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Page 1: The Canadian Rockies Hiking Guide - English

7/17/2019 The Canadian Rockies Hiking Guide - English

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/the-canadian-rockies-hiking-guide-english 1/20

www.BanffLakeLouise.com

 THE CANADIAN ROCKIES

HIKING GUIDE

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

2 able of Contents & Introduction3 Map of Region & More Information4 Easy Walks In and Around Banff ownsite6 Banff to Lake Louise8 Lake Louise10 Moraine Lake

Situated in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff NationalPark is a UNESCO World Heritage destination that deliversa healthy combination of unspoiled and protected wilderness,

 wildlife, modern amenities and opportunities for active adventure.

In summer, the Canadian Rockies offer over a thousandkilometres of trails just waiting to be explored. And the best wayto do that is on foot. Te slower pace of hiking will allow you toappreciate the scenery while you bask in the rewards of getting

 yourself to majestic, hard-to-reach places on your own strength.

 Te hiking in the Canadian Rockies is about as good as it gets –anywhere. What this spectacular mountain region has to boast is

 variety. Choose any difficulty level, length and duration and you’vegot a multitude of options. Here you can hike along the shoresof dazzling blue lakes, up to quaint mountain teahouses, throughcarpets of wildflowers and up high to spectacular viewpoints.

ICON LEGEN

12 Icefields Parkway 14 Heli Hiking and Backcountry Experie16 Backcountry Lodges17 Accommodations, Dining and Shoppi18 Local Providers

2

GLACIERS

WILDFLOWERS

LODGE/TEAHOUSE

HELI ACCESS

LARCH/FALL HIKE

EARLY/LATE SEASO

WATERFALL

RT = RETURN TRIP

 All photo credits in this publication: Banff Lake Louise Tourism/Paul Zizka,unless noted otherwise.

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93

93

16

16

11

#1

Hwy #1To Calgaryè

GoldenBanff 

RadiumHot Springs

Lake Louise

 Jasper

Hwy #16èto Edmonton

MAP OF REGION

COLUMBIA ICEFIELD

PAGE 12-13

MORAINE LAKEPAGES 10-11

BANFF TOLAKE LOUISE

PAGES 6-7 

ICEFIELDSPARKWAY PAGE 12-13

LAKE LOUISEPAGES 8-9

BANFF TOW NSITEPAGES 4-5

 o make the hikes easier to choose from, this guide is divided into five distinct geographical areas: in and aroundthe Banff town site, the road stretching from Banff to Lake Louise, the spectacular area aroundLake Louise and the indigo waters of Moraine Lake and up the world-famous Icefields Parkway.

Hiking Season Tough some of the easy walks in this guide canbe done any time of year, the hiking season in TeCanadian Rockies spans loosely from May toOctober. Conditions can change at a moments noticedue to snowfall, snowmelt and mud. Hikes higher upin the alpine are generally in prime condition between

 July and September.

For More Information Te information in this Hiking Guide will give youa good idea of which hikes might suit you best, butfor more thorough descriptions, we recommend youcontact the Banff Visitor Information Centre(403-762-8421, [email protected]).

Banff National Park PassVisitors are required to purchase a Park Pass for travelinside Banff National Park. Entry and service fees arecharged at most National Parks and National HistoricSites in Canada and are used to support visitorservices and facilities. Park Passes can be purchasedat any of the park entry gates or Visitor Information

Centres. More information at www.pc.gc.ca

Canada’s Signature ExperiencesCollection® showcases high-qualityCanadian tourism enterprises thatdeliver a wide range of extraordinary,once-in-a-lifetime experiences rarely

found anywhere else on earth, and that meet rigorouscriteria set by the CC.

