 Hike the Awesome Classics
In Indolent Comfort
Your primary accommodations for this world-class vacation are the historic Paradise Lodge and the elegantly cozy Emerald Lake Lodge. Your rooms will feature down duvets, fireplaces, and log furnishings. You will have access to hot tubs, marvelous views and a peacefulness that can only be found away from the hustle and bustle of large resorts or towns. Dining in the Emerald Lake, Deer Lodge or the Chateau Lake Louise dining rooms is relaxed, and the service is friendly and efficient. The selection and quality of the meals is truly superb and the memories of these culinary delights might even rival your memories of the spectacular scenery! Well...they are truly delicious, and the presentations are splendid.
The hikes are challenging but very well rewarded with scenic delights and wonderful surprises. If you're a photographer, you'll be snapping pictures of waterfalls, babbling brooks, and an amazing array of mountain flowers. You'll be surprised that such delicate flowers can survive in such rugged conditions. A hoary marmot might pop it's head above a rock to see who's passing by, whistling a distinctive warning to the others. This sound may echo in your memory.
This trip, all things considered, is an Awesome Classic!
ITINERARY:
Pre-trip - Saturday
Orientation to meet group, discuss trails and options available,
issue daypacks, rain gear, etc. Overnight in the Lady McDonald Inn in Canmore.
Dinner is not included in the package price.
Day 1 - Sunday
 We will depart Canmore and travel to the trailhead in
Kootenay National Park. We will be hiking to the toe of a glacier, peering into
caves, and looking for evidence of ocean life at 2250 metres. The hanging
glaciers and the 1000 metre (3000 feet) "Guardwall" will provide us with a
scenic feast.
Accommodations for next three nights are at Paradise or Deer Lodges in Lake Louise. These are modern lodges within strolling distance of the world-famous Lake Louise. We will enjoy an evening of fine dining at the Deer Lodge Restaurant. After dinner, you will have the opportunity to browse through the elegant shops in the Chateau Lake Louise or take relaxing strolls around the Lake.
Our accommodations are in Lake Louise.
Distance 12 Kilometres (8 miles)
Elevation - 2260 metres (7414 feet)
Day 2 - Monday
 Today's classic hike is in the vicinity of the lovely Moraine Lake, a short drive from Lake Louise. Indeed, we will enjoy a full day's share of views before starting our hike! We will leave our lodge early and enjoy breakfast at the Chateau Lake Louise's Poppy Room, with marvellous views of the "Diamond in the Wilderness", Lake Louise. On the drive to Moraine Lake, we will be treated to breathtaking views of the Valley of the Ten Peaks, famously featured on Canada's old $20 bill. We will then begin our hike at Moraine Lake, climbing to Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass. The Sentinels are tall quartzite spires guarding the entrance to the pass. Here we may choose to descend via Paradise Valley or, if we want more time at Lake Louise, return by our ascent route.
Our accommodations are in Lake Louise.
Distance 10 or 17 Kilometres (6 or 11 miles)
Elevation 2610 metres (8562 feet)
Day 3 - Tuesday
On the third day, you will have a choice of activities. A walk on
the Columbia Icefields' Athabasca Glacier is an adventure you will long
remember. For this option, we will drive the Icefields Parkway from Lake Louise
-- easily one of the most scenic drives in the world. We will meet with a
mountain guide, who will equip us with instep crampons and, if necessary,
warmer clothing. Feeling a bit like intrepid mountaineers, we then set out for
a 3-hour walk on the ice and snow of Athabasca Glacier. This walk is highly
informative and you will learn about processes of glaciation and have an
opportunity to revel in the beauty of the surrounding peaks and hanging
glaciers. You might wonder at times if you are walking on another planet!
Today's alternate choice is a half-day of excitement rafting the
Class 3-4 rapids of the Kicking Horse River. A full day raft including a
barbecued lunch would be available at extra cost. Our accommodations are in
Lake Louise.
Day 4 - Wednesday
Our trail today begins in Yoho National Park in British Columbia,
at the foot of Takakkaw Falls, Canada's fourth highest waterfall. We proceed up
Waterfall Valley for 4 km and then hike the head wall to a hanging valley. Soon
we will stop for lunch outside an idyllic log cabin where we can rest and
ramble amid the spectacular scenery of an alpine meadow backed by the glaciated
peaks of the President and the Vice-President. After lunch, we will climb again
and contour along the base of the three Emerald glaciers, where we will be
treated to a close-up view. Astounding views surround us in all directions of
the Yoho Valley and the west side of the Wapta Icefield. We will then descend
back to Takakkaw falls to complete the loop hike. Back at Emerald Lake Lodge,
we can enjoy a much-deserved dip in the outdoor hot tub before savouring a
gourmet dinner in the dining room overlooking the lake.
Our accommodations are at Emerald
Lake.
Distance 21 Kilometres (14 miles)
Elevation 2225 metres (7430 feet)
Day 5 - Thursday
 Today, we will again start our journey from
the Takakkaw Falls trailhead. This time, however, we will hike from Takakkaw
Falls to Yoho Lake, and then on to Emerald Lake and our Lodge. The trail leads
through ancient old growth forest and climbs some 300 metres over 3 km to the
sparkling clear Yoho Lake. Here we will rest and enjoy the serenity of this
pristine tarn, munching on a mid-morning snack and no doubt snapping many
photos. We will then proceed through Yoho Pass and look down on our
destination: Emerald Lake. For the next 4 km, we will enjoy magnificent views
of the lake as we descend open slopes across the shoulder of Michael Peak.
Colourful wildflowers abound on this section of the trail, resulting from the
abundant sunshine. A late lunch and cool beverage will be enjoyed at Cilantro's
on the Lake. The rest of the afternoon is for you to enjoy this marvellous
setting.
Our accommodations are at Emerald
Lake.
Distance 11 Kilometres (7 miles)
Elevation 1838 metres (6030 feet)
Day 6 - Friday
 We begin the day with a drive back towards Banff. Our
adventure this day will be a strenuous trek to the Valley of the Gargoyles. The
hike will take us through three of the Rockies' eco-regions. We start in the
montane forest and hike through the sub-alpine and alpine vegetation zones to a
high pass well above tree line where the unusual rock formations called " The
Gargoyles" are found. We might marvel at Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, which
are often seen on the approach to Cory Pass. This is a day not to be missed as
you experience a rugged moonscape of the Rockies and wonderful views of the Bow
Valley and the eastern main ranges of the Rocky Mountains.
Distance 14 Kilometres (8 miles)
Elevation 2363 metres (7757 feet)
Or, you may choose to have a free day exploring Banff town site
and the myriad of cultural and shopping opportunities available there. We will
enjoy our last dinner together in one of the fine restaurants in Canmore.
Accommodations are in Canmore.
Please Note:
Changes in this itinerary may be necessary due to snow or weather conditions, trail safety or closures.
2005 TRIP DATES & PRICES
Dates: |
2005 Dates available
October 15
|
Price Basic
Single Supplement *
|
2005 Prices available
October 15
|
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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