Sample itineraries
Beyond the Canadian Rockies Tour
From £2979
Families of all generations will enjoy six days heli-hiking in the magnificent Purcell Mountain Range - a rare opportunity to discover, in-depth, the splendors of summer amidst one of Canada’s most spectacular mountain regions, just west of the Canadian Rockies. Walks are tailored to all levels of fitness, experience and age - there’s a walk suitable for everyone each day to view the forests, glaciers, lakes, ice fields, waterfalls and wildflower fields.
Day 1 Calgary to Banff
Tour departs: Delta Calgary Airport hotel, Calgary, at 8:15 AM. Inquire about pre-tour accommodations at time of booking. From the city of Calgary, surrounded by Alberta’s ranch lands, travel into the magnificent Canadian Rocky Mountains. Journey through the majestic splendour of Banff National Park to Yoho National Park and the stunning blue-green waters of Emerald Lake; your hotel is built of hand-hewn timber with massive stone fireplaces. We invite you to join us for a welcome reception and dinner.
Stay: 1 night
Emerald Lake Lodge, Field
Day 2 Heli - Hike the Bobbie Burns
Depart for the heli-pad in Parson that serves as the staging point for your first heli-flight, and fly to the Bobbie Burns Lodge in the heart of the Purcell Mountains. Compared to other mountain ranges, the mountains you will be exploring in the following days are relatively low, ranging from 6,000 – 9,000 ft.; Bobbie Burns Lodge is at a comfortable altitude of 4,500 ft.
Stay: 3 nights
Bobbie Burns Lodge, Purcell Mountains
Days 3-4 Heli - Hike the Bobbie Burns cont
The next three days are spent walking amidst massive glaciers, alpine lakes, grasslands, and wave-like ridges; summer weather is generally sunny and pleasant, ranging from 50°-85° F during the day to 30°-60° F at night. Each day, both morning and afternoon, you'll lift off by helicopter to a different location, accompanied by experienced hiking guides. Your evenings are spent at the lodge, where a cosy ambiance provides a perfect setting in which to recount the day's adventures in anticipation of what lies ahead the next day!
Day 5 Heli - Hike the Bugaboos
A different lodge and heli-hiking experience awaits today in Canada’s magnificent Bugaboo Provincial Park. Take a scenic hike along Grizzly Ridge to witness the signature feature of the Bugaboos - chiselled granite masses forming spectacular spires; large ice fields, glaciers, and alpine forests amidst colourful wildflowers await exploration. Transported by helicopter, you’ll experience a palette of summer colours on daily guided hikes through remote mountain settings that are rugged and mesmerizing.
Stay: 3 nights
Bugaboo Lodge, Purcell Mountains
Days 6 - 7 Heli - Hike the Bugaboos cont
Every day is different as you explore rocky escarpments and lush meadows surrounded by snow-capped peaks, returning to the Bugaboo Lodge (set at 4,900 ft.) each evening. There you will enjoy amenities such as stretch classes and massage; a roaring fire always provides a comfortable setting for conversation!
Day 8 Kootenay / Calgary
Depart the enchanting world that’s located at the “top of the mountain” to return to the city of Calgary. Your journey takes you through Kootenay National Park, where dramatic views of soaring peaks and narrow canyons surround Radium Hot Springs’ natural mineral springs. Wildlife is abundant, spotlighted by brilliant wildflowers and numerous species of birds. Arrive in Calgary late afternoon; join us this evening to toast the highlights of this most memorable heli-hiking journey.
Stay: 1 night
Delta Bow Valley Inn, Calgary
Day 9 Journey Home
Tour ends: Calgary. Fly home anytime; an airport transfer is not included. Allow a minimum of two hours for flight check-in; flights direct to the United States clear U.S. customs in Calgary.
