CANADIAN ROCKIES HIKING HOLIDAY

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1 HIGHLIGHTS CANADIAN ROCKIES HIKING HOLIDAY JULY 21-29, 2018 TRIP SUMMARY Being surrounded by stunning mountain scenery that is jaw-droppingly beautiful Hiking well marked trails to glaciers, over passes, past waterfalls, and through forests of spruce, fir, and larch Walking in alpine meadows carpeted in an array of brightly colored wildflowers Visiting the town of Banff home of the Lake Louise Chateau Enjoying the camaraderie that staying in hostels makes possible Phone: Outside the US: Fax:

2 TRIP AT A GLANCE Dates: Jul 21-29, 2018 Location: Banff and Yoho National Parks, Canada Cost: $ Activities: Hiking Arrive: Arrive at our hotel in Calgary by 5 pm on July 21 Depart: Depart Calgary anytime July 29 (our hotel has a shuttle) TRIP OVERVIEW The Canadian Rockies offer some of the most varied and scenic hiking anywhere in the world. This vast area features amazing mountain formations, ice capped peaks, glacially-fed aquamarine lakes, and sparkling glaciers. Alpine meadows carpeted in bright wildflowers add color to an already stunning landscape, and forests of spruce, alpine fir, and larch add their sweet scent to the clean air. Hiking opportunities are practically unlimited so we've chosen the best of the best for our active exploration of this fabled land. Maximum group size: 12 RATING This trip is designed for women who enjoy hiking in the mountains surrounded by breathtaking scenery. We will be hiking 8-11 miles a day in hilly terrain with significant ascents and descents. One descent is especially steep and rocky. Previous hiking experience is extremely useful, as is having a sense of adventure, a desire to spend time in the mountains, and a good level of physical fitness. A rating of 4 requires aerobic conditioning for at least minutes 4-5 times a week. Additional endurance exercise (e.g. going for a 2-hour hike once a week) and/or strength training is appropriate. Rating: [4] 5. WHAT'S INCLUDED Experienced hiking guides Eight nights lodging in hostels and hotels All meals from dinner Saturday through breakfast the following Sunday with the exception of two lunches. We will go out to restaurants for a few meals and cook in the hostels for most other meals. Round-trip transportation from Calgary to the Parks Park entry fees Not included: Travel to and from Calgary, two lunches, alcoholic beverages, guide gratuities and travel insurance

3 OUR ITINERARY Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests. DAY 1 JULY 21, SATURDAY Arrive in Calgary anytime on Saturday, July 21, but in time to meet at our hotel at 5pm. We will meet in the lobby of our hotel for introductions and then go out together for a welcome dinner where we will continue getting to know each other and talk about our upcoming hiking adventure. DAY 2 JULY 22, SUNDAY This morning we load into the vans and head for Lake Louise. We will visit the world-famous Chateau Lake Louise, located in one of the most beautiful settings you will ever see (pictures of it are gorgeous and don't begin to do it justice). After visiting the Chateau we take a short uphill hike to the Lake Agnes Tea House above the actual Lake, the perfect introduction to this amazing land. Our lodging tonight and for the next two nights is the Castle Mountain Hostel, a smaller hostel away from the bustle of Lake Louise that we will have all to ourselves. DAY 3 JULY 23, MONDAY Plain-of-Six Glaciers Hike. 8.2 miles round trip. The Plain of Six Glaciers is an accurate name! Actually the forefront of the Lower Victoria glacier, six glaciers are visible from it. Passing through some of the most interesting glaciated scenery in Banff National Park, our trail rises from Lake Louise to a spectacular viewpoint at the base of Mount Victoria. The teahouse at the end of the trail was built in 1924 by Swiss guides who were employed by the railway to bring tourism to the area. The baked goods served there provide an extra reward for our hiking endeavors. Overnight Castle Mountain Hostel

