Discover hidden corners of the Canadian Rocky Mountains on this 12-day hiking tour
Explore the best of the Canadian Rockies on this guided tour. Leave the tourist sites behind as you get to know the valleys, peaks, cliffs and waterfalls of Yoho, Jasper and Banff National Parks. From the glaciers of the Icefields Parkway to the canyons of Jasper and emerald waters of the alpine lakes, this 12-Day Rockies Hiking and Camping adventure is an outdoor lover’s delight.
Your friendly local guides will safely guide you through spectacular mountain trails, teaching you about the history, culture, and biodiversity of the Canadian wilderness. They know the mountains like the back of their hands and will bring you to the most isolated and breathtaking camping spots that most tourists will never get the chance to see.
The hikes will be adapted for the needs and preferences of every small group and you will have some free time to go horseback riding or river rafting if you want to squeeze in a couple of extra adventures.
Highlights of the 12-Day Rockies Hiking and Camping Tour
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12-Day Rockies Hiking and Camping Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Welcome to Calgary
Today you will meet your likeminded group members and friendly local guides. You will be picked up at Marriott Downtown Hotel in Calgary (gathering spot) in the afternoon before enjoying the scenic ride to David Thompson Country. Watch the landscape transform before your eyes on this two-hour joy ride as the prairies make way to the mountains.
Arrive at your campsite in David Thompson, where you can unwind and get to know your group and guides. Enjoy a tour briefing later this afternoon where you'll get acquainted with camping equipment, then relax around the campfire and tuck into dinner as you prepare for a good night's rest beneath a star-filled sky.
Overnight Location: Camp in David Thompson
Distance: None
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 Columbia Icefields and Athabasca Glacier
Breathe in deeply as you soak up the revitalizing fresh air of the mountains. After a hearty breakfast around the campfire, you will set out on a two-hour drive to one of the largest icefields in Canada, the Columbia Icefields. Get ready to witness one of the most scenic drives in the entire world! The Icefields Parkway is an extraordinary road that winds past countless waterfalls, mountain peaks and ancient glaciers.
Once there, your expert guides will lead you on a spellbinding hike of Wilcox Pass, where you'll have the chance to spot mountain goats, bighorn sheep and an array of other wildlife. Cool down at a secret waterfall on the way, where you can refresh beneath its cascading waters and enjoy a picnic lunch with a view as you take in the beauty of the Athabasca glacier.
This evening you'll enjoy dinner around the fire before setting out on a moonlit walk to the lake, the perfect ending to a magical day.
Overnight Location: Camp in David Thompson
Distance: 5-6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 Hike Around David Thompson
Today is all about exploring the area you've now called home for the past two nights. Together with your guide, you'll choose from a selection of local hikes following breakfast. Helen Lake tends to be a group favourite! Marvel at the colours of the wildflowers as you climb a breezy ridge to uncover epic lake views, or choose to discover the area on horseback with an optional 2-3 hour ride.
This evening you'll unwind back at the campsite and enjoy another night in the mountains beneath the stars.
Overnight Location: Camp near David Thompson
Distance: 7-8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 Drive to Golden and Hiking in Yoho or Lake Louise
Wake up in your stunning camping spot on your final morning in David Thompson Country. Enjoy breakfast, then pack up for the scenic ride to Golden, British Colombia! There are plenty of highlights to take in along the way, including a possible stop at one of Banff's most renowned treasures, Moraine Lake.
After arriving at your campsite in Golden, situated on the stunning Kicking Horse River, it's time to set out to explore your new surroundings with a hike around Lake Louise or Yoho. Tonight, you'll kick back at your riverside campsite surrounded by new friends, sharing a laugh around the fire.
Overnight Location: Camp near Kicking Horse River
Distance: 5-6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 Rafting on Kicking Horse River
After a peaceful breakfast by the shores of Kicking Horse River, prepare to get your adrenaline pumping on a rafting tour. This optional activity comes highly recommended as you can discover up close the stunning rock formations of Yoho National Park, formed by the ruthless power of the ancient glaciers.
If you would rather not take a rafting tour, you can opt to take a guided tour of the local area on foot, with amazing views over the glaciers available either way. This evening you can choose to take a night walk to another waterfall, or just unwind at your campsite with good food and even better company.
Overnight Location: Camp in Kicking Horse River
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 Lake Louise and Yoho Highlights
After filling up on a delicious breakfast, you'll head to Lake Louise to take in its iconic turquoise waters. Later today, enjoy some more highlights of Yoho like the Paget Lookout or a hike around sparkling Emerald Lake, and, if you are feeling adventurous, dive into its glowing waters for a refreshing swim.
After another adventure-filled day in the Rockies, it's time to settle down for another night of good food, fire, and laughter at your camp.
Overnight Location: Camp near Kicking Horse River
Distance: 5-6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 Glacier National Park
Today is bound to be yet another incredible highlight of the tour as you set out to hike Glacier National Park. Be sure to enjoy a hearty breakfast this morning before setting out into the alpine. A scenic hour-long drive will have you arriving at Glacier National Park, where you'll enjoy a guided hike through the park's unique mountains and coastal forest.
Enjoy another evening around the crackling fire, devouring a well-earned dinner and laughing over memories made thus far on the trip.
Overnight Location: Camp near Kicking Horse River
Distance: 7-8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 Drive to Banff, Explore Kootenay National Park, and Sulfur Mountain Hot Springs
After a final peaceful breakfast by the shores of Kicking Horse River, it's time to pack up for the ride to Banff. On the way, stop for a scenic hike in Kootenay National Park and take in its cascading waterfalls.
Later today, enjoy an afternoon exploring Banff at your leisure, enjoying mouthwatering local food, perusing the cute shops or perhaps scoping out a place where you can hit the dancefloor after the sun goes down this evening!
Following dinner, you can enjoy the sunset over the pristine waters of Lake Minnewanka, then, opt to set out for Banff Upper Hot Springs at Sulfur Mountain, where you can enjoy a rejuvenating soak—a true delight for the muscles. Later, wind down at camp for the night, or if the nightlife of Banff is calling your name, head out to enjoy it!
Overnight Location: Camp near Banff
Distance: 6-7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 Discover Canmore
Rise at your gorgeous campsite in Banff to the sound of the birds chirping. Enjoy breakfast at camp before setting out to hike near Canmore, where you can also take in the beauty of this charming Rocky Mountain town. Depending on the group's wishes and weather conditions, your guide might opt for a hike of Grotto Canyon, where you'll unearth fascinating 1300-year-old pictographs. Another true treasure of the Rockies is also an option on the table today, with an epic hike on the Ha Ling Trail.
With two days in Banff under your belt, you'll no doubt have some stories to share with the rest of your group this evening as you take a dip in the lake by your camp and dry off by the crackling campfire.
Overnight Location: Camp near Banff
Distance: 4-5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 Kananaskis Country
Awake to another beautiful morning in the Rockies and join the group for breakfast. Today you'll discover a lesser-known part of the Rockies as you head south of Banff to the beautiful Kananaskis Country. Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of this less-crowded area where wildflowers and wildlife abound.
Return to your camp near Banff to enjoy another evening at your leisure.
Overnight Location: Camp near Banff
Distance: 7-8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 Connect with Nature in Banff
Today is your last full day of exploring the stunning Canadian Rocky Mountain trails. Don’t forget to take some pictures as you visit more of the untouched wilderness that abounds in this gorgeous corner of the world. Your guides will happily teach you about the plants and minerals of the trail as you forage for delicious berries and learn about the abundant biodiversity that surrounds you.
Enjoy one last feast around the campfire tonight as you prepare to say goodbye to all your newfound friends.
Overnight Location: Camp near Banff
Distance: 7-8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 Last day hike
We squeeze in a guided hike through Grotto Canyon on our way to Calgary. Discover ancient pictographs that leave clues to the rich history of the land we’ve been exploring.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
12-Day Rockies Hiking and Camping Tour Price and Dates
This guided hiking tour in the Canadian Rocky Mountains is run as a fixed-departure tour where you’d be joining a group.
Prices below are per person, sharing a double or a triple room:
Accommodation on 12-Day Rockies Hiking and Camping Tour
This tour is based in good quality tents with comfortable camping pads. Your camping spots are carefully chosen to offer the most beautiful spots of the Rocky Mountains. A hot shower is available nearly every day and all diets can be catered for.
Prices are based on 2 people sharing a 3-4-person tent, but it is possible to upgrade to a private tent if you prefer. You can either bring your own sleeping bag or rent one for an extra fee.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement of $325 USD to have a private tent. Contact us and we can try and match single travelers up, where possible.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Camping in the Canadian Rockies
Spend each night camping in gorgeous spots in the mountains, enjoying an authentic backcountry experience with your group. Facilities may not be available.
What’s included in the 12-Day Rockies Hiking and Camping Tour?
Meals
11 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 11 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Camping accommodations for 11 nights along the tour are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for you and your luggage is included.
Also Included
- Park passes and entry fees
- Hot Springs visit
- Expert local guides
- Use of our quality camping gear (Tent and sleeping pad)
- Hiking activities
Not included
- Alcoholic drinks
- Optional personal transportation around town during free time
- Getting to and from Calgary
- Insurance
- Personal expenses
- Anything not stated as ‘included’
- GST (5%)
Optional Extras
- Sleeping bag rental
- Additional night in Calgary before or after the tour
- Kicking horse river rafting (prices upon request)
- Optional activities in free time like helicopter tours and horseback riding (prices upon request)
Frequently Asked Questions about 12-Day Rockies Hiking and Camping Tour
Fresh Adventures is an outdoor tour company that navigates explorations through the rugged, stunning terrain spanning western Canada. With an emphasis on customer care, Fresh Adventures promises to depart on an expedition, with a highly skilled guide, no matter how many people have signed up, while also ensuring tour participants have top-notch equipment.
Learn More12-Day Rockies Hiking and Camping Tour Map
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