This Rocky Mountain adventure tour is ideal for anyone looking for an active holiday with lots of time hiking and discovering incredible places. We got excited while planning this Rocky Mountain adventure tour and crammed in as many incredible experiences as you could possibly handle.

Explore endless alpine meadows and panoramic ridges on guided hikes. Stand below towering waterfalls, then lounge on a stage set lake shore and gorge on a delectable spread of local foods.

Start off your Rockies guided camping adventure in Banff National Park, then explore the Icefields Parkway and Columbia Icefields in Jasper National Park. Venture into the lesser known but mind-blowing Yoho and Glacier National Parks for some off the beaten path hikes that are much better than what the crowds flock to!

Camping in the Rocky Mountains with new friends and jaw dropping scenery puts a nice cherry on top for this Canadian Rockies adventure tour. Just don't forget your camera because nobody will believe you back home!

We pick you up from the Marriott Downtown Hotel in Calgary and begin your Banff camping tour! Once we have everyone picked up, we begin our 2 hour journey into the Rocky Mountains and Banff National Park. We make a quick stop in Canmore, where you can stock up on last minute supplies, like bug spray, sunscreen and alcohol if you desire.

We arrive at our campsite in Lake Louise and go through a detailed orientation of your Rockies camping tour, and set up tents with the help of your guide.

Enjoy a delicious welcome dinner and get to know your new tour friends around the campfire.

Meals: D
Driving: 2 Hours
Pick Up : 2 pm, Calgary Marriott Downtown Hotel

Today we hike right by our camp, at Lake Louise! There are few words to describe what hiking among the mountains around Lake Louise in the morning light are like. If we are lucky, ice may break off from the cliffs far above (and safely across the valley), and crash down with thunderous booms echoing around the valley. The cliffs here are sheer and commanding, which is why the early Swiss visitors helped to pioneer mountain climbing in the Rockies some 150 years ago. It’s likely that we will hike far above Lake Louise and visit a historic alpine teahouse, once frequented by early tourists to the area and still in use today!

After our hike we visit Moraine Lake, perhaps one of the most sought after and tough to get to attractions in Banff National Park. The waters are a stunning clear blue, reflecting the majestic peaks behind it.

Typical Hike: Plain of Six Glaciers (15 km, 700 m elevation, 4-6 hours)
Driving: 1.5 hours
Meals: B,L,D

We don’t waste any time on your Banff camping package and head straight into the heart of the Rockies, exploring the Icefields Parkway today. A short drive from our campsite in Lake Louise, brings us to the Icefields Parkway, which is one of the most photographed and famous highways in the world. You will soon see why!

As we enter Jasper National Park, we are greeted by the most imposing glacier in the Rockies, known as Athabasca Glacier and part of the Columbia Icefields. You will have the chance to walk to the base of it, option to go for a guided glacier walk, or take a guided hike to a viewpoint far above the glacier for some amazing bird’s eye views and a tasty picnic.

On the way back to Lake Louise we stop at Peyto Lake, where you can take photos of one of the most recognizable lakes in Banff National Park.

Optional Activity: Guided Glacier Icewalk
Typical Hike: Wilcox Pass (10 km, 450 m Elevation, 3-4 Hours)
Driving: 2 Hours
Meals: B,L,D

Yoho is a local Indigenous word for the feeling of being in awe. You’ll see exactly why during today’s excursion into Yoho National Park. First up, we head up the Yoho Valley where you will be struck by the unbelievable views of Takakkaw Falls. This is the second highest waterfall in British Columbia and trust us, you won’t believe your eyes. Water crashes down from a glacier, crashing off a rock and shooting out from the cliff wall before cascading hundreds and hundreds of feet below. Sometimes the water turns to mist before hitting the ground, casting a rainbow across the valley. (You get the idea.. it’s unreal).

We begin our hike on the Icefields Trail, which quickly brings us up to a mountain bench with equally awe inspiring views of the falls, which are below us now. Above us is the Emerald Glacier, which we walk below soaking in the close up views of the massive ice formation. The glacier’s meltwater flows down in streams past us, and if you dare, you can fill your bottle and drink the pure glacier water (though we don’t officially recommend this). The views from the hike are of majestic peaks in all directions, interrupted by glaciers and alpine lakes.

