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Classic Hikes

Hike to classic locations in the Banff and Lake Louise areas. Share the passion for the mountains with our local, enthusiastic guides. Explore the trails in Yoho, Larch Valley, Stanley Glacier, and Plain of Six Glaciers. Hiking time is from 4 to 6 hours. Guests must have sturdy footwear and dress in layers in case of weather changes.

Your Tour Includes:
- Certified Hiking Guide
- Hotel pick up and drop off
- Use of hiking poles
- Use of binoculars
- Hearty packed lunch with choice of sandwich, fruit, snack bars, potato chips, juice, bottled water and our famous maple cookies! 

Sandwich choices are:

- Roast Beef on Mini Baguette - Creamy mustard dressing, cheddar, lettuce and roast beef.

- Roast Turkey on Foccacia - Cranberries, lettuce, mayonnaise and roast turkey.

- Veggie on Ciabatta - Lettuce, baby greens, cucumber, shredded carrot, red pepper, red onion, and raspberry vinaigrette.

 

Departs Banff Daily: 9:00am
Duration: 7 Hrs +/-
Adult: $74.00
Minimum age: Guests must be 13 or older for this tour

Hikes are available on Tuesday and Saturday ONLY May 17th - 31st and October 1st - 7th.

Early and late season itinerary changes may apply:

Monday: Castle Viewpoint

Tuesday: Inkpots

Wednesday:  Castle Viewpoint

Thursday: Inkpots

Friday:  Inkpots

Saturday: Castle Viewpoint

Sunday: Inkpots

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Itinerary and Highlights:
Yoho - Sunday
Return Distance: 9.2km                    Elevation Gain: 290m
The hike begins in stunning Yoho Valley, with the ominious roar of Takakkaw Falls in the background.  The trail climbs sharply from the valley bottom, soon giving great views of Canada's second highest waterfall.  Yoho Lake is a tranquil oasis situated between Mount Wapta and the President and Vice President Mountains.  Sturdy groups may even head further up for even greater views.  Pick ups for this hike are available from both Banff and Lake Louise hotels.
 

Tour Highlights:

  • Kicking Horse Pass - The dreaded BIG HILL that was the railway's biggest challenge.
  • Yoho Valley Switchbacks - The drive takes you straight up a cliff!
  • Takakkaw Falls - Canada's second highest waterfall.
  • Yoho Lake - A tranquil mountain lake in a peaceful pass.
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Larch Valley - Monday and Saturday
Return Distance:9 km                   Elevation Gain: 724 m
Trail restrictions due to bear activity make this a definite feather in one's cap.  Beginning from the Valley of the Ten Peaks at Moraine Lake, the trail climbs, really climbs, up to Larch Valley on a well groomed trail.  After reaching the Valley, the trail ambles through Larch Forest and then begins to gain elevation again towards Sentinal Pass.  Ascending towards the pass, views of the Ten Peaks, Moraine Lake and gigantic Mount Temple will complete your experience.  Hardy groups may even push towards Sentinal Pass for views of Paradise Valley and the backside of Mount Aberdeen and Mount Hadoo. Pick ups for this hike are available from both Banff and Lake Louise hotels.
 

Tour Highlights:

  • Valley of the Ten Peaks - A place so stunning it was once commemorated on the $20.00 bill.
  • Moraine Lake - The colour of the water becomes more unbelieveable as you begin to ascend.
  • Mount Temple - Views of the area's largest mountain.
  • Larch Trees - These unusual trees dominate the valley portion of the walk.
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Stanley Glacier -  Tuesday and Thursday
Return Distance: 8.4 km                   Elevation Gain: 365 m
Fire is the theme of this hike. Stanley Glacier is situated in the Vermillion Pass area, home to two gigantic fires in recent history: the first in the late 1960's and the second in 2003.  In each case, large tracts of this valley were reduced to charred ground. The trail into Stanley Glacier will take you straight through the regrowth of the 1960s fire, and the blackened trees of the most recent.  The trail climbs easily for a short while.  The strength of your group will determine the distance covered.  In any case, you will be treated to views of Stanley Glacier creeping down the side of Mount Stanley towards the valley bottom.  Pick up for this tour is ONLY available from Banff. 
 

Tour Highlights:

  • Vermillion Pass - See the effects and regrowth from past and recent fires.
  • The Continental Divide - The geographical feature that divides water between the Pacific and the Atlantic, and weather and politics between British Columbia and Alberta.
  • Stanley Glacier - A large hanging glacier of the slopes of Mount Stanley (for Lord Stanley, of the NHL's coveted trophy cup!)
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Plain of 6 Glaciers - Wednesday and Friday
Return Distance:13.6km                   Elevation Gain: 340 m
Beginning from the shores of Lake Louise, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and location of the famous Chateau Lake Louise, your hike will ascend steadily on well groomed trails.  As you get higher the waters of the lake will deepen and the crowds of the lake will begin to disappear.  The trail will turn into single track and the immensity of the the valley and its peaks will become even more apparent.  Infamous Mount Lefroy, Mount Victoria, Mount Whyte, and Mount Fairview will all come into view.  Near to your final destination is the Plain of 6 Glaciers Tea House where cakes and tea are served all day long - be sure to bring some money!  Just past the teahouse you will be treated to views of, you guessed it, six glaciers feeding into the valley and Lake Louise!  There are many additional options to explore in the area dependant on the groups ablity, just ask your guide.  Pick up for this tour is available from Banff and Lake Louise.
 

Tour Highlights:

  • Lake Louise - The world famous lake only looks better from above.
  • Glaciers - Six in fact!
  • The Death Trap - A climber's nightmare and once the preferred route to the Abbot Pass Hut (a National Historic Site).
  • Mount Lefroy - The infamous mountain that prompted the CPR to bring Swiss guides to Canada and the beginnings of Canadian Mountain Culture.
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Departs Banff Daily: 9:00am

Departs Lake Louise Daily: 9:45am (Not available for Stanley Glacier Hike)
Duration: 7 Hrs +/-
Guests must be 13 or older for this tour

 
Season Dates: May 17th - October 7th, 2008
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Phone: (403) 760-5007   Toll Free: (877) 565-9372    Fax: (403) 760-7651
215 Banff Ave    Sundance Mall    Box 1566   Banff, Alberta   T1L 1B5
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