The Banff Centre, Banff
Nestled on the side of Tunnel Mountain and just five minutes from downtown, Banff Centre hotel features newly renovated rooms and breathtaking vistas. Alternative: Juniper Lodge
Dare to be adventurous. Experience the rugged wilderness of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks during the day while enjoying the warm, luxurious comfort of mountain lodges at night. Hike lodge-to-lodge. Hearts will pound as you crest stunning mountain passes – offering unparalleled views of snow-capped peaks. Chance upon grazing mountain goats or whistling marmots. Begin your exploration in Banff National Park, where towering mountains rise from the shores of turquoise-blue lakes. Move to Yoho National Park, whose intimate scale make it the one favoured by Rockies’ connoisseurs. Gleaming glaciers, overwhelming vistas, enchanted forests and iridescent lakes. Rewarding hikes through this marvellous UNESCO World Heritage Site provide an exhilarating sense of accomplishment that will last a lifetime.
Because of the current dearth of local transfer options in Lake Louise (and the advantage of having flexibility), participants will need to rent a vehicle in Lake Louise for the days between Lake Louise, Field, and Emerald Lake. We will provide you with the contact information to rent locally in your confirmation package. This cost and the vehicle park pass has been taken into consideration in the pricing of the trip. When hiking in Lake Louise, you can access the lake from the village on foot by walking a trail between the village and the lake or by local bus; it is strongly discouraged to drive a private vehicle from the village to the lake because of such limited parking so the rental vehicle is only for when departing Lake Louise. We will provide you the necessary information to plan accordingly and ensure a memorable trip and are always available to assist.
Straight Talk
Banff, AB, Canada
Day 1
Lake Louise, Improvement District No. 9, AB, Canada
Day 2+3
Takakkaw Falls, Columbia-Shuswap A, BC, Canada
Day 4+5
Emerald Lake, Columbia-Shuswap A, BC, Canada
Day 6
Moraine Lake, Improvement District No. 9, AB, Canada
Day 7+8
| Start any date between Jun 1 and Sep 30. |
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| Custom trips are also available and can start any date, call or email for details. |
Moderate
7 to 20 km or 4 to 8 hours hiking daily
There are two route options daily to suit varying abilities but a general level of fitness is required
This is a mountainous region, fitness and sure-footedness are required
Classic Accommodation: CAD $3,3375
Single Supplement: CAD $900
Luxe Accommodation: CAD $3,900
Single Supplement: CAD $1,100
Prices are per person before tax. Alberta applies a 5% GST.
Getting There
Your tour starts in Banff the oldest and largest town in the National Parks of the Rockies. Located 150 km (94 miles) west of Calgary, Alberta, Banff is situated in the scenic Bow Valley surrounded by Cascade Mtn, Tunnel Mtn, Mt. Rundle, Sulphur Mtn, and Mt. Norquay.
There is regularly scheduled air service to Calgary from across North America, with non-stop flights to Calgary from all major Canadian and many US centres.
A number of companies offer an airport shuttle service to Lake Louise & Banff from the Calgary Airport. If you are flying home from Calgary Airport, a special transfer might be necessary to enable you to catch a flight on the same day as the tour end.
Banff
Arrival in Banff. First settled in 1888, this historic resort town has been a magnet for visitors for it’s mountainous surroundings, hot springs, and vibrant town center. Our Area Manager will meet you on your arrival and give you some suggestions on what to see and do here. If time allows on your arrival day, we suggest an easy hike around Johnson Lake.
Hike Distance: 3 km; elevation gain: 0 m
Banff
Awake to the splendour of mountain life. Choose between a easy hike along forest and meadow trail along the Bow River and up to the Hoodoos viewpoint. Another option will be the Spray River loop, along a tributary of the Bow River.
Hike Distance: 7 km; elevation gain: 595 m or 12 km; elevation gain: 700 m
Lake Louise
Begin the day with a transfer to Lake Louise. The gem of Canada’s oldest National Park, the turquoise blue lake against the lofty mountain peaks makes this a stunning scene. Begin with a hike to the highest teahouse in Canada, hidden in a picturesque alpine valley. Take in the Plain of Six Glaciers and the Beehive formations.
Hike Distance: up to 17 km; elevation gain: 500 m
Moraine Lake
Transfer from the village of Lake Louise to Moraine Lake, where you can hike into Larch Valley or you can choose to hike Sentinel Pass for views over Paradise Valley. Depending on weather, and your fitness, you can walk down to Paradise Creek, or return from Sentinel Pass back to Moraine Lake.
Hike Distance: 11 km; elevation gain: 720 m or 5 km; elevation gain: 415 m
Yoho National Park
Start the day in Yoho National Park at Takakkaw Falls, third highest falls in Canada. Embark on a thrilling hike on one of the 5 best hikes in the Rockies. Enjoy the sublime trail along the breath-taking glaciers before descending onto the enchanted tree-lined path passing hidden lakes and glacier-fed rivers. Return to your lodge for a quiet evening of relaxation.
Hike Distance: 17 km; elevation gain: 695 m or 22 km; elevation gain: 780 m
Yoho National Park
With a very short transfer, begin your hike from Takakkaw Falls. Feel the exhilaration as you reach Yoho Pass. Be enthralled by your first glimpse of Emerald Lake as it glistens in the afternoon sun. Stop for a picnic on the tree lined shores of secluded Yoho Lake while soaking in the natural wonder and inspiring beauty of the area. The spectacular President’s Range with waterfalls cascading down the rocks merit a stop.
Hike Distance: 11 km; elevation gain: 350 m or 12 km; elevation gain: 100 m
Emerald Lake
Explore the beautiful trails around Emerald Lake. Hike to Emerald Basin in the President’s Range, which ends in a rocky amphitheatre of hanging glaciers and avalanche paths. Maybe choose the less travelled route to Hamilton Lake, a classic alpine lake. Or perhaps take time to enjoy the wonderful surroundings of Emerald Lake by renting a canoe, relaxing in the hot tub or lingering on the outdoor terrace.
Hike Distance: up to 11 km; elevation gain: 280 m or 11 km; elevation gain: 800 m
Depart
After breakfast, depart at your leisure.

Nestled on the side of Tunnel Mountain and just five minutes from downtown, Banff Centre hotel features newly renovated rooms and breathtaking vistas. Alternative: Juniper Lodge

Nestled in a forest with tremendous views, it feels secluded, yet is a scenic five-minute walk from a variety of services and shopping. Guests can visit the whirlpool and steam room area to relax.

This charming lodge is located in Field, in the heart of Yoho National Park.
Very welcoming rooms, terrific views of the Rockies, hip decor and superb restaurant make this hotel a guest favourite.

The main lodge complements its natural setting with square timber, post and beam construction and high open ceilings. The decor boasts old-world craftsmanship and a simple, elegant design.

Lake Louise is only a few minutes walk from this rustic inn; after a day of activities, enjoy the rooftop hot tub with a dazzling Victoria Glacier view. The dining room is one of the best in the region.

This upscale lodge with log cabins in Yoho National Park is set at the edge of Kicking Horse River, and is 5.5 km from Field.

Originally built in 1902 from hand-hewn timber, this quintessential Rockies inn features massive stone fireplaces, a dining room with a view and quiet reading lounges. Guest rooms are all lake-side and have wood burning fireplaces.
Tour Reviews
“We had a wonderful time in the Canadian Rockies. The accommodations were great, the food was delicious, and the hikes and views were incredible. I will gladly recommend your company to any one looking for an adventure abroad. I have been mentioning Randonnee already!”
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