From CAD 3,080
Guarantee
Small Group
Light
Rating
(20 reviews)
Experience Overview
Ready to take a hike? You’ve come to the right place. Canada is home to some of the finest trails in North America. This 13-day adventure will have you tackling paths that coil around mountains and snake through inland rainforests, plus enjoying views of massive glaciers and snow-covered peaks in the Canadian Rockies. Combine active adventures with spotting wildlife, munching maple-flavoured everything (cookies, donuts, bacon – you name it) and stargazing with your new friends. This is the perfect introduction to Canada’s iconic mountain range.
Highlights
- Spend three nights camping in Banff National Park, where you'll explore glacial lakes and scenic mountain paths, with the village of Banff nearby.
- Road trip the world-famous Icefields Parkway between Jasper and Banff National Parks, with many scenic stops at Athabasca Glacier and Athabasca Falls
- See North American bison at a mountain-fringed working buffalo ranch and learn about First Nations peoples’ history of living with this hardy species.
- The spectacular scenery of the Canadian Rockies makes for the perfect opportunity to unleash your inner Nat Geo photographer. It’s really hard to take a bad picture here.
- Explore the outdoor adventure hotspot of Whistler, where you can mix gorgeous trails and picturesque villages with hikes out to an old graffitied train wreck and a ghost town.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2639
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Private Vehicle
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: SSYA
Starts: Vancouver, Canada
Finishes: Vancouver, Canada
Duration: 13 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Dinner (1)Accommodation: Hostel (multishare) (1 night),Camping (with facilities) (11 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 3080 (CAD 237 /day)
Itinerary
O Canada! Home of ice hockey and maple syrup, and source of your soon-to-be fondest travel memories. It all starts in Vancouver. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early in Vancouver, why not take a walk around the Victorian buildings in the historic Gastown neighbourhood, or maybe pick up a donut and a 'double-double' (that’s coffee with two cream and two sugars) from Tim Hortons.
Accommodation:
- Hostel (multishare) (Number of Nights: 1)
Say goodbye to Vancouver this morning and hit the road for Kamloops. You've got a long drive ahead today, but you’ll also get your first glimpses of Canada’s incredible scenery along the way. Stop in at the town of Hope for the chance to stretch your legs and grab some lunch, then carry on to the hills of the Kamloops region for a night of camping. Settle into your peaceful surroundings and enjoy a night of swapping stories beneath the stars.
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Rise and shine for your first real taste of Canada’s great outdoors. Visit Mt Revelstoke National Park, home to the world’s only inland temperate rainforests. What does that mean? Evergreen woodland with ancient trees and moss-covered ground, just like the forests in fairy tales. The park is home to a small herd of woodland caribous plus grizzly bears and moose, along with a population of banana slugs. Get your fill of bush and beasties and then travel over Rogers Pass to Glacier National Park. Stop at the visitor centre and take in the panoramic views from lookouts along the way. Continue to Golden where you’ll spend the night.
Included Activities:
- Mt. Revelstoke National Park
- Glacier National Park
- Rogers Pass Discovery Centre
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, head out to the Rocky Mountain Buffalo Ranch for a tour with the owner of the property. You'll get to learn about the history of the area and buffalo behaviours as you watch the incredible animals roam pastures backdropped by mountains. Then, return to Golden for a free afternoon. If you’d like to break in your boots (and don’t mind heights), there’ll be an optional walk to the Golden Skybridge, which’ll provide some incredible views of the Rockies from 426 feet in the air. Another option (not for the faint of heart) is to battle the wild waters of the aptly-named Kicking Horse River on a guided rafting tour. Please note, this is an optional activity booked through an outside company that will incur an extra cost.
Included Activities:
- Golden - Rocky Mountain Buffalo Ranch
Optional Activities:
- Yoho National Park - Kicking Horse rafting (half day) (109 CAD)
- Yoho National Park - Kicking Horse rafting (full day) (159 CAD)
- Golden - Golden Skybridge (45 CAD)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Say goodbye to Golden, then drive through the stunning mountainous landscape of Yoho National Park. There are a couple of ways to explore the terrain. If you’d like to wander, your leader can point you toward the best trails to tackle. You could also choose to battle the wild waters of the aptly named Kicking Horse River on a guided rafting tour. To take things a little easier, perhaps book a canoeing activity on the calm waters of Emerald Lake, or simply lie back on the riverbank and watch the world float by. Later, reconvene with the group and head to Takkakaw Falls for a quick stop before continuing to Banff National Park.