Canada 

O

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EA SY W A LKS IN A ND

 A ROU ND B A NF F T OW N SI T E

Nestled high in the Canadian Rockies, Banff is a town that makes you feel at home and exhilarated with wonder all at the same time. Well-known peaks like Cascade, Sulphur and Rundle surround and welcome visitors to this authentic mountain community. Easy, scenic walks can be accessed right fromdowntown, many without the use of a vehicle, making it quick and convenient to enjoy the surrounding

beauty and gain an appreciation for Banff ’s spectacular location. Most are open for walking year-round- inquire about conditions at the Banff Visitor Information Centre prior to departing.

1  Tunnel Mountain

Hike up this little peak thatthe First Nations call the“Sleeping Buffalo” to gainrewarding views of the own

of Banff and the mountainsto the West. Te trail startssomewhat steeply but

quickly relents into a series of switchbacks that get you high up inno time.

DISTANCE: 3.6 km

ELEVATION GAIN: 200 m

TIME REQUIRED: 1-2 hrs RT

DIFFICULTY: Easy

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Fenland Loop

Interpretive signs designed bya local artist, punctuate this flattrail as it winds its way throughforest and marshland along the

gentle waters of Forty Mile

Creek. Located just on the edgeof town, you will be pleasantlysurprised by how quickly this traillets you escape into the serenity

of nature.

 Johnson Lake

 Tis shoreline trail is perfect forhikers looking for an easy stroll,but one that is slightly longer

than other walks in and aroundthe Banff town site. Catch

 Johnson Lake on a beautifulsummer’s day for reflections ofMt. Rundle and bring a picnic for

a lakeside lunch.

Hoodoos

Starting from Surprise Cornerat the end of Buffalo Street inBanff, this trail descends to themilky blue waters of the Bow

River and continues beneath the

cliffs of unnel Mountain before joining up with unnel MountainRoad. Hoodoos – oddly shaped

rock features – stand to greet youat the end of the trail.

BANFF TOWNSITE

SOAKING UP HISTORYCanadian Rockies Hot Springs

Slip inside the spring-fed waters of the BanUpper Hot Springs to soak up bracing viewsmythic peaks, lush forest, and towering cliffthe restored 1930’s Heritage Bathhouse wh

fresh alpine air and steaming waters soothe y

[email protected]

www.hotsprings.ca

#1

#1

Hwy #1To Calgary î

íHwy #1To Lake Louise

SundanceCanyon

TunnelMountain

CAVE &BASIN

Hoodoos

UPPERHOT

SPRINGS

 JOHNSONLAKE

TOWNOF BANFF

RoadTo Lake

Minnewankaì

Bow Falls

FenlandLoop

DISTANCE: 2.2 km loop

ELEVATION GAIN: 0 m

TIME REQUIRED: 30 min

DIFFICULTY: Easy

DISTANCE: 3.5 km loop

ELEVATION GAIN: 0 m

TIME REQUIRED: 1-1½ hrs

DIFFICULTY: Easy

DISTANCE: 8.4 km RT

ELEVATION GAIN: 60 m

TIME REQUIRED: 3 hours

DIFFICULTY: Easy

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2

3

3

 4

 41

Photo Credits: Stefanie Gignac/Parks Canada (#3)

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B A N F F T O L A K E L O U I S E

 Tese hikes, located between the own of Banff and Lake Louise, either start close to the ransCanadaHighway or the Bow Valley Parkway (HWY 1A). Some of the most popular in the region, these trails

expose hikers to some of the best features the Rockies have to offer: stunning wildflowers, crumblingglaciers, surging canyons and iconic peaks. Each hike can be accessed as a daytrip from the Banff townsite or Lake Louise, and varies in length and difficulty.

1  Sunshine Meadows

Considered a premier hiking destination in the Rockies,Sunshine Meadows is a unique area on the Continental Dividethat boasts carpets of alpine wildflowers in summer and golden

larches in fall. Shuttle buses can take hikers up the Access Roadfrom the base of the Sunshine Village gondola to the upper skilodge where the trail begins.

