The Canadian Rockies 2018 1
Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Calgary and transfer to Banff We arrive in Calgary, meet our local leader and transfer to our accommodation in Banff, our base for three days walking amidst spectacular Rockies scenery. Our accommodation is well situated for walks to Lake Minnewanka, the Bow Valley Parkway for wildlife watching and for our visits to the famous Sunshine Meadows. The Canadian Rockies are one of the world s greatest mountain destinations. Snow-capped peaks tower above amethyst lakes, waterfalls cascade down sheer cliffs, whilst elk and moose roam freely in green alpine valleys. Our Canadian Rockies holiday takes you to the heart of this beautiful landscape, exploring Banff National Park, stunning Lake Louise, and picturesque Jasper National Park. We have walks options on many of the days, and plenty of time to explore off the beaten track in Kananaskis. The following itinerary gives details of likely walks. These are subject to change depending on ability and interests, as well as weather conditions, trail closures and other local factors. On some days there is the option of a harder walk (up to 11 miles) as well as an easier one. Accommodation: Aspen Lodge (4 nights) Banff, Alberta. Day 2: Banff Our first day begins with a tour of the Cave and Basin National Historic site, birthplace of Canada s National Park system. Following this we enjoy a short one hour uphill walk to the top of Banff s satellite peak, Tunnel Mountain. From its central vantage point, we enjoy a great overview of the famous Fairmont Banff Springs hotel and the Bow Valley. Once back to the vehicles, we will continue to the picturesque Cascade ponds for a group picnic. This afternoon we enjoy short walks around the Johnston Lake area and the old town site of Bankhead, a thriving coal 2
mine community from the turn of the century. Walk possibilities: Tunnel Mountain - 3 miles/4.8km, ascent 800ft/244m, Johnston Lake - 2.5 miles/4km, little ascent, Bankhead - 1.5 miles/2.4km, little ascent. Day 3: Banff s Sunshine Meadows We take a shuttle bus high above the tree line (7,300ft), to Banff s famous Sunshine Meadows. This is a walker s paradise with over 40 sq km of flowering meadows, tarns and majestic mountain vistas. Walk possibilities: Sunshine meadows via Rock Isle Lake - 6 miles/9.6km, ascent, 500ft/152m, Sunshine meadows via the Monarch viewpoint 8 miles/12.8km, ascent 800ft/244m. Day 4: Bow Valley Parkway Today we travel along Highway 1A or Bow Valley Parkway, the original Trans- Canada highway, to enjoy fantastic walks in an area renowned for its flora and fauna. Our trail into the Johnston Canyon and Inkpots passes by a number of picturesque waterfalls while our visit to the Vermillion Lakes gives us a great opportunity to observe waterfowl, raptors and to photograph Banff s signature peak, Mount Rundle. The Vermillion Lakes also provide other good wildlife watching opportunities with chances of seeing bear, elk, deer and wolves. Walk possibilities: Johnston Canyon 2nd waterfall - 3 miles/4.8km, ascent 450ft/137m, Inkpots - 7 miles/11.2km, 680ft/207m. Day 5: To Jasper via the Icefield Parkway On our transfer to Jasper National Park we are greeted by numerous glaciated peaks, cascading waterfalls and impressive mountain vistas along the spectacular Icefield Parkway. Jasper National Park is part of a 22,990 sq km protected area, the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site. During our stay here we may be lucky enough to sight black bear, grizzly bear, elk, moose, beaver, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, black tail deer, chipmunks, and ground squirrels. We explore the Athabasca Glacier and the Columbia Icefield en route. The Columbia Icefield is the largest body of ice south of the Arctic Circle, and our guided walk on the glacier here is sure to be one of the highlights of our holiday. 3
Day 8: Jasper Tramway Walk possibilities: Marble Canyon - 1 mile/1.6km, ascent 200ft/61m, Stanley Glacier - 6 miles/9.6km, ascent 1,200ft/366m. Accommodation: Becker s Chalets, Jasper (4 nights)(meals included: breakfast, lunch, The Jasper Tramway on Whistlers Mountain is the longest and highest (7,472ft) aerial tramway in Canada. This affords us the opportunity, without minimal effort, to get high into the mountains for an alpine ridge walk or a stroll through flower studded meadows. The Whistling Marmot gives the mountain its name. Ptarmigan, ground squirrels and pika are all inhabitants of the area and are often seen too. Days 6 & 7: Jasper & the Maligne Valley The Maligne Valley, its famous lake and the high alpine valley of Mount Edith Cavell will be our destinations for the first two days of our stay here. Walk possibilities: Whistlers Mountain summit - 1.5 miles/2.4km, ascent 650ft/198m, Indian Ridge - 5 miles/8km, ascent 2,200ft/671m. Day 9: To Lake Louise region Walk possibilities: Path of the Glacier trail - 1 mile/1.6km, ascent 100ft/30m, Edith Cavell Meadows - 5 miles/8km, ascent 1,250ft/381m, Valley of Five Lakes to Old Fort Point - 8 miles/13km, ascent 445ft/136m, Bald Hills - 7 miles/11.2km, ascent 1,575ft/480m (with option to go further) Today we journey to Lake Louise, a perfect aquamarine pool surrounded by mountains and glaciers, renowned for its natural beauty. Hiking in the Sunwapta pass area affords us views en route of the big peaks of the Canadian Rockies. We have some fabulous photo opportunities too - 4