Time permitting, we stop by Emerald Lake when we get down from the hike, where you can enjoy views of the lake, go for a dip and see one of the most exclusive lodges in the Rockies.

Tonight we head to Banff, setting up camp in a new base.

Typical Hike: Iceline Trail (12-15 km, 500 m Elevation, 4-5 Hours)
Driving: 1.5 Hours
Meals: B,L,D

Let’s explore another park today, venturing into the unspoiled and wild valley of Kootenay National Park. What makes Kootenay Park special is that the railway never came through this valley, which means that there was very little interference from humans while the other parks were being created. While fires were controlled near the railway, they were left to rage here, which effects everything around us in the mountains— but you will learn more about that on the tour!

We hike the Stanley Glacier Trail, which winds its way from the valley bottom up into a hanging valley surrounded by sheer mountain walls, dramatic peaks and the imposing views of Stanley Glacier. This is a special area in the mountains, very close to where some of the most intact fossils have been discovered in a layer of ancient sea bed, known as the “Burgess Shale”.

After our guided hiking tour we head back to Banff and have dinner together, then head to the local Sulphur Mountain Hot Springs for a soothing soak in the warm mineral water.

Typical Hike: Stanley Glacier (12 km, 600 m Elevation, 4-5 Hours)
Driving: 1 Hour
Meals: B,L,D

It may be the last full day of your camping tour, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be the most epic! Today we head a little South of Banff into a true wilderness area that is well off the beaten path and beyond what people on coach bus tours would ever dream of! In fact, there isn’t even a paved road here, so you can be sure you won’t be seeing any crowds!

We hike the Chester Lake Trail today, heading into the alpine to a pristine lake right at the bottom of a massive mountain wall. The dramatic scene is surrounded by flowery alpine meadows and time permitting, we may continue on to the Elephant Rocks to see some weird and wonderful rock formations.

Back at camp we enjoy our final group dinner and chat about our favorite memories, swap photos and relax around the campfire.

Typical Hike: Chester Lake (10-12 km, 500 m Elevation, 3-4 hours)
Driving: 1 hour
Meals: B,L,D

On the final day of your Banff camping tour we have one more delicious breakfast and pack up camp. After loading the van we head through Yoho NP bound for the famous mountain town of Banff, where we stop to soak in the historic mineral springs, that first brought travelers and visitors to Banff.

After a nice relaxing soak, we depart Banff and drop you off in downtown Calgary at 2 pm.

Driving: 3.5 Hours
Meals: B,L
Drop Off: 2 pm, Calgary Marriott Downtown Hotel

• Transportation from pick up to drop off in 15 passenger van w/ trailer

• 6 nights camping accommodation (double occupancy)

• All meals from pick up to drop off

• Hot springs entry fees (if applicable)

• Park passes

• Daily guided hikes with expert guides

• Personal alcohol

• Travel before and after the tour

• Optional Activities

  • Guided Glacier Walk ($125)

  • Horseback riding (~$125)

• Guide Gratuities (Optional)

  • $10-20 per person, per guide, per day is typical, or 5 percent of trip cost

• Travel insurance

• Transportation from pick up to drop off in 15 passenger van w/ trailer

• 2 professional Fresh Adventures hiking guides

• 6 nights camping accommodation (double occupancy)

• All meals from pick up to drop off

• Hot springs entry fees (if applicable)

• Moraine Lake access fees

• Park passes

• Daily guided hikes with expert guides

• Personal alcohol

• Travel before and after the tour

• Optional Activities

  • Guided Glacier Walk (~$125)

  • Horseback riding (~$125)

• Guide Gratuities (Optional)

  • $10-$20 per person, per guide, per day or 10 percent of booking price is typical

• Travel insurance

Level 3- Active

Hiking on established trails with a light daypack. Covering 10-18 km (6-12 miles) with elevation gain up to 1000 meters. Typically hiking for 3-5 hours per day.

Despite Canada’s reputation for ice and polar bears, the Rockies are actually a summery slice of heaven between the months of June- September.

You can expect sunny skies and very little rain during your tour. Typical temperatures are 25 degrees Celcius (82 f) during the day, and 15 degrees Celcius (60 f) at night.

Rain is rare, but be prepared for it anyway.

You won’t have to carry your luggage while hiking, so you can pack however you like. A suitcase is fine, and there is lots of room in the trailer.

