
Canada
Canada - Rocky Mountains on foot and by canoe
Canada - Rocky Mountains on foot and by canoe
Duration
14 days
Start/End
Calgary/Edmonton
Tour type
Group
Level
Demanding
Accommodation
Hotel, tent
Overview
First you hike with a guide through Banff, Lake Louise, Yoho and Jasper, staying in hotels and cabins. After nights in a tent and canoe training comes the highlight: five days paddling the Athabasca River with wilderness camps. Hikes of up to 18 km and 915 m of ascent, five to six hours of paddling a day.
The tour begins with a week of guided hikes in the famous Banff and Jasper National Parks. In the evenings, you'll stay in comfortable hotels or cozy cabins, each with its own bathroom, allowing you to relax and recharge after each day's hike. Afterwards, a gentle introduction to outdoor living awaits: one night each in a tent – first in Jasper, then at an idyllic lake in the foothills – combined with canoeing lessons that will familiarize you with the basics of paddling. Now you're ready for the big highlight: a multi-day canoe trip on the Athabasca River, equipped with everything you need for outdoor living. You'll spend three nights wild camping on secluded islands, with campfires, cooking under the open sky, and an unforgettable feeling of freedom. This trip is the ideal adventure holiday in Canada: active days spent exploring the Rockies, alternating between civilization and comfort in the hotels, and finally pure wilderness on the canoe trip – a unique blend of enjoying nature, comfort and adventure.
Tour Code
Tour language


German, English, FrenchItinerary
Day 1
Calgary
Hotel
Arrival in Calgary and transfer to the hotel. You will meet your guide for initial information about the upcoming tour.
Calgary
Day 1
Hotel
Arrival in Calgary and transfer to the hotel. You will meet your guide for initial information about the upcoming tour.
Day 2
Banff National Park
Hotel
2-3 h
After breakfast, the journey continues through farmland and the foothills to Banff National Park. Following an orientation drive, you'll check into your hotel in Banff, your home for the next two nights. Afterwards, you'll embark on your first hike – perhaps along the shores of Lake Minnewanka or on a nearby mountain trail.
Banff National Park
Day 2
Hotel
2-3 h
After breakfast, the journey continues through farmland and the foothills to Banff National Park. Following an orientation drive, you'll check into your hotel in Banff, your home for the next two nights. Afterwards, you'll embark on your first hike – perhaps along the shores of Lake Minnewanka or on a nearby mountain trail.
Day 3
Banff National Park
Hotel
5-7 h
Today a full-day hike awaits you – across alpine meadows, through passes above the tree line, to an idyllic mountain lake. Those who wish can continue climbing to a 2470-meter-high pass to enjoy the view from the top. In the evening, you can relax in a warm sulfur bath or take a stroll through the lively town of Banff.
Banff National Park
Day 3
Hotel
5-7 h
Today a full-day hike awaits you – across alpine meadows, through passes above the tree line, to an idyllic mountain lake. Those who wish can continue climbing to a 2470-meter-high pass to enjoy the view from the top. In the evening, you can relax in a warm sulfur bath or take a stroll through the lively town of Banff.
Day 4
Lake Louise
Hotel
/ 3.5 km, 6 km or 18.5 km / 400 – 915 hm
1.5 h
The postcard-perfect scenery around Lake Louise is a must-see on our trip. Today, our guide will lead us on a short hike with a 400-meter climb to a historic teahouse on an alpine lake. Those who wish can continue hiking – about 15 km through the glacial valley known as the Plain of Six Glaciers – or to a nearby viewpoint.
Lake Louise
Day 4
Hotel
/ 3.5 km, 6 km or 18.5 km / 400 – 915 hm
1.5 h
The postcard-perfect scenery around Lake Louise is a must-see on our trip. Today, our guide will lead us on a short hike with a 400-meter climb to a historic teahouse on an alpine lake. Those who wish can continue hiking – about 15 km through the glacial valley known as the Plain of Six Glaciers – or to a nearby viewpoint.
Day 5
Lake Louise & Yoho National Park
Hotel
approx. 6 hours / 18 km
Today we have the opportunity for a fantastic whitewater rafting trip on the Kicking Horse River with a side trip to Golden, BC. Alternatively, we can hike a loop trail across flower-strewn mountain slopes with stunning views of Emerald Lake. Other highlights on today's hike include the Natural Bridge, Takakkaw Falls, and the Spiral Tunnel.
Lake Louise & Yoho National Park
Day 5
Hotel
approx. 6 hours / 18 km
Today we have the opportunity for a fantastic whitewater rafting trip on the Kicking Horse River with a side trip to Golden, BC. Alternatively, we can hike a loop trail across flower-strewn mountain slopes with stunning views of Emerald Lake. Other highlights on today's hike include the Natural Bridge, Takakkaw Falls, and the Spiral Tunnel.
Day 6
Jasper National Park
Hotel
2 h
Drive along the spectacular Icefields Parkway with numerous photo stops – including Peyto Lake, Bow Summit, and the Columbia Icefields. From the viewpoint at 2,260 meters (7,000 feet), you'll have the best view of the Saskatchewan Glacier. Afterward, continue to Jasper and check into your hotel.
Jasper National Park
Day 6
Hotel
2 h
Drive along the spectacular Icefields Parkway with numerous photo stops – including Peyto Lake, Bow Summit, and the Columbia Icefields. From the viewpoint at 2,260 meters (7,000 feet), you'll have the best view of the Saskatchewan Glacier. Afterward, continue to Jasper and check into your hotel.
Day 7
Jasper National Park
Hotel
2-6 h / 8 km / 460 m elevation
Today you have many options: swimming and a picnic at Pyramid Lake, mountain biking, horseback riding, or canoeing. Or you can join the guide for a hike at Maligne Lake and perhaps even further to a 2790 m high summit.
