Guided Backpacking Tour in the Canadian Rockies
The Ultimate Banff Backcountry hiking Tour
Wander into the wilderness on this guided backpacking tour in the Rockies and see the mountains like you can’t in any other way. Camping in the backcountry means there is nowhere to be but where you are, so you can stop worry about traffic and dinner time and start worrying about that epic sun setting over the mountains in front of you.
During this Banff backpacking tour we get far into the wilderness and spend several days properly off the beaten path. You and 7 other new found friends will be with our professional hiking guides who are there to make sure you are well fed and on the right track to having the time of your life.
There is a reason this is one of the top rated backpacking tours in Banff! Come and find out why for yourself!
Start/ End
Start in Banff or Calgary
Pickup/ dropoff in Banff
Calgary airport shuttles
Trip Length
6 days/ 4 hiking days
Difficulty
Challenging: 4-7 hours/ day
7-13 km each day
200-800 m daily elevation
accommodation
2 nights hotel
3 nights camping
group size
8 guests max
4:1 guests: guide ratio
Skill level
Intermediate- Expert
No previous experience required
Campsites
Wilderness camping
No facilities
Reserve Your Space!
Banff backpacking tour Description
Sleep under impossibly starry skies, watch the sun set over the mountain peaks, swim in alpine lakes and nap in breezy meadows on your Banff backpacking trip. Carrying everything on your back means you have everything you need. Something about an escape into the wilderness like this that makes time stand still.
We promise this backpacking tour will give you a lifetime supply of memories and moments that you will cherish forever, or at least post on Instagram!
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If you are looking for the ultimate backpacking experience in Banff, you just fount it!
While most people head to the designated National Park backpacking trails, we like to think outside the box (or should we say park), and created our own trekking route through mountains just as stunning as in the park, but with none of the hassles the parks bring. By backpacking just outside the park boundaries, we can offer more dates and aren’t bound by the specific campsites inside the park. This makes for some truly natural camping experiences and an opportunity for complete and utter solitude. We would be surprised if you saw anyone except those in your hiking group during the entire hike!
We outfit our backpacking tours with high quality camping and hiking gear, to ensure you are able to explore in comfort and style. We aim for a target pack weight of 25 pounds, so you can wander and don’t feel like a porter! While camping on a Banff backpacking tour, the ideal situation is to share a tent with a friend or another solo traveler in your group, which helps keep pack weight low, and makes for some fun conversation while lounging.
Just because you are working hard doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy good food! Your backpacking guides work hard to plan a delicious and nutritious menus on your backcountry expedition. Enjoy a fresh and zesty selection of soups, pastas, tacos and more on your hike.
While your Banff backpacking trip is only 4 days long, you will create memories to last a lifetime! Come and see why over 2,000 past travelers have been so delighted on our tours!
Backpacking tour dates
✔ ALL DEPARTURES ARE GUARANTEED
At this time we are only taking private bookings for small groups on our backpacking tours for summer 2024.
We will be posting public tour options for our 2025 summer departures shortly!
Rockies backpacking tour prices
✔ NO MANDATORY SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS
Backpacking Tour Price: $2495
Optional Single Tent Upgrade: $400 (Optional)
Banff Hotel Package: $995 (2 nights in Banff- Optional)
Prices are in $ CAD and are subject to 5% local tax.
Rockies backpacking details
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This is a rough idea of what to expect. We may need to tweak the itinerary to maximize safety and to optimize the tour.
Day 1- To The Mountains!
Fly in to Calgary and shuttle to Banff (Be in Banff by 5 pm)
Evening group orientation
Stay in Banff Hotel
Day 2- Into the Wild!
Morning transfer to trailhead
Trail orientation and begin our hike
Camping in backcountry
Hiking roughly 10 km, 300-500 m elevation gain, 3-4 hours
Days 3 & 4- Welcome to the Wilderness!
Backcountry hiking in the wilderness with your guides
Camping in the backcountry
Hiking 10-15 km, 300-800 m elevation gain, 5-8 hours
Day 5- Back To Banff!
Reach end of trail and transfer back to Banff
Go for dinner as a group in town
Soak in hot springs
Hiking 5-10 km, 200-500 m elevation gain/ loss, 2-4 hours
Day 6- Return to Society!
Shuttle to Calgary Airport or stay in Banff
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Here is what is included in your backcountry hiking tour package:
Return transportation from Banff to trailhead
1-2 professional hiking guides
All food while backpacking
Hot springs entry fees and park passes
Camping gear (tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, trekking poles,
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Travel to and from the tour unless otherwise noted. We can help you arrange airport shuttle from Calgary to Banff.
2 nights in hotel in Banff (unless added)
Personal meals & alcohol while in town
Single tent upgrade ($)
Guide gratuities ($10-$15 per guide, per day, per person is typical)
Travel insurance
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Chance are great that this tour is exactly what you are looking for! This guided backpacking trip is perfect for you if:
You are looking for a fun time and are travelling solo, with friends or as a couple or family
You agree that your age doesn’t matter and you are young at heart!
You are willing to camp in the wilderness with professional guides
You don’t mind going to the bathroom in nature (we will show you how and the views are really worth it)
You can walk for a few hours at a sustained pace
You don’t have any serious issues that would prevent you from carrying a backpack