CanadaActive West Coast & Canadian Rockies
Enjoy a morning welcome meeting with your CEO in Calgary before making the trip to Waterton National Park. Have a picnic lunch outside upon arrival to fuel up before setting out to hike the Bertha Lake trail. The switchbacks are tough, but the view of the valley below from the blue-green waters of Lake Bertha are well worth the climb. Visit Red Rock Canyon afterwards for a short walk into this geological phenomenon before setting up camp in the evening to chow down on dinner around the fire.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Bertha Lake Trail
The climb is steep, but worth it when you throw in the beautiful lake that is your destination. You’ll hike through sub-alpine forest climbing up 21 switchbacks and an old growth forest. The wide-open views of the Waterton Valley make the switchbacks more manageable on the way up. See the cascading water of Upper Bertha Falls as it runs down into the valley and then pick a spot along the lake to take in the glory of the breathtaking views and green-blue waters of the lake.
Red Rock Canyon Visit
A stunning natural treasure just waiting to be explored, Red Rock Canyon is a must-see when in Waterton. Created through water erosion the canyon features an array of red and green coloured rocks, called argillite. The colours really pop amid the surrounding lush vegetation. The perfect place to relax, take some photos, and enjoy the great outdoors.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Waterton Townsite Campground
Wake up to the smell of pine, emerge from the tent, and have breakfast at camp. Get ready for a full day of hiking, lace up those boots, bring plenty of water and hit the trail. The group will be hiking either the Crypt Lake or Carthew summit trail, please note that there won't be enough time for both. You'll indulge in a picnic lunch halfway through and enjoy highlights like, roaring waterfalls, panoramic views, alpine bowls, and a 60ft tunnel through a mountain.
Carthew Summit Trail
This 12 mile one-way day hike offers scenic views that will make you stop in your tracks. It’s one of the most popular hikes in Waterton Lakes National Park. Hike by four gorgeous lakes and take in views of Glacier National Park in Montana to the south as you work your way up to Carthew Summit.
Crypt Lake Trail
This hike is accessed through a local ferry system and begins with a gradual climb through shaded forests. Once the forest starts to thin out the strenuous part of the hike starts. After Burnt Rock Falls the hike climbs up onto the open alpine mountainside with incredible views. Depending on how far you go there may be some climbing up a steel ladder to access the 60ft tunnel through the mountain. Certainly not for the faint of heart or those who fear heights, although you will be rewarded with bird's eye views.
Accommodation
Waterton Townsite Campground
Enjoy a breakfast at camp before hopping into our private vehicle en route to Kananaskis. Nothing breaks up a road journey like snacks so we stop in Longview for some famous jerky to stock up. Fuel up with a picnic lunch before starting off on the first and only hike of today along the Ptarmigan Cirque trail. This steep trail offers spanning views of the surrounding mountains from an alpine meadow and also happens to be the highest paved pass in Canada. After finishing the hike, we head to our campsite, set up our tents, and have dinner together by the campfire.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Ptarmigan Cirque Hike
Ptarmigan Cirque trail is a short, but sweet hike that delivers loads of scenery. From coniferous forest, to high alpine meadows, mountains, and waterfalls this trail has it covered. It’s classified as moderate because of the elevation gain, although most of that occurs during the beginning making the rest feel relaxing in comparison. By the time you reach the meadows the pounding of your heart in your ears should have subsided.
Accommodation
Boulton Creek Campground
In the morning after breakfast at camp the group will head straight to the trailhead of Burstall Pass. Spend the entire day hiking this route with a picnic lunch about halfway through to get some more energy for the hike back down. The views along the pass are magnificent and offer plenty of opportunities for more adventurous rock scrambling and climbing. Back at camp in the evening share dinner as a group around the campfire.
Burstall Pass Hike
A classic hike in Kananaskis, the trail moves past several marshy lakes and streams before climbing up into the alpine meadow and finishing in the high mountain pass with grand views of often snow covered mountain peaks in the background.