For more information on the shuttle bus, please check out www.sunshinemeadowsbanff.com or contactWhite Mountain Adventures at [email protected]

DISTANCE: 8.6 km RT

ELEVATION GAIN: 180 m

TIME REQUIRED: 3 hours

DIFFICULTY: Easy

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DISTANCE: 8.4 km RT

ELEVATION GAIN: 365 m

TIME REQUIRED: 3-4 hrs

DIFFICULTY: Moderate

DISTANCE: 11.6 km RT

ELEVATION GAIN: 215 m

TIME REQUIRED: 3-4 hrs

DIFFICULTY: Moderate

DISTANCE: 12.6 km RT

ELEVATION GAIN: 650 m

TIME REQUIRED: 4-5 hrs

DIFFICULTY: Moderate

BANFF TO LAK E LOUISE

#1

1A

93

Hwy #1To Banffè

íHwy 93 SouthTo Radium

Hwy #1ëTo Lake Louise

SunshineVillage Access

Road

SunshineMeadows

Bow ValleyParkway

Ink Pots

 Johnston Canyon

TaylorLake

CASTLE JUNCTION

StanleyGlacier

2

2

3

3

 4

 4

1

 JOHNSTON CANYON ICEWALKDiscover Banff Tours

 A canyon full of rushing water in summer, Johnston Canyofreezes in winter to form sparkling walls of ice. Formed by an

glaciers, this is a spectacular geological landmark that is w worth the visit on a guided tour.

[email protected]

www.banfftours.com

Stanley Glacier 

 Tis easy hike takes you up toa rocky amphitheatre where animpressive icefall – the Stanley

Glacier - crumbles its waydown at the head of the valley.Look for flora and fauna along

the way, including wildflowers,ptarmigans, pikas and marmots.In late spring you’ll be treated

 with waterfalls that pour over thecliffs beneath Stanley Peak.

 Johnston Canyon & Ink Pots

An interpretive walkway follows theedge of Johnston Canyon – at timesclinging to the walls of the canyon

itself (handrails are included!) – leadshiker to the cascading waters of theLower and Upper Falls. Continue

beyond the falls to the Ink Pots, aseries of small, aqua-tinted mineralpools. Tis hike is open in winter as well, but may require the use of icecleats, available for rental in Banff.

Taylor Lake

 Te hike to aylor Lake involvesa steady climb up switchbacksthrough a fairly dense forest oflodgepole pine and spruce trees,

but is well worth the effort. Closeto the lake’s outlet, the trail gives

 way to a beautiful meadow – aperfect spot to stop for lunch and

enjoy the scenery.

Photo Credits: Stefanie Gignac/Parks Canada (#2, #4), Jonathan Mueller (#3)

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L A K E L O U I SE

Located 45 minutes from the own of Banff, Lake Louise has become symbolic of the quintessentially

Canadian mountain scene. Tis alpine lake, known for its sparkling blue waters, is situated at the base ofimpressive glacier-clad peaks that have long been at the heart of Canadian mountaineering. Te scenichikes and golden fall-time larches at Lake Louise, as well as the historic teahouses accessible along the

 way, are some of the most popular attractions in the Canadian Rockies.

1  Lake Louise Shoreline

Open year-round, this pavedpathway is a pleasant walkaccessible to all ability levels

and offers perfect views of theglacier-fed waters that havemade Lake Louise so famous.In summer, the blue and

green hues of this alpine lake, and other lakes in the CanadianRockies, are created by the glacial silt in the water.

