Night 1-11
Camping in the Canadian Rockies
Spend each night camping in gorgeous spots in the mountains, enjoying an authentic backcountry experience with your group. Facilities may not be available.
Discover hidden corners of the Canadian Rocky Mountains on this 12-day hiking tour
Explore the best of the Canadian Rockies on this guided tour. Leave the tourist sites behind as you get to know the valleys, peaks, cliffs and waterfalls of Yoho, Jasper and Banff National Parks. From the glaciers of the Icefields Parkway to the canyons of Jasper and emerald waters of the alpine lakes, this 12-Day Rockies Hiking and Camping adventure is an outdoor lover’s delight.
Your friendly local guides will safely guide you through spectacular mountain trails, teaching you about the history, culture, and biodiversity of the Canadian wilderness. They know the mountains like the back of their hands and will bring you to the most isolated and breathtaking camping spots that most tourists will never get the chance to see.
The hikes will be adapted for the needs and preferences of every small group and you will have some free time to go horseback riding or river rafting if you want to squeeze in a couple of extra adventures.
Today you will meet your likeminded group members and friendly local guides. You will be picked up at your hotel in Calgary in the afternoon before enjoying the scenic ride to David Thompson Country. Watch the landscape transform before your eyes on this two-hour joy ride as the prairies make way to the mountains.
Arrive at your campsite in David Thompson, where you can unwind and get to know your group and guides. Enjoy a tour briefing later this afternoon where you'll get acquainted with camping equipment, then relax around the campfire and tuck into dinner as you prepare for a good night's rest beneath a star-filled sky.
Breathe in deeply as you soak up the revitalizing fresh air of the mountains. After a hearty breakfast around the campfire, you will set out on a two-hour drive to one of the largest icefields in Canada, the Columbia Icefields. Get ready to witness one of the most scenic drives in the entire world! The Icefields Parkway is an extraordinary road that winds past countless waterfalls, mountain peaks and ancient glaciers.
Once there, your expert guides will lead you on a spellbinding hike of Wilcox Pass, where you'll have the chance to spot mountain goats, bighorn sheep and an array of other wildlife. Cool down at a secret waterfall on the way, where you can refresh beneath its cascading waters and enjoy a picnic lunch with a view as you take in the beauty of the Athabasca glacier.
This evening you'll enjoy dinner around the fire before setting out on a moonlit walk to the lake, the perfect ending to a magical day.
Today is all about exploring the area you've now called home for the past two nights. Together with your guide, you'll choose from a selection of local hikes following breakfast. Helen Lake tends to be a group favourite! Marvel at the colours of the wildflowers as you climb a breezy ridge to uncover epic lake views, or choose to discover the area on horseback with an optional 2-3 hour ride.
This evening you'll unwind back at the campsite and enjoy another night in the mountains beneath the stars.
Wake up in your stunning camping spot on your final morning in David Thompson Country. Enjoy breakfast, then pack up for the scenic ride to Golden, British Colombia! There are plenty of highlights to take in along the way, including a possible stop at one of Banff's most renowned treasures, Moraine Lake.
After arriving at your campsite in Golden, situated on the stunning Kicking Horse River, it's time to set out to explore your new surroundings with a hike around Lake Louise or Yoho. Tonight, you'll kick back at your riverside campsite surrounded by new friends, sharing a laugh around the fire.
After a peaceful breakfast by the shores of Kicking Horse River, prepare to get your adrenaline pumping on a rafting tour. This optional activity comes highly recommended as you can discover up close the stunning rock formations of Yoho National Park, formed by the ruthless power of the ancient glaciers.
If you would rather not take a rafting tour, you can opt to take a guided tour of the local area on foot, with amazing views over the glaciers available either way. This evening you can choose to take a night walk to another waterfall, or just unwind at your campsite with good food and even better company.
After filling up on a delicious breakfast, you'll head to Lake Louise to take in its iconic turquoise waters. Later today, enjoy some more highlights of Yoho like the Paget Lookout or a hike around sparkling Emerald Lake, and, if you are feeling adventurous, dive into its glowing waters for a refreshing swim.
After another adventure-filled day in the Rockies, it's time to settle down for another night of good food, fire, and laughter at your camp.
Today is bound to be yet another incredible highlight of the tour as you set out to hike Glacier National Park. Be sure to enjoy a hearty breakfast this morning before setting out into the alpine. A scenic hour-long drive will have you arriving at Glacier National Park, where you'll enjoy a guided hike through the park's unique mountains and coastal forest.
