Tour Details
Number of Days: 16 days
Skill Level: Begginer/Intermediate
Pickup: Calgary AB
Ending Place: Calgary AB
Min. Group Size: 6 people
Whitewater/Rapids: Yes
Seasonal Availability
Jun 01 to Aug 22
Aug 23 to Sep 30
Weather permitting, custom departures may be available outside of our normal seasonal operations. Please contact us to make a booking.
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Canadian Rockies: Into the Wild - 16 Days
DESCRIPTION:
Join us on an amazing adventure, go off the beaten path, and come discover some of the most breathtaking landscapes the Rockies have to offer. This two-week trip will immerse travellers into the spectacular surroundings of Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, and the Icefields Parkway, as well as the lesser known Kananaksis Lakes Provincial Park, the Spray Lake Valley, and the David Thompson corridor. Participants will have an unforgettable experience camping, canoeing, hiking and whitewater rafting. After arriving in Calgary we spend two days in the rugged mountains of the Kananaksis Valley and two additional days hiking off the beaten path and taking in the highlights of the Sprays Lakes area; home to grizzlies, Moose and wolves. From here we continue on to the world famous mountain towns of Banff and Lake Louise, with their iconic mountain images and spectacular sceneries. From Lake Louise we travel north up the Icefields Parkway past mountain peaks glaciers and turquoise blue lake waters to Jasper and Jasper National Park. After spending two days exploring Jasper we once again travel off the beaten path as we explore the spectacular and far lesser known North Saskatchewan River Valley and the David Thompson Highway. Two beautiful nights are spent at the Shunda Creek Hostel near Nordegg. This trip culminates with a 4-day canoe trip down the beautiful North Saskatchewan River, the prime river trip of the central Rockies.
Price: $2650 CAD Per Person
Dates: June 12 - 27, 2022
July 3 - 18, 2022
July 24 - August 8, 2022
August 14- 29, 2022
September 4 - 19, 2022
Group Size: 6 - 14 Participants
Highlights:
What is Included:
What is Not Included:
Meals (approx. $200 CAD per person for the entire 16 day trip). Personal expenses, personal equipment such as sleeping bag camping mattress (a suggested equipment list is provide upon booking), alcoholic beverages, fishing equipment and fishing license, mountain bike rental (approx. $45.00 CAD), whitewater rafting (approx.$120.00 CAD)
Single Room & Tent Surcharge: $390 CAD per Person
Release Agreement:
Participation in activities with Canadian Wilderness School Expedition/ Bow Valley Canyon Tours involves risks, dangers and hazards. All participants must read and agree to the Release Agreement prior to proceeding with booking. Click here to read the Release Agreement: Click here to read the Release Agreement:
Questions or Looking for More Info:
If you have any questions or would like some more information you can contact us anytime by phone or email. We would love to help answer your questions or set up a trip for you, your friends, your family or any specific group.
Itinerary
Day 1
(Arrival Calgary): Arrival in Calgary, check in/shuttle to hotel. In the evening introduction to trip leaders/guides and all the other participants of the group. Your guides will outline the expectations, as well as the itinerary for the next 16 days. Possible short sightseeing tour of Calgary home to the world famous stampede
Day 2
(Kananaskis Country): After an early breakfast we take a short tour of the city of Calgary. In Calgary we organized and procure our provisions for the next couple of days. From Calgary we drive ( approx. 150 km ) west on the TransCanada Hwy 1 past the Native reservation of Morley and continue on south into the so called Kananaskis Country. Here the Peter Loughead and Spray Lakes Provincial Parks form a wild alpine and mountain environment. We set up camp at the Kananaskis Lakes Campground for the next two nights. In the evening we enjoy a campfire and tenting under the stars.
Day 3
(Kananaskis Country): A full day hike in the breathtaking Peter Loughead Provincial Park. Hiking options include "Pocatera Ridge" (500 meter elevation over 9km ), or possibly Baldy Pass (600 meter elevation over 8km / 16km return trip) . Both hikes allow for amazing views of the rugged isolated mountain peaks of this area. In Kananaskis Country we are surrounded by pure wilderness and the natural home of Grizzlies, bighorn sheep, moose, and wolves.