DISTANCE: 4 km RT

ELEVATION GAIN: 0 m

TIME REQUIRED: 1-2 hrsDIFFICULTY: Easy

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LAKE LOUISE

1A

#1

Little

Beehive

FairviewMountain

Hwy #1To Banff î

BowValleyParkway

 ëHwy #1To Yoho

Saddleback Plain of SixGlaciers

LakeLouise

ShorelineWalk 

VICTORIAGLACIER

LAKE

LOUISELAKEAGNES

VILLAGEOF LAKELOUISE

RoadTo Moraine

Lake î

DISTANCE: 7.4 km RT

ELEVATION GAIN: 600 m

TIME REQUIRED: 3-4 hrs

DIFFICULTY: Moderate

DISTANCE: 10.6 km RT

ELEVATION GAIN: 380 m

TIME REQUIRED: 4-6 hrs

DIFFICULTY: Moderate

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2

3

3

 4

 4

1

FONDUE WITH A VIEWGreat Divide Nature Interpretatio

Satisfy your craving for the wonders of nature andchocoholic side of you at the same time. After a h

to a historic site near Lake Louise, you’ll be rewar with an awe-inspiring view, a warm fire and a deca

chocolate fondue complete with delicious fruit

[email protected]

www.greatdivide.ca

DISTANCE: 7 km RT

ELEVATION GAIN: 390 m

TIME REQUIRED: 3-4 hrs

DIFFICULTY: Moderate

Lake Agnes Teahouse

 Te hike to Lake Agnes and thehistoric teahouse situated on itsshores is a relatively easy hike upforested switchbacks. A beautiful waterfall flows out Lake Agnes just below the teahouse, where

 you can enjoy a cup of tea andfresh piece of pie as a reward for

 your efforts.

Saddleback Pass

 Te hike to this gap betweenMt. Fairview and Saddle Peakpromises stunning views of the11,000-foot Mt. emple and,

like many locations in the LakeLouise area in fall, the stunning

gold shimmer of alpine larches.Scramble up Saddle Peak toenhance your views of Mt.

 emple and Paradise Valleybelow.

Plain of Six Glaciers

By far one of the most scenichikes in the Canadian Rockies,the Plain of Six Glaciers hikeoffers expansive views of the

impressive mountain features thatsurround Lake Louise, including

Mt. Lefroy, Mt. Victoria andthe Victoria Glacier. After your

steady hike up, enjoy a snackat the Plain of Six Glaciers

 eahouse.

Photo Credits: Stefanie Gignac/Parks Canada (#3), Discover Banff Tours (#4)

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M OR A I N E L A K E

 With its indigo blue waters surrounded by the Valley of the en Peaks, Moraine Lake is another one ofCanada’s most iconic lakes. Located in the Lake Louise region at the end of a scenic road that steadily

climbs to the Valley of the en Peaks, the lakeside view of Moraine Lake once graced the back ofCanada’s twenty dollar bill. Te hikes in this region vary in length and difficulty and are most popularlyexperienced in the autumn when the larches turn to a vibrant, golden colour. Due to wildlife activity atcertain times of year, hikers may be required to trek in a group of four or more.

1  Moraine Lake Shoreline

 Te hike around the MoraineLake Shoreline is the easiest

 way to appreciate the beauty

of this famous alpine lake. Aflat, easy trail weaves its waythrough shoreline trees and

offers extraordinary views of the en Peaks – a series of encirclingsummits all over 10,000 feet – that loom dramatically above.

Tip: If you’ve got extra time, hike up the Rock Pile for analternative view of these indigo waters and the nearby ower of Babel.

DISTANCE: 3 km RT

ELEVATION GAIN: 0 m

TIME REQUIRED: 1-2 hrsDIFFICULTY: Easy

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Eiffel Lake

Hike to this beauty of a lake andreap the rewards of its spectacular

setting. Te magnificenceof the turquoise-blue Eiffel

Lake is greatly enriched by itssurrounding – a desolate, rock-

filled shoreline encircled by thefamous Valley of the en Peaks

and Eiffel Peak, which dominatesthe view to the North.

Larch Valley/Sentinel Pass

 Te hike into Larch Valleyand Sentinel Pass is a must forany hiker wanting to have an

experience that closely resemblesthe backcountry of Banff

National Park. Tis moderatehike offers remarkable views of

the en Peaks and, if you head upSentinel Pass, the dreamlike vista

of Paradise Valley.