Enjoy another evening around the crackling fire, devouring a well-earned dinner and laughing over memories made thus far on the trip.
After a final peaceful breakfast by the shores of Kicking Horse River, it's time to pack up for the ride to Banff. On the way, stop for a scenic hike in Kootenay National Park and take in its cascading waterfalls.
Later today, enjoy an afternoon exploring Banff at your leisure, enjoying mouthwatering local food, perusing the cute shops or perhaps scoping out a place where you can hit the dancefloor after the sun goes down this evening!
Following dinner, you can enjoy the sunset over the pristine waters of Lake Minnewanka, then, opt to set out for Banff Upper Hot Springs at Sulfur Mountain, where you can enjoy a rejuvenating soak—a true delight for the muscles. Later, wind down at camp for the night, or if the nightlife of Banff is calling your name, head out to enjoy it!
Rise at your gorgeous campsite in Banff to the sound of the birds chirping. Enjoy breakfast at camp before setting out to hike near Canmore, where you can also take in the beauty of this charming Rocky Mountain town. Depending on the group's wishes and weather conditions, your guide might opt for a hike of Grotto Canyon, where you'll unearth fascinating 1300-year-old pictographs. Another true treasure of the Rockies is also an option on the table today, with an epic hike on the Ha Ling Trail.
With two days in Banff under your belt, you'll no doubt have some stories to share with the rest of your group this evening as you take a dip in the lake by your camp and dry off by the crackling campfire.
Awake to another beautiful morning in the Rockies and join the group for breakfast. Today you'll discover a lesser-known part of the Rockies as you head south of Banff to the beautiful Kananaskis Country. Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of this less-crowded area where wildflowers and wildlife abound.
Return to your camp near Banff to enjoy another evening at your leisure.
Today is your last full day of exploring the stunning Canadian Rocky Mountain trails. Don’t forget to take some pictures as you visit more of the untouched wilderness that abounds in this gorgeous corner of the world. Your guides will happily teach you about the plants and minerals of the trail as you forage for delicious berries and learn about the abundant biodiversity that surrounds you.
Enjoy one last feast around the campfire tonight as you prepare to say goodbye to all your newfound friends.
It is time to say goodbye to your friends and guides, but first, you can sneak in one more visit to the soothing waters of Banff Upper Hot Springs. Let the aches and pains of all that breathtaking hiking get swept away by the natural spring waters, a treasured place to the First Nations people of this area for over a thousand years.
After enjoying a lovely relaxing morning, you will be dropped off to your next destination by your guides, who will take you to Banff or Calgary, depending on your preference.
This guided hiking tour in the Canadian Rocky Mountains is run as a fixed-departure tour where you’d be joining a group, however, custom private tours can be organized for those willing to travel with their group only (please contact us with your preferred date and the number of people in your group and we will create the itinerary just for you).
Prices below are per person, sharing a double or a triple room:
Start | Finish | Duration | Places Left | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2023-07-09 Calgary 12 days / null Spaces Left | 2023-07-20 Calgary | 12 | null | $2,495USDBook Now | Book Now | |
2023-07-23 Calgary 12 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2023-08-03 Calgary | 12 | 5+ | $2,495USDBook Now | Book Now | |
2023-08-06 Calgary 12 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2023-08-17 Calgary | 12 | 5+ | $2,495USDBook Now | Book Now | |
2023-08-13 Calgary 12 days / 5+ Spaces Left | 2023-08-24 Calgary | 12 | 5+ | $2,495USDBook Now | Book Now |
This tour is based in good quality tents with comfortable camping pads. Your camping spots are carefully chosen to offer the most beautiful spots of the Rocky Mountains. A hot shower is available nearly every day and all diets can be catered for.
Prices are based on 2 people sharing a 3-4-person tent, but it is possible to upgrade to a private tent if you prefer. You can either bring your own sleeping bag or rent one for an extra fee.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement of $325USD to have a private tent. Contact us and we can try and match single travelers up, where possible.
Spend each night camping in gorgeous spots in the mountains, enjoying an authentic backcountry experience with your group. Facilities may not be available.
11 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 11 dinners are included.
Camping accommodations for 11 nights along the tour are included.
Transportation for you and your luggage is included.
How hard is the 12-Day Rockies Hiking and Camping Tour?
We rate this tour as a 3 / 5, and you should be comfortable hiking. These fixed-departure tours are accompanied by two guides, and typically the groups split into a group that does longer hikes and another group that does shorter hikes.
