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* Kananaskis
*
Northover Ridge
* Rockwall
*
Clearwater River
* Purcell Wilderness
* West Coast
Trail
What is included in this price?
** All transportation from Canmore/ Return,
including: Canmore to Trailhead, all shuttles and luggage shuttles from trail's
end to Canmore
** All Park Fees, including: Park entrance fees and
backcountry user fees
** All food and trail snacks from the first day's
lunch on the trail, to the last day's lunch.
** 2 guides/naturalists per
party of 8
** All pre-trip planning information
** Complete camping gear: tents, sleeping bag, sleeping
pad, backpack, rain gear (rudimentary), utensils etc.
All-Inclusive packages include:
Bed & Breakfast accommodation in Banff or Canmore before and after your Rocky Mountain adventure.
This package does not include:
** Personal equipment such as clothing, boots,
toiletries
** Gratuities - your guides diligent efforts need to be
considered and appropriately rewarded
** Alcoholic Beverages
**
** Accommodation in Canmore for the night before and after the hike for the Basic package.
** 7% Goods & Services Tax
Terms:
Deposit 50% - Balance due 45 days before departure
date. Cancellation: $100.00 processing fee. If written notice is received 45 days prior to departure, we can provide a full refund less processing fee. No refund is possible on notice less than 45 days, unless the space can be resold. Cancellation insurance is available.
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 Backpacking Series: Banff/Jasper National Parks
Brazeau Loop: 7 days
Wide expansive meadows offer great vistas!
This hike is considered among the best in the Rockies by many who have hiked this loop. The open nature of these valleys makes them perfect habitat for deer, elk and the most southerly herd of woodland caribou.
ITINERARY:
Day 1
We begin our trek at 1864 metres (6120') and after crossing Nigel
Creek proceed through sub-alpine forest until the large meadows are reached
below Nigel Pass. Once we attain the pass (2225 metres or 7300 feet) we will
take time enjoy the wonderful views of Mt. Saskatchewan and Parker's Ridge to
the south and the wide meadows of the Brazeau drainage to the north. On leaving
Nigel Pass we move into Jasper National Park and descend to the Brazeau River
and through vibrant alpine meadows filled a host of wildflowers. We will camp
at the Boulder Creek Campground.
Distance 10.7 km (6.5 miles)
Elevation Gain 360
metres (1280 feet)
Day 2
The forest we travel through today is a bit of an anomaly as
Lodgepole Pine is usually a montane species not found in the upper sub-alpine.
We will pass Four Point Campground and continue northeast, once again crossing
the Brazeau River, two kilometres before lunch and our camp at the Wolverine
South Campground. Why such a short day? The campground is worth a stop as it is
one of prettiest in the Rockies. In the afternoon we will be able to take a
short side trip so you are not inclined to become lazy. Do not worry there are
some big days to come.
Distance 8.1 km. (5 miles)
Elevation Gain - 170 metres (558 feet)
Day 3
 Another short day as far as distance traveled. The trail takes us to the Brazeau Lake Campground and in doing so we pass the Brazeau Campground. This campground would have been an option for the Day 2 but is not very pleasant and in most years is rich in mosquitoes. Brazeau Lake Campground is another exquisite campground at the south end of Brazeau Lake. There are fabulous views to the north of the glaciated Mt. Brazeau, whose glaciers are the source of water for the lake. There is a side trip we will hike along the east lake shore that provides us with more great views and some spectacular lake shore.
Distance 11.1 km (6.7 miles)
Elevation Gain - 55 metres (-180 feet)
Day 4
After leaving the lake we start the upward journey to John John Campground. The trail winds its way through the debris of a large landslide that occurred in 1933 and then climbs steeply to the campground where will take a well deserved break and enjoy lunch. A noted mountain man from this area would say that in getting to John John Campground you have come to the prom but, for the next three days you will be dancing. Dancing in the open, scenic and truly wondrous alpine zone of this region. The meadows are strewn with wildflowers and vistas. John John Campground to Poboktan Pass (2304 m) is initially a steep climb but it soon levels out. With every step you move higher, with every step your vistas become broader. On reaching the pass you are treated to views to the north, south, east and west. We will take time to enjoy the scenic splendor of this pass and perhaps decide to come back on Day 5.The wisdom of the mountain man's thoughts will become evident. On leaving the pass we descend quickly until we reach Jonas Cutoff campground. Here we will spend the next two nights.
Distance 16.1 km. (10 miles)
Elevation Gain 499 metres (1638 feet)
Day 5
This is the big day you have been waiting for!
This will be a day of rest as we will not don fully loaded backpacks, as we are not moving camp today. After a relaxed morning we may go back to Poboktan Pass to explore Flat Ridge or explore the upper reaches of Poboktan Creek. A day of puttering, of relaxing, of wandering, you know, of rest.
Distance - varies
Elevation Gain - varies
Day 6
The dance continues today as we climb to the highest point on our journey, Jonas Shoulder at 2470 metres. We descend, steeply, from here to the headwaters of Jonas Creek and start the ascent to Jonas Pass (2320 m). In the open meadows, wildflowers, once again, will regale us. Views of Sunwapta Peak with the many small glaciers on the north and east aspect will literally leave us slack jawed for most of this day. This is a roller coaster day as the trail leads over shoulder and bounces up and down the many terminal moraines that mark the ebb and flow of the glaciers that once filled this valley. Our destination and last camp of this remarkable hike will be Four Point Campground.
Distance 18.9 km. (11.5 miles)
Elevation Gain 330 metres (1185 feet)
Day 7
We have completed the loop and now must retrace our
steps in the upper Brazeau Valley to Nigel Pass. The dance may be nearing the
end, but this is truly a great way home.
Distance 13.9 km. (8.5 miles)
Elevation Gain 315 metres (1035 feet)
Please Note:
Changes in this itinerary may be necessary due to snow or weather conditions, trail safety or closures, and availability of backcountry camping spots.
2005 TRIP DATES & PRICES
Dates Basic: |
2005 Dates available October 15 |
Dates All Inclusive: |
2005 Dates available October 15
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Price Basic
All Inclusive
Single Supplement *
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2005 Prices available October 15
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* Applies to all inclusive package only.
Owners/Operators: Bud Ettinger and Genia Luchka
Address:
2010 3rd Avenue
Canmore, Alberta CANADA
T1W 2J8
Tel: (403) 678-6606
Fax: (403) 678-0910
info@backofbeyond.ca
Toll-Free Inquiries:
1-800-732-7251
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