Pioneer ExpeditionsRocky Mountain Summer adventure – A multi activity program which immerses you into the spectacular surroundings of the Canadian Rockies. You will be introduced to canoeing, hiking, whitewater rafting, rock climbing and will conclude your trip on a 4-day canoe expedition on the magestic North Saskatchewan river.
Rocky Mountain Adventure
Day 1: Calgary
Arrival in Calgary, check in/shuttle to hotel.In the evening you will have an introduction to trip leaders/guides and all the other participants of the group. Your guides will outline the expectations, as well as the itinerary for the next 16 days.
Overnight hotel
Day 2: Kananaskis Country
After an early breakfast we take a short tour of the city of Calgary.
In Calgary we organsise and procure our provisions for the next couple of days. From Calgary we drive ( approx. 150 km) west on the TransCanada Hwy 1 past the Native reservation of Morley and continue on south into the so called Kananaskis Country. Here the Peter Loughead and Spray Lakes Provincial Parks form a wild alpine and mountain environment. We set up camp at the Kananaskis Lakes Campground for the next two nights.In the evening we enjoy a campfire and tenting under the stars.
Overnight camp
Day 3: Kananaskis Country
A full day hike in the breathtaking Peter Loughead Provincial Park. Hiking options include “Pocatera Ridge” (500 meter elevation over 9km ), or possibly Baldy Pass (600 meter elevationton over 8km / 16km return trip) . Both hikes allow for amazing views of the rugged isolated mountain peaks of this area. In Kananaskis Country we are surrounded by pure wilderness and the natural home of Grizzlies, bighorn sheep, moose, and wolves.
Overnight camp
Day 4: Spray Lakes
Today after breakfast we break camp and travel (approx. 60 km ) on gravel roads from Kananaskis Lakes to the Spray Lake Valley. On this strectch of road there are good opportunities to view Moose, and bears. In the evening we once again enjoy the comforts of our campfire along side the calls of ” Loons ” on Spray Lake.
Overnight camp
Day 5: Canmore
Today we take the day at a more relaxed pace. There is the possibility to undertake either a half day hike up to Ha Ling Peak or possibly up to West Wind Pass. In the afternoon an approximately 40km drive from Spray Lake brings us down into the lovely mountain town of Canmore nestled between the mountain peeks of the Bow Valley. In Canmore we resupply with provisions and there is the opportunity to stroll or enjoy a cappuccino in one of the many nice cafes.
Overnight camp
Day 6: Banff/ Lake Louise/ Moraine Lake
After breakfast we take down our camp and from Spray lakes it is about a 60 km drive to the world famous town of Banff. Over the next 4 days we will also be traveling within the Rocky Mountain National Park system. One of the largest protected mountain park systems in the world. Banff itself was made famous through its natural hot springs and as a picturesque Alpine destination.
Overnight camp
Day 7: Lake Lousie – Yoho National Park
From Lake Louise we make our way to the Takakkaw waterfall and Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park. Hiking opportunities abound in Yoho with the possibility of spectacular views of Yoho Glacier. It is also possible to spend the day white water rafting on the Kicking Horse River.
Overnight camp
Day 8: Icefield Parkway – Jasper
From Johnston Canyon we drive over Bow Pass and past Peyto Lake to the Columbia Icefields where we stop to hike Wilcox Pass which leads over a spectacular subalpine pass and boasts breathtaking views of the Athabasca Glacier. Ending up at Tangle Falls, we continue on by van, arriving by evening in the small town of Jasper, our base for the next two days.
Overnight camp
Day 9: Jasper
Today is spent exploring Jasper and Jasper National Park. Options include mountain biking in and around Jasper, or hiking up Bald Hills which overlooks the blue waters of Maligne Lake. We also visit Maligne Canyon with inspiring depths of over 40 m.
Overnight camp
Day 10: North Saskatchewan Valley
We return by van along the Icefields Parkway past the Columbia Icefields and from Saskatchewan Crossing to the remote and picturesque Shunda Creek Hostel, our home for the next two nights. En route a possible option includes a short hike up Parkers Ridge, affording stunning views of the Saskatchewan Glacier.
Overnight hostel
Day 11: Nordeg/Canoe Training
After breakfast, we start our first day of canoe training on Goldeye Lake. We spend a full day learning basic canoeing skills. After some instruction and theory, we spend the day practicing on the crystal blue waters.
Overnight hostel
Day 12: North Saskatchewan River
Our first day spent on the beautiful North Saskatchewan River with its open valleys and high mountain peaks. We spend the first day getting comfortable on the river. In the evening we set up camp at the river’s edge on one of the many islands that dot its course. We cook by the campfire, tell stories, and enjoy our romantic surroundings.
Overnight camp
Day 13-14: North Saskatchewan River
We continue our canoe expedition, encountering the occasional rapid. With luck we spot bald eagles, wolves, bears, and caribou in their natural habitat. We wind our way down the North Saskatchewan as it flows out from the heart of the mountains into the rolling foothills of the Rockies. We camp under starry skies accompanied by the crackling sound of the campfire.
Overnight camp
Day 15: Calgary
After breakfast, and saying our last goodbyes, shuttle to the Calgary airport. Return flight home.
