Canadian Rockies Hiking

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

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 in Lake Louise at one of the most luxurious and sumptuous lodges in the Rockies – the Post Hotel.

Distance: 10 km; 100 m gain (morning) and 5 km; 130 m gain (afternoon option)

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 the comforts and luxury of the Post Hotel and dinner in the fine dining room. Does it get any better?

Distance: 12.7 km; 540 m gain or 19.3 km; 900 m gain

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

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. Emerald Lake Lodge sits in an idyllic position overlooking the lake.

Distance: 10.9 km; 350 m gain 

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

Depart

We will offer a transfer to Lake Louise, where shuttles depart for Calgary and onward travel. Should you wish a private transfer from Emerald Lake Lodge to Calgary direct, this is an option.