Canadian Rockies Walking & Hiking
- 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
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 mentioned 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.
Day
1 World-class hiking in three phenomenal Canadian 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 A forest trail carpeted with buttercups and bunchberry takes you to milky blue Sherbrooke Lake, the largest backcountry glacial lake in Yoho National Park 
Climb to Paget Lookout for staggering views of pristine glaciers, soaring peaks and emerald lakes Enjoy downtime on the patio of your log cabin at Cathedral Mountain Lodge.
Day
3 Walk through evergreen forests and blooming meadows to behold sensational Wapta Icefields and Yoho Glacier Standing in awe before Canada's second-highest waterfall, it all makes sense: Takakkaw is Cree for "it is wonderful" Walk along the shore of Emerald Lake, right to the door of your room at beautiful Emerald Lake Lodge.
Day
4 The elegant 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! Commune with mountain goats, pikas and hoary marmots Hike the classic route from world-renowned Lake Louise to the historic Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse.
Guests Reviews About This Trip
Exceeding my expectations does not adequately describe the experience. It was exceptional. Among the best vacations I have had.- New York, NY
A vacation is a gift you give yourself; after four trips with you, I feel Backroads instinctively seems to know, and the excellent leaders come to know even more so, what this gift means to you personally; all of you at Backroads have made it feel to me, as if these trips offer a grand unwrapping of this gift and even a more meaningful surprise package every day to be opened and shared.- Herndon, VA
This was my first Backroads trip and it was spectacular! I had heard wonderful things about Backroads so I knew it would be great, but this was far better than I had anticipated. The attention to every detail made everything very special.- Annandale, VA
Premiere Inns
Cathedral Mountain Lodge
Yoho National Park, British Columbia (2 nights) 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
Yoho National Park, Alberta (1 night) A secluded turn-of-the-century lodge, built of hand-hewn timber and featuring massive stone fireplaces, on the shore of a spectacular tree-rimmed glacial lake.
Post Hotel & Spa
Lake Louise, Alberta (2 nights) This European-style chalet set on the Pipestone and Bow Rivers is the epitome of old-world charm and contemporary elegance. A Relais & Châteaux member. Condé Nast Traveler Gold List; Travel + Leisure World's Best. (pool, spa)
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This Trip Is Rated Level 2-5
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.
| Daily Route Options | ||||||||||
| Day | EASYGOING | ACTIVE | AVID | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | ||||||
| miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | |
| 1 | 5.0 | 1200 | 5.0 | 1200 | 5.5 | 1300 | ||||
| 2 | 5.0 | 800 | 7.0 | 1700 | ||||||
| 3 | 8.2 | 1000 | ||||||||
| 8.6 | 1300 | |||||||||
| 4 | 7.5 | 1600 | 8.6 | 1800 | ||||||
| 5 | 5.2 | 1800 | 7.2 | 2400 | ||||||
| 6 | 6.2 | 1200 | ||||||||
The terrain on this trip includes alpine trails and subalpine meadow paths.
More Recommended Trips
For 34 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the Canadian Rockies tour experts. See our award-winning Canada walking tours and hiking tours, Canada biking tours and Canada multisport tours.
