How long does a trip last? Not in duration. In memories. In the stories you'll tell friends. In the spare minutes when you think back to that hike to Yoho Lake - when you looked in awe across to Takakkaw Falls and your leader quietly mentioned it's the second highest in Canada and you're amazed that there could be a higher one. Then you think of the enormity of Plain of Six Glaciers. The intense blues of Moraine Lake. And the sun cutting over Lake Louise, across the jagged mountains that you didn't catch the names of. And in those brief seconds before you go back to real life, you'll realize your Canadian Rockies hiking adventure still isn't over.
Day 1 World-class hiking in three phenomenal Canadian National Parks
In Kootenay, cross a vast wildfire burn area, discovering new-growth forest with pink fireweed juxtaposed against yellow columbine Venture into a hanging valley for an up-close look at incredible Stanley Glacier.
Day 2 A forest trail carpeted with buttercups and bunchberry
takes you to milky blue Sherbrooke Lake, the largest backcountry glacial lake in Yoho National Park 
Climb to Paget Lookout for staggering views of pristine glaciers, soaring peaks and emerald lakes Enjoy downtime on the patio of your log cabin at Cathedral Mountain Lodge.
Day 3 Walk through evergreen forests
and blooming meadows to behold sensational Wapta Icefields and Yoho Glacier Standing in awe before Canada's second-highest waterfall, it all makes sense: Takakkaw is Cree for "it is wonderful" Walk along the shore of Emerald Lake, right to the door of your room at beautiful Emerald Lake Lodge.
Day 4 The elegant Post Hotel, blending old-world charm with modern sophistication
Climb to one of Banff National Park's most stunning alpine pastures, alive with wildflowers and whistles of wildlife Hunting great photo ops? Take aim at Crowfoot Glacier and Helen Lake.
Days 5-6 Impossibly blue Lake Louise
Switchbacks lead to breathtaking Larch Valley and marvelous views of the ten Wenkchemna Peaks Savor the Post Hotel's exquisite cuisine - and perhaps some pampering at the spa! Commune with mountain goats, pikas and hoary marmots Hike the classic route from world-renowned Lake Louise to the historic Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse.
Trip Highlights
- World-class hiking in three phenomenal national parks
- Walk through evergreen forests and flowering pastures to behold sensational glaciers
- Impossibly blue Lake Louise
- Commune with mountain goats, pikas and hoary marmots
- The Post Hotel, blending old-world charm with modern sophistication
Premiere Inns
Cathedral Mountain Lodge (2 nights): 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.
Post Hotel & Spa (2 nights): This European-style chalet set on the Pipestone and Bow Rivers is the epitome of old-world charm and contemporary elegance. A Relais & Châteaux member. Condé Nast Traveler Gold List; Travel + Leisure World's Best. (pool, spa)
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 | 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 | 5.0 | 1200 | 5.0 | 1200 | 5.5 | 1300 | ||||
| 2 | 5.0 | 800 | 7.0 | 1700 | ||||||
| 3 | 8.2 | 1000 | ||||||||
| 8.6 | 1300 | |||||||||
| 4 | 7.5 | 1600 | 8.6 | 1800 | ||||||
| 5 | 5.2 | 1800 | 7.2 | 2400 | ||||||
| 6 | 6.2 | 1200 | ||||||||
2013 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 6/30-7/5 Price: $3598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $810 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/7-12 Price: $3398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $810 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/14-19 Price: $3398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $810 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/21-26 Price: $3398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $810 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/28-8/2 Price: $3398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $810 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/4-9 Price: $3398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $810 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/11-16 Price: $3498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $810 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/18-23 Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $810 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/25-30 Price: $3598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $810 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/1-6 Price: $3398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $810 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/8-13 Price: $3598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $810 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/15-20 Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $810 for sgl. occ.)
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
Exceeding my expectations does not adequately describe the experience. It was exceptional. Among the best vacations I have had.- New York, NY
A vacation is a gift you give yourself; after four trips with you, I feel Backroads instinctively seems to know, and the excellent leaders come to know even more so, what this gift means to you personally; all of you at Backroads have made it feel to me, as if these trips offer a grand unwrapping of this gift and even a more meaningful surprise package every day to be opened and shared.- Herndon, VA
This was my first Backroads trip and it was spectacular! I had heard wonderful things about Backroads so I knew it would be great, but this was far better than I had anticipated. The attention to every detail made everything very special.- Annandale, VA
This was our fourth trip with Backroads and just when you think your last trip could not be surpassed, it was. This trip exceeded all my expectations and the guides were outstanding.- Herndon, VA
We have been on trips with other organizations, but the leaders on those trips paled by comparison.- Los Gatos, CA
Backroads has once again convinced me that this is the only way to experience the world and get more than I expected! Fantastic is an understatement!! Looking forward to our next trip already.- New London, WI
Absolutely fantastic. Nothing overlooked. This trip was run so smoothly that we never had a moment that didn't work out. I can't wait for my next trip with Backroads!- Newton, MA
I truly felt I was on vacation, Backroads provided us with fabulous leaders, thoughtful itinerary, I had nothing to do except show up and hike with a congenial group of people! I'm one lucky girl for choosing Backroads for this wonderful experience, thank you for delivering on your promise!- Natick, MA
This trip offers a truly exquisite alpine experience! We bring together the finest hotels in the region, our amazing Trip Leaders, and some of the most beautiful hiking in North America to create a magnificent Canadian Rockies classic.- Regional Manager, Canada