Paradise Valley 

 Te name of this hike indicates thesublime nature of the landscape

 you’ll pass through as you climb your way up to the other side ofSentinel Pass. Tis rigorous hike will take you to Lake Annette,

situated under the North Face ofMount emple, and eventually to

the trail’s highest point, where open views of Mt. Hungabee and the

Horseshoe Glacier astound.

MORAINE LAKE

 ëRoad

To Lake

Louise

 ëHwy #1To Yoho

Hwy #1To Banff î

#1

EiffelLake

SentinelPass

ConsolationLakes

ParadiseValley

GiantSteps

Moraine LakeShoreline

MORAINELAKE

MORAINELAKE ROAD

LAKEANNETTE

DISTANCE: 11.2 km RT

ELEVATION GAIN: 405 m

TIME REQUIRED: 4-5 hrs

DIFFICULTY: Moderate

DISTANCE: 11.6 km RT

ELEVATION GAIN: 725 m

TIME REQUIRED: 4-5 hrs

DIFFICULTY: Moderate

DISTANCE: 18.2 km RT

ELEVATION GAIN: 400 m

TIME REQUIRED: 7 hrs

DIFFICULTY: Moderate

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3

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1

FALL COLORS

Every autumn the larch trees in the Canadian Rockies put oa spectacular show as their soft needles turn from pale green

 vibrant yellow, covering the upper mountains with a golden glo Tere’s a short window of t ime - about t hree weeks from mid

September to early October - to hike into la rch country and revthe fall colours. Te best t rails to enjoy the larch fal l colors ar

Larch Valley (page 11), Eiffel Lak e (page 11), Saddleback (pageLake Agnes (page 9) and aylor Lake (page 7).

Photo Credits: Discover Banff Tours (#2), Lukas P rochazka (#3, #4)

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ICEFIELDS PARKWAY 

National Geographic has rated the Icefields Parkway as one of the most scenic roads in the world. TeIcefields Parkway is a journey through expansive mountain wilderness, ancient glaciers, sweeping valleysand mountain lakes of every shade of blue, and you can expect the same kind of scenery on the many

trails that start right from the road. A variety of stops along the Parkway, such as Mistaya Canyon, offershort walks or roadside viewpoints, so keep your eyes open for other places to explore.

1  Bow Glacier Falls

Spraying out over a cliff at thebase of “Iceberg Lake” and theBow Glacier, Bow Glacier Fallsare the rewarding endpoint ofthis easy hike. Beginning with

a walk along the shorelineof Bow Lake, the trail goes

up and over a surging canyon (well worth the quick visit!) beforedescending again to the rocky terrain at the base of the falls.

DISTANCE: 9 km RT

ELEVATION GAIN: 140 m

TIME REQUIRED: 2-4 hrs

DIFFICULTY: Moderate

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DISTANCE: 12 km RT

ELEVATION GAIN: 450 m

TIME REQUIRED: 4-5 hrs

DIFFICULTY: Moderate

DISTANCE: 4.8 km loop

ELEVATION GAIN: 270 m

TIME REQUIRED: 2 hrs

DIFFICULTY: Easy

DISTANCE: 8 km RT

ELEVATION GAIN: 335 m

TIME REQUIRED: 3 hrs

DIFFICULTY: Easy

Helen Lake

After a steady hike up throughthe forest, the Helen Laketrail emerges into an alpine

 wonderland that remains abovetree line until you reach one of theRockies’ best lunch spots: Helen

Lake. During a few weeks insummer, the resident marmots are joined by a stunning collection of

colourful wildflowers. 

Parker Ridge

Viewed from below, the hike upParker Ridge doesn’t look like

anything special. But, reach the topof this ridge and you’ll see why it isa favourite hike along the Icefields

Parkway. Te crest of Parker

Ridge offers awe-inspiring viewsof the Saskatchewan Glacier andthe North Saskatchewan River

flowing through the valley below.

