ADULT ONLY
Activity Level 4
Be prepared for some serious physical activity on our Level 4 trips. The fitter you are, the more you'll enjoy it, as most hikes will be challenging.
Read more about the Active Range
Price (Includes taxes and fees)
from USD 3299/per adult
Operated by our sister brand Austin Adventures
Activity Level 1
Suitable for most fitness levels, our Level 1 adventures are the perfect introduction to adventure travel.
You'll typically experience two half day activities per day, done at an easygoing pace.
Activity Level 2
Hikes on our Level 2 adventures are considered easy to moderate in difficulty.
Those who enjoy half-day hikes with enough elevation gain to elevate their heart rate will enjoy these adventures.
Activity Level 3
Those who take on our Level 3 tours are looking for more challenging hikes that will raise their heart rate.
While not our most strenuous trips, you'll definitely feel accomplished after a day on the trails. A solid base of fitness is advised.
Activity Level 4
Be prepared for some serious physical activity on our Level 4 trips. The fitter you are, the more you'll enjoy it, as most hikes will be challenging.
Hikes may include rock scrambling, river crossings, and off trail adventures.
Activity Level 5
On our Level 5 trips get ready to conquer back-to-back days of long hikes or summitting peaks at altitude.
We require a high level of fitness as adventurers will be met with plenty of challenges and sometimes extreme conditions.
This backcountry hiking trip invites you to explore some of the lesser-trekked trails of British Columbia's Esplanade Range. On your way toward jumping off the grid, visit two of Canada's most beloved national parks – Kootenay and Yoho. Your expert guides then usher you up to the Canadian backcountry, hopping in a helicopter for a quick ride up to your starting point – Sunrise Lodge. By day you'll hike along secluded trails, delightfully disconnected from hectic schedules and entirely immersed in the beauty around you. By night, you'll rest your muscles and feast on fresh meals whipped up by a private chef. The unspoiled alpine wilderness will enchant you and restore you as you trek the trails of Canada's famed backcountry.
Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip.
DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDFDay 1
Welcome to your Canadian backcountry exploration! After a morning pickup, you'll set off on a day of short, scenic hikes near Golden. You’ll begin with a welcome meeting and an easy stroll among towering peaks and photo-op-worthy bridges at Cascade Ponds. From there, you’ll head to the sleepy ski town of Golden, British Columbia, and up to Kicking Horse Resort. Enjoy lunch at the Eagle’s Eye Resort at 7,700 feet on the ridge of Terminator Peak. The alpine ridgeline hiking at Kicking Horse is unparalleled and uncrowded.
You’ll arrive in town this evening where you’ll get ready for your 4-day backcountry hiking experience with a packing discussion and run down of the week ahead with your guides.|
Accommodation: Mountain View Inn
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 3-6 miles (5-10 kilometers)
Day 2
After breakfast at a popular local cafe, you'll arrive at Sunrise Lodge the only way you can – via helicopter! Just a short 5-minute ride brings you to the gateway of the Esplanade Range, the northernmost tip of the Purcell Mountains.
As you hike along Paradise Ridge, soak in the commanding views of the Canadian Rockies to the east, the Purcells to the south, and the Selkirks to the west. Enjoy a midday rest and a picnic lunch along the trails before setting off to Meadow Lodge, one of the highest alpine huts in Canada and your home for the evening.
Tonight, your personal backcountry chef will whip up dinner for you and your fellow hikers.
Accommodation: GAH-Meadow Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: Minimum 3 miles (5 kilometers), 4 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: Minimum 1,150 feet (355 meters) ascent, 1,000 feet (300 meters) descent
Notes: Creek crossings, boulder fields, off trail routes and some trails
Day 3
An alpine wonderland few get to experience lies before you today. After breakfast, you’ll begin another day hiking along stunning and secluded trails where wild beauty thrives. And mountain goats, too! Feast your eyes on an endless panorama of sky-skimming peaks and fill your stomach with a hearty midday lunch on the trail.
