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* Kananaskis
* Brazeau Loop
* 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
** Personal waterbottle
and insulated mug
** Complete camping gear: tents, sleeping bag, sleeping
pad, backpack, rain gear (rudimentary), utensils etc.
All-Inclusive packages include:
Deluxe 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
** As you
will not need a vehicle on this holiday we can arrange a pick up and drop off
at the Calgary airport, for an additional fee.
** 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 National Park
Clearwater River: 6 days
New! Remote Wilderness
ITINERARY:
Pre-trip
We begin with an orientation where you will meet your guide and the rest of your party. The route and safety issues are discussed as well as a distribution of equipment (for those who are renting gear) and group gear.
Day 1
We begin our trek in the forest reserve east of Banff National Park. From the trailhead we proceed up the Clearwater River and, after about 2 hours of hiking, we enter the Park and pass the Indianhead Lodge. Proceeding up the valley on the north side of the Clearwater River we pass through large meadows and montane forests until we reach the meadows above Martin Creek. To ford Martin Creek we will take a side trail to Martin Lake and ford to the west side of the creek near its outlet where it is wider and slower but still fairly deep. We will camp on the west side. This long day will find you on the shores of a little visited lake surrounded by the grey ramparts of the front ranges.
Distance 14.6 Kilometres (9 miles)
Elevation Gain 150 metres (500 feet)
Day 2
Returning to the track along the Clearwater River we pass Clearwater Lake and trek on to the historic Clearwater warden cabin. Here we will pause for lunch before starting the incline leading up to the Clearwater pass. The section of trail challenges us with a steady uphill climb that gradually steepens as we get closer to the pass. Before the crest of the pass we ecounter the Devon Lakes. Approximately half a kilometre east of Clearwater Pass we will make our camp base for two nights in the meadow beside one of the Devon Lakes. The Devon Lakes are located in a large rolling alpine meadow with one of the highest peaks in the front ranges, Mount Willingdon, towering to the north and the cliffs of Monunt Devon to the south.
Distance 14.5 Kilometres (9 miles)
Elevation Gain 440 metres (1440 feet)
Day 3
 Today will begin with a more relaxed start...and lighter packs! From camp we will head off on a day trip, exploring at least of of several worthwhile excursions. One such exploration might be crossing thourgh the Clearwater Pass to the Pipestone - Dolomite trail and venturing north through the area along the west side of the valley to a beautiful little tarn lake. Looking south from this vantage point you will enjoy a vast alpine meadow stretching many kilometres. This area has special protection even within the park as it is the southern most point of migration for the woodland caribou. We camp a second night at the Devon Lakes.
Distance - variable
Elevation Gain - minor
Day 4
Today we cover almost 17 kilometres to reach our campsite -- camping is restricted between  the Devon Lakes and Fish Lakes. For the entire distance we traverse high alpine meadows with stunning views of Mount Drumound and the Drummond Glacier, Devon Mountain and Cataract Peak. This region is still remote, little traveled and encompasses some of the most eastern glaciers in the Canadian Rockies. Our last twelve kilometres are downhill. From Pipstone Pass to Fish Lakes we lose close to 300 metres or 1000 feet. Our camp this evening will be at treeline at the Fish Lakes.
Distance 17.5 Kilometres (11 miles)
Elevation Gain 200 metres (500 feet)
Day 5
On our last day of hiking we climb to Molar Pass and unfortuneately experience the high alpine meadows and wildflowers for the last time. This day does however continue to be very scenic and views from North Molar Pass toward Mount Hector and Dolomite Peak are outstanding. Descending from the pass we soon pick up the headwaters of Mosquito Creek. In spite of this rather inauspicious name, the mosquitoes here are n ot really worse than anywhere else! We will enjoy the creek and the meadows through to the Icefields Parkway where your transportation back to Banff or Canmore will be waiting.
This completed hike will have taken you through a little travelled region of Banff National Park. You will have forded creeks and rivers followed ill defined trails and camped in areas where the park has not developed campgrounds. You will have experienced the magnificance of this amazing National Park as few have and will have been touched by the wilderness of this hike.
Distance 15.2 Kilometres (9 miles)
Elevation Gain 400 metres (1300 feet)
Please Note:
Changes in this itinerary may be necessary due to snow or weather
conditions, trail safety or closures.
2004 TRIP DATES & PRICES
Dates Basic: |
2005 dates available October 15
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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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