
Canadian Rockies Family Multisport
We've found the perfect way for families to experience the natural wonders of two of the Canadian Rockies' most famous destinations: Banff and Jasper national parks. By bike and on foot, you'll explore in the company of Trip Leaders who are accredited interpretive guides and know the region intimately. Spin past saw-edged mountains and glaciers inching their way down the faces of mighty peaks. Hike to lakes in crayon-box hues of the deepest blue and emerald green. Delight in abundant wildlife sightings - moose, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats - and have an unforgettable family adventure in this amazing wilderness.
Days 1-3 Lake Louise
Meet in Banff
Ride a family-friendly route along the Icefields Parkway in the shadow of the Continental Divide
The beautiful Bow River and towering peaks flank the road leading to our campground for the evening
Along the way keep your eye on the forest for elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats and black bears
Families hike to the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse for a scrumptious homemade lunch
Adults continue hiking while the younger set returns to camp for fun kids activities
From Lake Louise, bike across the Continental Divide to the shimmering waters of Waterfowl Lakes and our campground in Banff National Park.
Day 4 Banff National Park
In the heart of the Columbia Icefield, join certified mountain guides on an adventurous ice walk across the Athabasca Glacier
For a unique view of the wilderness near Jasper, enjoy a fun-filled Class II raft trip down the Athabasca River
Our home for the next two nights is the peaceful Wapiti Campground, named for the elk, or wapiti, that roam the area.
Days 5-6 Jasper National Park
Adults pedal from stunning Maligne Lake along the Maligne River, stopping at Maligne Canyon for a hike
Meanwhile, the younger set is introduced to the exciting sport of rock climbing with accredited instructors
Walk in the Valley of the Five Lakes with views of Mount Edith Cavell
Shuttle back to Banff.
PRISTINE WILDLIFE SETTINGS: 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): Our home base is 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
2 Route Options Available
- Biking 14, 29, 37 miles
- 700 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Glacier Walk 2 hours
- River Rafting 2 hours
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 3
2 Route Options Available
- Biking (Adults) 33 miles
- 2000 feet elevation gain
- Hiking (Adults) 1.6 miles
- 200 feet elevation gain
- Rock Climbing (Kids) 5 hours
Day 6
- Level 1
1 Route Option Available
- Hiking 3.4 miles
- 300 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 |
2010 DATES
FAMILY TRIPS
- 6/21-26Price: $1898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $0 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/28-7/3Price: $1898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $0 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/5-10Price: $1898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $0 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/12-17Price: $1898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $0 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/26-31Price: $1898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $0 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/2-7Price: $1998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $0 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/9-14Price: $1898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $0 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/16-21Price: $1898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $0 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/23-28Price: $1898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $0 for sgl. occ.)
Recommended Kids Ages
Minimum Ages:
Recommended minimum age for the trip: 6 years
Minimum age restrictions:
- Raft, climb and icewalk: 6 years
- Ride own bike: 9 years
General Info on Minimum Ages:
We strongly encourage families to join our Family Trips, designed with kid- and adult-friendly features. Please note that we have a minimum age requirement of 1 year for all Inn trips and 2 years for all Camping trips. Other than that, we do not restrict trips to a minimum age except in the rare case of a hotel age restriction. We do, however, recommend minimum ages based on the following criteria:
- 12+ cultural appreciation, difficulty/restrictions of activities and route
- 9+ several long adult dinners; difficulty/restrictions of activities and route
- 6+ several long adult dinners; parent may not be able to pull a Burley and/or there may be multiple activity restrictions
Please note that a trip may feature an activity with an older age requirement than the minimum age recommendation for the trip. Younger kids are still welcome on the trip and while they will not be able to participate in the activity, the leaders will suggest an alternate activity. For safety reasons, children under 7 may not ride their own bikes and are required to ride on a Piccolo or in a Burley. For certain destinations, children must be 9 or older to ride their own bikes.
Guest Trip Reviews
The multisport trip to the Canadian Rockies was outstanding. It was everything that I had hoped for and more. The views were spectacular, and I really enjoyed the itinerary. I thought the amount of activity was perfect. Our days were filled and extremely enjoyable. Once again, your leaders are exceptional.- Cedar Knolls, NJ

It was outstanding! We are all so sad it is over. Our guides were almost clarivoyant in their ability to know when rest/refreshment was needed, pick up the mood by entertaining a tired group, cheer participants on to optimum achievement, challenge kids just enough, and keep everyone engaged and excited about what was next. Their passion for the region was contagious and their athletic ability inspirational. They were incredibly flexible and managed to accomodate those who wanted more challenge, as well as those who needed downtime.- Atlanta, GA

I took this trip with two of my grandchildren who are cousins. We all had a marvelous time and I think we created memories that we will share for a lifetime. Our Backroads leaders were EXCELLENT!! As were the local guides who worked with the children on the rock climbing, naturalist trip, and our guides on the white water rafting and glacier walking. Thanks for making everything first class!- East Lansing, MI

Without question, this was the BEST family vacation we have ever had. It beats Disney, cruises, etc. I am so happy we were recommended to you.- Rome, GA
