Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival into Calgary, Alberta

Upon arrival into Calgary transfer to our welcome hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore the city on your own. This evening you'll meet with your guide for dinner and a pre-trip meeting to answer any questions that you may have.(D)

Day 2: Banff National Park (Hiking)

After breakfast we set off through ranch country driving through the foothills to Banff National Park. Banff is located in a valley formed by the Bow River. It's surrounded by spectacular mountains and is a recreational oasis. Once we reach our campsite in the forested alpine, we'll depart for our first hike, following the shore of Lake Minnewanka and if we're feeling strong, we'll climb to our first peak at 8,220 feet/2,508 meters. Dinner is a homecooked meal by the open fire. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Banff National Park (Hiking)

We awaken in the wilderness, replenish with a wholesome breakfast and then head out for a full day of trekking. Our guide knows the best destinations for the time of the year, even the lesser known regions of rugged wilderness. For example passes that reach 7,454 feet/2,300 meters and meandering trails to hidden lakes. We'll choose the best hike that suits the day. Afterwards there is time to relax in the steamy sulfur pools or browse through the shops in the little town of Banff. We return to our campsite in Banff National Park for dinner and a campfire roasting marshmallows. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Yoho National Park (Hiking)

This morning we drive along the Trans-Canada Highway through dramatically beautiful landscapes into Yoho National Park, located at the western flank of the Canadian Rockies. Although the scenery would be enough to satisfy any photographer, wildlife photographers will be thrilled by the proximity of fairly tame animals. Big game animals including elk, bighorn sheep, deer, and mountain goats are often seen at salt licks and on the parkways. Upon arrival into the National Park we'll set up our camp for the next two nights. One of the choices for this afternoon is a 7km/2 mile trek over mountain passes to a lookout at 7,117 feet/2,135 meters. Overnight camping. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Yoho National Park (Hiking and Optional Rafting)

The gurgling Kicking Horse River rushes west out of Yoho Park and is a thrilling river for whitewater rafting. There's an option to bounce down the rapids today, for 5 hours of adrenaline-pumping action. Yoho is famous for its outstanding network of trails to snow fields, cascading waterfalls, fossil beds and other wonders in the high alpine. Overnight camping in Yoho National Park. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Jasper National Park (Hiking)

There are countless photo opportunities along the Icefields Parkway on your way into the heart of the Rockies, famous names like Peyto Lake and Bow Summit. In these 17000 sqkm (6538 sqmi) parks you probably see wapiti, bighorn sheep and sometimes bears right by the side of the road. The best view of Saskatchewan Glacier is gained after a steep, 2.5 km ascent of a windswept ridge. Three days on a campground near the little mountain town of Jasper.(B,L,D)

Day 7: Jasper National Park - Maligne Lake (Hiking and Optional Activities)

Today we have a side trip to Maligne Lake. This glacial blue lake is the largest in the Canadian Rockies. Here we'll head out for an 8 km (5 mile) circuit through wildflower covered alpine meadows to an elevation of 2150 m (7100 ft) or climb higher up to the peak at 2789 m (9150 ft). Some optional activities can be arranged today, either trail rides by horseback or mountain bike, or a scenic boat cruise to Spirit Island. Overnight camping in Jasper National Park. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Jasper National Park (Hiking)

We wake in the wilderness, feast on a hearty camp breakfast and then head to the Athabasca Falls for a look at the powerful cascade. Athabasca is famous for the water volume blasting down rugged canyon walls of quartzite and limestone. Afterwards we head to The Columbia Icefields for an 11 km loop with 335 m altitude gain (6.8 mi, 1020 ft) through a pass at 2375 m (7800 ft). This huge icefield spawns eight major glaciers. Overnight camping. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Athabasca River (Canoe Training)

After a short drive we reach the shores of a pristine lake. Here we prepare for the next leg of our adventure, canoe tripping down the Athabasca River. First we'll teach you the basic paddle strokes and safety precautions, talk about personal equipment and what your work responsibility will be. We paddle in two-person open canoes and throughout the trip, we'll continue to educate you on how to tackle the class 2-3 rapids. No experience is necessary. The selected river stretches are not dangerous, even for the beginner, but the current, numerous rapids, and gravel bars demand constant vigilance. Experienced canoeists will find plenty of challenge in this wilderness setting. Safety and the comfort of the participants are the main concerns of the guides. (B,L,D)

Days 10-12: Athabasca River (Canoeing)

For the next three days we'll paddle by day and pitch tents on remote sandy islands or comfortable spots along the riverbank. The route depends on the water level. The Athabasca River, fed by glaciers and clear forest streams, runs high and fast in the early season, clear, blue and lazy later into the summer. Even during low water times, portaging is never necessary. The valley is deeply forested and completely uninhabited. There are excellent opportunities to spot wild geese, beavers, eagles, elk, bear, and moose. We'll spend 5-6 hours daily on the river, sometimes leisurely drifting downstream, but always with an eye out for rapids and obstacles. It might happen that we have to drag our boats over a shallow spot. There is time for swimming, fishing, exploring and campfires beneath the northern lights.(B,L,D)

Day 13: Edmonton, Alberta (Canoeing)

Today is our final day paddling down the Athabasca River. We'll complete 160 km/100 miles downstream before we take out. The bus will be awaiting us at the finish to transfer us back to Edmonton. Here we check into a hotel for a well-deserved shower and our final night in Alberta. The remainder of the evening is at leisure. (B,L)

Day 14: Departure

You'll be transferred to the airport in Edmonton to catch returning flights home. No-charge transportation to the Calgary airport is most probably available tomorrow, arriving into Calgary approximately 3:30pm. (B)

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