9-Day Rockies Hiking and Camping Tour

9-Day Rockies Hiking and Camping Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Calgary

You will be picked up from Marriott Downtown Hotel in Calgary (gathering spot) in the late afternoon and be driven 2 hours northwest to David Thompson Country by your friendly local guides. You will have plenty of time to get to know the rest of your small group on the drive as you leave the prairies behind you and arrive in the spectacular mountains. Breathe in the pristine mountain air as you set up camp for the first time on your Canadian wilderness adventure.
Join the group for a briefing of the exciting days ahead, then enjoy a delicious homecooked meal around the crackling campfire and prepare for a good night's rest beneath the stars.
Overnight Location: Camp in David Thompson
Distance: None
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 Athabasca Glacier in the Columbia Icefield

This morning you'll rise to breathe in the revitalizing fresh air of the mountains. After a delicious breakfast around the campfire, the group will set out on a two-hour drive to one of Canada's largest icefields, the Columbia Icefields. Prepare to witness one of the most scenic drives in the entire world as the van whizzes by countless waterfalls, lofty peaks and age-old glaciers.
Upon arrival, your guides will lead you to set out on a thrilling hike of Wilcox Pass. Keep your eyes peeled for mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and an array of wildlife on today's hike. After working up a sweat on the pass, refresh yourself beneath the cascading waters of a secret waterfall. Dry off and gather with your newfound friends to share a picnic lunch while enjoying phenomenal views of the Athabasca Glacier.
Tonight, huddle around the fire to enjoy another mouth-watering dinner before setting out on a moonlit walk to the lake.
Overnight Location: Camp in David Thompson
Distance: 5-6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 Explore David Thompson

Today your expert guides will immerse you in the spellbinding landscapes of David Thompson, choosing from a selection of top hikes in the area to embark on following breakfast. A secret "guide-favourite" hike and Helen Lake are some epic options on the table, to name just a few! Inhale the pleasant aroma of the wildflowers in bloom that surround you as you ascend a breezy ridge to find incredible lake views. For those interested in trying something a little different today, you can opt to explore this beautiful area on horseback on a 2-3 hour ride (for an extra charge).
Back at camp this evening, you can unwind after a day of adventure, kicking back to enjoy another night in the mountains beneath the stars.
Overnight Location: Camp in David Thompson
Distance: 7-8 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 Transfer to Golden BC and Yoho or Lake Louise Hike

Wake up in your picture-perfect camp spot this morning on what is your final morning in David Thompson Country. Gather for a tasty breakfast before packing up camp to embark on the beautiful ride to Golden, British Colombia! A possible stop at Moraine Lake on the way today is definitely something to get excited about.
Arrive at your campsite in Golden, located on the rushing Kicking Horse River. After settling in, set out to explore your new surroundings with a magical hike around Yoho or Lake Louise. Tonight, relax at your riverside campsite in the company of new friends, sharing laughter and stories around the fire.
Overnight Location: Camp near Kicking Horse River
Distance: 5-6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 Optional Rafting Adventure on Kicking Horse River

Savour a peaceful breakfast on the shores of Kicking Horse River this morning as another brilliant day in the Rockies is yours to seize. Today you'll have the opportunity to get your adrenaline pumping with a rafting excursion on the Kicking Horse River (for an extra charge). This optional activity comes highly recommended by your guides and will grant you the coveted opportunity to check out the incredible rock formations of Yoho National Park. If you'd rather remain on land today, you can enjoy a guided tour of the local Yoho highlights on food, spotting glaciers and enjoying another incredible day of hiking beneath the sunny sky.
This evening, opt for a nighttime stroll to take in another waterfall or unwind back at camp with great food and even better company.
Overnight Location: Camping near Kicking Horse River
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 Experience the Highlights of Yoho and Lake Louise

After filling up on a hearty breakfast this morning, it's time to set out for the turquoise waters of Lake Louise, where you'll no doubt want to snag some epic photos.
Later this afternoon, you can enjoy some more Yoho highlights, like a short hike around Emerald Lake (and a dip if you are brave!) or hit the trails to reach the Paget lookout. After another spectacular day in the Rockies, you can unwind and settle down with the group to enjoy a fireside evening at your stunning campsite.
Overnight Location: Camping near Kicking Horse River
Distance: 5-6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 Glacier National Park Hike

The anticipation will no doubt be rising this morning at breakfast as the group prepares to make the hour-long drive to Glacier National Park. Upon arrival, tackle an epic hike through the park's unique mountains and breathtaking forest.
Devour a well-earned dinner around the fire as you share epic memories made thus far on the trip with your group.
Overnight Location: Camp near Kicking Horse River
Distance: 7-8 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 Welcome to Banff!

Enjoy one last peaceful breakfast this morning by the shores of the mighty Kicking Horse River. Following this, it's time to pack up for the next ride to Banff. On the way, you'll hop out of the van for a scenic hike in Kootenay National Park, where you'll find yourself immersed in surreal beauty amid its cascading waterfalls.
This afternoon, set out to explore Banff at your own pace, delighting in local food, perusing the pretty shop-lined street, or partake in some further adventures like mountain biking or horseback riding!
Tonight after dinner, take in a picture-perfect sunset over the pristine waters of Lake Minnewanka, followed by a trip to the soothing baths of the Banff Upper Hot Springs, where you can treat your muscles to a pleasant soak. Opt for a relaxing evening at camp, or if the nightlife of Banff is calling your name, ask your guide for a recommendation of where to hit the dance floor in Banff tonight!
Overnight Location: Camping near Banff
Distance: 6-7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 Explore Canmore and Depart

Today is your final day on the amazing 9-day Rockies adventure, but that does not mean the fun is over. You will take one last breakfast feast with your lovely group before heading to Canmore to explore this charming Rocky Mountain town and hike on a nearby trail. Your guide will aim to wrap everything up by 5 pm, so if you're departing from Calgary today, aim for a late evening flight.
Say farewell to your group as you hop in the support van for a final ride to Banff. Your guide can help arrange a shuttle back to Calgary from Banff upon request.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch