Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Length: 5 Days
Availability:
August 5 to 9, 2020
August 19 to 23, 2020
Type: Guided
Grade: Moderate
Price: From $1,890 CDN + 5% GST
Canadian Rockies: Trails Less Traveled Hiking Tour Overview
Canadian Rockies – Trails Less Travelled – takes you into Waterton Park, one of the most majestic places to hike in Canada. There is so much to do and see that this trip could last a whole summer. Located in the southwest corner of Alberta, it shares a border with the state of Montana and Glacier National Park. We hand-picked the best hikes to give you the opportunity to get most stunning views of Waterton lake and the awe-inspiring mountains.
All trails have been selected for their diversity of scenery, variety of terrain, easy accessibility, and most of all because they rank highest on our “reward for effort” index. They are but a small sample of what’s to be found in the Rockies – but each hike ranks as one of the best!
Who Will Enjoy This Tour?
You’ll enjoy this trip if you are seeking a back country hiking adventure but without having to carry everything yourself.
Highlights Canadian Rockies: Trails Less Traveled
- Visit the smallest national park of Canada, Waterton
- Known as the wildflower capital of Canada
- Ferry rides
- Comfortable lodgings in a quaint town
- Hidden gem in the Southwest corner of Alberta
What’s Included
- 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
- 4 nights hotels/lodges. 3 star category
- Private transport from Calgary beginning on Day 2 and ending in Calgary on Day 5
- Professional hiking/interpretive guide
- Image removed.National park entry fees and sightseeing as indicated
- All permits, sightseeing and National Park entrance fees
Map of the Canadian Rockies: Trails Less Traveled Hiking Tour
Day 1: Arrive in Calgary
Make your way to booked hotel in downtown Calgary.
- Overnight: International Hotel, Calgary
Day 2: Summit Lake
Your guide will meet you at the hotel after breakfast, following which we’ll drive south to Waterton. When we get to Waterton, we will take a lunch break and then head out for a beautiful hike towards Summit Lake. After a series of switchbacks, we will reach the mountain views you joined this trip for!
- Hiking Today: 5 miles (8 km)
- Elevation Gain: 9.9 feet (300 m)
- Duration: 3-4hrs
- Overnight: Trip 1: Waterton Lakes Lodge Resort; Trip 2: Aspen Village Inn, Waterton
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Goat Lake
The first 4 kilometers of this trail is an easy stroll that will warm our legs up for the switchbacks to come. The 3 following kilometers will gain a lot of elevation, but we have time to take it at our rhythm and enjoy the amazing views as we get higher. Mountain goats are a common sight along that trail and the Lake is brimming with Cutthroat Trout.
- Hiking Today: 8 miles (13 km)
- Elevation Gain: 1312 feet (400 m)
- Hiking Duration: 5 – 6 hr hiking
- Overnight: Trip 1: Waterton Lakes Lodge Resort; Trip 2: Aspen Village Inn, Waterton
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Crypt Lake
This is the perfect hike to finish this trip, we first cross Waterton Lake by boat to reach the start of the trail to Crypt Lake. The trail climbs from the shoreline through montane forest towards Hellroaring Creek Valley, which is prime bear habitat, and past several waterfalls. The trail continues by a climb up a ladder and into a 25m long tunnel, which we must crawl through! Our goal is the beautiful Crypt Lake. Which lies at 1945m and straddles the US-Canadian border; we walk in and out of the US. Back in Waterton, it will be time for our farewell dinner.
- Hiking Today: 10.6 miles (17 km)
- Elevation Gain: 2297 feet (700 m)
- Hiking Duration: 6-8hr
- Overnight: Trip 1: Waterton Lakes Lodge Resort; Trip 2: Aspen Village Inn, Waterton
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Transfer to Calgary
After breakfast, our trip concludes with transfers to Calgary. Your flight must be after 2pm for National flights, and after 3pm for international flights.
- Meal Included: Breakfast
CANADIAN ROCKIES: TRAILS LESS TRAVELED HIKING TOUR INFO
Availability
This trip is available the following dates:
– August 5 to 9, 2020
– August 19 to 23, 2020
Booking in Advance
Book as soon as possible to ensure that accommodation is available on your start date. This region of Canada is very popular and accommodations often fill up months in advance. Space is limited to 8 guests.
Luggage
We recommend checking with your pre- and post-trip hotel(s) to inquire about luggage storage. Most of the time hotels are happy to accommodate.