Jasper National Park
Day 7
Hotel
2-6 h / 8 km / 460 m elevation
Today you have many options: swimming and a picnic at Pyramid Lake, mountain biking, horseback riding, or canoeing. Or you can join the guide for a hike at Maligne Lake and perhaps even further to a 2790 m high summit.
Day 8
Jasper National Park
Tent
2-3 h / 8 km / 335 m elevation
First, we'll take one last hike in the Columbia Icefields area, up to a pass at 2,375 meters – fantastic views guaranteed. Then the camping adventure begins. You'll receive your equipment (tent, sleeping bag, mat) and pitch your tent for the night. From this point on, all meals are included.
Jasper National Park
Day 8
Tent
2-3 h / 8 km / 335 m elevation
First, we'll take one last hike in the Columbia Icefields area, up to a pass at 2,375 meters – fantastic views guaranteed. Then the camping adventure begins. You'll receive your equipment (tent, sleeping bag, mat) and pitch your tent for the night. From this point on, all meals are included.
Day 9
Canoe training
Tent
We begin with a walk along the spectacular Maligne Canyon, where the river roars 50 meters below. Afterwards, we drive to a spacious campsite. There, you'll learn essential paddling techniques and safety rules during a canoeing introduction on a calm lake. You'll also receive valuable tips on equipment, teamwork, and wilderness etiquette. Even experienced paddlers will find this stretch of river a real challenge – but safety and comfort are always our top priorities.
Canoe training
Day 9
Tent
We begin with a walk along the spectacular Maligne Canyon, where the river roars 50 meters below. Afterwards, we drive to a spacious campsite. There, you'll learn essential paddling techniques and safety rules during a canoeing introduction on a calm lake. You'll also receive valuable tips on equipment, teamwork, and wilderness etiquette. Even experienced paddlers will find this stretch of river a real challenge – but safety and comfort are always our top priorities.
Days 10–12
On the Athabasca River
Tent
Approximately 5-6 hours of paddling time per day
Your remaining luggage will be safely stored – now your adventure on the water begins! You'll spend three nights in tents pitched on sandbars or idyllic spots along the riverbank. The Athabasca River is sometimes wild and fast, sometimes calm and clear, depending on the season. You have a good chance of spotting wild geese, beavers, moose, bears, eagles, or elk.
On the Athabasca River
Days 10–12
Tent
Approximately 5-6 hours of paddling time per day
Your remaining luggage will be safely stored – now your adventure on the water begins! You'll spend three nights in tents pitched on sandbars or idyllic spots along the riverbank. The Athabasca River is sometimes wild and fast, sometimes calm and clear, depending on the season. You have a good chance of spotting wild geese, beavers, moose, bears, eagles, or elk.
Day 13
Edmonton
Hotel
A final day on the river – after approximately 160 km, you'll reach the end of your canoe trip. Afterwards, a bus will take you to Edmonton. The hotel is located near the huge West Edmonton Mall. The tour concludes around 6:30 pm with your final overnight stay.
Edmonton
Day 13
Hotel
A final day on the river – after approximately 160 km, you'll reach the end of your canoe trip. Afterwards, a bus will take you to Edmonton. The hotel is located near the huge West Edmonton Mall. The tour concludes around 6:30 pm with your final overnight stay.
Day 14
departure
Transfer to Edmonton Airport. A transfer to Calgary is also available upon request (arrival there around 3:30 pm). We would be happy to book an extra night in Edmonton for you upon request.
departure
Day 14
Transfer to Edmonton Airport. A transfer to Calgary is also available upon request (arrival there around 3:30 pm). We would be happy to book an extra night in Edmonton for you upon request.
Services
What's included
8 nights' hotel accommodation in a double room including breakfast
5 nights in a spacious 2-person tent
All meals during camping (dinner day 8 to lunch day 13)
Airport transfers and all transport in a 15-seater minibus
English and German or French-speaking guide (depending on the date)
5 days in a 2-person canoe including complete equipment
Canoe bags in various sizes
Sleeping bag and self-inflating sleeping mat
Entrance fees for the national parks
Maximum 12 participants
What's not included
Individual travel to and from the destination (we are happy to put together a suitable offer)
Travel insurance (we are happy to put together an individual offer)
Personal equipment
Visa and vaccinations, if required
Tips
Meals and drinks not mentioned
Optionally bookable: Whitewater rafting (approx. CAD 195)
Optionally bookable: Rental mountain bike (approx. CAD 65 per day)
Character of the trip
Fitness
Demanding
Altitude
Gentle
Culture / nature
Pure nature
This trip requires a good level of fitness. The daily hikes last approximately 2 to 7 hours, the longest covering about 18 km and up to 915 meters of elevation gain, sometimes at altitudes exceeding 2,000 meters. On the five-day canoe trip, you'll paddle for about 5 to 6 hours per day and sleep in a tent.
You should enjoy basic camping in the wilderness and be able to cope with changeable weather.
Dates and prices
Group dates
Optional
Single room supplement
€1,040.00
per person
Notes on the trip
Program adjustments depending on weather conditions
The safety of our participants is our top priority on our active tours. Since we often travel in alpine or remote regions, weather conditions such as strong winds, fog, persistent rain or snowfall, as well as other unforeseen circumstances, can affect the execution of the planned route. In such cases, our experienced local guide will react flexibly and adjust the route or program accordingly to ensure the safety of everyone involved. These decisions are always made in the best interests of all participants, so that the tour remains safe and as enjoyable as possible. Any claims for compensation are excluded in such cases.
Minimum age
The minimum age for this trip is 12 years.
Notice in accordance with EU Directive 2015/2302:
This trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