Peyto Lake and Bow Lake are favourites. Walk possibilities: Parkers Ridge - 2.5 miles/4km, 820ft/250m, Tangle Ridge - 4-6 miles/6.4-9.6km, ascent 3,300ft/1,006m. Accommodation: Baker Creek Chalets, Lake Louise (3 nights), Day 10: Yoho National Park Perhaps the most spectacular of all the parks is Yoho, a native Cree word meaning awesome. Here we visit the Takkakaw falls, the second largest waterfall in the country, and the Spiral tunnels as well as enjoying some memorable walks. Walk possibilities: Emerald Basin - 6.5 miles/10.4km, ascent 740ft/226m, Yoho pass - 11 miles/17.6km, ascent 2,130ft/649m, Iceline - 11 miles/17.6km, 2,300ft/700m. Day 11: Moraine Lake & Lake Louise birthplace of mountain walking in North America. Here we ll experience classic walking on paths built by Swiss guides for turn of the century railway tourists. We also visit the world famous Chateau Lake Louise, a gemstone in the original Canadian Railway hotel chain. Walk possibilities: Eiffel Lake - 6.5 miles/10.4km, 1,220ft/372m, Lake Agnes - 6 miles/9.6km, ascent 1,300ft/396m, Larch Valley (and Sentinel pass) 5-6 miles/8-9.6km, ascent 1,380ft/421m (or 2,376 feet option), Big Beehive - 6 miles/9.6km, ascent 1,770ft/540m. Day 12: Kananaskis Country Today we move on to the pristine wilderness of Kananaskis, one of the Rockies hidden gems. We break up the journey, first to enjoy British Columbia s Kootenay National Park, followed by a visit to Canmore for a walk in the Bow Valley Provincial Park, visiting ancient aboriginal rock paintings and some beautiful tarns. World class vistas of the Canadian Rockies Front Ranges abound en route to Kananaskis. Walk possibilities: Grassi Lakes - 2.5 miles/4km, ascent 800ft/244m, Heart Creek - 1.5 miles/2.4km, ascent 300ft/91m, Hai Ling Peak - 2.5 miles/4km, ascent 2,300ft/700m. Accommodation: Delta Lodge at Kananaskis (3 nights), One of Canada s UNESCO World Heritage sites chosen internationally for its unrivalled beauty in nature, Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are the 5
Days 13 & 14: Kananaskis Provincial Park & Peter Lougheed Provincial Park miles/4.8km, ascent 740ft/226m, Mount Everest Expedition trail - 1 mile/1.6km, ascent 300ft/91m, Elbow Lake - 3-5 miles/4.8-8km, ascent 410ft/125m. Day 15: Final day Our tour concludes with a visit to Calgary where we take a short city walk leaving some free time before the journey home. Quieter than its national park neighbours, Kananaskis affords us possible sightings of moose, grizzly bear, hoary marmots and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep en route to trailheads. White tail deer and wapiti (elk) are often seen wandering through the lush aspen forest surrounding our accommodation. Harder hike options include the high and remote flower filled Burstall Pass, your last chance to stand on the spine of North America. For the less adventurous, our low level walk takes the highest paved road in Canada to the summit of the Highwood pass to enjoy the lovely flower filled Ptarmigan Cirque. snack) Walk possibilities: Chester Lake - 6 miles/9.6km, ascent 1,030ft/314m, Burstall Pass - 9 miles/15km, ascent 1,550ft/473m, Ptarmigan Cirque - 3 6
Accommodation Stay in a selection of very comfortable hotels and lodges, set beneath towering peaks and surrounded by pristine wilderness. Welcoming Aspen Lodge (4 nights) offers spacious, comfortable rooms and the chance of a soak in one of the two outdoor hot tubs at the end of the day. The Baker Creek Lodge (3 nights) is our base in Lake Louise, and features rooms decorated with dark woods, where you can enjoy fine dining in a beautiful and secluded natural setting. www.bakercreek.com Located on Banff Avenue it s just a 3 minute walk to the city centre. www.banffaspenlodge.com In Jasper, we stay in Becker s Chalets (4 nights), where accommodation is in cosy, modern log cabins with a wonderful location on the Athabasca River, and offers an excellent restaurant and plenty of places to unwind and savour the Rocky Mountain views. www.beckerschalets.com In Kananaskis village we stay at the Delta Lodge (3 nights), located off the main tourist route in a valley under towering peaks. 7
