Take five glorious days to explore the awe-inspiring scenery of the Canadian Rockies, shaped over millions of years by glaciers. From your base near Lake Louise, set out with your expert MT Sobek guides, hiking through grand valleys, alongside turquoise lakes, and up onto ridgelines with jaw-dropping views of jagged peaks. Trek across the immense Columbia Icefield, one of the many highlights of Jasper National Park. Along the way, watch for Rocky Mountain wildlife, from bighorn sheep to bears. Move on to a heart-pounding whitewater rafting adventure on the Kicking Horse River. Round out your expedition with a final hike to stunning panoramas surrounding Stanley Glacier in Kootenay National Park.
Take five glorious days to explore the awe-inspiring scenery of the Canadian Rockies, shaped over millions of years by glaciers. From your base near Lake Louise, set out with your expert MT Sobek guides, hiking through grand valleys, alongside turquoise lakes, and up onto ridgelines with jaw-dropping views of jagged peaks. Trek across the immense Columbia Icefield, one of the many highlights of Jasper National Park. Along the way, watch for Rocky Mountain wildlife, from bighorn sheep to bears. Move on to a heart-pounding whitewater rafting adventure on the Kicking Horse River. Round out your expedition with a final hike to stunning panoramas surrounding Stanley Glacier in Kootenay National Park.
Arrive at your own pace in the vibrant mountain town of Banff, just a scenic 2-hour drive from Calgary. Your comfortable accommodation is reserved for the night, and the rest of the day is yours to explore. Stroll local trails, unwind in the hot springs, browse shops and museums, or enjoy Banff's lively dining scene. No meals or activities are scheduled today. Your guides will meet the group tomorrow morning to kick off the adventure!
Accommodation: Banff Caribou Lodge
Travel to Enchanting Lake Louise & Hike to Lake Annette
Day 2
This morning, meet your guides at the hotel restaurant for breakfast and a brief orientation before heading out on a drive along one of the world's most scenic mountain roads to the heart of Canada's hiking capital! Get your bearings at your Lake Louise camp for the next four nights, prepare lunch, then hit the trail. Trek to glistening Lake Annette, where you'll pass in the shadow of some of the Canadian Rockies' mountain giants. Enjoy the views of the third-highest peak in Banff National Park while getting to know your fellow travelers. Upon returning to the campground, your guides will prepare some delicious post-hike snacks while you get yourself set up in your tent.
Accommodation: Lake Louise Campground
Activity: 7 miles/3-4 hours hiking with 1,300' elevation gain and loss
Transportation: 1-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike Jasper National Park & Witness Athabasca Glacier
Day 3
Explore trails in captivating Jasper National Park today, stopping first to view the lovely Peyto Lake from a platform hanging on a cliff high above. Depending upon the time of year, the hue of the lake runs from dark blue to opaque turquoise to gorgeous jade green. The road then takes you onto the vast Columbia Icefield, the geo-hydrographic center of North America. Meltwaters from the Icefield and its glacial tongues feed three different oceans! You'll have the chance to walk right up to the toe of the sweeping Athabasca Glacier. Then, continue hiking up to either Parker Ridge for a spectacular view of the Saskatchewan Glacier from above or, for a true wilderness experience, a hike up to Wilcox Pass. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including marmots, elk, foxes, and pine martens. Returning to camp, you'll enjoy dinner around the campfire.
Accommodation: Lake Louise Campground
Activity: 5 miles/2-3 hours hiking with 1,000'-1,200' elevation gain and loss
Transportation: 3-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Climb to Agnes Tea House & Raft Kicking Horse River
Day 4
Spend the morning hiking to the charming Lake Agnes Tea House. The trail winds through a towering old-growth spruce forest, popping out of the trees to open views of glacier-fed Lake Louise. Arriving at the tea house, you have the option to refuel with over 100 varieties of loose-leaf tea and freshly baked treats or just take in the stunning views. In the afternoon, travel by road through Yoho National Park into British Columbia for rock-and-roll rafting on the Kicking Horse River. This exhilarating trip allows you to raft the best section of the class III-IV whitewater rapids. Return to camp for dinner.
Accommodation: Lake Louise Campground
Activity: 7 miles/3-4 hours hiking with 1,300' elevation gain and loss; 3 hours rafting
Transportation: 1.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit Brilliant Moraine Lake & Hike Larch Valley
Day 5
Today, you’ll travel to turquoise Moraine Lake and marvel at the Valley of Ten Peaks (each peak over 10,000') across the water—an iconic view that you will get to experience in person. From here, hike through the lush Larch Valley, its meadowlands filled with dense stands of alpine larch and panoramic views over the marvelous Valley of the Ten Peaks. Continue to lovely Eiffel Lake, surrounded by towering Rocky Mountains. Time and weather permitting, you may hike the Helen Lake trail, famous for its summer wildflowers. Tonight, your final evening, enjoy a celebratory dinner at a local restaurant in Lake Louise.
