Canada

Arrive on independent flights to Calgary and transfer by coach to Banff, nestled in the heart of Canada’s first national park, Banff National Park. This evening, enjoy a welcome reception at our centrally located hotel in downtown Banff.

After breakfast, set out for Lake Louise, known as the crown jewel of the Canadian Rockies. We have the opportunity to wander the shoreline at Lake Louise and see the Victoria Glacier and the famous Fairmont Château Lake Louise Hotel. Enjoy lunch at the Fairmont before returning to Banff and for an afternoon and evening at leisure.

Depart Banff early this morning and travel along the shores of the Bow River, past the soaring mountain citadels of Banff National Park, through Yoho National Park, to Golden, British Columbia. Drive south through the Rocky Mountain Trench, with the Rockies to the east and the front ranges of the Columbia Mountains to the west. Board our helicopter and enjoy a short, scenic flight to our first lodge, where we are outfitted with all the equipment we’ll need for our hikes. Lunch is followed by a helicopter ride to a mountaintop, where we begin hiking. Fly back to our lodge for a relaxing evening and dinner.

Enjoy two full days of hiking with our expert mountain guides, who lead us to different scenic spots each day, depending on conditions and the interests of the group. One of our many options is to summit Mount Nimbus, climbing up metal rungs over two spires, traversing a suspension bridge 2,000 feet above the valley floor and climbing up the most extensive via ferrata (a fixed-steel-cable climbing route) in North America. Another option is the Conrad Glacier adventure hike that includes zip lining, crossing rivers over cabled bridges, navigating wild canyons, clipping into cables to maneuver around powerful waterfalls, and ascending a colorful vertical rock slab by way of a via ferrata. There are plenty of leisurely walks as well. At the end of each day, we fly back to our warm, cozy lodge for beverages and snacks, followed by a delicious dinner with fellow hikers and guides.

Following breakfast, say goodbye to the Bobbie Burns and take a helicopter ride to Grizzly Ridge, where we begin our all-day hike to the high country in the nearby Bugaboos Range, enjoying a picnic lunch along the way. Our luggage, which will be transferred separately to the Bugaboo Lodge, will be awaiting us in our rooms upon arrival. After dinner perhaps enjoy the warmth of the sauna, get vertical on the lodge’s climbing wall, or get horizontal cozying up to the fire with a book.

Enjoy two full days of heli-hiking geared to our desired levels of activity. The aptly named Skyladder Via Ferrata hike starts with a half-day vertical tour on a series of metal rungs permanently affixed to the rock, with cables running alongside to which we are clipped as we climb. The afternoon is spent hiking above deep valleys and gazing over dazzling blue-and-white glaciers. Alternatively, opt for a more leisurely hike or walk or remain at our comfortable lodge to relax on the lawn and bask in the sun, enjoying magnificent views of the surrounding glacier-covered peaks and the iconic Bugaboo spires. Both evenings we return to the lodge for drinks, snacks, dinner, and the opportunity to share tales from the day’s adventures. On Thursday, evening enjoy a farewell reception and dinner together at our lodge.

Following breakfast, take one last helicopter ride to meet our coach for the drive through Kootenay region and Banff National Park back to Calgary. Arrive at the airport and board early-evening flights back home.