Experience Overview
Camp out under the stars in the Canadian Rockies on this eight-day tour. Lace up those boots and hike through stretches of old-growth forests, wander past pristine alpine lakes, and catch your breath at the top of mountains as you take in the stunning view below and smell the fresh mountain air. From hikes along the Crypt Lake trail to the magnificent Iceline trail in Yoho National Park, the great outdoors of Canada is the perfect playground for your next big adventure.
Highlights
- Visit Waterton National Park
- Hike Bertha Lake trail and visit Red Rock Canyon
- Hike the short but sweet Ptarmigan Cirque trail
- Get those hearts pumping on the Burstall Pass trail
- Visit stunning Banff National Park
- Embark on a scenic rafting trip down the Bow River
- Check out the amazing views along the Iceline trail in Yoho National Park.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2500
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Private vehicle and hiking.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles: Budget
Tour Operator: G Adventures
Supplier Code: NCWL
Starts: Calgary, Canada
Finishes: Calgary, Canada
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating: Demanding
Includes
Activities
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
- Trip to Waterton National Park
- Hike along Bertha Lake trail
- Visit to Red Rock Canyon
- Hike the Crypt Lake or Carthew Summit trails
- Hike the short but sweet Ptarmigan Cirque trail
- Burstall Pass trail
- Banff National Park visit
- Climb up Fairview Mountain
- Rafting trip down the Bow River
- Walk the Iceline trail in Yoho National Park
- Camp out under the stars
- All transfers between destinations
Accommodation
- Participation camping (7 nts).
- 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners
Transport
- Private vehicle and hiking.
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2,429 ($304 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Calgary/Waterton Lakes
Enjoy a morning welcome meeting with your CEO in Calgary before making the trip to Waterton National Park. Have a picnic lunch outside upon arrival to fuel up before setting out to hike the Bertha Lake trail. The switchbacks are tough, but the view of the valley below from the blue-green waters of Lake Bertha are well worth the climb. Visit Red Rock Canyon afterwards for a short walk into this geological phenomenon before setting up camp in the evening to chow down on dinner around the fire.
Day 2: Waterton Lakes
Wake up to the smell of pine, emerge from the tent, and have breakfast at camp. Get ready for a full day of hiking, lace up those boots, bring plenty of water and hit the trail. The group will be hiking either the Crypt Lake or Carthew summit trail, please note that there won't be enough time for both. You'll indulge in a picnic lunch halfway through and enjoy highlights like, roaring waterfalls, panoramic views, alpine bowls, and a 60ft tunnel through a mountain.
Day 3: Waterton Lakes/Kananaskis
Enjoy a breakfast at camp before hopping into our private vehicle en route to Kananaskis. Nothing breaks up a road journey like snacks so we stop in Longview for some famous jerky to stock up. Fuel up with a picnic lunch before starting off on the first and only hike of today along the Ptarmigan Cirque trail. This steep trail offers spanning views of the surrounding mountains from an alpine meadow and also happens to be the highest paved pass in Canada. After finishing the hike, we head to our campsite, set up our tents, and have dinner together by the campfire.
Day 4: Kananaskis
In the morning after breakfast at camp the group will head straight to the trailhead of Burstall Pass. Spend the entire day hiking this route with a picnic lunch about halfway through to get some more energy for the hike back down. The views along the pass are magnificent and offer plenty of opportunities for more adventurous rock scrambling and climbing. Back at camp in the evening share dinner as a group around the campfire.
Day 5: Kananaskis/Lake Louise
After another morning outdoors enjoying a breakfast at camp the group will travel to Lake Louise. It's a day jam packed with activities that will get you out into the beautiful scenery of Lake Louise. In the morning you will drive from Kananaskis to Canmore. You have a raft tour (The Townie) on the Bow River in Canmore. Before the raft tour you can enjoy and visit Canmore. You can opt to have a picnic lunch in the town, and then embark on a scenic raft ride down the Bow River. Drive to camp in the evening.
Day 6: Lake Louise
In the morning the group will leave Lake Louise and travel to Yoho National Park to hike the Iceline Trail there. It's one of the best hikes in the park featuring unbeatable views of glacier peaks, rugged alpine landscapes, and cascading waterfalls. Eat a picnic lunch overlooking this beautiful landscape and then travel back to Lake Louise where you can spend some time in town before heading back to camp for dinner as a group.