Day 4
(Spray Lakes): Today after breakfast we break camp and travel (approx. 60 km) on gravel roads from Kananaskis Lakes to the Spray Lake Valley. On this stretch of road there are good opportunities to view Moose, and bears. We first set up our new camp at Spray Lakes Campground and from there we double back to our staging ares for the hike up to Burstall Pass. The trail and elevation gain up to the alpine meadows and pass remains moderate (Hiking time approx. 5-6 hours, 14-16 km return, elevation 350 m), and with good weather there is the possibility to see Mt Assiniboine and amazing views of the "The Haige" glacier. Burstall Pass is one of the top hikes in K-country and provides visitors a deep and lasting impression of the rough beauty of this area. In the evening we once again enjoy the comforts of our campfire along the calls "Loons" on Spray Lake.
Day 5
(Canmore): Today we take the day at a more relaxed pace. There is the possibility to undertake a half day hike up to Ha Ling Peak (hiking time approx. 4 hours, elevation 700m over a distance of 4.5 km one way) or possibly up to West Wind Pass (hiking time approx. 3 hours, elevation 350m over a distance of 4.5 km return), allowing for fantastic views over the Bow valley. In the afternoon an approximately 40km drive from Spray Lake brings us down into the lovely mountain town of Canmore nestled between the mountain peeks of the Bow Valley. Here there is the opportunity to stroll or enjoy a cappuccino in one of the many nice cafes
Day 6
(Banff & Lake Louise): After breakfast we take down our camp and from Spray lakes it is about a 60 km drive to the world famous town of Banff. Over the next several days we will also be traveling within the Rocky Mountain National Park system. One of the largest protected mountain park systems in the world. Banff itself became famous thru its natural hot springs and as a picturesque Alpine destination. Walking down the streets of Banff offers panoramic views of Cascade Mountain and the surrounding peeks. From Banff we continue another 50 km to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake providing some of the most iconic images of the Canadian Rockies. A short walk along the shore of Lake Louise or a short hike up to the Lake Agnes Teahouse gives us numerous picture opportunities and impressions of the surrounding mountains and glaciers.
Day 7
(Yoho National Park): From Lake Louise we make our way to the Takakkaw waterfall (350m) and Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park for some sightseeing. It is also possible to spend the day white water rafting on the Kicking Horse River
Day 8
(Icefield Parkway - Jasper): From Johnston Canyon we drive (approx. 150 km) over Bow Pass and past Peyto Lake to the Columbia Icefields. We take the entire day to enjoy this specatcualr streatch of road to see the sights. Highlights include Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, Saskatchewan Crossing, the Columbia Icefield, Tangel Falls, and Athabasca Falls. We arriving by evening in the small town of Jasper, our base for the next two days.
Day 9
Today we spend the day exploring Jasper and Jasper National Park. Options include mountain biking in and around Jasper, or a visit to the turqouise blue waters of Maligne Lake. We also visit Maligne Canyon with dizzying depths of over 40 m
Day 10
(North Saskatchewan Valley): We return by van along the Icefields Parkway past the Columbia Icefields. From the Saskatchewan Crossing another 80 km down the David Thompson Highway along the banks of Abraham Lake brings us to the remote and picturesque Shunda Creek Hostel, our home for the next two nights. En route a possible option includes a short hike up to Siffleur Falls (approx. 1-2 hours), affording stunning views of the imprssive gorge.
Day 11
Day 11: (Nordegg/Canoe Training): After breakfast we start our first day of canoe training on Goldeye Lake. We spend a full day Canoe training on the lake your guides teach you all the necessary skills. After some instruction and theory, we spend the day practicing on the crystal blue waters. Everyone will learn and improve their paddling skills by playing various games and performing various canoe challenges. In the evening we pack and prepare for the following four-day canoe trip
Day 12
(North Saskatchewan River): Our first day spent on the beautiful North Saskatchewan River with its open valleys and high mountain peaks. We spend the first day getting comfortable on the river. In the evening we set up camp at the river’s edge on one of the many islands that dot its course. We cook by the campfire, tell stories, and enjoy our romantic surroundings.
Days 13-14
North Saskatchewan River): We continue our canoe expedition, encountering the occasional rapid. With luck we spot bald eagles, wolves, bears, and caribou in their natural habitat. We wind our way down the North Saskatchewan as it flows out from the heart of the mountains into the rolling foothills of the Rockies. We camp under starry skies accompanied by the crackling sound of the campfire.
Day 15
(North Saskatchewan River - Calgary): Today marks the last day of our canoe expedition. After breakfast we spend half a day on the river. By early afternoon we arrive at our goal, near the small town of Rocky Mountain House. We unpack all our equipment, and after saying our last goodbyes to the river we make our return trip to Calgary (approx. 250 km) arriving by early evening. A celebration dinner rewards us for the accomplishments of the past two weeks.