The tour starts at 2 pm with a pick up at the Marriott Downtown Hotel on 9th Ave SE in Calgary.

You can fly in any time before noon to make it on time.

The tour ends at 2 pm on day 7 and we can drop you off at the airport or the Marriott Downtown Hotel.

• 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 boots (Anything comfy, stable & blister free & don't mind getting dirty/ 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

Hiking

Our Rockies camping tour is beginner friendly, though you should have a reasonable level of fitness.

Expect to be walking 4-6 hours per day at a moderate pace on an incline or decline. Trails are well maintained, though you should expect uneven surfaces.

We always have a guide in front of the group and one behind the group, to ensure that everyone is well looked after. We do our best to ensure that everyone is able to hike at a comfortable pace and have time to enjoy the scenery.

Camping

Camping is beginner friendly and your guides are there to help every step of the way.

That being said, guests are expected to set up and take down their tents, with some helpful tips from your guides. Our tents are easy to set up, usually within 5 minutes.

Our sleeping pads are second to none. Your pad is an inflatable pad, 3.5 inches thick, which you can make hard or soft to suit your comfort level.

Campgrounds have hot showers and flush toilets, along with some cell service at most campgrounds.

Unlike most tour companies, we don’t like to cater to a specific age group and we find in common a sense of adventure and passion for life, rather than just a common age.

Typically our guests are between 30 and 75, with an average age of 50.

There are roughly an even split between travelers aged 30-50 and 50-75.

Our groups are usually 40% male and 60% female and typically 50-70% of our guests are traveling solo.

Over the years that we have run these Banff camping tours we have noticed that groups who participate in the day to day camping activities have a far better experience and we are able to deliver a superior tour. Our goal is to create the perfect blend of relaxation and comfort, with a mix of expedition and adventure elements into one unforgettable week for you.

During your tour there are times that we ask for your help to ensure we can run a smooth tour. Below is a rough idea of what you can expect on our camping tours.

• Setting Up Tents: Each time we move camp, you will be responsible to set up and take down your tent. Your guides will be right there to support you and make sure you know what you are doing, and campers usually work together on this to make light work of it. Each tent typically takes less than 5 minutes to set up or take down, even for an inexperienced camper. This will happen 2-3 times on your tour.

• Meal Prep & Dishes: While your guides work to whip up a gourmet meal each day, we ask for a little bit of light and casual help in the kitchen a few times during your tour. The kitchen is where most people hang out and enjoy a beer or glass of wine at the end of a big hiking day, and the most social part of the campsites. We simply ask you to help chop a few veggies, grate some cheese etc while you hang out during a few meals. A few times over the course of your tour, you will be asked to help with the dishes, working in teams of 2-3. This is likely to happen 2-3 times over the course of this tour and shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes each time.

• Departure Day: On the last day of your tour, your guides will come by and help you quickly shake any debris out of your tent.

Please remember that we want this to be as relaxing an experience as possible for you. You always have the right to refuse to help, though we have found over the past two thousand travelers we have guided in the Rockies, that the most helpful groups have a better experience overall by a longshot. As things get done quicker, your guides have more time to surprise you with desserts, or squeeze in extra sights to go and see!

We want to make sure you know everything so you can be prepared and get the experience you deserve. Below are some points that important to be aware of:

• Missing Tour Start: If your flights are delayed or you are unable to make it to the tour meeting on time, we will need to depart without you. Our team will be completely there to support your via Whatsapp and will help you book an easy shuttle from Calgary to Lake Louise to meet the group. This would be covered under your travel insurance.

• In the extremely unlikely event of our tour being displaced for a natural event outside out control (forest fire, flooding etc), we will do our best to find alternative last minute cmaping arrangements. It’s possible that we may need to move to a hotel/ hostel. As this is out of our control, the costs of such accommodations would not be covered by us, and would be eligible for travel insurance coverage under trip interruption. This has happened to us for one night in ten years, so very unlikely.

• We do our best to ensure you are well aware of the hiking and activity levels on the trip. It’s impossible for us to properly assess your ability over the phone or by email. In the unlikely event that the activities on the tour pose such a challenge to you, so that the guides cannot properly ensure the safety and enjoyment of the group as a whole, we may need to find alternative activities for you. We would bear no cost for this and would help you find a suitable fit for alternatives. This has also never happened in ten years.