Day 7: Lake Louise
In the morning set out on a hike up Mount Fairview. After, travel to Banff. Once here it's an afternoon of freedom to enjoy any activity that catches your eye. There are canoe rentals, bike rentals, scenic raft tours, the Banff gondola, and of course exploring on your own two feet with another hike. But if hiking feels too daunting, know that you can spend your time as you choose in the majesty of this national park and still feel connected to the space.
Day 8: Lake Louise/Calgary
Transfer from Lake Louise to Calgary. Tour ends on arrival into Calgary.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures is an operator of small-group escorted tours. It is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with 28 offices worldwide. It offers more than 700 itineraries in more than 100 countries, and carries 200,000 travelers from 160 countries each year.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
Julie B. - Traveled, September 2023
Overall experience with the guide
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/15/2023
Matthew H. - Traveled, September 2023
I could not / would not ask for a better guide than Raphaelle GagnŽ. She was so professional, knowledgeable about the hikes, locations, history. The food she made for us was outstanding, and she was a constant source of positivity for the group. Thanks Raphaelle!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/15/2023
Michelle Y. - Traveled, September 2023
Well organised and itineraries seem to cover most places
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/15/2023
Claude L. - Traveled, September 2023
My package was a prize, but i like outdoor and trekking so it was wonderful
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/15/2023
Ruair’ C. - Traveled, September 2023
Well organised tour, logistics taken care of, great CEO
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/15/2023
Leah H. - Traveled, September 2023
Of course it depends on the family member but I rated the experience very highly. It is a rigorous active trip and it was exactly what I was hoping for and more.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/15/2023
Brenda-Jean H. - Traveled, August 2023
This is my 7th trip, and perhaps my last with G
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/05/2023
Esther L. - Traveled, August 2023
Good hike selection, good camp equipment, good food
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/05/2023
Brian L. - Traveled, August 2023
Good hiking routes, camping equipment and food
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/05/2023
Aimee M. - Traveled, August 2023
It was an incredible way to keep to a structure but a little expensive!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/05/2023
David K. - Traveled, August 2023
Honestly just the price makes it difficult to fully recommend
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/26/2023
Diane L. - Traveled, August 2023
G Adventures attracts travelers from many countries and I always learn about their cultures. The small group size allows for close friendships to form.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/26/2023
Erin V. - Traveled, August 2023
I've been very pleased with the adventures we have been on with G
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/26/2023
Catherine B. - Traveled, August 2023
I have had a few great trips.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/16/2023
Guillaume D. - Traveled, August 2023
So easy, nothing to prepare. I love thŽ key in hand type of planing
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/16/2023
Laura P. - Traveled, August 2023
The way everything is planned out for you, the edge and understanding of their home, and their ability to take you to their favourite places as fun additions to the itinerary
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/16/2023
Sharla K. - Traveled, July 2023
I had an excellent experience, aside from a few challenges. I really loved the group I traveled with. My experience with booking and communication was all positive. I've heard very good things from friends about G Adventures, as well.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/06/2023
Matthew G. - Traveled, July 2023
The itinerary was well planned out, and you really get the experience of being with a group of other like-minded adventurers who are eager to explore the amazing land in this part of the world.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/06/2023
Craig j. - Traveled, July 2023
My 9th or 10th trip and have enjoyed all of them?well run and you look after the details so it's a good holiday
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/01/2023
Louise H. - Traveled, July 2023
Loved the trip some room for improvement
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/27/2023
Share a personalized trip brochure!
Why Choose Us?
We Work for You
Our goal to make you happy! That means ensuring our travel consultants have the best product knowledge and excellent customer service. A positive customer experience is our #1 goal!
Our Products
We offer an broad selection of travel products, including all-inclusive vacation packages, pre-packaged tours, custom travel itineraries, destination weddings, and luxury vacations.
Escapes Cares
We believe in giving back. When you book with us, you are contributing to tree planting through our partners at Veritree, as well ocean conservation though Oceana Canada.