4 DAY 4 JULY 24, TUESDAY Larch Valley/Sentinel Pass/Paradise Valley Loop. 11 miles. Of the major trails in the mountain parks, Sentinel Pass at 8,566 feet is the highest. Sandwiched between two peaks, this barren pass offers us a glimpse into the world of mountaineers. Starting in the Valley of the Ten Peaks we walk above Moraine Lake to the beautiful Larch Valley and onto Sentinel Pass. After lunch at the pass with its outstanding vistas in all directions, we descend to Paradise Valley for a gradual walk out to the road. This hike feels long by the end but is so absolutely stunning that it is well worth tired feet. Overnight Castle Mountain Hostel DAY 5 JULY 25, WEDNESDAY Glacier hike in Jasper. Today we'll see the Rockies from a different perspective - that of a glacier, one of the geologic forms that is responsible for carving out the Rockies. On our guided glacier walk on the Athabasca Glacier in the Jasper area, we'll learn how to put on and walk in crampons, which make walking on ice safe and enjoyable. And we'll stop often to learn about glaciers- how they're made, what moulins (glacier mills) are, what a crevasse is, how moraines are made, and much more. After our full day, we'll move over to the lovely Fireweed Hostel in Field, BC. DAY 6 JULY 26, THURSDAY Today is full of options! We will visit Emerald Lake where you can rent canoes (canoe rental is additional) and/or enjoy the walk around the lake. If you want a longer hike we will pick one of the many that leave from Emerald Lake. We will be back to the lake around lunch in time to enjoy the lake before returning to the hostel. You may be interested in learning more about the Burgess Shale in the area and attending a geology talk at the visitors center. Of course, relaxing at the hostel and exploring the quaint village of Field is also an excellent option. Overnight Fireweed Hostel

5 DAY 7 JULY 27, FRIDAY Iceline Trail. 10 miles. This morning we head for Takkakaw Falls, one of the most beautiful and dramatic falls in the Rockies as it plunges 850 feet over a rocky cliff. "Takakkaw", loosely translated from Cree, means something like "it is magnificent". The Iceline trail is too!! Our hike for the day offers simply spectacular overviews of the Yoho Valley. Scratched from glacial rubble, the trail follows a sensational line, contouring the edge of Emerald Glacier for 2 miles. Panoramic vistas of the Yoho valley (Yoho is from a Cree expression meaning awe and wonder) are our reward for venturing into this rocky domain. Overnight Fireweed Hostel DAY 8 JULY 28, SATURDAY After a leisurely morning, we drive back to the city of Banff. Along the way we will stop for a three-mile hike along tumbling waters in the deep cleft of Johnson Canyon. This asphalt-covered path is one of the most popular in the Park and no wonder - its gentle grade up to spectacular waterfalls is outstanding. Once in town there are a number of possible things to do, including a visit to the famous cave and basin hot springs, a ride up the Sulphur mountain gondola, or a visit to the Whyte Museum. There will also be time to shop for last minute souvenirs. We will head back to Calgary for dinner and our final farewells. Overnight Calgary DAY 9 JULY 29, SUNDAY We will be staying at a hotel that has a shuttle to the airport and you are free to depart anytime for home. But Calgary is also an interesting town in its own right and you might want to spend time visiting it before heading home.

