Banff & Beyond Winter Adventure - Lodge Based

Meet this morning for introductions and a group orientation in the town of Banff, Alberta. Please arrive ready for a day outside and prepared with more warm layers than you think you'll need. Our destination today is the Chickadee Valley. Depending on the snow and trail conditions, your guides will distribute the most appropriate equipment for your hike, which may include snowshoes, trekking poles and/or crampons. Your guides will also provide a refresher on how to properly use and adjust these winter tools. Once prepared, we will head out on a fabulous introduction to this amazing winter wonderland. Lunch and dinner included.

Hiking or snowshoeing: 5.6 miles, Elevation gain/loss: 975'; Van transfers: 1.5 hours

A day of great winter adventure in Banff National Park awaits! Today we are whisked up above the trees and into the stunning open landscape of Sunshine Meadows. Sunshine Meadows sits astride the Continental Divide and on clear days offers extraordinary views of Mount Assiniboine, also known as the Matterhorn of the Canadian Rockies. With our snowshoes on we explore a backcountry full of inspiring views and magnificent solitude. All meals included.

Snowshoeing: 5-9 miles, Elevation gain/loss: 1,300'; Van transfer: 1 hour

Today's travels take us to Yoho National Park, Canada's second oldest national park. A land of towering peaks, massive glaciers and tumbling waterfalls, Yoho National Park transforms into an unbelievably gorgeous winter wonderland under a cover of powdery snow and ice. Our goal today is either Emerald Lake or Sherbrooke Lake, both of which offer outstanding views of the President Range and beyond. This evening we return to our cozy home-away-from-home where we soak our tired legs in a warm hot tub. Breakfast & lunch included; dinner on your own.

Hiking or snowshoeing: 5-6 miles depending on trail conditions, Elevation gain/loss: 1,000'-1,230'; Van transfer: 2.3 hours

As one of the most photographed outdoor destinations on the planet, Lake Louise also holds the honor of being Canada's highest village. Our destination for the day is Lake Agnes, which sits high above Lake Louise and offers jaw-dropping views of Mt. Whyte, Mt. Niblock and the surrounding Bow Valley. On the shores of the high alpine lake sits the world-famous Lake Agnes Tea House. Established in 1901 by the Canadian Pacific Railway, the refuge was built in honor of Lady Agnes MacDonald, the wife of Canada's first Prime Minister. While the tea house is closed in the winter, its stunning surroundings make for a magical winter picnic destination. All meals included.

Hiking or snowshoeing: 4.5 miles, Elevation gain/loss: 1,330'; Van transfer: 1.5 hours

A winter adventure to Banff National Park would not be complete without a visit to beautiful Johnston Canyon. Shaped by centuries of erosion, the canyon's soaring walls hide a treasure trove of frozen waterfalls, deep tunnels, and clear blue pools. With several coveted ice climbing routes available in Johnston Canyon, visitors are often treated to a front-row seat of brave climbers navigating frozen crags and waterfalls. We'll continue our journey through snow-covered forests and powdery sub-alpine meadows before reaching a series of geothermal pools. Surrounded by soaring peaks we'll enjoy a picnic lunch before heading back to Banff for a celebratory last dinner together. All meals included.

Hiking or snowshoeing: 7 miles, Elevation gain/loss: 1,889'; Van transfer: 1 hour

Tunnel Mountain, one of Banff "smallest" mountains but oh so famous for its access to some of the best views of the Bow Valley and it's surrounding peaks. The trail to the summit of Tunnel Mountain meanders through a forest of Douglas Fir which makes for great photo options. Arriving at the summit ridge, we are met with dramatic views of Mt Rundle, the Hoodoos and the Fairholme Range. We'll also be looking down on one of Banff's most famous historical landmarks, the Fairmont Banff Springs Luxury Hotel. After our morning hike, we head to Cascade Pond for a picnic lunch under the dramatic East face of Cascade mountain, keep your eyes open for Elk and deer! We finish the day with a stroll to Stewart Canyon bridge at Lake Minnewanka, Banff National Park's largest lake, enjoying this easy hike to cap off an amazing week of exploring and adventuring in the Canadian Rockies. We expect to arrive back in Banff by the late afternoon where we say goodbye to the beautiful Bow Valley. Breakfast and lunch included.

Hiking or snowshoeing: Tunnel Mountain: 3 miles, Elevation gain/loss: 860'. Stewart Canyon: 2 miles, Elevation gain/loss: 200'. 7 miles, Elevation gain/loss: 1,889'; Van transfer: 1 hour