Accommodation: Lake Louise Campground
Activity: 7-11 miles/4-6 hours hiking with 1,300'-1,800' elevation gain and loss
Transportation: 1-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek to the Foot of Stanley Glacier & Depart
Day 6
After breaking camp and waving goodbye to your campground, head south into Kootenay National Park for a hike to Stanley Glacier. Considered one of the park's most spectacular trails, your hike to the base of Stanley Glacier rewards you with a diverse range of terrain. With an endless supply of geological treasures such as hanging valleys, ice caves, sheer cliffs, and towering peaks, these final miles together are the perfect culmination of an amazing exploration of the Canadian Rockies. Your trip concludes in Banff with a drop-off at the hotel from night one.
Activity: 5 miles/2-3 hours hiking with 1,200' elevation gain and loss
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Sean B.
Sean was born in British Columbia but grew up in the UK. He enjoyed a career teaching politics and history, but the outdoors was always calling. He returned to Canada in 2008, and has since guided hiking, canoeing, and bear viewing adventures around Whistler and the Rockies. Sean has the following certifications: ACMG Assistant Hiking Guide, IGA Apprentice Hiking Guide, Wilderness First Responder, Flatwater Canoe and CSIA Level 1.
Etienne L.
Spending his childhood exploring outdoors in the French-speaking province of Quebec, Etienne followed his love of adventure to the Canadian Rockies and began his dream job, guiding outdoor trips, in 2016. He is a certified Professional Interpretive Guide, and proficient in wilderness first aid. His enthusiasm for the landscapes and stories of the region is infectious, and he looks forward to sharing this passion with you on every adventure.
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Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 3. Participants should feel comfortable hiking up to 11 miles with elevation gains and losses of up to 1,800' over uneven dirt and rocky trails. Rafting is on a glacier-fed river, on class II-IV whitewater (all rafting gear is supplied) and is suitable for beginners. Participants should also have some camping experience and be willing to participate in camp chores such as cooking, dishes clean-up, setting up tents and breaking down camp when departing. Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 2
7 miles/3-4 hours hiking with 1,300' elevation gain and loss
Day 3
5 miles/2-3 hours hiking with 1,000'-1,200' elevation gain and loss
Day 4
7 miles/3-4 hours hiking with 1,300' elevation gain and loss; 3 hours rafting
Day 5
7-11 miles/4-6 hours hiking with 1,300'-1,800' elevation gain and loss
Day 6
5 miles/2-3 hours hiking with 1,200' elevation gain and loss
*Mileage and elevation change information is approximate and may vary slightly depending on trail conditions, weather, and route adjustments, and the guide’s discretion.
Accommodations
One night in a comfortable hotel and four nights' tent camping.
Nestled in the heart of Banff National Park on Banff Avenue, the Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa offers a quintessential mountain lodge experience—characterized by hand-hewn log accents, a grand fieldstone fireplace, and sweeping views of the Rockies. Just a short stroll or quick transit ride from downtown shops and restaurants, it's wonderfully positioned for both adventure and relaxation.
Rocky Mountain peaks, glacial lakes, and adventure come together in Banff National Park - Canada's first national park and the flagship of the nation's park system. Banff is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site. We set up our camp at 5,052' for the next four nights at the Lake Louise (5,052') campground along the beautiful Bow River. Everyone pitches in to set up our tents and help our guides in preparing a delicious campfire dinners.
Weather
Enjoy mild summers with rain and clouds and winds near glaciers and mountains. Daytime 55F-70F. Evenings 35-50F.
Jun
Jul
Aug
Lake Louise
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Lake Louise
63
37
70
41
68
49
FAQs
What are the best ways to get from Calgary to Banff?
It is a two-hour drive between Calgary Airport and Banff. We recommend booking a shuttle with Brewster Express or Banff Airporter for convenient hassle-free shuttle service.
What are the best months to hike in the Canadian Rockies?
The prime hiking season in the Canadian Rockies runs from late June to mid-September when warmer temperatures and long daylight hours make trail conditions ideal. July and August offer the best weather but also draw the largest crowds. MT Sobek offers hiking trips in the Canadian Rockies late Jun - mid September.
What is the best footwear for hiking in the Canadian Rockies?
Sturdy hiking boots or trail running shoes with good ankle support and a durable, grippy sole are recommended for hiking in the Canadian Rockies. Whatever footwear you choose, ensure they are well-broken in and comfortable for you.
What kind of wildlife will I see?
You may see black bears, moose, elk, white-tailed deer, mountain goats, and bald eagles throughout the year. Each new season brings a wide variety of mammal and birds species and on any given day.
What is the camping like?
We often see bison, moose, elk, mule deer, coyotes, trumpeter swans, and bald eagles throughout the year. Each new season brings a wide variety of mammal and birds species and on any given day.
Are there winter adventure options?
Winter is a fantastic time to visit the Canadian Rockies for a winter wonderland of snowshoeing and winter hiking, with fewer crowds. MT Sobek offers a 6 day winter adventure in Banff and the surrounding area.
What is the minimum age for this trip?
The standard minimum age for these trips is 18. Families with fit younger teens may consider private and custom trip options.