Included Activities:
- Yoho National Park
Optional Activities:
- Yoho National Park - Canoe Hire (75 CAD)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Today's your chance to explore Banff at your own pace! Established in 1885, Banff is the oldest national park in the country and contains over 1600 kilometres (995 miles) of hiking trails. Your leader will have some activities planned for the group, or you might like to explore on your own. Why not join the group for a hike at Tunnel Mountain for the best views over Banff and head to Vermilion Lakes for an incredible view of the reflection of Mount Rundle, which towers over the town of Banff. There's an option to unwind in the steamy waters of Banff Hot Springs. Return to your campsite in the evening for an included barbecue dinner.
Included Activities:
- Banff National Park
- Banff - Vermilion Lakes
- Banff - Camp Barbecue Dinner
- Banff - Tunnel Mountain Trail
Optional Activities:
- Banff - Cable Car up Sulphur Mountain (60 CAD)
- Banff - Hot springs (18 CAD)
- Banff - Horse Riding (1 hour) (90 CAD)
- Banff - Mountain bike hire (full day) (45 CAD)
- Banff - Cruiser bike hire (full day) (38 CAD)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you’ll visit two of the national park’s most striking glacier-fed lakes. First is the lovely Lake Louise. With the snowcapped peaks providing an incredible backdrop, the lake is beautiful no matter what time of year you visit. Next is Moraine Lake, where the strikingly blue water sits in-between the Valley of the Ten Peaks. The view is sure to knock you off your feet! Spend time exploring both lakes and their surrounding areas, then return to camp.
Included Activities:
- Visit to Lake Louise
- Visit to Moraine Lake (seasonal)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Ready for even more spectacular scenery? Today’s drive takes us along the famous Icefields Parkway past the Rocky Mountains. We’ll stop at a few lookouts, lakes and waterfalls along the way, so there will be plenty of opportunities to take the perfect photo. Stop at Athabasca Glacier where you can choose to take an optional glacier hike with a professional guide. Continue on to Jasper National Park and set up camp for the evening.
Optional Activities:
- Icefields Parkway - Athabasca Glacier Hike with Guide (115 CAD)
- Jasper - Lake Swim (seasonal) - Free
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is as clear as the air in the Canadian Rockies. You could start the day with an early trip to see the sunrise at Pyramid Lake, taking iconic photos along the walkway to Pyramid Island. Then head to Maligne Lake, where you can hike and explore on arrival. If you like, you can pay for an optional cruise on the lake and check out the famous Spirit Island. If you’d prefer to head out on your own, you may wish to stay behind and walk one of the many trails in the area. Jasper National Park is famous for wildlife such as elk, moose, deer, bears and mountain lions, and if you’re lucky you’ll spot some of these wild animals. Just remember to admire them from afar.
Included Activities:
- Jasper National Park - Entrance Fee
- Visit to Maligne Lake
- Jasper - Sunrise at Pyramid Lake
Optional Activities:
- Jasper - Mountain bike rental (non-electric) From (30 CAD)
- Jasper - Cruise on Maligne Lake (79 CAD)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, watch Jasper National Park retreat in the rearview mirror as you drive west to Wells Gray Provincial Park. It’ll be a day on the road, but it’ll be broken up with plenty of sightseeing! Travel under the watchful eye of Mt Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Stop off at Mount Robson Provincial Park where you’ll have plenty of time to admire the towering peak and hit the trails to discover the park’s flora and fauna, including more than 182 species of birds as well as mules, whitetail deer, moose, elk and black bears. Then, continue through the beautiful Cariboo Mountains to Wells Gray Provincial Park. In the afternoon, take a short hike to the dramatic Wells Gray waterfalls.
Included Activities:
- Wells Gray Provincial Park
Optional Activities:
- Wells Gray Provincial Park - hiking - Free
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, settle in for a long day on the road as you head toward the outdoorsy hub of Whistler. The drive will be broken up with a visit to the riverside town of Lillooet. First, stop in at a suspension bridge built in 1913, which has been recently updated with bat houses to support the local bat population. Then, pay a visit to a local brewery making highly localised beers. Ingredients from local growers, farmers and foragers all get used in their brewing process, so why not taste the results for yourself? Continue on to Whistler. While there won’t be much time to explore today, you might want to gather a group and hit Whistler Village.
