How can a place be so beautiful? You might think it’s too perfect to touch. And then you hear the wilderness. Beckoning you to dive in. How can you say no? So you hike, bike, climb and paddle on pristine trails, scenic byways and rushing rivers. Cross a massive glacier on foot. Behold thundering waterfalls. Rock climb? Yes, that’s even an option for the youngsters. And as your family gazes into jewel-blue Lake Louise, remember that the kids hear the wilderness too. Hear it saying dive in... cannonball!
Days 1-2 Pedal past rugged peaks, pristine forests and the blue-green Bow River
A short scenic hike in Johnston Canyon leads to a series of stunning waterfalls From the shore of iconic Moraine Lake, the youngsters trek with a Backroads Leader up to Consolation Lakes Meanwhile, grownups follow a switchback trail to the meadowland of Larch Valley Walk higher for an inspiring view of Mount Fay and the Wenkchemna Peaks before continuing to 8,600-foot Sentinel Pass.
Day 3 Family-friendly bike routes through an alpine landscape of unimaginable beauty
As you shadow the Continental Divide, tumbling glaciers and soaring peaks flank the long gradual ascent to Bow Lake The highest point on the Icefields Parkway offers a breathtaking look at Peyto Lake Keep on the lookout for pikas, bighorn sheep and elk.
Day 4 Don crampons for a walk on Athabasca Glacier
with accredited mountain guides; this glacier is just one part of the enormous Columbia Icefield! Float down Class II rapids of the Athabasca River.
Days 5-6 Kids learn to rock climb,
hanging on each word of their expert instructors Grown-ups gape at Maligne Lake's magnificent color, then spin to Maligne Canyon, a spectacular limestone slot canyon best explored on foot Amble through pristine mountain wilderness in the Valley of Five Lakes, winding past its jade-green namesakes and through the habitats of mule deer, beavers and coyotes.
Trip Highlights
- Natural and historic treasures discovered by foot, pedal and paddle
- Family-friendly bike routes through an alpine landscape of unimaginable beauty
- Ice trek on Athabasca Glacier
- Spot signs of marmots, deer, beaver and coyote
- A float trip down the Athabasca River
Casual Inns
Baker Creek Mountain Resort (2 nights): This hidden gem, nestled in a wooded setting beneath the Canadian Rockies, features a great location and spacious homey cabins.
Num-Ti-Jah Lodge (1 night): A simple mountain retreat offering an atmosphere of secluded tranquility on the bank of Bow Lake.
Tekarra Lodge (2 nights): A cluster of simple cabins with fireplaces and porches, nestled in pines above the confluence of the Athabasca and Miette Rivers.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 2 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 17, 30 miles
- 480 - 1000 feet elevation gain
- Hiking 1.4 miles
- 100 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- Hiking 5.2, 7.2 miles
- 1800 - 2400 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- Biking 8, 24, 31 miles
- 500 - 1800 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- Biking 10, 21 miles
- 350 feet elevation gain
- Glacier Walk 2 hours
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 23, 31 miles
- 360 feet elevation gain
- Hiking 1.6 miles
- minimal elevation gain
- Kids: Rock Climbing 4 hours
- River Rafting 2 hours
Day 6
- Level 2 1 Route Option Available
- Hiking 3.2 miles
- 120 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
*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
We had perhaps the best family trip ever on our Canadian Rockies Family adventure and carry with us memories that will last a lifetime. We cannot wait to go on our next Backroads trip. What an outstanding experience! Thank you.- San Francisco, CA
Our 50th anniversary family trip was absolutely wonderful. I never looked at anyone at any time that they didn't have a big smile on their face. We (some of us) were often tired, but it was a good feeling and one of accomplishment. Our group consisted of folks from Ironman to couch potato abilities and we were all satisfied!- Frisco, CO
It was a great trip....I wish that I could start over and do it again this week!- Cincinnati, OH