Accommodation
Boulton Creek Campground
After another morning outdoors enjoying a breakfast at camp the group will travel to Lake Louise. It’s a day jam packed with activities that will get you out into the beautiful scenery of Lake Louise. In the morning you will drive from Kananaskis to Banff. Once here you will enjoy a bike ride around town to explore. Drive to camp in the evening.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Bike Ride in Banff
Rent trail bikes for 3hrs to discover Banff and the surrounding areas. Opt for the easy going cycle paths and trails in town to explore the commercial and residential streets of the downtown area or take in the stunning scenery found on the legacy trail a 23 km trail of paved pathway and parkway from the Bow Valley Parkway to the Banff Park East Gate. Riding along the vermillion lakes just north of town. Thrill seekers can also choose from one of the many mountain biking trails in the area.
Optional Activities - Day 5Show
Accommodation
Lake Louise Campground
In the morning the group will leave Lake Louise and travel to Yoho National Park to hike the Iceline Trail there. It’s one of the best hikes in the park featuring unbeatable views of glacier peaks, rugged alpine landscapes, and cascading waterfalls. Eat a picnic lunch overlooking this beautiful landscape and then travel back to Lake Louise where you can spend some time in town before heading back to camp for dinner as a group.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Iceline Trail Hike
This signature day hike within Yoho National Park is the perfect way to get out into this rugged landscape and explore. Typically hiked as a loop, this trail is roughly 13 miles in length and gains about 3,000 ft in elevation. Some of the highlights include out of this world viewpoints of several glaciers, sweeping views of Yoho and Little Yoho Valleys, and plenty of waterfalls.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Lake Louise Campground
In the morning set out on a hike up Mount Fairview. After, travel to Banff. Once here it’s an afternoon of freedom to enjoy any activity that catches your eye. There are canoe rentals, bike rentals, scenic raft tours, the Banff gondola, and of course exploring on your own two feet with another hike. But if hiking feels too daunting, know that you can spend your time as you choose in the majesty of this national park and still feel connected to the space.
Fairview Mountain Hike
Fairview Mountain looks impossible to climb from the ground, but don’t worry it’s not nearly as harrowing as it looks. It sits on the edge of Lake Louise and offers hikers 1000 metres in elevation gain, but is very manageable for strong walkers. The best part? It doesn’t take long before the views become fantastic. As you climb you’ll be able to see Saddleback Mountain on one side and the rocky cliffs of Fairview on the other with a wide vista opening up before you staring down into the Bow Valley.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Banff National Park Visit
Magnificent Banff—Canada’s first and most famous National Park. Rocky Mountain peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, scenic drives, and a quaint mountain town. First, gaze in wonder, then immerse yourself in a park that has it all! Hike alongside picture-perfect mountains, glaciers, lakes, ice fields, canyons, and even hoodoos. Keep an eye out for wolves, grizzly bears, elk, and mountain lions. Banff’s blend of towering peaks and flower-strewn meadows make it a dream location to enjoy the great outdoors and mountain scenery.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Lake Louise Campground
Leave Lake Louise in the morning to travel back to Calgary. Once you arrive, catch a flight from Calgary to Vancouver. Arrive in Vancouver and enjoy free time to explore, check out Stanley Park and the Gastown neighbourhood filled with indie art galleries and souvenir shops before making your own way to your Vancouver accommodation Then, spend the night in this vibrant city.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Plane
Sit back, relax, and enjoy your short flight from Calgary to Vancouver.
Optional Activities - Day 8Show
Accommodation
Century Plaza Hotel & Spa
Catch the ferry to Victoria and Sooke on Vancouver Island. Eat a picnic lunch upon arrival before setting off into East Sooke Regional Park for some hiking. There’s a wide range of trails that have different levels of difficulty, but all of them will offer great views of the dramatic, rocky coastline, and lush Pacific rainforest filled with moss and green ferns. In the evening set up camp, get settled, and have dinner around a fire with the group.
Ferry
Settle in and scan the scenery as you take a ferry ride from Vancouver to Victoria on Vancouver Island.
East Sooke Regional Park Hike
Located west of Victoria, this park is one of the more spectacular in the region offering lots of challenging hikes in a wilderness setting. It spans miles and miles of protected coastal landscapes and offers trails through forest, marsh, and fields with beaches, rocky bays, and tide pools sprinkled in for exploring. The views are amazing and it’s definitely worth the challenge.
