"I had a sense of awe the entire time I was there," raved one guest, summing up the thrill of traveling amid the jewel-blue lakes, jagged mountains and vast glacial valleys of the Canadian Rockies. We invite you to take the wilderness experience one step further. Camp with us! Instead of four walls, let the surrounding peaks and glaciers be your luxury suite. Forgo the buzzing alarm - wake to the sound of birdcall and the smell of fresh-brewed coffee. Come evening, just stare at the "ceiling" - a sky so heavy with stars you can practically touch the Milky Way. And enjoy the stories, laughter and good times that flow so easily around the campfire. We've got a tent waiting for you...
Days 1-3 Soak up sensational views as you ride along the Bow Valley Parkway
in the shadow of the Continental Divide 
The sparkling Bow River and towering peaks lead to our campground Along the way, keep your eye on the forest for elk, bighorn sheep, mule deer and black bears 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 From Lake Louise, bike along the breathtaking Icefields Parkway to Waterfowl Lakes, where your cozy tent and gourmet camp cuisine await!
Day 4 Crampons give you the edge as you trek across Athabasca Glacier
Join certified mountain guides on Columbia Icefield for a thrilling ice walk, surrounded by some of the highest peaks in the Canadian Rockies Splashing allowed! Float Class II rapids on the Athabasca River, a fun-filled excursion with new friends - and a beautiful perspective on the landscape.
Days 5-6 Terrific company, the warmth of a campfire and the beauty of a star-filled sky
Almost too blue to be real, Maligne Lake wows you before a gradual, mostly downhill spin Stroll in spectacular Maligne Canyon, a limestone slot canyon up to 250 feet deep yet at points only three feet wide Marvel at Mounts Edith Cavell and Kerkeslin as you amble through the pristine Valley of Five Lakes.
Trip Highlights
- Soak up sensational views as you ride along the Bow Valley Parkway
- Walk on massive Athabasca Glacier with informative mountain guides
- Terrific company, the warmth of a campfire and the beauty of a star-filled sky
- Float Class II rapids of the Athabasca River
- A wealth of wildlife - look for deer, moose, elk and black bears
Deluxe Camping
Lake Louise Campground (2 nights): This picture-perfect campsite is situated along the Bow River beneath the gaze of Mount Temple.
Waterfowl Lakes Campground (1 night): Set on the banks of the stunning Waterfowl Lakes, this campsite is a great spot for viewing wildlife and the scenic grandeur of the Canadian Rockies.
Wapiti Campground (2 nights): Named for the elk, or wapiti, that roam the area, our peaceful home base looks onto the Athabasca River just a short ride from the charming town of Jasper.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 3 4 Route Options Available
- Biking 7, 20, 37 miles
- 600 - 1900 feet elevation gain
- Hiking 1.4 miles
- 150 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- Hiking 6.2, 8 miles
- 1200 - 1800 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 13, 29, 37 miles
- 650 - 1950 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Glacier Walk 2 hours
- River Rafting 2 hours
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- Biking 33 miles
- 2000 elevation gain
- Hiking 1.6 miles
- 200 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Hiking 3.4 miles
- 250 feet elevation gain
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 mile | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
2012 Dates & Pricing*
SINGLES+SOLOS TRIPS
- 8/12-17 Price: $2098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $100 for sgl. occ.)
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
This was one of the best trips that I have had in a long time. I will highly recommend Backroads to my friends and family and hope that they will sign up for a trip in the future. Our leaders were superb. They really made the trip so enjoyable and helped me overcome my fear of heights during our hikes. Hats off to Backroads for a fabulous vacation that I will always remember. I look forward to future trips with your company.- Westchester, IL