It's just plain cool. Walking on a massive river of ice. Crampons strapped to your feet. A certified mountain guide at your side. Navigating 30,000 crevasses. Well, okay, not on this one hike, but they're out there. And you're doing it. In the back of your mind you know that white-water rafting is next. Then rock climbing tomorrow. Wow. And maybe an elk will visit camp tonight. And you'll get up the nerve to jump in the lake. And s'mores will be for dessert. But right now you're on top of a glacier. Talk about cool.
Days 1-3 Ride a family-friendly route along the Bow Valley Parkway
in the shadow of the Continental Divide 
As you spin past the beautiful Bow River and towering peaks leading to our campground, keep your eye on the forest for elk, bighorn sheep, mule deer and black bears Families trek to the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse for a tasty homemade lunch While adults hike, youngsters delight at camp in activities designed just for them From Lake Louise, bike along the breathtaking Icefields Parkway to the shimmering waters of the Waterfowl Lakes and our campground in Banff National Park.
Day 4 Crampons give you the edge as you trek across Athabasca Glacier
Join certified mountain guides on Columbia Icefield for an adventurous ice walk, surrounded by some of the highest peaks in the Canadian Rockies A fun-filled Class II raft trip on the Athabasca River offers a unique view of the wilderness near Jasper.
Days 5-6 Relax around crackling campfires and sleep under star-filled skies
Grown-ups bike a riverside route from stunning Maligne Lake, stopping to hike at Maligne Canyon Meanwhile, kids are introduced to the exciting sport of rock climbing with accredited instructors Walk in the Valley of the Five Lakes, savoring views of Mounts Edith Cavell and Kerkeslin.
Trip Highlights
- Natural and historic treasures discovered by foot and bike
- Walk on massive Athabasca Glacier with informative mountain guides
- Crackling campfires and star-filled skies
- Float Class II rapids of the Athabasca River
- Kids rock climb with accredited instructors
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
- Rock Climbing (Kids) 5 hours
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*
FAMILY TRIPS
- 6/24-29Price: $1998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $100 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/1-6Price: $1998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $100 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/8-13Price: $1998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $100 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/15-20Price: $1998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $100 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/29-8/3Price: $1998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $100 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/5-10Price: $1998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $100 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/19-24Price: $1998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $100 for sgl. occ.)
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Recommended Kids Ages
Minimum Ages:
- Recommended minimum age for the trip: 6 years
- Minimum age restriction to ride own bike: 9 years
- Minimum age restriction to raft, rock climb and ice walk: 6 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+ amount of cultural appreciation, difficulty of activities, routes
- 9+ difficulty of activities/activity age restrictions, routes
- 6+ several longer dinners; routes are difficult for pulling a Burley and therefore not appropriate for younger children; difficulty of activities/activity age restrictions
Guest Trip Reviews
This trip was the best vacation ever. From the sites that were visited to the leaders and the food everything was well managed and spectacular...The trip was completely hassle free...It was the first vacation where I was not ready to leave! I can't wait to go on my next Backroads trip!- Mystic, CT
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