5-Nights Canada Banff & Beyond Winter Adventure Lodge Based from $4,199

MT Sobek: Canada Banff & Beyond Winter Hiking

Day 1 Explore Chickadee Valley in Kootenay National Park
1.5-hour private van transfer
?3-4 hours/5.6 miles snowshoeing or hiking with 975' elevation gain and loss
Meet this morning for introductions and an 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. Travel to Kootenay National Park and 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 this winter gear. Once prepared, head out on a fabulous introduction to this amazing winter wonderland on foot, getting glimpses between the pines of the surrounding rocky peaks, crowned in white.
Accommodation: Banff Caribou Lodge
(L, D)

Day 2 Hike to Chester Lake in Beautiful Kananaskis Valley
Two 1.5-hour private van transfers
3 hours/4.8 miles snowshoeing with 1,340' elevation gain and loss
A day of marvelous winter adventure awaits at Chester Lake, a true jewel hidden within the lovely Kananaskis Valley. From the Chester Lake Trailhead, the way winds gradually uphill through evergreen forests draped in snow and rewarding vistas. Pause for a trailside lunch on the route to the lake itself, which is serenely nestled among the surrounding peaks. The layering of sediment, formed millions of years ago at the bottom of ancient seas, pressed together, and thrust upward by colossal tectonic forces to form these magnificent peaks is on full display in the exposed strata of rock here. Returning to Banff later this evening, enjoy a memorable dinner at a lively, award-winning restaurant to celebrate the day.
Accommodation: Banff Caribou Lodge
(B, L, D)

Day 3 Follow Trails to Breathtaking Views in Yoho National Park
2.5-hour private van transfer
3-4 hours/5-6 miles snowshoeing or hiking with 1,000'-1,230' elevation gain and loss
Today, travel to Yoho National Park in British Columbia, Canada's second oldest national park. A land of towering peaks, massive glaciers, and tumbling waterfalls, winter transforms Yoho into an unbelievably gorgeous wonderland under a cover of powdery snow and ice. Your goal today is either Emerald Lake or Sherbrooke Lake, both of which offer outstanding views of the President Range and beyond. The glassy waters of these lakes reflect majestic peaks cloaked in dense forest. After a day of winter beauty and awe-inspiring vistas, return to your cozy home-away-from-home to soak tired legs in a warm hot tub.

(B, L)

Day 4 Hike or Snowshoe to Iconic Lake Louise
1.5-hour private van transfer
3-4 hours/5.5 miles snowshoeing or hiking with 1,340' elevation gain and loss
As one of the most photographed outdoor destinations on the planet, Lake Louise also holds the honor of being Canada's highest village. Today's hike begins at the charming Lake Louise Train Station—the trail traces the original route of a narrow-gauge tramway that once transported guests to the iconic Chateau Lake Louise—and ends at stunning Lake Louise, where icy-edged turquoise waters meet the dramatic backdrop of glaciers and mountains. As you admire the awe-inspiring scenery, you'll each enjoy a hot thermos of fortifying homemade soup. The afternoon holds the choice to continue your hike to the Fairview Lookout above Lake Louise, take a stroll around the glistening lake's edge, or enjoy the cozy comfort and gorgeous views from the Chateau.

(B, L, D)

Day 5 Discover the Ink Pots Deep in Johnston Canyon
1-hour private van transfer
4-5 hours/7 miles snowshoeing or hiking with 1,899' elevation gain and loss
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 watching brave climbers navigating frozen crags and waterfalls. Continue along through snow-covered forests and powdery sub-alpine meadows before reaching a series of mineral pools, each with a different hue of inky blue-green water. Surrounded by soaring peaks, enjoy a picnic lunch before heading back to Banff for a celebratory final dinner together.

(B, L, D)

Day 6 Summit Tunnel Mountain & Depart
1-hour private van transfer
1.5 hours/3 miles snowshoeing or hiking with 9900' elevation gain and loss; 1 hour/1.6 miles snowshoeing or hiking with 100' elevation gain and loss
Tunnel Mountain is one of Banff's smallest—yet still quite large—mountains, famous for its access to some of the best views of the Bow Valley and surrounding peaks. The trail to the top meanders through a forest of Douglas fir to the summit ridge, where you are met with dramatic views of Mt. Rundle, the Hoodoos, and the Fairholme Range. Below you is the Fairmont Banff Springs Luxury Hotel, established by the Canadian Railway in 1888. After this morning's hike, head to Cascade Pond for a picnic lunch under the dramatic east face of Cascade Mountain. 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. Travel back to Banff, arriving by late afternoon, and depart.

(B, L)