Hiking the Canadian Rockies, a hiking tour by Walking Softly Adventures. Hike the most scenic trails in Banff and Yoho National Parks, two of the crown jewels of the Canadian Rocky Mountains

About the website
Newsletter Archives
Press Clippings
Client Log-in
Passport information
(from U.S. State Dept)
Trip Evaluation (Hiking)
Trip Evaluation (Heritage)

John Osaki's Blog
Amy Osaki's Blog
Mtnseeker Channel

5 Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks.

NEW TRIP!
July 27-31, 2009
Plan your arrival in Calgary for Sunday, July 26
Plan your departure from Calgary for Saturday, August 1

Printable version of itinerary

Join us in Canada’s Rocky Mountains to hike the classic trails of Banff and Yoho National Parks. Experience flower-filled meadows, alpine lakes, and views of glaciers and the high, sculpted peaks that make this area an alpine wonderland! Stay in comfortable hotels right in the national parks, and maximize your time on the trail. Come and see for yourself why Banff and Yoho were declared a part of UNESCO's "Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks" World Heritage Site in 1984.

Arrival Day
Arrive at Calgary International Airport and travel to Banff where we can arrange your overnight accommodations. Dinner is on your own this evening.

5 Lake Louise.

Day 1
Overnight in Banff National Park
Breakfast, lunch & dinner included
Three days of never-to-be-forgotten hiking await you in Banff National Park, one of the jewels of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Today's hike begins on the shores of emerald green Lake Louise, and ascends into the surrounded mountains. Fit hikers can leave the crowds behind on a full day hike up to the Plain of Six Glaciers, enjoying views of the glaciers high above and returning on the Highline Trail to Agnes Lake. Spectacular views are the reward for hikers who undertake the optional side trips up to the Beehive Peaks. The moderate option permits more time for crumpets and tea at the historic Lake Agnes Teahouse. Return to Lake Louise and settle in for a two night stay.

5 Lake Agnes. (Photo courtesy of Jim Pollock)

5 Eiffel Peak. (Photo courtesy of Jim Pollock)

Day 2
Overnight in Banff National Park
Breakfast, lunch & dinner included
Travel by vehicle to Moraine Lake for hikes in a wilder area of the park. The hike to Eiffel Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks provides a moderate option amidst classic high mountain landscapes. For a more strenuous option, add the hike up scenic Larch Valley to spectacular Sentinel Pass before returning to the trailhead near Moraine Lake. Overnight once again at Lake Louise.

Day 3
Overnight in Yoho National Park
Breakfast, lunch & dinner included
Today, journey on the famous Icefields Parkway, stopping for a hike to the spectacularly situated Helen Lake. Relax at the lake and admire the reflections, peaks, and flowers, or opt for a longer hike up to Dolomite Pass, named for its resemblance to the Italian Dolomites! This gem of a hike is a favorite of rangers in the national park. Settle in for a two-night stay at Yoho's Emerald Lake.

5 Twin Falls. (Photo courtesy of Jim Pollock)

Day 4
Overnight in Yoho National Park
Breakfast, lunch & dinner included
This morning, travel by vehicle to Yoho National Park whose name means "awe" or "wonder." Today’s hike in the Yoho valley introduces you to this spectacular protected area. Hanging glaciers cling to soaring peaks, summer wildflowers spangle mountain meadows, and fantastic trails carry you into the heart of it all. Begin today by hiking to Laughing Falls, and if you are a hardy hiker and ready for more, continue to the top of Twin Falls and over the Whaleback Trail for incredible mountain views.

Day 5
Overnight in Banff National Park
Breakfast, lunch & dinner included
Today you'll have a chance to hike all or a portion of the Iceline trail, a route that traverses open country winding among the moraines and tarns of the Emerald Glacier. Enjoy far-ranging views across the Yoho River Valley toward the Waputik and Wapta icefields along the Continental Divide. Takakkaw Falls, one of western Canada's highest waterfalls, plunges from its source in the Daly Glacier. If you desire, you can hike the entire Iceline Trail descending from the high country via the Little Yoho valley and Laughing Falls. Travel back to Banff where your overnight accommodations await!

5 Yoho National Park's spectacular Takakkaw Falls. (Photo courtesy of Jim Pollock)

Departure Day
Transfer to Calgary
Breakfast included
We can arrange your transfer to Calgary Airport, if your desire. Or, add a few days and extend your stay in the Canadian Rockies.

Other Details about this Trip

Trip Dates: July 27-31, 2009
Price: $3,295
Single Room for entire trip: $700. Single accommodations are subject to availability and may be limited.
Meeting Point: Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Departure Point: Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Accommodations: Five nights in hotels with private bath. Five breakfasts, five lunches, and five dinners are included. Note: Your accommodations in Banff on the evening of July 26 are not included.

Printable version of itinerary

Back to top