Itinerary Details
MT Sobek: Canadian Rockies Hiking Lodge Based
Day 1 Spend the day on an independent exploration of Banff
Arrive at your leisure into the vibrant mountain town of Banff. There are several convenient options to get you from Calgary into the town center. While we've reserved your comfy accommodations for the night, you'll have the day free to explore the town at your own pace. Whether you spend the day soaking in the hot springs, visiting museums and shops, walking along local trails, or sampling a delicious variety of cuisine, Banff provides a variety of charming highlights. No meals or organized activity included. Your guides will meet the group tomorrow morning to begin our adventure!
Accommodation: Banff Ptarmigan Inn
Day 2 Visit Kootenay National Park and hike to Stanley Glacier
5 miles hiking with 1,200' elevation gain and loss
Today's trail showcases the impressive diversity, resilience, and ancient history of the Canadian Rockies. While Stanley Glacier is a bucket-list worthy destination on its own, our hike through the spectacular landscape along the way is equally impressive. Mountainsides recovering from wildfires under a colorful blanket of fireweed and lodgpole pine saplings. Five hundred-million-year-old fossils in what's considered one of the most significant geological heritage sites on the planet. Glaciers hanging from the crests of towering peaks. From the forest floor to 360° wide-open vistas, our first hours of exploration provide an unending supply of awe-inspiring moments. All meals included.
Accommodation: Banff Ptarmigan Inn
(B, L, D)
Day 3 Hike the Iceline Trail and Takakkaw Falls in Yoho National Park
3.5 hours private van transfer
6-9 miles hiking with 1,300'-2,000' elevation gain and loss
Created in 1886 as Canada's second national park, Yoho is home to over 507 square miles of jaw-dropping wilderness. Today's trail showcases the full grandeur of the park and is considered one of the most scenic hikes in all the Canadian Rockies. With its assortment of glaciers, waterfalls, lakes, and spectacular views its easy to see how the Iceline Trail holds such a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Throughout today's hike we'll be treated to occasional views of 1,224' Takakkaw Falls. Once we've completed our journey along the Iceline Trail, we'll take a short walk to stand at the foot of falls, which are the second tallest in Canada. Breakfast & lunch included; dinner on your own.
(B, L)
Day 4 Trek through a high alpine paradise in route to Helen Lake
2.5 hours private van transfer
8.6 miles hiking with 1,800' elevation gain and loss
We start our day by visiting some of the most gorgeous lakes in the Canadian Rockies. Our first stop is famous Peyto lake, with its turquoise blue waters which at the right angle resembles the head of a wolf. Our second detour is to Bow Lake, at the foot of Crowfoot Mountain and Glacier. Just across the world-famous Icefields Parkway from Bow Lake sits our trail to Helen Lake. With our boots laced and our cameras poised we'll begin our journey through spectacular subalpine wilderness. Colorful wildflowers dot vibrant green meadows and glacier-fed streams trickle under towering, jagged peaks. The 360° views seem endless, so we'll take our time to truly soak in the splendor of this Rocky Mountain paradise. For those looking for an extra challenge, our guides will lead you to the summit of Cirque Shoulder for jaw-dropping panoramas that you will never forget. All meals included.
(B, L, D)
Day 5 Meditate along the shores of Moraine Lake before exploring the Valley of the Ten Peaks
2.5 hours private van transfer
7 miles hiking with 1,800' elevation gain and loss
A visit to Banff wouldn't be complete without a visit to Moraine Lake, one of the most recognizable destinations within the Canadian Rockies. Set at the mouth of the Valley of Ten Peaks, the azure waters of Moraine Lake border today's trail. As we hike along Moraine's shoreline, we'll gradually climb through stands of evergreen trees but still have peek-a-boo views of the lake and surrounding peaks. Eventually we clear the lower forest and break out into a high alpine utopia. Surrounded by smatterings of Larch trees, wildflowers, and the towering Ten Peaks we'll hike to Eiffel Lake, where we'll enjoy a well-deserved picnic lunch. All meals included.
(B, L, D)
Day 6 Enjoy crystal clear Lake Agnes and its charming shoreline Tea House
1.5 hour private van transfer
6.5 miles hiking with 1,560' elevation gain and loss
A short walk from Lake Louise takes us to the start of today's hike. With its clear waters, lovely views, and idyllic setting, Lake Agnes provides a postcard perfect image of the Canadian Rockies. Making the destination even more rewarding is the Lake Agnes Tea House, which since 1905 has been serving backcountry travelers a menu of teas and snacks in the high alpine. While we'll enjoy our picnic lunch along a quieter part of Lake Agnes' shores, we'll set aside time for those who want to indulge in a Tea House treat. Later this afternoon we'll shuttle back to Banff where we'll say our final farewells to new friends and the beautiful Canadian Rockies. Breakfast and lunch included.
(B, L)
Vacations by Lisa Scrimger