Wilcox Pass

 Te views from Wilcox Pass arenothing short of remarkable, and asthe tree line here is fairly low, you

gain them quickly. Te famous peakssurrounding the Athabasca glacier,including Mt. Athabasca and Snow

Dome, dominate the panorama thatunfolds atop this ridge. Look for alarge rock cairn, which marks the

highest point of the pass.

ICEFIELDS PARKWAY 

93

93

Hwy 93 ëTo Jasper/ColumbiaIcefield

PEYTOLAKE

HelenLake

BowGlacier Falls

BOW LAKE

Peyto LakeViewpoint

 îHwy 93To Lake Louise

93

93

Hwy 93To Lake Louise î

wy 93 ë Jasper

COLUMBIAICEFIELDCENTRE

  NigelPass

WilcoxPass

ForefieldTrail

ParkerRidge

COLUMBIAICEFIELD

abascaacier

SaskatchewanGlacier

2

2

3

3

 4

 4

1

COLUMBIA ICEFIELGLACIER ADVENTUR

Brewster Travel Canada

On board a customized Brewster Ice Exp“Snocoach” you can take a trip onto AthaGlacier and step out and walk safely on 1 year-old ice. Or sign up for a scenic two-guided walking tour to trek back in time

the Athabasca’s retreating path.

[email protected]

www.explorerockies.com/columbia-ic

Photo Credits: Stefanie Gignac/Parks Canada (#2, #3, #4)

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HELI HIKING AND BACKCOUNTRY EXPERIENCES

Heli HikingFor an unparalleled, birds-eye view of the Canadian Rockies, helicopter tours are available forsightseeing and begin in the mountain areas neighbouring Banff National Park. ours can be combined

 with a guided hike, giving you a convenient and scenic way to access the world-class trails available inthe elevated wonderland of the backcountry. Helicopter-accessed, multi-day backcountry experiencesare also available.

Backcountry Experiences Te Canadian Rockies offer some of the best backcountry hiking in the world. A network of trailsleaves right from roadside parking lots and takes you up and over high passes to remote and wildsettings. Getting off the beaten track has its rewards for trekkers willing to put in the effort: a crowd-free, serene hiking experience in a world-famous landscape.

High Flying Summer AdventuresC M H H E L I - S K I I N G & S U M M E R A D V E N T U R E S

Gain exclusive airborne access to pristine trails and routesinaccessible by road. Get butterflies travelling across mountainousterrain in a helicopter. Follow seasoned mountain guides alonghigh ridges and glacial moraines, and across flowery meadows.

Stay at a spacious luxury alpine chalet with spectacular mountain views. Indulge in massage service, a sauna and a rooftop hot tub.Relax with a book on the patio and soak up the panoramic viewsof glacier-draped peaks.

[email protected] •  www.cmhsummer.com

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Soaring Spirit He li-YogaI C E F I E L D & K A N A N A S K I S H E L I T O U R S

If health and fitness are your objective why not add a spectacularalpine location as an inspirational backdrop. Slow your pace, calm

 your mind, stretch your body, and inhale exquisitely fresh mountain

air. Yoga will focus your mind and open your senses so you fullysavor the sights, sounds and smells of nature in an outstanding mountainlandscape. Reach up to the sky and balance on the earth in this gentle

 yet deeply satisfying session for all abilities.

  [email protected] •  www.icefieldheli.com

Mount Charles Stewart Heli-Hike/Alpine Walk  A L P I N E H E L I C O P T E R S L T D . /W H I T E M O U N T A I N A D V E N T U R E S

 Join an experienced guide for a half day or full day heli-hike thatbegins with a helicopter flight from Canmore and is followed by adrop-off in a remote alpine location.