Included Activities:
- Lillooet - Lillooet Brewing Company Visit
- Lillooet - Old Suspension Bridge
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is free for you to choose your own adventure in (and around) Whistler. You could join your leader this morning on a visit to the Parkhurst Ghost Town, an abandoned logging outpost that is slowly being reclaimed by the surrounding forest. Then, take a short hike to a graffiti-covered train wreck hidden in the trees. If you choose to stay in Whistler, zip-lining tours are an amazing opportunity to get an aerial view of Fitzsimmons Creek and, if you’re lucky, see some bears along the way. There are also some great cycle networks in Whistler, so you have the option of paying for bike hire and riding to one of the nearby lakes.
Included Activities:
- Whistler - Ghost town visit
- Whistler - Train Wreck trail
Optional Activities:
- Whistler - PEAK2PEAK Gondola (82 CAD)
- Whistler - Zip Trek Tour (1.5 hrs) (129 CAD)
- Whistler – Standard Mountain Bike Rental (full day) (90 CAD)
Accommodation:
- Camping (with facilities) (Number of Nights: 1)
After a short drive this morning, arrive back in Vancouver and set out on an orientation tour with your leader. Stroll a section of the 400-hectare Stanley Park, one of the largest urban green spaces in North America, then hop over to Granville Island, overflowing with galleries, markets and lively restaurants. Here, bid farewell to your leader and your fellow travellers, as your tour has come to an end.
Included Activities:
- Vancouver orientation tour
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Paul - Traveled, August 2023
An awesome trip. Mikaël was a great guide, the people were cool, and the scenery was gorgeous. Camping was fun and we didn’t have any problems outside of some weather at the beginning. Highlight of the trip was seeing elk, a moose, and a bear on the same day in Jasper!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/03/2023
Monique - Traveled, August 2023
I would 100% recommend this tour. It was the perfect length and you got to see so much that you wouldn’t be able to do on your own. The sights are beautiful and you make amazing friends on the way. Special mention to our awesome leader Mikael, he made the trip unforgettable.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/03/2023
Alydia - Traveled, August 2023
I loved this trip and would recommend it to anyone. The scenery was breathtaking and fed the soul. Our guide Mikail was a legend and we owe so much of the trip being as good as it was to him. He cooked every night and was very efficient with the food kitty (right down to noticing what people were/weren't eating and adjusting accordingly), was super organised and switched on, and constantly went the extra mile to ensure the group saw as much as possible / advised us on activities to ensure each individual personally got the experience they wanted. To address the negative reviews: yes, the first and last few days, bookending the trip, are mainly driving with fairly brief stops (you're covering a long way!). But once you hit Banff, and are settling into campsites for 2 - 3 nights, you won't feel it. For those who say it feels like a school trip - didn't find this at all. Secondly, this trip says 'moderate fitness'. But if you're more active and outdoorsy, this is one for you and you'll get more out of it. The best hikes require a higher base level of fitness and are absolutely worth it! As paid activities go, rafting, zip lining and horse riding were all amazing ways to see a new side of the Rockies - but if you can only choose one, make it the Athabasca Glacier. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity. There are also heaps of free options - a personal highlight was hiking the Valley of the Five Lakes in Jasper (this is the best and warmest spot to wild swim and where you will most likely see wildlife), and hiking to a swimmable waterfall in Wells Grey. One last tip - LAYERS. At night, you want fleeces and beanies - no matter how hot the day has been. During the day, we had everything from clouds and rain (so bring a raincoat!!) to 27° heat (running base layers work super well and don't take up much space in your rucksack).
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/02/2023
Oliver - Traveled, September 2023
Stunning scenery. Great fun. If you get Mikael for your tour guide, you're in luck. You are camping and moving around fairly quickly so you're gonna be exhausted by the end of it but that's all part of the fun.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/19/2023
Paige - Traveled, July 2023
First of all, the scenery and wildlife were spectacular. Camping equipment was easy to use and the food kitty worked well. However, there is a huge amount of driving on this trip and while it was broken up well it does come at the cost of actually seeing the places you’re driving to. There was very little free time and so it really did feel like a school trip. We had communication issues with the guide at the start of the trip and while I appreciate that both intrepid and the guide tried to sort it, for the amount we paid it shouldn’t have happened. The biggest disappointment for me and I think the rest of my group was that we didn’t go to Moraine Lake. When I asked the guide why she said that “it was too much of a hassle last time” and that “we probably wouldn’t have had time.” Considering it’s included in the itinerary and in photos advertising this trip that isn’t a good enough excuse especially when it’s probably the most iconic spot in the Rockies. This is the 5th intrepid trip I’ve done and the only negative experience I’ve ever had so I was overall really disappointed. My expectations were high after my winter 2018 trip to Canada with Intrepid which was one of my favourite ever travel experiences and this really failed to meet it. If this was my first trip with your company I wouldn’t be rebooking for other tours.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/21/2023
Erica - Traveled, June 2023
This trip was phenomenal! Such beautiful landscapes and great company. Katie is the best group leader we could have asked for.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/18/2023
Elise - Traveled, May 2023
This trip is a great taste-tester but very rushed - be prepared for long days of driving. The camping aspect was quite stressful and it felt reminiscent of a school camp due to the micro-management of the group. The overall organization was quite poor and a few activities weren’t available due to it being off-season. The scenery was beautiful.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/06/2023
Hayley - Traveled, September 2022
Incredible trip, if you are after beautiful scenery and hikes - this one is for you! Our tour guide Heather was amazing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/20/2022
Ian - Traveled, August 2022
Camping in Canada was a bit of a daunting prospect but our tour leader really made the whole trip incredible. The views, hikes, activities and company were the best I could have asked for…where to next?
