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Lodge Based Treks
Itineraries:

* Classics
* Banff & Jasper
* Ridges and Passes
* Multi-Activity Trip
* Wonder of Water
* Hidden Treasures
* Family Lodge Trip

Backpacking

Unique Birding Tours

Mountain Hut Treks

AWARD WINNING Family Adventures

Custom Trips

Corporate Programs

** What is included in this price?

** All transportation: From Calgary to Canmore and return, all transportation to lodges and trailheads .
** All meals at the lodges and trail snacks from lunch on the first day on trail to the last night of the tour.
** Six nights accommodation
** All Park 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
** Accommodation and restaurant gratuities.

Prices do NOT include:

** Personal equipment such as clothing, boots, toiletries
** Gratuities - your guides diligent efforts need to be considered and appropriately rewarded
** Alcoholic Beverages
** 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

Multi-Activity Trip
New!

ITINERARY:

Pre-trip - Saturday

Orientation to meet group, discuss trails and options available, issue daypacks, rain gear, etc. Overnight in the Delta Lodge at Kananaskis. Dinner is in the package price.

Day 1 - Sunday

We leave the lodge early as this is a full day of exploring and hiking in Kananaskis Country and Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. Our hike for this day is the Pickle Jar Lakes -- there are four altogether . Each lake sits in its own little bowl a little higher than the lake before, called paternoster lakes. Three of the lakes are shallow and so seemingly friendly. You may even see trout swimming through crystal clear waters. The third lake is very deep and with the clear water it seems you are standing on the edge of a precipice when you look down into it.

On returning to the lodge there will be enough time to enjoy the pool or spa, but probably, for most, the excellent excercise facilities will not be needed. Dinner will be at the lodge.

Distance 11 Kilometres (6.5 miles)
Elevation Gain - 450 metres (1475 feet)

Day 2 - Monday

A simple definition of a ridge walk is when the trail follows the crest of a ridge allowing you to hike along this crest. They provide us with some of the most scenic and exciting hikes imaginable but they inevitably demand a certain price -- effort.

This is what we will experience today. Starting at the Highwood Pass parking lot, we will climb to Little Highwood Pass and, from here, traverse the Pocaterra ridge to the Little Highwood Picnic Area. This route allows us fairly easy access to the alpine region and to the Little Highwood Pass. From the pass to the ridge we will follow a grassy slope and enjoying the views. When we come down of the ridge there will be some trail finding but the distance is short and our vehicle will be waiting for us.

On the way back to the Lodge, we will make a short side trip to the interpretive center in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. There we will find excellent displays explaining the flora, fauna, and geology of the region, and provide a brief glimpse of the history of the valley.

The pool at the lodge will once again welcome us back and remind us of the comforts and luxury of a warm, dry, comfortable bed. Tonight's dinner will be have a western flare at the Boundary Ranch.

Distance 9 Kilometres (5.5 miles)
Elevation Gain - 800 metres (2600 feet)

Day 3 - Tuesday

Today we move to our hotel in Banff. But, before we leave the Kananaskis Valley, we have some further explorations to do. In the morning we will once again head out to Peter Lougheed Provincal Park, but this time our destination will be the Upper Kananskis Lake. From there we will ride the paved bicycle paths to Canyon Dam and do the short loop hike where the Kananaskis River has cut through a limestone barricade forming a picturesque canyon.

We will take the short spur back to the Kananaskis Trail and ride on the road to Wedge Pond. Here we leave the road, once again, for paved bike trails. Lunch will be at the Kananaskis Golf Club. The ride from here to the Delta Lodge continues along the paved bike path with a remaining distance of only seven kilometres. Here we will pack up and move to our accommodations in Banff. An extension to the road tour is possible for those wishing to continue to ride.

Lodging this evening will be at the Buffalo Mountain Lodge in Banff. This property is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Resorts. The rooms are beautiful and the restaurant features many canadiana recipes including a choice of game.

Day 4 - Wednesday

We have two hikes planned again for today and would like to get an early start to the day. Today we will visit Lake Louise and you will be offered , once again, a short and a long hike.

The longer hike will go along the lake shore to the Plain of Six Glaciers and return via the Big Beehive and Lake Agnes. This a challenging day. The shorter hike will be to Lake Agnes and depending on desire could proceed on to the Big Beehive as well. The elevation gain here is challenging but the distances are much shorter than on the first hike. On either hike you will be able to enjoy tea and baked goods at one of the historic tea houses.

The Bow Valley Grill, in the Banff Springs Hotel, will be our dining spot this evening. This venue offers great views and great food in what is undoubtedly one of the best smorgasboards anywhere.

Plain of Six Glaciers:
Distance 19 Kilometres (11.4 miles)
Elevation Gain - 498 metres (1630 feet)

Lake Agnes:
Distance 8.4 Kilometres (5 miles)
Elevation Gain 346 metres (1135 feet)Lake Agnes:
Distance 8.4 kilometres (5 miles)

Day 5 - Thursday

An early start is required today as we leave Banff for a day of exciting white water rafting on the Kicking Horse River just west of Yoho National Park. This day includes about a three hour raft broken up by a barbecued beef or chicken lunch on the the banks of the river. Class II to Class IV rapids will provide you with an abundace of excitement. If you wish for something more gentle then you could raft in the morning Class II and III rapids and walk to Paget Lookout or Sherbrook Lake in the afternoon with your guide.

Dining this evening will be in Banff at the small, ecclectic, but delicious, Coyote Cafe. This will be the last night of our experience and so marks our last evening in the Buffalo Mountain Lodge.

Day 6 - Friday

Our last Breakfast will be at the Buffalo Mountain Lodge where we will recap the week and Back of Beyond will present a variety of awards to each guest for ways in which you have disinguished yourself.

Airport transfers to Calgary will have been arranged and we will see you get to your destination. Behind you will be a full week of adventure and, dare I say, learning about our fantastic area.

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 DETAILS

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