ADULT ONLY
6 - 12 guests
Activity Level 4
Challenge Accepted
I'll let my trusty guides sweat the small things, so I can focus on my goal. Getting to the top, reaching the end, achieving my dreams! Sure, it'll be tough, but the views will be worth it.
Read more about the Active Range
Price
USD $3999/per adult
Next available departure
14 Jul - 19 Jul
Operated by our sister brand Austin Adventures
Activity Level 1
What's The Rush?
I'm active and in decent shape and not looking to experience a place just through a bus window. I'm happy to slow down on the trail, soak it in and breathe in the fresh air.
Walking: 2-3 hours per day on gentle-gradient trails.
Other activities: On these trips, you'll be taking part in a range of other activities that focus less on building up a sweat and more on enjoying the finer things in life.
Activity Level 2
On the Move
Sure, I own some hiking boots, they're even worn in, but they don't go on long trips. I like my creature comforts and I like to give a range of activities a go.
Walking: 2-4 hours per day on gentle to moderate gradient trails. No multi-day hikes.
Biking: 1-3 hours, cruisy rides achievable by anyone, even first-timers. Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats.
Other activities (i.e. snorkeling): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 3
Step It Up
I love an active vacation. Engaging in a challenging activity with a difficult goal, such as reaching a summit, is exactly what I need to unwind in the evenings.
Hiking: Typically, 3-6 hours per day on well-formed backcountry trails. Expect some significant gradient inclines and declines.
Altitude: Your trip may include some moderate altitude areas, though these don't form the focus of the trip and are generally manageable.
Biking: 1-3 hours on well-formed paths or roads where you can expect some hills with moderate climbs and descents.
Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats.
Other activities (i.e. caving): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 4
Challenge Accepted
I'll let my trusty guides sweat the small things, so I can focus on my goal. Getting to the top, reaching the end, achieving my dreams! Sure, it'll be tough, but the views will be worth it.
Hiking / Trekking: Typically, 4–6-hour hikes with options for more, sometimes with limited or no vehicle support and nearly always with ascents and descents.
Altitude: Some trips at this level will reach a significant altitude. We are here to help you manage that and make your experience one to cherish for a lifetime.
Biking & Kayaking: If one, or both, of these activities are 'your thing,' there are trip options in this range, allowing you to be on two wheels or with a paddle in your hand for most of the day.
Activity Level 5
The Upper Limit
I'm ready to put in the hard work to reap the rewards. I'm a seasoned adventurer, not afraid to get my boots wet.
Trekking & Altitude: This is classic trekking, at altitude. Some might even call it 'expedition-style.' We've had folks from all walks of life achieve their dreams on our grade 5 trips, so if you're in for a challenge get in touch to find out if this is for you.
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.
British Columbia’s Esplanade Range
Hiking
Helicopter into the backcountry
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Remote lodges
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Lake Louise
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Day 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.
Mountain View Inn (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.
GAH-Meadow Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: Minimum Hiking Distance: 3 miles (5 kilometers), 4hrs; Minimum Elevation Gain/Loss: +1,150 feet (355 meters)/-1,000 feet (300 meters)
4 hours of hiking.
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.
GAH-Vista Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: Minimum Hiking Distance: 4 miles (6 kilometers), 5hrs; Minimum Elevation Gain/Loss: +1,200 feet (395 meters)/-1,500 feet (470 meters)
5 hours of hiking. 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.
GAH-Sentry Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: Minimum Hiking Distance: 4.5 miles (7 kilometers), 6hrs; Minimum Elevation Gain/Loss: +1,500 feet (475 meters)/-1,725 feet (525 meters)
6 hours of hiking. 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.
GAH-Sentry Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: Options for 2-3mi loops, 4-5mi loops, and 5-7mi (7-11km), 2-6 hours of hiking
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 at the airport, refreshed and renewed after your backcountry expedition.
No Accommodation (Breakfast, Lunch)
Get in touch with our specialized team to find out more and get personalized advice.
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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.
We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. Please note CFAR insurance can only be purchased within 14 days of booking. We recommend Redpoint Insurance – you can find details here.
T+Cs Apply.
You’ll be inspired and exhilarated, enjoying mind-blowing scenery on foot, in a sea kayak, or by bike - all at your own pace.
We're proud of our Kiwi roots and you’ll love our professional and warm style of hosting. We’re always here to help with planning... even hiking boot recommendations!
We've got everything covered – top-notch meals, comfortable transport, superb accommodation, amazing guides and INCREDIBLE service.
With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you'll get to know your fellow travelers and have the flexibility to go at your own pace.
All our carefully selected guides are highly experienced and have deep personal connections to nature and culture. You’ll enjoy an authentic local experience.
We could hang around all day telling you how wonderful our trips are... but the best people to hear it from are our guests themselves.
