US & Canada / Alberta / British Columbia
Canadian Rockies Classic Hiking Tour
Hike in Banff and Yoho National Parks
Few areas match the sheer spectacle of the Canadian Rockies. Our creative itinerary features this region's renowned sights, as well as the lesser-known treasures that make The World Outdoors' trips so special. Each day highlights a unique facet of this wonderland, blending the best of Banff and Yoho National Parks. Experience alpine tundra, pristine meadows, and magnificent wilderness.
Day 1: Sunshine Meadows
We open our adventure with a hike among the alpine lakes and fields of wildflowers in Sunshine Meadows. A circuit around Rock Isle, Laryx and Grizzly Lakes precedes a climb to the platform on Standish Ridge for 360-degree views before concluding with a stroll through Twin Cairns Meadow. Mt. Assiniboine, "the Matterhorn of the Canadian Rockies", forms the backdrop for our hike.
Day 2: Lake Louise and Fairview Mountain
We climb steadily from the Lake Louise boathouse up the lower slopes of Fairview Mountain through a forest of Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir before reaching the flower-filled meadow. For stronger hikers, continue to the 9000-foot summit of Fairview for stupendous views of Lake Louise and its surrounding cirque.
Day 3: Moraine Lake and Larch Valley/Sentinel Pass
Considered by many to be one of the finest hikes in the Canadian Rockies, today's outing takes us from the shores of incredibly turquoise Moraine Lake into stunning Larch Valley and on up to Sentinel Pass. Look across the Valley of the Ten Peaks at the Wenkchemna Range, dominated by ice-draped Mount Fay. There is time following our hike for paddling a canoe on the lake's calm waters.
Days 4-5: Helen Lake and Yoho National Park
Ascend through mountain meadows ablaze with colorful wildflowers to Helen Lake, nestled in a spectacular natural amphitheater. The next day from 1000-foot high Takakkaw Falls we climb through a forest of subalpine fir and Engelmann spruce along the remarkable Iceline Trail for glacier views. Then venture on to Yoho Lake and over Yoho Pass to finish on the shores of incredible Emerald Lake.
Day 6: C Level Cirque in Banff National Park
This hike climbs past artifactsof a long defunct coal operation and a panoramic viewpoint of Lake Minnewankato a high rockbound pocket beneath the sheer east face of Cascade Mountain. Just before reaching the cirque, views open down the Bow Valleyto Mount Rundle,the Three Sisters and the town of Canmore.