The Best of Banff & Jasper Hiking Tour
Hiking Holiday
In this independent tour, you will have nine fun filled days in the most outstanding places of the Rocky Mountain National Parks. Stunning vistas along the famous Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper are the backdrop for specially selected rewarding day hikes. Don’t worry about planning the details. Your guide has everything arranged, has insider tips, knows the best trails, activities and special places for every season.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Explore with an expert guide
- Hike in the most stunning locations in the Rocky Mountains National Parks
- Traverse the famous Icefields Parkway
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Your Itinerary
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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7
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Day 8
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Day 9
Day 1 : Calgary
Transfer from the airport to your hotel. Meet the guide to receive more pre-tour information during dinner (not included) in the hotel.
Day 2 : Banff National Park
After breakfast you board the bus for the drive through ranch country in the foot hills into Banff National Park. After an orientation drive of the surrounding area you check into the hotel in Banff. Now it is time for the first hike along the shores of Minnewanka Lake or along one of the many mountain trails near Banff. Hiking time 2 – 3 hours.
Day 3 : Banff National Park
On a full day hike you explore passes above the tree line and alpine meadows. The group can choose, for example you can do a 7.5 km hike, with 725 m elevation gain (4.6 mi, 2414 ft) to a small lake and possibly 2 km further into the pass at 2470 m (8225 ft). The day ends by the campfire or you can explore Banff with its many stores and visitors from around the world. Hiking time 5 – 7 hours.
Day 4 : Banff National Park - Lake Louise
You would not want to miss the picture postcard scenery surrounding Lake Louise. The guide suggests 3.5km (2mi) path with 400m (1325ft) gain to the historic tea house by an alpine lake. Here a network of easy to demanding trails is tempting you to go further and higher. For example, the 15km (9.3mi) circuit into the Plain of Six Glaciers or a 2.5km (1.6mi) climb with 515m (1705ft) gain to a summit with exceptional views of nearby peaks and distant landscapes. Hiking time 3 - 5 hours.
Day 5 : Banff National Park - Lake Louise
There is an opportunity for a great white water rafting trip on the Kicking Horse River. It involves a side trip to Golden in B.C., headquarters for many outdoor adventures. Of course hiking is always an alternative. Among the choice of trails the guide would like to show you is an 18 km (11 mi) circuit through two flower decorated passes at 1830m and 2180m (6093ft and 7250ft) and spectacular views of Emerald Lake. The Natural Bridge, Takakkaw Falls, and Spiral Tunnel are other attractions of Yoho Park. Hiking time 6 hours.
Day 6 : 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. At the Columbia Icefields huge glaciers spawn rivers, which eventually reach three different oceans. Saskatchewan Glacier is best viewed from far above after hiking 2.5km (1.6mi) to a windy ridge at 2260m (7525 ft). Then on to Jasper and your hotel in this small mountain town. Hiking time 2 hours.
Day 7 : Jasper National Park
You have many options in Jasper National Park - swimming and a picnic at Pyramid Lake, mountain biking, trail rides, canoeing and more. You can also join the guide for a side trip to Maligne Lake and a 8 km (5 mile) loop hike with 460 m elevation gain (1532 ft) into the hills above tree line at 2150 m (7160 ft) elevation and possibly all the way to the 2790 m (9290 ft) peak overlooking the beautiful lake. Hiking time 2 – 6 hours.
Day 8 : Calgary or Jasper
Mighty Athabasca Falls count among the attractions of this park. Trails near the Columbia Icefields start at tree line and are especially rewarding thanks to their magnificent views of the glaciers and surrounding ranges. Your farewell to the Rockies is the 8km (5mi) hike with 335m (1155ft) gain into a pass at 2375m (7980ft). Now the transfer back to Calgary. Arrival at the hotel at about 7:00 pm. Hiking time 2 - 3 hours.
Day 9 : Depart Calgary
Upon check-out of your hotel a transfer is included to Calgary airport.