Explore a wonderful world above treeline full of alpine wildflowers,lingering snowfields, and wildlife such as bighorn sheep, marmots andpika. Te views are spectacular in all directions and you can choosefrom three different levels of hiking difficulty.

[email protected] •  www.alpinehelictopters.com

Wapta Traverse Hut to Hut Trekking Y A M N U S K A M O U N T A I N A D V E N T U R E S

Not many hikes involve glacier travel - this one does. North of LakeLouise in Banff National Park a series of gentle Icefields stretchfor miles across the Great Divide of the Canadian Rockies. Known

collectively as the Wapta Icefields they provide a unique opportunityfor fit walkers and hikers to enjoy amazing mountain scenery normallyreserved for mountaineers. Tis unique program is ideal for those hikers

 wanting a more casual mountaineering experience without sacrificingthe scenery.

[email protected] • www.canadianrockieshiking.com

Photo Credits: Icefield & Kananaskis Heli Tours, Alpine Helicopters, Yamnuska Mountain Adventures

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Brewster’s Shadow Lake Lodge

Situated in the high alpine meadows of Banff National Park, Brewster’sShadow Lake Lodge is a luxurious backcountry retreat nestled amidstglaciated peaks along the Continental Divide. Tis backcountry experienceincludes cozy private log cabins and down duvets, gourmet meals and anoutdoor sauna. It is accessible via hike starting from the Redearth Creektrailhead.

[email protected] •  www.shadowlakelodge.com

Skoki Lodge

Leaving from the Lake Louise Ski Area, an 11-kilometre hike into this

premiere backcountry destination in Banff National Park takes you toSkoki Lodge. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this authentic mountainlog cabin is the perfect base for outdoor exploration. Skoki Lodge offers aluxury backcountry experience with private log cabins, a cozy main room forreading by the fire and the best menu you could ever ask for.

[email protected] •  www.skoki.com

Sundance Lodge A 16-kilometre hike along the Brewster Creek rail brings you to SundanceLodge, cozy backcountry accommodations nestled at the base of theSundance Range. With 10 sleeping rooms, a large country kitchen, hotshowers and a cozy living room area, Sundance Lodge will treat you withhearty, home-cooked meals and fresh-from-the-oven baked goods.

[email protected] •  www.horseback.com/sundance.html 

Leave the tent, sleeping bag, cooking utensils and the dehydrated food at home. Backcountry luxury isreally the best of both worlds in Banff National Park. Visualize a cozy wooden lodge with smoke feather-

ing out the chimney or a private log cabin to call your very own. ea is waiting, a feather duvet on the bedpromises a restful sleep, and the morning brings a hearty breakfast to energize you for the day ahead.

BA CKCOUNTRY LODGES

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ICONIC CANADIAN HERI TAGE

Fairmont Hotels and Resorts

Imagine yourself a turn of the century railway baron at the European inspiredFairmont Chateau Lake Louise, nestled amidst the Rocky Mountains on theshores of the world’s most famous emerald glacier lake. Ask about the rich historyof the Banff Springs, the renowned “Castle in the Rockies”, a National HistoricalSite located in the heart of Banff National Park.

The Fairmont Banff Springs:[email protected]/bsh

The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise:[email protected]/cll

 Accommo dat ions

Banff National Park prides itself not only inits scenery but also in the variety and qualityof available accommodations. Whether you’repeeking out from a tent flap, out the window ofa mountain lodge or off the veranda of a lavishhotel, the surrounding views will make you rub

 your eyes in disbelief. Make yourself at home atone of the local hotels, motels, bed & breakfastsor mountain lodges or, if you’re looking to getcloser to nature, get cozy at a tent or RV camp-site or stay a few nights at a backcountry lodge.

Luxury accommodations, featuring world-classdining, spa facilities and stunning views, are alsoavailable in both Banff and Lake Louise.

