Active Canadian Rockies Adventure
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 bike ride in Banff
- 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, hiking.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Active
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
- Bike ride in Banff
- 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, hiking.
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2634 ($329 /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.
Meals included: Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - The climb is steep, but worth it when you throw in the beautiful lake that is your destination. You’ll hike through sub-alpine forest climbing up 21 switchbacks and an old growth forest. The wide-open views of the Waterton Valley make the switchbacks more manageable on the way up. See the cascading water of Upper Bertha Falls as it runs down into the valley and then pick a spot along the lake to take in the glory of the breathtaking views and green-blue waters of the lake.Activity - A stunning natural treasure just waiting to be explored, Red Rock Canyon is a must-see when in Waterton. Created through water erosion the canyon features an array of red and green coloured rocks, called argillite. The colours really pop amid the surrounding lush vegetation. The perfect place to relax, take some photos, and enjoy the great outdoors.Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
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.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - This 12 mile one-way day hike offers scenic views that will make you stop in your tracks. It’s one of the most popular hikes in Waterton Lakes National Park. Hike by four gorgeous lakes and take in views of Glacier National Park in Montana to the south as you work your way up to Carthew Summit.Activity - This hike is accessed through a local ferry system and begins with a gradual climb through shaded forests. Once the forest starts to thin out the strenuous part of the hike starts. After Burnt Rock Falls the hike climbs up onto the open alpine mountainside with incredible views. Depending on how far you go there may be some climbing up a steel ladder to access the 60ft tunnel through the mountain. Certainly not for the faint of heart or those who fear heights, although you will be rewarded with bird's eye views.
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.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Ptarmigan Cirque trail is a short, but sweet hike that delivers loads of scenery. From coniferous forest, to high alpine meadows, mountains, and waterfalls this trail has it covered. It’s classified as moderate because of the elevation gain, although most of that occurs during the beginning making the rest feel relaxing in comparison. By the time you reach the meadows the pounding of your heart in your ears should have subsided.
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.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - A classic hike in Kananaskis, the trail moves past several marshy lakes and streams before climbing up into the alpine meadow and finishing in the high mountain pass with grand views of often snow covered mountain peaks in the background.
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 Banff. Once here you will enjoy a bike ride around town to explore. Drive to camp in the evening.
Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Rent trail bikes for 3hrs to discover Banff and the surrounding areas. Opt for the easy going cycle paths and trails in town to explore the commercial and residential streets of the downtown area or take in the stunning scenery found on the legacy trail a 23 km trail of paved pathway and parkway from the Bow Valley Parkway to the Banff Park East Gate. Riding along the vermillion lakes just north of town. Thrill seekers can also choose from one of the many mountain biking trails in the area.
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.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - This signature day hike within Yoho National Park is the perfect way to get out into this rugged landscape and explore. Typically hiked as a loop, this trail is roughly 13 miles in length and gains about 3,000 ft in elevation. Some of the highlights include out of this world viewpoints of several glaciers, sweeping views of Yoho and Little Yoho Valleys, and plenty of waterfalls.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
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.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch
Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Fairview Mountain looks impossible to climb from the ground, but don’t worry it’s not nearly as harrowing as it looks. It sits on the edge of Lake Louise and offers hikers 1000 metres in elevation gain, but is very manageable for strong walkers. The best part? It doesn’t take long before the views become fantastic. As you climb you’ll be able to see Saddleback Mountain on one side and the rocky cliffs of Fairview on the other with a wide vista opening up before you staring down into the Bow Valley.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Magnificent Banff—Canada’s first and most famous National Park. Rocky Mountain peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, scenic drives, and a quaint mountain town. First, gaze in wonder, then immerse yourself in a park that has it all! Hike alongside picture-perfect mountains, glaciers, lakes, ice fields, canyons, and even hoodoos. Keep an eye out for wolves, grizzly bears, elk, and mountain lions. Banff’s blend of towering peaks and flower-strewn meadows make it a dream location to enjoy the great outdoors and mountain scenery.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 8: Lake Louise/Calgary
Transfer from Lake Louise to Calgary. Tour ends on arrival into Calgary.
Meals included: Breakfast
Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.
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
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