Accommodation
Sooke River Campground
After fuelling up with a camp breakfast the group will travel to the Juan de Fuca Strait from Sooke to embark on a hike along a section of the impressive trail. You’ll traverse miles of dense coastal forest and walk over beautiful pebble beaches, past gurgling waterfalls, slippery suspension bridges (watch your step) and the occasional pit of mud, but the dramatic views along this hike are well worth the effort. Transfer back to Sooke in the evening to rest up at camp and have dinner as a group.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Juan de Fuca Hike
Covering 47 kilometres of dense coastal forest the Juan de Fuca trail is quite a feat for hikers. There are multiple trail options and it can be hiked in sections. It offers plenty of challenges with its rugged terrain featuring plenty of ups and downs and twists and turns. However, the adventure is worth it along this western edge of the world.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Sooke River Campground
Today after breakfast at camp the day is yours to do as you wish. If you need a break from hiking consider one of the many optional activities available like, sea kayaking, whale watching, bicycle rentals, or a visit to the quaint town of Victoria for some people watching and cafe hopping.
Free Time
Enjoy a free day to continue exploring Sooke and Victoria. Choose from optional activities like whale watching, sea kayaking, and renting a bicycle to make this day as memorable as possible.
Optional Activities - Day 11Show
Accommodation
Sooke River Campground
In the morning after breakfast the group will transfer to Cowichan Bay where you'll go out on a kayak excursion. In the afternoon, leave Cowichan Bay behind and head to the ferry port in Nanaimo to hop on a ferry to Horseshoe Bay drive along the Sea to Sky highway up to Squamish. In the evening set up camp and relax in the outdoors.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Kayak on Cowichan Bay
A vast and beautiful Cowichan Bay is the best location for getting out onto the water. Explore this stunning environment, keeping your eyes on the lookout for wildlife and taking loads of photos. Please note this kayaking excursion is considered sea kayaking and the group will be in the ocean along Cowichan Bay.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Mountain Fun Campground
Today the group will hike The Stawamus Chief trail. This trail is one of the region’s best hikes and will take you up a steep incline to one of its three peaks. The views of the area surrounding Squamish, with the Howe Sound and the Garibaldi Park to the north are incredible. Enjoy a picnic lunch during your hike and in the evening relax at camp and have dinner as a group, refueling after the day’s adventure.
The Stawamus Chief Hike
This trail is known locally as, “The Chief” and happens to be one of North America’s largest granite monoliths. Home to the Sea to Sky Corridor this challenging hike begins with a quick incline kicking your heart into overdrive right off the bat. It’s divided into three summits and you can reach any of them from this one hiking trail. The views of the surrounding landscape make the climb well worth it.
Accommodation
Mountain Fun Campground
Another great day of hiking to discover captivating views and new heights (literally). Set out to trek the Elfin Lake trail in Garibaldi Provincial Park. Offering amazing views you’ll hike 11km to get to the lakes, but it’s certainly worth it. Go for a dip in the icy water, fill up your bottles in another pond reserved only for drinking water and have lunch as you admire those insane views. After hiking the 11km downhill you’ll be able to have dinner wherever you choose in Squamish before heading back to camp for the night.
Elfin Lakes Hike
The hike to Elfin lakes is 11km each way, but it’s not very steep and actually very scenic on the way up. The trail is wide and you are surrounded by towering mountains all the way up to the lakes. At the top it’s always a treat to dip into the icy waters. While the water is cold it is very clean and clear like a mirror. If you’re lucky you’ll see this on a sunny day with the massive mountains reflected in their surfaces.
Accommodation
Mountain Fun Campground
In the morning the group will travel from Squamish to Whistler to take the Whistler Gondola up to the peak and hike the High Note trail. This trail offers hikers with the most scenic views of Cheakamus Lake with its vibrant aquamarine waters. The hike begins at the top of Whistler Mountain and takes you around the backside with views of the surrounding mountains and a descent through an alpine area. After the hike you’ll have free time to enjoy Whistler before returning to Squamish. Consider checking out the Squamish-Lil'wat Cultural Centre, the Cloudraker Skybridge, or find a cozy coffee shop in town. In the evening at camp you’ll have your final dinner as a group around the campfire.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
High Note Hike
This hike provides you with incredible views of Black Tusk and the other mountain ranges. You’ll start this hike from the top of Whistler Mountain and walk 9.5km gaining 420m in elevation. Pass by alpine lakes and see Flute Summit in the distance and ending with a loop around Harmony Lake.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Mountain Fun Campground
Travel from Whistler to Vancouver. Tours ends on arrival in Vancouver.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
