Trek Notes - Canada

Best of Banff,Yoho & Jasper hiking


The Rocky Mountain National Parks in seven fun filled days. Backpacking is not necessary - for the day hikes you carry only your lunch, rain gear and camera.

Itinerary
Day 1
: Banff National Park - This morning at 8:30 you meet with your guide as arranged in Calgary, or in Banff. On the campground in Banff National Park you pitch your tent for the next two days and get ready for the first hike in the Rocky Mountain great outdoors. Walking time 2 to 3 hours.

Day 2: Banff National Park - On a full day hike you explore passes above the tree line and alpine meadows. For example 7.5 km with 725m gain to a small lake and possibly 2 km further into the pass at 2470m. This evening you sit by the camp fire or walk along the busy streets of Banff with its many stores and visitors from around the world. Walking time 5 to 7 hours.

Day 3: Yoho National Park - Here the guide suggests a short but steep path of 7.5 km with 600m gain to a viewpoint from where the energetic ones can make their way for another 2 km to the summit. You set up camp under the pines of Yoho Park (showers) before you visit Takakkaw Falls, Spiral Tunnel and other attractions. Walking time 3 to 5 hours.

Day 4: Yoho National Park - There is an opportunity for a great white water rafting trip on the Kicking Horse River. Of course hiking is always an alternative. Among the choice of trails the guide would like to show you is an 18km circuit trough two flower-decorated passes at 1830m and 2180m and spectacular views of Emerald Lake. Walking time 6 hours.

Day 5: Jasper National Park - Frequent stops and short excursions along the Icefields Parkway on your way into the heart of the Rockies. Famous names like Peyto Lake and Bow Summit. Saskatchewan Glacier is best viewed from far above after hiking 2.5 km to a windy ridge at 2260m. Camp for the next two days is near the little holiday town of Jasper (showers). Walking time 2 hours.

Day 6: Jasper National Park - So many possibilities here: swimming and a picnic at Pyramid Lake, mountain biking, trail rides, canoeing and more. Or join the guide for a side trip to Maligne Lake and a 8 km loop hike with 460m gain into the mountains overlooking this jewel of the Canadian Rockies. Walking time 2 to 4 hours.

Day 7: Banff or Calgary - Trails near the Columbia Icefields start at tree line and are especially rewarding. Your final hike is the 11 km loop with 335m gain through a pass at 2375m. After lunch you board a comfortable sightseeing bus for the ride via Lake Louise to Banff or Calgary. Walking time 2 to 3 hours.

Included
Transportation in passenger van with spacious 2 person tents
All meals from lunch day 1 to lunch day 7
Camping gear (except sleeping bag)
Hard-foam mattress
Admission to the National Parks
Services of a guide

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