The resort has a number of eating options, and well appointed modern rooms, making it an excellent place to end the holiday in style in the Alberta wilderness. www.deltahotels.com 8
Before your holiday We hope you find this information comprehensive if not please visit our website for more details or contact us. All details correct at time of writing (Feb 2017). Passport and visa requirements are subject to change; please check with your consulate before you travel. We would advise that you check your government s travel advisory before travelling. For UK travellers, please check www.fco.gov.uk In all instances during your holiday, your first point of contact should be your HF Holidays leader or local leader. If for any reason this is not possible, HF Holidays emergency contact details are as follows: Mon - Fri 9am - 7pm Tel +44 (0)345 470 7558 or +44(0)20 8732 1250 ( from overseas) Fri - Mon 7pm - 9am Tel +44 (0)7918 737777 Airport parking and accommodation If you require airport parking or accommodation before your flight, we recommend our partner Holiday Extras. Call 0871 360 2750 and quote HX031 or book online at www.holidayextras.co.uk/hfholidays Suggested Kit List Please try to keep luggage to a minimum as you will need to carry it yourself at airports and between your transport and your hotel. Walking boots (worn in) with good ankle support and spare bootlaces Walking socks Walking sandals Lightweight fleece Lightweight waterproof trousers and jacket Shorts Long trousers and long-sleeved light coloured shirts with collars to protect from the sun your clothing should ideally be pretreated with insect repellent and in-built sun protection (available from specialist clothing stores such as Rohan, Cotswold Outdoor) Warm fleece, hat and gloves Sun hat Comfortable clothes and shoes for evenings and sightseeing Sun protection sunglasses, high factor sunscreen and lip protection Water bottle at least 2 litre capacity Lightweight survival bag Small/medium rucksack (30 litre) a bin liner will keep contents dry if it rains Soap and hand sanitizer gel Insect repellent Universal adaptor plug Personal first aid kit including: personal medication, tissues, plasters, blister kit, painkillers, antiseptic wipes, Imodium, rehydration sachets 9
Passport (and copies); booking confirmation; insurance cover note; HF Holidays registration form Optional: trekking poles, camera, umbrella, binoculars, high energy food bars. Please ensure you have access to emergency funds should you need them; carrying a credit card is probably the most convenient method. Please note that your HF Holidays leader reserves the right to refuse to take any guest on a walk should they consider that a lack of suitable clothing/footwear may affect safety. Baggage allowance 1 piece checked-in luggage (max 23kg). Please check details of your airline s baggage allowance, as shown on your e-ticket. Remember to also check any connecting flights you may have booked. Passports & visas Passports must be valid for the duration of the trip. From March 2016 UK passport holders must obtain an ETA (electronic travel authorisation) prior to flying to Canada. The cost is approx 3.50 and covers you for 5 years. You will need to apply in advance. Please see http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/ index.asp for more information. If you are a dual Canada-UK national, you are recommended to travel with your Canadian passport. Other countries should consult the embassy for advice. Travel insurance If arranging your own travel insurance, please ensure it is adequate for your specific itinerary. This should cover walking at altitudes above 2,000m. Highest point on the harder walks may go up to 2700m. Health advice This is subject to change and we would highly recommend that you consult your doctor before travelling. For further information on country specific advice, visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.traveldoctor.co.uk Diphtheria and Tetanus may be suggested. Please note: the use or possession of some common prescription or overthe-counter medicines is banned in some countries. If you will be carrying medication, please check with the country s embassy/ consulate prior to travel. As an extra precaution: Keep your medication in its original packet Take a copy of your prescription too If possible, ask your chemist to write the name of your medication in the language of the country that you re visiting Dietary requirements Please contact us as far in advance as possible if you have any specific dietary requirements. We will do our best to accommodate you. If you require a specific meal on the flight, please let us know as soon as possible, and no later than 96 hours before travel. 10