Pre and post-trip lodging is your responsibility. We recommend the below-listed accommodations while in town.
Park Inn
Best Western Premier Freeport Inn
Grade and Terrain
Grade 2 (medium). This Canadian Rockies hiking trip involves hiking for up to 6 to 7 hours per day, usually with distances of 8-17 kilometres. You will need to carry a daypack large enough for spare clothing, your camera, lunch and something to drink each day. Elevation gains will vary from 300 m up to 700 m.
Professional Guided Tours
Your guides are experienced professional hiking guides with certification from the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and/or from the Mountain Parks Heritage Interpretation Association. They are chosen for their enthusiasm and interest in sharing their knowledge of these mountains.
Location
Calgary is the most convenient arrival city. Since guests arrive at a wide variety of different times we do not include transfers from Calgary Airport to your hotel. Taxi cost is around $40 and shuttle bus cost is approx. $15 per person. We do include transfers back to Calgary from Waterton at the end of your tour. Make sure your flight is after 2pm for National flights, and after 3pm for international flights. Otherwise we won’t be able to get you to Calgary on time and no other transportation is available from Waterton to Calgary.
Fitness Level
You should be in good physical condition and be a regular walker or hiker. The route is not technical so no prior expertise is required. You will need to carry a daypack large enough for spare clothing, your camera, lunch and something to drink each day.
General
This trip operates during the main months of summer, though snow can linger at high elevations until well into the season. Weather is unpredictable at any time of year, but is generally quite warm in July and August. Daytime highs range from 15-25 C and nighttime temperatures can drop to 5-10 C. Temperatures in June and September can be cooler with nighttime temperatures occasionally dropping below freezing. As with alpine environments throughout the globe, the higher you go, the lower the temperature becomes. Ensuring that you have the correct clothing for an alpine environment is crucial.
PRICING AND INCLUSIONS
Pricing
$1,890 + 5% GST in Double Occupancy
Inclusions
- 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
- 4 nights hotels/lodges. 3 star category
- Private transport from Calgary beginning on Day 2 and ending in Calgary on Day 5
- Professional hiking/interpretive guide
- Image removed.National park entry fees and sightseeing as indicated
- All permits, sightseeing and National Park entrance fees
Payment Info
$500 CAD is due at the time of booking.
The remaining balance is due 8 weeks in advance.
Extras
- Airfare
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal expenses
- Meals not indicated
- Tips
- Personal expenditures
- Tips for the guides
- Travel and trip cancellation insurance. We recommend World Nomads since it includes mountain rescue and repatriation insurance which are required and not covered by all insurance policies.
ACCOMMODATION ON CANADIAN ROCKIES: TRAILS LESS TRAVELED HIKING TOUR
Availability
Price is based on double occupancy. Please refer to the single supplement extra cost for single occupancy. You will make your own way to the Calgary International Hotel where you can relax spend time exploring Calgary. Breakfast is included and your guide will meet you in the morning to go over the trip itinerary before heading out to Waterton. The International Hotel is centrally located in downtown Calgary close to Stephen Ave, Chinatown, and Prince’s Island Park.
We will be happy to book rooms for you before and after the tour; please contact us for the most recent rates.
Meals
All meals will be included beginning with breakfast in Calgary and finishing with breakfast in Waterton on the final morning. Lunches are self made each morning using fresh breads, meats, cheese, vegetables, fruit, spreads and snacks provided by your guide. Dinner is included each night and if you are travelling solo you are always welcome to join the guide at dinner. All dietary needs can be accommodated.
Storage of Personal Items
Many guests choose to store any extra luggage with the hotel
they’ll be using before and after the trip. You are also
welcome to leave any luggage with us for secure storage while
you’re on your trip – just inform your guide.
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TRAVEL TO CALGARY
By plane:
The most convenient airport is Calgary International Airport (YYC), which is served by most major airlines.
I find the best deals on Skyscanner and book most of my flights through them.
Note: We highly recommend waiting to book your flights or making other travel arrangements until you receive an email from us notifying you that all your accommodation has been confirmed.
Click on the “Contact Us” button below for the booking form and terms and conditions or for further information on booking this trip.
When you book this trip through us, you’ll also receive the following bonuses:
- Packing list of the essentials
- My secret list of easy to pack luxurious non-essentials
- How to make the most of your hiking experience by going within
This trip is operated by our trusted Canadian partner, White Mountain Adventures.