6 ADDITIONAL TRIP INFORMATION GETTING THERE There is a free shuttle from the Calgary airport (YYC) to the Holiday Inn Calgary Airport, 1250 McKinnon Drive, (403) Once you arrive at the airport and have your luggage you can call the hotel (403) to request the shuttle. To meet the shuttle, leave the airport from door #4 and go to Bay #17. The shuttle will meet you there. There is also a courtesy phone at Bay #17 that you can use to contact the hotel and request the shuttle. If you would like help with any travel plans we recommend our travel agent Barbara Nelson, Scan East West Travel, at bnelson@scaneastwest.com or call ACCOMMODATIONS While in the Parks, we will spend three nights each at the Hi-Castle Mountain Hostel and the new Fireweed hostel in Field, both of which we will have to ourselves. At Castle Mountain, there are 2 large rooms which have 7 bunkbeds each and a bathroom off each with several stalls and showers, and a large common area with a cozy fireplace. At Fireweed, there are 4 rooms with 2 bunkbeds to a room. At the beginning and end of the trip we'll spend the night at a hotel near the Calgary airport with a free airport shuttle. Hi-Castle Mountain Hostel near Lake Louise and Banff National Park (866) Fireweed Hostel in Field BC and Yoho National Park. (250) Vegetarian options can be accommodated on this trip. Women with other types of dietary needs will need to bring supplemental food. WEATHER The weather in the Canadian Rockies is always changing, be it from valley to valley or hour to hour. Temperatures vary greatly from day to night and often predictions can be off from day to day. The best thing to do is dress in layers that allow you to respond to the changing conditions. Average daily highs are in the low 70'sF with average lows in the 40's. TRAVEL INSURANCE WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TRIP CANCELLATION/TRIP INTERRUPTION INSURANCE, WHICH COVERS YOUR COST IF YOU NEED TO CANCEL OR INTERRUPT YOUR TRIP for medical reasons, trip delay, lost baggage, and other unforeseen emergencies. Adventures in Good Company will send you information about travel insurance with your registration information, or you may purchase coverage through your own insurance company. In order to avoid disappointment and expense in the event that you must cancel your trip we strongly urge you to purchase some type of insurance coverage. You can also sign up for it online at Travelex Insurance. To get the best rates, use as your location number on the Get A Quote page.

7 PACKING LIST FOOTWEAR 1 pair of midweight hiking boots: It is recommended that boots come over the ankle and broken in. 1 pair of comfortable athletic shoes, Crocs or Teva sandals for wearing around the hostels & in town. 2-3 pairs of hiking socks (wool or synthetic equivalent: Smartwool, Thorlo, Ultimax) 1 pair synthetic, lightweight liner socks (not everyone prefers sock liners) 1 shower shoes (e.g. flip flops. Optional, since showers are shared) CLOTHING 2 pairs of comfortable long pants, one for hiking and one for wearing other times. Zip-offs work well 1 pair of shorts 3 synthetic or lightweight wool T-shirts or short-sleeved shirts 1 lightweight, long-sleeved shirt for hiking - button up front is the best 1 pair lightweight long underwear top: silk, wool or synthetic equivalent (i.e. Capilene, Polartec, or polypropylene) 1 medium-weight top layer: wool shirt/pull-over or synthetic equivalent. A fleece or vest works well for this layer. 1 warm fleece jacket 1 rain parka and rain pants: coated nylon or a waterproof/breathable fabric like Gore-tex. Underwear/nightwear 1 pair lightweight wool, Capilene, or Polartec gloves and a warm wool or fleece hat 1 wide-brimmed hat for protection from the sun 1-2 changes of casual clothes to wear at the end of the day TOILETRIES (small everything) Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, hand sanitizer, shampoo, soap, contact lens, paraphernalia, & sanitary items Sunscreen and lip protection with sunblock of at least SPF 15 _ Personal first aid/patch kit - Band-Aids, 1 safety pin, moleskin, compeed (or blister bandages), ibuprofen, any personal medications Please note: Individuals who have had or have the potential for a severe allergic reaction to insect stings, specific foods or medications must bring an epi-pen. Please consult your physician and tell your guide. EQUIPMENT/ESSENTIALS 1 pair Trekking poles required 1 daypack - large enough to hold your supplies for the day (water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellant, raingear, fleece jacket, wool hat and gloves, personal patch kit, etc.) see packing notes Capability to waterproof your backpack. Either a rain cover or a heavy plastic bag to line your pack. Capacity to carry 2 liters of water either 2 one-liter bottles or hydration system Sunglasses (100% UV protection) w/retention strap insect repellant Small headlamp or flashlight 1 2 bandanas/buff Ear plugs (for a good night s sleep!) Wristwatch/travel alarm clock Tupperware-like container for sandwich/lunch Passport and Xeroxed copy Your favorite snacks (some snacks will be provided but bring along anything you can t live without) OPTIONAL Camera (extra battery) and film/memory card Binoculars Wristwatch/travel alarm clock Bathing suit (pool at Holiday Inn) Book, notebook, journal Short Gaiters Wash Cloth (if you use one)