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/27/2022
David - Traveled, August 2022
This trip was just fantastic. The itinerary was excellent, you will see the big highlights of the national parks but also hidden places. Guide Andrew is fantastic. The group dynamic was also great. All in all: perfect 12 days. For outdoor sports fans there are so many options: Mountain biking, rafting, road biking, hiking, canoeing. A unique experience!!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/30/2022
Laura - Traveled, July 2022
The trip was really well planned from beginning to end. Alia was such a wholesome guide through the beginning of our trip, cooking amazing meals and making sure we were having a blast at all times. The places we visited were unforgettable and all stops along the way were equally beautiful. The rafting was really fun and we definitely recommend this awesome adventure in the beautiful Kicking Horse river! We were especially surprised by our day in Wells Gray and the trip to Jasper which allowed us to see so much wildlife. A trip to remember!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/13/2022
Katherine - Traveled, July 2022
The trip was amazing!! Canada is beautiful and I would recommend this trip to anyone who loves the outdoors and trying new experiences.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/03/2022
Robin - Traveled, June 2022
Our Guide Andrew made this trip something else. It was absolutely outstanding and the best trip I have had in my life so far (especially due to our great guide). I can highly recommend this trip to get an introduction into the rockies.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/30/2022
Harriet - Traveled, June 2022
The best trip! Cannot fault it; camping in the most beautiful places, driving down the dreamiest roads and hiking up to the craziest view points! This trip was totally unforgettable
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/25/2022
Usayd - Traveled, May 2022
Gabby was an amazing tour guide and made my first camping experience a memorable one. Everything was well organized and the energy was top notch, not to mention the breathtaking views Canada has to offer
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/03/2022
Alys - Traveled, May 2022
If you want to experience the natural beauty of Canada, this trip is for you! Loved every spot we visited and had a blast with my group.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/07/2022
Dave - Traveled, May 2022
The trip was really fun - there were lots of activities and the scenery was incredible. Gabby, our guide, was amazing - knowledgable, positive and willing to go out of her way to help us all.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/04/2022
Brianna - Traveled, August 2021
My trip with Intrepid through the Canadian Rockies was amazing. My guide, Alia, was excellent and made this trip super enjoyable. She prepared delicious meals, informed us of great facts about what we were seeing, was super well organized and her personality was super caring and fun to be around. She always went the extra mile to make sure that we got to see and do all the things we wanted and had many great ideas and suggestions. Her hard work really made this trip amazing and I had an absolute blast! The views and sights were unbelievable! Every day was amazing and filled with so much beauty and nature. I really enjoyed all the hikes and walks we went on and really feeling like I experienced the Rockies to the fullest! Wonderful trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/03/2021
Nina - Traveled, May 2023
Allgemein ist die Reise sehr stressig! Am Morgen früh aufstehen und am Abend spät ins Bett. Dazwischen kochen, Zelt auf/abbauen, autofahren und ab und zu ein paar Stopps. Leider fährt man mehr Auto, als etwas von Kanada zu sehen. Wir machten nur eine Wanderung und ein paar kleine Ausflüge zu tollen Seen. Doch wir hatten 10-20min Zeit und dann mussten wir schon weiter fahren. Ich bin sehr enttäuscht von dieser Reise. Auch der Preis ist definitiv zu hoch!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/02/2023
Charlotte - Traveled, June 2024
AMAZING! It was a dream come true to travel through the Canadian rockies, the itinerary includes everything we wanted to do and more. Anthony was the best guide we could have asked for, his knowledge on the area, local wildlife and cooking skills were unmatched. Loved the camping aspect and made some great friends along the way. 100% recommend this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/15/2024
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