Canadian Rockies Walking

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. 

Or see more trips you might like

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.

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.
Alison Iles - 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
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 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
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.

RESERVE THIS TRIP!

Premiere Inns Trip Price*
  • $2,898 to $3,098 pp dbl. occ.
  • (+$930 for sgl. occ.)
Trip Notes

All meals are included

Cancellation Policy

View cancellation policy

Meet / Depart

Banff, Alberta

Special Interest

Fine Wine & Cuisine, Geological Wonders, Natural Beauty &/or Wildlife, Spa

Recommended Reads

Essential trip reading


* Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.

Contact Us, call: 800-462-2848 or 510-527-1555, Fax: 510-527-1444, E-mail us or contact your travel agent