• 2 complete warm layering systems that are not cotton (think fleece, polyester, merino wool etc, for top and bottom) It is best to dress in layers so you can adapt to changing weather. A light base layer, with a warmer layer on top and rain jacket will help you stay warm.

• Rain jacket (anything wind and waterproof will work) Rain pants are helpful too.

• Comfortable hiking shoes (don't need to be hiking boots. Anything comfy, stable & blister free in & don't mind getting dirty and wet)

• Bathing suit and towel (for swimming, hot springs and showers along the way)

• Socks and underwear (you knew that though I hope)

• Small day pack to carry your personal items on hikes

• Any medications you need (like epi pens, asthma or heart meds, insulin) Very important!

• Suitcase/ duffel bag or back pack for your luggage (we have lots of room, bring whatever works- you won't have to carry it)

• Hiking poles if you feel you might need them to protect your knees on rocky paths

• Sunscreen, bug spray, sun glasses, lip chap all help

• At least one 1 liter water bottle (two is ideal)

• Travel pillow (or bunch up your sweater) & Sleeping bag rated to 0 degrees C (unless renting ours) This is for camping tours only.

• Headlamp or flashlight (helps during the midnight dash to the toilet)

• Camera for the epic views

We have 5 usb ports in our vans, so you are able to plug your electronic devices in during the time the van is driving. Some of the bathrooms have power outlets as well, which you can plug in and charge for a while. Don't forget your charger!

The big thing to know is that the Rockies are entirely unpredictable and you can experience every season in a single hour. On a hike it may be hot and dunny, then windy, then suddenly foggy, some rain and as you hike over a ridge there may be snow! This can be beautiful and fun, but also tough for planning.

That being said, 90 percent of the time you can expect amazing weather. We usually experience roughly 5 rainy tour days each summer on our Rockies tours. Expect the temperature to be 25C / 80f during the day and 15C / 60f at night. September trips can be a little colder at night.

Although it is never expected or required, tipping is customary in Canada for people in the service industry (servers, drivers, guides etc). Here are some basic guidelines:

• 10-20% of bill for servers. (10 for not so great, 15 for average, 20 for exceptional, more if you are trying to impress them. :). )

• Guides: While our guides are paid above industry average, it is no secret that guiding is a lifestyle job. Standard tipping for guides is $5-10 per guest, per day, per guide.

  • This applies to raft guides, kayak guides, horseback guides and your Fresh Adventures guides.

  • Please remember this is never expected and only something nice if you feel like it.

Our tours are designed so that almost everyone could jump off a plane with a smile and have a great time. That being said, there are a few things you can do to enhance your experience with us. Arriving in reasonable physical condition will ensure that you enjoy the hikes more, spending more time enjoying the view and less time gasping for breath with your head between your legs! (just kidding:)..) Below are some pretty good ideas:

• Go for a few walks, up to 6 km long, with some uphill.

• Climb up 20 flights of stairs

• Balance on 1 foot while you cook or brush your teeth. (I know it's kooky but it helps you balance on uneven trails).

• Stretch, especiaally back and legs.

But don't worry... you are going to have a great time either way!

• Pick Up: Pick up is at 2 pm from Marriott Calgary Downtown Hotel on 9th Ave SE. (There is a comfortable lobby and a Starbucks for you to relax at)

• You can generally fly in by 12 pm (add time for customs) and a cab from the airport to downtown is roughly 20 minutes

• Please be ready 15 minutes before the time we say we will be there. (Traffic is unpredictable so we may be a bit early or late).

• We can drop you off anywhere in Calgary starting at 2 pm at the airport

• 6 day tour ends at Lake Louise on Day 6

• You can catch a shuttle from Lake Louise to Calgary, YYC or Banff

• Shuttle is ~$118

• Shuttle times:

  • 12:15 pm departure- Arrive YYC @ 1600 pm

  • 17:15 departure- Arrive YYC @ 2145 pm

• Tour ends at 5 pm in Banff

• We can drop you off anywhere in Banff @ 5 pm

• You can catch any shuttle after 5 pm to Calgary/ Calgary Airport

• 12 day tour ends @ 2 pm in Calgary

• We can drop you off anywhere in Calgary, starting at the airport