Itinerary Details
MT Sobek: Canada Banff & Beyond Winter Adventure Lodge Based
Day 1 Explore Chickadee Valley in Kootenay National Park
1.5 private van transfer
5.6 miles snowshoeing or hiking with 975' elevation gain and loss
Meet this morning for introductions and a group orientation in the town of Banff, Alberta. Please arrive ready for a day outside and prepared with more warm layers than you think you'll need. Our destination today is the Chickadee Valley. Depending on the snow and trail conditions, your guides will distribute the most appropriate equipment for your hike, which may include snowshoes, trekking poles and/or crampons. Your guides will also provide a refresher on how to properly use and adjust these winter tools. Once prepared, we will head out on a fabulous introduction to this amazing winter wonderland. Lunch and dinner included.
Accommodation: Banff Caribou Lodge
(L, D)
Day 2 The dramatic Kananaskis Valley and picturesque Chester Lake
Two 1.5-hour private van transfers
9.2 miles snowshoeing
A day of wondrous winter adventure awaits as we journey to Chester Lake, a true jewel hidden within the lovely Kananaskis Valley. From the Chester Lake Trailhead, the way winds gradually uphill through evergreen forests draped in snow and rewarding vistas, with a trailside lunch en route to the lake itself, serenely nestled among the surrounding peaks. The layering of sediment, pressed together and thrust upward by colossal tectonic forces to form these magnificent peaks, is on full display in the exposed strata of rock here, formed millions of years ago at the bottom of ancient seas. Returning to Banff later this evening, we'll enjoy a memorable dinner at a lively, award-winning restaurant to celebrate the day.
Accommodation: Banff Caribou Lodge
(B, L, D)
Day 3 Journey along the eastern border of British Columbia in Yoho National Park
2.3 hours private van transfer
5-6 miles snowshoeing or hiking with 1,000'-1,230' elevation gain and loss
Today's travels take us to Yoho National Park, Canada's second oldest national park. A land of towering peaks, massive glaciers and tumbling waterfalls, Yoho National Park transforms into an unbelievably gorgeous winter wonderland under a cover of powdery snow and ice. Our goal today is either Emerald Lake or Sherbrooke Lake, both of which offer outstanding views of the President Range and beyond. This evening we return to our cozy home-away-from-home where we soak our tired legs in a warm hot tub. Breakfast & lunch included; dinner on your own.
(B, L)
Day 4 Hike or snowshoe to world-famous Lake Louise
1.4 hours private van transfer
5.5 miles snowshoeing or hiking with 1,340' elevation gain and loss
As one of the most photographed outdoor destinations on the planet, Lake Louise also holds the honor of being Canada's highest village. Today's hike begins at the charming Lake Louise Train Station—the trail traces the original route of a narrow-gauge tramway that once transported guests to the iconic Chateau Lake Louise—and ends at stunning Lake Louise, where turquoise waters meet the dramatic backdrop of glaciers and mountains. As we admire the awe-inspiring scenery, we'll each enjoy a hot thermos of fortifying homemade soup. The afternoon holds the choice to continue your hike to the Fairview Lookout above Lake Louise, take a stroll around the glistening lake's edge, or enjoy the cozy comfort and gorgeous views from the Chateau. All meals included.
(B, L, D)
Day 5 Wander spectacular Johnston Canyon en route to the Ink Pots
1 hour private van transfer
7 miles snowshoeing or hiking with 1,889' elevation gain and loss
A winter adventure to Banff National Park would not be complete without a visit to beautiful Johnston Canyon. Shaped by centuries of erosion, the canyon's soaring walls hide a treasure trove of frozen waterfalls, deep tunnels, and clear blue pools. With several coveted ice climbing routes available in Johnston Canyon, visitors are often treated to a front-row seat of brave climbers navigating frozen crags and waterfalls. We'll continue our journey through snow-covered forests and powdery sub-alpine meadows before reaching a series of geothermal pools. Surrounded by soaring peaks we'll enjoy a picnic lunch before heading back to Banff for a celebratory last dinner together. All meals included.
(B, L, D)
Day 6 Tunnel Mountain and Stewart Canyon
1 hour private van transfer
3 miles snowshoeing or hiking with 860' elevation gain and loss; 2 miles snowshoeing or hiking with 200' elevation gain and loss; 7 miles snowshoeing or hiking with 1,889' elevation gain and loss
Tunnel Mountain, one of Banff "smallest" mountains but oh so famous for its access to some of the best views of the Bow Valley and it's surrounding peaks. The trail to the summit of Tunnel Mountain meanders through a forest of Douglas Fir which makes for great photo options. Arriving at the summit ridge, we are met with dramatic views of Mt Rundle, the Hoodoos and the Fairholme Range. We'll also be looking down on one of Banff's most famous historical landmarks, the Fairmont Banff Springs Luxury Hotel. After our morning hike, we head to Cascade Pond for a picnic lunch under the dramatic East face of Cascade mountain. We finish the day with a stroll to Stewart Canyon bridge at Lake Minnewanka, Banff National Park's largest lake, enjoying this easy hike to cap off an amazing week of exploring and adventuring in the Canadian Rockies. We expect to arrive back in Banff by the late afternoon where we say goodbye to the beautiful Bow Valley. Breakfast and lunch included.
(B, L)
Vacations by Lisa Scrimger
