to Lake Louise is a stroll you will savor. Enjoy a refreshing drink in Chateau Lake Louise and then we head back to our hotel, enjoying dinner in an atmospheric local restaurant.
Distance: 12.7 km; 540 m gain or 19.3 km; 900 m gain
4
Day 4
Yoho National Park
Start the day at Takkakaw Falls, the 3rd highest waterfalls in Canada. Embark on a thrilling hike rated one of the ‘5 best in the Rockies’. After viewing ‘Tak Falls’, choose between a moderate hike up valley to another set of falls, or a longer more challenging hike along the Ice-line trail to the alpine. Either way, you’ll marvel at the scenery in this valley with splendid views of high mountain peaks, lush forest and alpine scenery. Afterwards, we’ll transfer along Yoho Valley Road to Cathedral Mountain Lodge, a lovely lodge with private cabins and luxurious surroundings.
Distance: 9.8 km; 140 m gain or 17.9 km; 715 m gain
5
Day 5
Yoho National Park
On this day, we will be hiking from Yoho Valley over Yoho Pass, stopping for lunch at secluded Yoho Lake before descending to Emerald Lake, glistening in the afternoon sun. The spectacular President’s Range, with waterfalls cascading down the rocks, merits a stop. Tonight we stay at Truffle Pigs Lodge in the village of Field. The bistro at the lodge is superb.
Distance: 10.9 km; 350 m gain
6
Day 6
Emerald Lake
Explore the beautiful trails around Emerald Lake. Hike to Emerald Basin, in the President’s Range, which ends in a rocky amphitheater with hanging glaciers, or we may choose to hike to Hamilton Falls and Hamilton Lake, a classic alpine lake. There will be time to enjoy the surroundings of Emerald Lake; take a canoe out paddling or linger on the terrace at our luxurious hotel. We will have a final night reception and toast our week among these majestic peaks, and finish with another memorable meal together.
Distance: 5.2 km; 60 m gain or 10.8 km; 240 m gain or 10.4 km; 850 m gain
7
Day 7
Depart
We will offer a transfer to Lake Louise, where shuttles depart for Calgary and onward travel. Should you wish a private transfer from Truffle Pigs Lodge to Calgary direct, this is an option.
Mountaineer Lodge, Lake Louise
Nestled in a forest with tremendous views, it feels secluded, yet is a scenic five-minute walk from a variety of services and shopping. Guests can visit the whirlpool and steam room area to relax.
Cathedral Mountain Lodge, Field
This charming lodge is located in Field, in the heart of Yoho National Park.
Cathedral Mountain is bringing log cabin living and luxury service together to create truly one-of-a-kind experiences.
Truffle Pigs Lodge, Field
Located just across the street in the former Canadian Pacific Railway ‘Siding’. Very welcoming rooms, terrific views of the Rockies, hip decor and superb restaurant make this hotel a guest favourite.
Tour Reviews
This was such a great trip – the guides were incredible and put a spin on everything to make it more individual and personal. Loved all of it! Lorraine was so knowledgeable about the area and gave us so much information! She was a high note on the trip, really personable and helpful throughout.
I recommend because it definitely exceeded my expectations. Enjoyed all of the trails!! I was not expecting wonderful tasty meals and the dinners were definitely above and beyond!!! The guides did a great job selecting the trails according to our abilities. Honestly I cannot pinpoint one specific thing that I liked best. The Canadian Rockies are so gorgeous!
Wow, where to start. Our Travel Advisor was great to work with with and answered my 1,000 questions with patience and in a timely manner. I appreciated her input very much. The guides were both amazing. From the very first day, I felt that they really worked hard to make the trip memorable and full of adventure. Our cups ran over the entire week because of how wonderful they both were. The hotels selected were great. Everyone was very nice. All of the meals provided were OUTSTANDING. It was truly a standout for the whole group and everyone was very pleased with the meals and selected restaurants. From the office to the field, everything was top notch. Final thoughts, GE was great. Loved every minute of the trip. Very satisfied! A++++!
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