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20th Jun 2026 - 27th Jun 2026
8 days/Canada /Moderate to Challenging
This five-day trek is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in some of the finest scenery of the Canadian Rockies with spectacular treks in Kootenay, Banff and Yoho National Parks. Discovering the jagged mountain peaks, glaciers, forests and lakes which make this area so breath-taking, you will take on some of the finest trek trails in this part of Canada.
With its borders stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, and the Arctic Ocean right down to the northern-most states of the USA, Canada’s territory covers some 9.98 million square kilometres. With vast areas of forest, tundra and mountains, most of the population live in or around the major cities.
From the Arctic Circle to Niagara Falls, and from the cosmopolitan cities to the Canadian Rocky Mountains and the stunning national parks, Canada is a simply unforgettable destination.
This trek is graded moderate to challenging. You will be trekking in the Canadian Rockies for up to 8 hours for 5 consecutive days, camping, and tackling varying terrain (including some demanding ascents).
The Canadian Rockies are located in the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta and are the northernmost part of the Rocky Mountains chain which also runs through the USA. The Canadian Rockies are home to some beautiful National Parks, including the world-famous Banff, and its neighbours Jasper, Yoho and Kootenay.
The highest peak, Mt Robson, towers above them at 3,954m. Ice capped peaks, glaciers, alpine lakes, meadows and forests can be found in this natural playground as well as diverse wildlife, including elk, marmots, cougars, lynx, great owls, osprey, Canadian geese, bald eagles, wolves and bears.
The terrain in the Canadian Rockies will vary throughout the five days but will generally be on good wide trails which are usually kept clear of obstacles without dangerous drop-offs or trip hazards. There will be some steady steep sections of hiking and some areas of scrambling.
It is critical that your training includes hill walking and trekking up and down gradients so you are sure on your feet. Underfoot you will find uneven stony trails, forest floors, rocky sections and scree. The trails may be muddy or dusty depending on the weather conditions.
You will stay in a hostel in Canmore, Banff and Calgary, and two different campsites in Banff National Park during the trek. Your stay at the hostels will be in mixed-gender dormitories which have 4 – 10 beds per room.
While camping you will sleep in 4-man tents with two people per tent; Thermarest mattresses are provided. You will need to bring your own sleeping bag which must have a comfort rating of -5°C.
During your stay at the hostels, you will eat breakfast at the accommodation and dinners at local restaurants. During the trek, breakfast will be at camp and will include yoghurt, fruit, cereal, bread, jam, meat and cheese. Every second day there is the option of a hot cooked breakfast, such as bacon and eggs. After breakfast, items will be laid out on a table for you to make your packed lunch. Dinners will be cooked for you at the campsite.
There will likely be one or two pasta nights and other dinners may feature salmon, sausages, chicken or steak served with potatoes, rice, fresh vegetables plus a dessert. Please note lunch is not included on Day 7. Dietary requirements can be catered for if we know in advance.
London – Calgary – Canmore
Depart London for Calgary, then transfer to a hostel in the town of Canmore (approx. 1.5 hours’ drive) which is situated near the boundaries of Banff, Yoho and Kootenay National Parks, where our challenge awaits. We enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant and stay at the hostel overnight.
Overnight: Hostel
Mt. Yamnuska
After breakfast we drive for approx. 30 minutes to our starting point. Today we follow the Yamnuska trail, which traverses the outlying ridge of Mt. Yamnuska, the easternmost mountain in the Bow Valley. The trail offers spectacular views of the prairies, stretching all the way to the city of Calgary. We set up camp for the next two nights at the Johnston Canyon Campground, Banff National Park (approx. 1.5 hours’ drive).
Trekking: 7km, 4 hrs., 435m elev. gain
Overnight: Campsite.
Stanley Glacier
Today’s trek takes us into Kootenay National Park where ancient fossils, waterfalls and blue glaciers await us. We will discover the forces that built mountains and trek through an area severely burnt by forest fires from 1968 and 2003. Although this may sound unappealing, wild flowers now thrive in this area and reforestation has taken place. Later this afternoon we reach the valley’s boulder fields where we can look for fossils (but you can’t take any home!) before returning for a second night at the campsite (approx. 20 mins. drive).
Trekking: 13km, 5-6 hrs., 500m elev. gain
Overnight: Campsite
Paradise Valley / Sentinel Pass
Today we leave camp and drive approx. one hour to the start of our trek in the Larch Valley within Banff National Park where we enjoy one of the most popular hikes in the Rockies. The trail takes us through beautiful and gentle scenery to Sentinel Pass (2611m) where you are faced with steep rugged terrain with scree underfoot to reach the top.
Once you reach the pass you will traverse to the other side aptly named Paradise Valley, where you can enjoy stunning views. The trail then passes through beautiful pine forests and the beautiful turquoise waters of Lake Annette, ideal for an afternoon rest stop, before returning to the road and driving to our second campsite at Lake Louise (approx. 20 min. drive).
Trekking: 19 km, 6-8 hrs. 730m elev. gain
Overnight: Campsite
Lake Louise Highline Circuit
It is just a 15-minute drive to the start of today’s spectacular trek. The Lake Louise Highline combines a number of trails to form a great circuit of the Plain of Six Glaciers, including the “Deathtrap Couloir” viewpoint. This is a long day of trekking but arguably the best trek in Banff National Park and well worth the effort for spectacular views along the way and especially the Plain of Six Glaciers. We return to Lake Louise Campsite this evening for dinner and overnight.
Trekking: 16km, 7 hrs. 800m elev. Gain
Overnight: Campsite
Iceline Trail
After breakfast, we set off for the start of today’s trek (approx. 30 min. drive). Yoho National Park is the setting for today’s trek and is possibly one of the most spectacular hikes in the Rockies. The Iceline Trail boasts close-up views of numerous glaciers, one of the highest waterfalls in Canada (Takakkaw Falls), mountain peaks and much more.
It’s a tough full day of trekking, starting the day trekking uphill through a dense pine forest, but the superb views are your reward and make a fitting finale to our Rockies challenge!
We continue to Banff (approx. one hour drive) for an overnight stay in a hostel.
Trekking: 21km, 8 hrs., 730m elev. gain
Overnight: Hostel
Banff – Calgary
Today we can enjoy a morning at leisure (or take part in an optional hike) before we travel to Calgary (approx. 1.5 hour drive) This evening we will have a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Hostel
Calgary – London
We will transfer to the airport today for our flight home. Depending on flight schedules we may land the following day.
The day-to-day program is subject to temperature, weather, general conditions and the ability of the group. While we do not anticipate any changes to the itinerary, we cannot be held responsible for changes made due to unexpected circumstances. Ultimately the safety and health of the group takes priority in all circumstances.
Please contact us at accounts@different-travel.com for details on how to pay your deposit or trip costs by instalments.
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