Day 16
(Departure): After breakfast, and saying our last goodbyes, shuttle to the Calgary airport. Return flight home
Tour Details
Number of Days | 16 days | Skill Level | Begginer/Intermediate |
---|---|---|---|
Pickup | Calgary AB | Ending Place | Calgary AB |
Min. Group Size | 6 people | Whitewater/Rapids | Yes |
Activities
Camping
Canoeing
Hiking/Trekking
Sightseeing
Van Tour
White-water Rafting
Wildlife Viewing
What is included:
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (Breakfast and Lunch consisting of such things as hot/cold cereal, breads, muffins cinnamon rolls, pancakes, etc. Dinner cooked outside consisting of B.B.Q and all the trimmings vegetarian options are also available)
A breathtaking experience of a lifetime
All meals for the entire length of the trip (Menu is varied and is nutritious and delicious)
All necessary group and camping equipment: Tents, canoes, Paddles, Lifejackets, etc. (This excludes personal gear such as clothing, and sleeping bag)
All river and paddling equipment (including canoes, rafts, spray skirts, life jackets, helmets, paddles, dry-bags, etc.)
All transportation
Charter float plan flight from Dry Bay to Haines Junction
Dry Bags large enough to keep all personal items water-tight and dry
Experienced and fun loving guide(s) with a maximum 6:1 ratio of participants to guides
Small group sizes (max 14)
Wet suits
What is not included:
Expenses incurred as a result of an emergency Evacuation by plane or Helicopter or coverage as a result of delays due to extreme weather conditions.
Personal outdoor equipment including sleeping bad, sleeping mattress, cloths raingear, etc.
Click ’show’ beside Personal Gear to view a list of suggested personal gear and equipment.
Fishing licenses
Gratuity
Personal gear to bring:
Weather conditions can change quickly in the outdoors therefore it is essential to have proper equipment and even prepare for extreme conditions to ensure your comfort and most importantly your safety. Try to avoid cotton fabrics as they provide very little insulating value when wet and are very slow drying. Rely mainly on fleece, wools and synthetics as these fabrics still provide substantial insulating value even when wet (which can frequently occur in the outdoors). In early and late summer it is not uncommon that 0 degress C or below freezing temperatures can occasionally occur, thus it is important to always bring enough warm clothing. When selecting equipment pay attention to quality as this may greatly enhance your enjoyment and comfort.
Do not bring external frame backpacks.
Sleeping Gear
-Duffel Sacks
-Good sleeping bag (minimum comfort range to 0 degrees C)
-Thermarest sleeping mattress
Clothing
-2 long shirts
-Bandana
-Bathing suit
-Fleece jacket / wool pullover
-Gloves or mitts
-Hat (for protection from the sun)
-Long pants (quick drying)
-Neoprene socks (optional but a good idea)
-Paddling gloves (optional but recommended)
-Rain gear (water proof Jacket and pants Gore-Tex or equivalent)
-Several pairs of socks (quick dry)
-Several pairs of t-shirts
-Shorts (quick drying)
-Sun glasses
-Two pairs of shoes (one sturdy pair for evening/hiking and one pair of runners that can get wet during the day in a raft/canoe)
-Undershirt
-Underwear
-Warm hat or touque against the cold
Rain Gear
Personal Items
-Environmentally Biodegradable soap
-Medications (if required take extra)
-Small towel
-Sunscreen
-Toiletry Items
Additional Outdoor Gear
-Binoculars
-Camera (in waterproof case)
-Fishing rod (optional)
-Flashlight
-Garbage bags (for waterproofing)
-Matches/lighter (in a waterproof case)
-Pocket Knife
-Sewing kit (for ripped clothing)
-sturdy hiking boots
-Waterbottle
-Whistle
-Note: For this trip, be sure that all your personal gear does not exceed 18 kg. The charter aircraft used to fly equipment in and out have strict load limits
Seasonal Availability
Summer Season: Jun 01 to Aug 22
Fall Season: Aug 23 to Sep 30
Weather permitting, custom departures may be available outside of our normal seasonal operations. Please contact us to make a booking.
Planned Departures
All prices are per person in Canadian dollars.
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Canadian Wilderness School and Expeditions
Contact Information
42 Lac Des Arcs Drive
Lac Des Arcs, Alberta, Canada T1W 2W3
1-877-554-0116 (Toll-free)
1-780-695-5141 (Edmonton)
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