In the Canadian Rockies, it's good to feel small. You'll sense it from afar, in the abrupt way the land changes from plains to peaks. But nothing prepares you for the jaw-dropping impact once you're among those mountains that loom so large. Hiking and biking amid vast U-shaped valleys. Looking in awe at sprawling glaciers. And gazing down on fast-flowing rivers and lakes too intensely turquoise to be real. No matter which way you turn, something steals your breath. You may feel dwarfed by all this grandeur, but far from insignificant because you're in it and part of it. Small is beautiful in the Rockies.
Day 1 Sensational views of Mount Rundle, Cascade Mountain and dramatically eroded sandstone hoodoos
are yours to admire as you bike to Lake Minnewanka 
Not ready to stop? Pedal to a breathtaking lookout on Mount Norquay or shop in the picturesque resort town of Banff.
Day 2 The European chalet-style Post Hotel, the epitome of rustic elegance
There's nothing like a morning spin amid towering peaks, virgin forests and the blue-green Bow River Hike through Johnson Canyon to a series of stunning waterfalls.
Day 3 Mount Victoria, beautifully reflected in the turquoise waters of Lake Louise
Embark on a classic Rockies trek to the historic Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse If you can pull your eyes away from the stunning vista of glaciers and vertical peaks, you may spot mountain goats or marmots in the nearby boulder fields 
Join local bear expert and researcher Colleen Campbell for "Bear Biology 101."
Days 4-6 Raft on the Kicking Horse River: Class II-IV adrenaline!
An early morning photo opportunity at Moraine Lake, where a footpath leads you to Consolation Lake, beneath the Wenkchemna Peaks Get your heart pumping on the Kicking Horse River From the base of Takakkaw Falls, one of Canada's highest cascades, hike to Yoho Lake, nestled deep in Yoho Pass Amble along aptly named Emerald Lake past Engelmann spruce and Western red cedar.
Trip Highlights
- Epic views of Mount Rundle, Cascade Mountain and Lake Minnewanka
- The European chalet-style Post Hotel, the epitome of rustic elegance
- Mount Victoria, beautifully reflected in the turquoise waters of Lake Louise
- Rafting on the Kicking Horse River: Class II-IV adrenaline!
- The chance to spot deer, moose, elk and black bears
Premiere Inns
The Rimrock Resort Hotel (1 night): A grand contemporary lodge on Sulphur Mountain with awe-inspiring views of Bow Valley and the surrounding Rockies. (pool, spa)
Post Hotel & Spa (2 nights): This European-style chalet set on the Pipestone and Bow Rivers is the epitome of rustic elegance. A Relais & Châteaux member. Condé Nast Traveler Gold List; Travel + Leisure World's Best. (pool, spa)
Cathedral Mountain Lodge (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 (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.
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 | Activity | 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 | Biking | 29 | 600 | 36 | 1200 | ||||||
| 2 | Biking | 17 | 500 | 39 | 1300 | ||||||
| Walking | 1.4 | 100 | |||||||||
| 3 | Hiking | 6 | 1200 | 8 | 1800 | ||||||
| Other | Interpretive program with bear expert (1 hour) | ||||||||||
| 4 | Biking | 14* | 500 | 23 | 1500 | ||||||
| Rafting | On the Kicking Horse River (2 hours) | ||||||||||
| 5 | Hiking | 5* | 800 | 8 | 1000 | 9 | 1300 | ||||
| 6 | Walking | 3.0 | 0 | ||||||||
* Includes a shuttle
2013 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 6/22-27 Price: $3498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $920 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/6-11 Price: $3598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $920 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/13-18 Price: $3598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $920 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/20-25 Price: $3598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $920 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/27-8/1 Price: $3498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $920 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/3-8 Price: $3498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $920 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/10-15 Price: $3698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $920 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/17-22 Price: $3498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $920 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/24-29 Price: $3398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $920 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/31-9/5 Price: $3398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $920 for sgl. occ.)
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
I'm very excited about this newest addition to our Canadian Rockies lineup, highlighting some of the most incredible scenic wonders of Banff and Yoho National Parks. It offers an unbeatable blend of activities - biking, hiking and river rafting - that let you experience the region's splendor from all perspectives.- Regional Manager, Canada