On your way to Vista Lodge, you’ll hike through picturesque alpine meadows and spy the sparkling waters of Vista Lake. You'll have options to summit several different peaks along the way as you hike towards your private mountain hut for the night.
Accommodation: GAH-Vista Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: Minimum 4 miles (6 kilometers), 5 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: Minimum 1,200 feet (395 meters) ascent, 1,500 feet (470 meters) descent
Notes: Creek crossings, boulder fields, off trail routes and some trails
Day 4
Step out onto the alpine meadow doorstep of Vista Lodge and hike the peaks and ridges toward Sentry Lodge, the “Crown Jewel of the Esplanade.” Climb over the ‘Col of the Wild’ and learn about the local tradition at the top. Wander through unspoiled, untracked alpine meadows in the headwaters of Colpitti Creek. But before you relax your delightfully tired muscles in its legendary sauna, you’ll enjoy a trailside lunch and traverse the ridgeline to wonder at the untouched alpine beauty all around you.
A new-era backcountry lodge, Sentry offers plenty of space, stellar views, running hot and cold water supplied by Tetras Lake, and even Wi-Fi! But, with the views, good company, and natural treasures surrounding you, you’re just as likely to forget you even brought your phone.
Accommodation: GAH-Sentry Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: Minimum 4.5 miles (7 kilometers), 6 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: Minimum 1,500 feet (475 meters) ascent, 1,725 feet (525 meters) descent
Notes: Creek crossings, boulder fields, off trail routes and some trails
Day 5
You’ll spend the day hiking the network of meadows and ridges that surround Sentry Lodge. Perhaps you’ll take a dip in an alpine lake along the way to cool off and revitalize your senses. Learn why it’s called Unicorn Lake, walk Cowboy Ridge, and soak in the glacier-draped mountain majesty, or wander alpine meadows with no trails discovering the wildflowers that make their home up high.
Today is a day purely intended to explore the secluded wonderland the mountains hold with your expert guides. This evening, rest up and relax with your fellow trekkers and relive the lifelong memories made this week.
Accommodation: GAH-Sentry Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: Options for 2-3 mile (3.2-4.8 kilometers) loop, 2 hours; 4-5 mile (6.4-8 kilometers) loop 4 hours; 5-7 mile loop (8-11 kilometers), 6 hours
Day 6
Bid the backcountry farewell this morning and catch a helicopter ride back to town. In just 12 short minutes, civilization comes roaring back to life. On your way back to Calgary, enjoy a lunch stop and a stop at Lake Louise to find out why its beauty has captivated visitors for over 100 years.
Later this afternoon, we’ll drop you off in Calgary, refreshed and renewed after your backcountry expedition.
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
This trip is operated by our sister brand Austin Adventures
By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. This offer is only valid for reservations where the trip is no sooner than 180 days from the departure date at time of booking.
We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance — you can find details here.
*Terms and conditions apply - read more here
Our passion for exploration is rooted in a strong connection to the natural beauty of our home, New Zealand, and the drive to venture beyond its shores to discover a world different to our own.
We bring your adventure dreams to life. The best journeys don’t just take you places; they inspire you to be curious, ignite your spirit, and find a new sense of freedom – they can even change your life!
Feel the heart and soul of each place you visit with our local people on the ground and knowledgeable guides, who take great care to ensure a truly authentic and immersive experience. This is the real deal.
Feel like you're in a world of your own, with unique itineraries to take you away from the usual tourist traps. Enjoy exhilarating activities like hiking, biking, rafting, and kayaking, to explore the very best of each destination.
We take the time to get to know you to ensure you have the very best experience on our trips. Our small group adventures are big on flexibility — no matter what your version of "active" is, we have options on each trip to suit every individual.
Imagine a vacation that's fully guided, and everything is taken care of and included in the trip price — all accommodations, activities, transport on-trip, most meals, and more! Effortless and value-packed.