Dining

 Tis destination has attracted some of the verybest in Canadian and internationally inspiredfoods, also known as Canadian Rocky MountainCuisine. Many restaurants help you sample the

regional fare, bringing in organic and sustain-ably sourced Alberta beef and bison, fine cheeses

and wines. If you’re in the mood for sushi, Tai,Mexican, Swiss fondue or kicking your heels at

a local dance club, you’ve got more than enoughchoices to try. Various hotels and restaurantsoffer menus that cater to the needs of interna-tional travellers, who prefer to eat more ethnicfoods, including Indian, Chinese and Japanesedishes.

Shopping

If you’re looking to shop, both Banff and Lake

Louise have vendors to help you gear up for your next adventure, buy a perfect souvenir froma boutique shop or a piece of art from a first-class gallery. With the assortment of shoppingexperiences in in these mountain towns, you’resure to find something special to remind you of

 your trip to the Canadian Rockies.

DINING, SHOPPING & ACCOMMODATIONS

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LOCA L PROVIDERS

 Alpine Adventure GuideSmall independent guiding company whichoffers personalized trips. By keeping group

numbers small it allows us to provide you with amore memorable experience.

[email protected]

 Alpine Helicopte rsGuides are provided by partner company WhiteMountain Adventures. Choose between aleisurely down slope stroll in the alpine meadowsoverlooking Lake Minnewanka or a moreaggressive path.

[email protected]

Banff Top Tours

Guided hiking tours for small groups offeringunique nature experiences. Japanese and Englishspeaking guides available.

[email protected]

CMH Summer Adventures wo to six day heli-hiking trips based fromluxurious remote backcountry lodges. Each day

guests are flown daily by helicopter to stroll, hike,explore or mountaineer in high alpine meadows,dramatic ridgelines, and ancient glaciers.

[email protected]

Discover Banff ToursFour tour locations, each having its own charmand challenges. Every tour includes hotel pickup and drop off, a hearty packed lunch and useof hiking poles if you need them.

[email protected]

EcoYoga Adventures

Experience Banff National Park through yoga,hiking, and meditation. With EcoYoga you canrevel in spectacular mountain scenery, exploresecret hiking trails and find peace though walkingmeditation.

[email protected]

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Great Divide NatureInterpretationInterpretive guided walks and hikes that featurean equal mix of fun and knowledge. Breathingin clean mountain air while hiking against thedramatic backdrop of Banff National Park.

[email protected]

Icefield Heli ToursParadise you can fly to - beautiful alpine andsubalpine landscapes, carpets of wildflowers,lakes, waterfalls and snowy peaks, the sunniestslopes of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, and

more wildlife than hikers.

  [email protected]

Kananaskis Heli Tours With different areas to hike, we tailor trips toall schedules and abilities from gentle walksto wild and demanding adventures. Walk onmeadows, over rock, and step across creeks, all

 with panoramic views.

[email protected]

Lake Louise Sightseeing

Gondola & Hiking AdventuresHiking opportunities in the alpine, at the top ofthe Summer Gondola, with picturesque view of its

 world renowned surroundings, and access to theaward winning Wildlife Interpretation Centre.

[email protected]

Nature in Focus HikingCustomized private guided hikes for smallgroups, families or single individuals. rips aredesigned around clients’ fitness levels, interestsand preferences.

[email protected]

The Fairmont ChateauLake Louise Heritage G uideExperienceRelive the experiences of early adventurers withthe award winning guided Mountain Heritageprogram. From casual walks around the lake, tohiking and mountaineering the tallest peaks.

[email protected]/CLL

White Mountain AdventuresIncredible summer walking, hiking, and heli-hiking adventures. ake the time to really

experience them with your guide. You choosethe date, time, trip length, and go at your ownpace.

[email protected]

Yamnuska Mountain Adventure s

Surrounded by towering peaks and withexcellent wildlife viewing opportunities, ourtrips strive to provide guests with an exceptionalactive mountain adventure.

[email protected]

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B ffL k L i