Travel tips for a comfortable flight We ve put together a few simple tips to help make your flight as comfortable as possible, ensuring you begin your holiday in tip-top shape. Move about. Change position and avoid crossing your legs. Immobility poses the greatest risk in the development of clotting disorders. Get out of your seat and walk around as regularly as possible to improve circulation No pills. Unless advised by your doctor, do not take sleeping tablets on the flight; this will reduce your mobility and make you feel sluggish Protect your ears. If you experience discomfort due to the cabin pressure changes, suck a sweet, chew, or hold your nostrils and gently blow through your nose; this should equalise the pressure. If you still experience problems, speak to a member of the cabin crew Drink plenty. Ask a member of the cabin crew if you are thirsty. Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee or carbonated drinks as these will dehydrate you. Instead, try to drink plenty of fruit juices or water Eat light. Avoid heavy meals and foods air expands at altitude and heavy meals will result in that bloated feeling Moisturise. Your skin, especially your lips and nostrils, may feel dry so moisturising creams may help. If you wear contact lenses, always carry your glasses with you, as your eyes may feel dryer than usual Stay loose. Wear loose fitting, comfortable shoes and clothes Flight socks are recommended to help prevent DVT on longhaul flights Lost/damaged luggage If your bag or its contents are damaged or lost while in the airline s care, this should be reported to the baggage service agents at the airport. They will assess the damage and in some cases the airline may decide to settle your claim immediately. You will be given a reference to quote to your insurance company if settlement cannot be reached. In many cases baggage claims can only be accepted in writing. A baggage claim form must be obtained from the airport. HF Holidays with-flight guests For those travelling on our HF Holidays group flight, please proceed to the arrivals hall once you have passed through passport control, customs and baggage reclaim, when you arrive at your destination. Your local leader will assemble the group in the arrivals hall. Look out for the HF Holidays sign. Independent travellers If you are arriving ahead of the group, and are meeting them at the first hotel, please leave a message at the hotel reception for the local leader, detailing your room number, and a mobile telephone number if possible. The leader will contact you once the group arrives. If you are arriving after the group, a message will be left for you at the hotel reception, welcoming you and giving details of the time and place to meet the group. If your flight arrives before the group flight and you would like to join the transfer to the first hotel, please contact our Abroad 11
Administration team on (0)20 8732 1271. They will have a list of the relevant transfer costs. Safety on your holiday Once you have made your booking, you will receive a pre-holiday questionnaire where we ask for details of next of kin, and insurance details. We need to have this from you at least 4 weeks before travel. Please also inform us of any medical situation which may affect your enjoyment of the holiday Please listen to any safety instructions from the leader Keep group members in view, especially if weather or visibility is poor If you become separated from the group, please stay where you are, the leader will retrace their steps to find you Each leader carries a first aid kit but is not allowed to supply any medication including aspirin, paracetamol, antihistamines, and antiseptic cream. You may wish to bring these items with you In the unlikely event that your leader is incapacitated, please use any emergency kit in their rucksack and call emergency services on 911. Please then call our emergency number (see page 8) and let us know there is a problem. Climate The region experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. The summers are humid, and range from warm to hot. Cold fronts can bring crisp, windy weather in the early and later parts of summer. Local currency & money matters Canadian Dollars (CAD). Credit cards widely accepted. Traveller s cheques are not advised. Suggested reading and maps Lonely Planet British Columbia & the Canadian Rockies 2014 Pam Doyle Canmore, Kananaskis, and the Canadian Rockies Maps can be obtained in advance from The Mapshop www.themapshop.co.uk Electricity 110V, 2 or 3 pin plugs Group size Maximum group size is 16 plus local guide/s Time difference GMT/UTC -6 hours Tipping Tips have been included in your holiday price for key services such as local guides/ driver/restaurants. Any additional tips are at your own discretion. HF Holidays Ltd, Catalyst House, Centennial Court, Elstree, Borehamwood, WD6 3SY, UK 12