Do I need a visa to travel to Canada?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the 12-Day Rockies Hiking and Camping Tour?
11 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 11 dinners are included.
Do you have any shorter options for this tour?
Yes! Check out our other guided camping tours in the Canadian Rockies:
What is camping like in the Rockies?
Camping is a wonderful experience, and tours stay at a range of public and private campgrounds. It should be noted that campgrounds in the Rockies share the same valleys as the train lines, and you can expect train noise, at times quite close to campgrounds. In addition, while the aim is to be in campgrounds with the option of campfires, there are some campgrounds where fires aren't permitted. In some cases, campfires might not be permitted during the park or provincial-mandated fire bans.
What do I need to have for this tour?
Here’s the list of recommended items:
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Calgary to start this tour?
You can get to Calgary via a flight to Calgary International Airport (YYC) from almost any bigger city in Canada, as well as some major cities in the USA and Europe.
Is the 12-Day Rockies Hiking and Camping Adventure Tour in English?
Yes, the tour guide is English speaking.
Where does the 12-Day Rockies Hiking and Camping Adventure Tour end?
The tour ends where it starts, in Calgary. You can also be dropped off at Banff if you decide to stay in the Canadian Rockies after your tour.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Canada?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Canada?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Do I need to tip my tour guides?
Tipping in Canada is customary, but much appreciated. Ideally, you should tip each guide 5-10 CAD per day (from one person) for an excellent service.
All tours on 10Adventures are operated by highly vetted local tour operators and guides.
Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.
Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.
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124 total ratings, 0 with reviewsStephen L.
I’ve been using 10Adventures route guides for a while, but had never booked a tour. My wife and I booked a self-guided hike in Greece and were so impressed with how we were able navigate the route without a guide with the detailed and easy to follow itinerary. We enjoy travelling independently, and 10Adventures made that happen.
Melinda S.
I was going through a tough time and really needed a getaway so I decided to book a tour through 10Adventures. My trip to Peru changed my life in so many positive and eye-opening ways. I am so thankful for the kind, empathetic team at 10Adventures.
Lina K.
I’ve adventured around a lot of Canada and the US, but I’ve always wanted to explore other parts of the world. I felt a bit scared before booking my trip to Israel, but my conversations with the team at 10Adventures helped ease any worry. I can’t wait to explore more of the world!
Gabriela H.
Travel companies have had to go through a lot during the pandemic but 10Adventures were super flexible and accommodating nonetheless. I had to cancel my tour in France due to the pandemic. 10Adventures was great and let me reschedule for a later date!
Mikael V.
My wife Sarah and I had a great experience booking our 7-day cycling trip through Portugal via 10Adventures. The communication between us and Nadine leading up the trip was top-notch!
Alexandra D.
Communicating with 10Adventures feels like talking with a family-run business. I love to explore and travel, and exploring with the comfort of knowing I can talk to the team at 10Adventures with almost immediate feedback helps to ease any stress that comes with adventuring!
Eric S.
Whenever I’m looking for my next adventure 10Adventures never fails. Their routes all over England are my main go to for exploring and I have only had great experiences booking both guided and self-guided trips in Europe and South America with them. I am looking into Africa next.
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I tend to have a lot of questions before travelling and was so happy to find that the team at 10Adventures responded to every single one of my inquiries in a timely fashion. I was never left waiting and waiting for a response. This was much appreciated!
Isabella N.
I have horrible dietary issues making it super hard to book a pre-planned trip sometimes, but the communication through 10Adventures helped me navigate this situation! I am so grateful for all of their help. I cant wait to book with them again!
Erika S.
I just got back from backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, and WOW. What an unreal journey! The alpine meadows, waterfalls, and the lakeside camping spot were memorable highlights! I wonder what other tours 10Adventures has to offer. That one went so well that I am now convinced I need to book another!
Robert D.
I'm not a big fan of traveling because of my fear of flying, but my girlfriend convinced me to go on the Aurora Borealis Tour in the Yukon. I will never forget the mesmerizing northern lights. Such a romantic (and cold) getaway. I would highly recommend it.
Monica L.
Wow! I am so happy with the experience I had with booking through 10Adventures for my tour in Italy! I worked with Nadine and she was super easy-going and helpful when it came to tweaking the itinerary provided on the website. 10/10 would book through 10Adventures again.
We rate this tour as a 3 / 5, and you should be comfortable hiking. These fixed-departure tours are accompanied by two guides, and typically the groups split into a group that does longer hikes and another group that does shorter hikes.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
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