8 NOTES ON PACKING Adventures in Good Company's packing list covers everything you need to assure your safety and comfort. You may not use everything you bring; however, you need to come prepared for all possible weather conditions. At the same time, you must be able to carry your own luggage, sometimes up and down stairs. Bringing a duffel bag or soft-sided suitcase with wheels, rather than a hard-sided suitcase, is easier for packing in the van Daypacks: Your daypack should be large enough to hold the following items: 2 liters of water, rain gear, lunch/snacks (for the day), sun screen, warm layer (fleece pullover or vest), personal first aid kit, lightweight gloves, warm hat and personal items such as camera,etc. We recommend a daypack with a capacity of between 1800 and 2400 cubic inches with a hip belt, padded shoulder straps, and lifters. Line your daypack with a durable plastic bag to keep your belongings dry, or have an elasticized pack cover that fits snuggly over it. Before you leave home check to be sure that it is comfortable to wear all day and has sufficient space for all of your items. Note: Fanny-packs and hydration packs are not large enough to hold all of the items you will need for the day. Footwear: Well-fitting, sturdy boots or trail shoes are very important to your safety and enjoyment. If you plan to buy new boots, break them in by wearing them around town and taking some short hikes before your trip. For general hiking, lightweight or midweight cordura or leather boots with a Vibram sole work well. If you have weak ankles or are recovering from an ankle injury, get boots that come above the ankle you ll find that this will give you more support in uneven or slippery terrain. Remember to waterproof your boots before the trip. Even boots billed as waterproof need to be treated with a waterproofing product. Personal First Aid Kit: Bring a small first aid kit with familiar medicine and first aid supplies you might need. Recommendations include the following: blister or foot remedies like moleskin, Compeed, blister bandages, or similar, a small role of duct tape (always useful!), remedies for respiratory ailments, stomach ailments, sore muscles or joints. The guides will have a first aid kit but having what you know works well for you is a good idea. Clothing: The clothing listed on the packing list has been chosen for your specific trip conditions and for its versatility for layering. NO COTTON for your active wear! It should all be made from synthetic/synthetic blends, down/down blends or wool/wool blends. Layering is the most practical and efficient method of insulating the body. Several layers of varied weight materials provide better insulation than one thick Layer of clothing. Also, adding or subtracting layers allows you to adjust to the temperature at your particular level of activity. Rain Gear: You will need a parka or jacket made of a coated nylon or a waterproof/breathable fabric like Gore-tex, HellyTech, Membrane, H2No, or Ultrex. Be sure it keeps water out. Before making this important purchase, be sure that it fits you properly. It should be large enough to fit over all your layers. In particular, the hood needs to be effective. It should shield your face from the rain and turn with your head. Movement of your arms must not interfere with the hood. Put on your daypack; can you still raise your arms? Your wind/rain pants should be comfortable, allow enough room for your layers, and permit free movement of your legs (for example, can you crouch comfortably?). Partial or full-length leg zippers are useful for easily putting your pants on over your boots. An inexpensive plastic poncho will both leak and tear easily and is not recommended. Hydration: Being able to easily access your water without assistance, so that you can drink frequently, is important to your safety and enjoyment. One method is to have a water bottle attached to your waist strap. Another option is to use a HYDRATION SYSTEM such as CamelBak, Platypus, and MSR bladder bags, which are collapsible water bags with a hose attachment that you drink from. The bags fit inside or outside your pack with the hose positioned over your shoulder so that you can access your water as you hike. Bladder bags can hold 1-3 liters of water. Trekking Poles: Trekking poles are highly recommended for this trip. Trekking poles contribute to your safety by improving your balance and stability, and to your health by saving stress on your hips and knees. If you are not familiar with trekking poles, read this blog post that addresses the most commonly asked questions: