Canadian Rockies Walking
Banff, Kootenay & Yoho National Parks
How long does a trip last? Not in duration. In memories. In the stories you’ll tell friends. In the spare minutes when you think back to that hike to Yoho Lake - when you looked in awe across to Takakkaw Falls and your leader quietly mentions it’s the second highest in Canada and you’re amazed that there could be a higher one. Then you think of the enormity of Plain of Six Glaciers. The intense blues of Moraine Lake. And the sun cutting over Lake Louise, across the jagged mountains that you didn’t catch the names of. And in those brief seconds before you go back to real life, you’ll realize your Canadian Rockies hiking adventure still isn’t over.
- World-class hiking in three phenomenal national parks
- Walk through evergreen forests and flowering pastures to behold sensational glaciers
- Impossibly blue Lake Louise
- Commune with mountain goats, pikas and hoary marmots
- The Post Hotel, blending old-world charm with modern sophistication
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1 World-class hiking in three phenomenal national parks 
In Kootenay, cross a vast wildfire burn area, discovering new-growth forest, with pink fireweed juxtaposed against yellow columbine Venture into a hanging valley for an up-close look at incredible Stanley Glacier.
Day 2 Walk through evergreen forests and blooming meadows to behold sensational Wapta Icefields and Yoho Glacier Standing before Canada’s second-highest waterfall, it all makes sense: Takakkaw is Cree for "it is wonderful."
Day 3 Commune with mountain goats, pikas and hoary marmots Trek to beautiful Emerald Basin, a natural amphitheater of rock and ice adorned with cascading water.
Day 4 The Post Hotel, blending old-world charm with modern sophistication Climb to one of Banff National Park’s most stunning alpine pastures, alive with wildflowers and whistles of wildlife Hunting great photo ops? Take aim at Crowfoot Glacier and Helen Lake.
Days 5-6 Impossibly blue Lake Louise Switchbacks lead to breathtaking Larch Valley and marvelous views of the ten Wenkchemna Peaks Savor the Post Hotel’s exquisite cuisine - and perhaps some pampering at the spa! Hike the classic route from world-renowned Lake Louise to the historic Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Other Trips You Might Like:
Alaska Walking Glacier Walking Hungary/Slovakia/Poland WalkingOther National Park Trips
Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
This trip offers a truly exquisite alpine experience! We bring together the finest hotels in the region, our amazing Trip Leaders, and some of the most beautiful hiking in North America to create a magnificent Canadian Rockies classic.- Regional Manager, Canada All Guest Reviews
For 32 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. To see all our walking tours and hiking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning multisport tours click here.
Canadian Rockies Walking
Premiere Inns
Cathedral Mountain Lodge
Yoho National Park (1 night) The "romantic accommodations are in charmingly rustic and comfortable log cabins tucked among trees along the glacier-fed Kicking Horse River," reports Andrew Harper.
Emerald Lake Lodge
Emerald Lake (2 nights) A secluded turn-of-the century lodge, built of hand-hewn timber and featuring massive stone fireplaces, on the shores of a spectacular tree-rimmed glacial lake.
Post Hotel & Spa
Lake Louise (2 nights) This European-style chalet, set on the Pipestone and Bow Rivers, is the epitome of mountain elegance. Relais & Châteaux. (pool, spa)
Canadian Rockies Walking
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 2
1 Route Option Available
- 5 miles
- 1000 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 5.2, 8.2, 8.6 miles
- 750 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- 3.2, 6.3 miles
- 0 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Level 3 2 Route Options Available
- 7.5, 8.6 miles
- 1500 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 2 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 5.2, 7.2 miles
- 1500 - 2500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Levels 2 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 6.2, 8.2 miles
- 1000 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Terrain Description
Alpine trails, subalpine meadow paths.