Hiking Tours

Dinosaur Provincial Park

Before even getting to Banff, we will see a UNESCO World Heritage site. Professional and amateur paleontologists from around the world come to southern Alberta to one of the richest sources of dinosaur bones in the world. The surrounding badlands make a pretty cool place to hike too.

Scenic and Breathtaking Guided Hikes

Guests will see an amazing array of landscapes while on 8 different hikes that range from easy to advanced, including 6 with local professional guides.

Lake Louise

An iconic image of Canada is Lake Louise. We will hike up to the Lake Agnes Tea House above the magnificent Chateau Lake Louise for some amazing views.

Hoodoo River Float

Drifting down the gentle waters with the assistance of skilled guides, guests can relax on this float boat while passing by significant landmarks like Tunnel Mountain and Mount Rundle, and other World Heritage sites.

Gondola Ride to Sulphur Mountain

Discover sweeping scenes of six mountain ranges, the Bow Valley, and the charming town of Banff from the Sulphur Mountain summit. While at the top, stroll the boardwalk to the Cosmic Ray Station and Sanson's Peak and learn about Canada's first national park. Then head inside to explore our world-class mountaintop discovery centre.

Time in Banff

With our hotel right in the middle of town, guests will easily be able to walk to dozens of restaurants and shops. The most famous place in town, the Banff Springs Hotel, is also within walking distance for those who wish to visit.

Day 2

1. Coulee Viewpoint, Badlands Fossil Hunters & Cottonwood Flats Trails, Dinosaur Provincial Park 

(H2/Moderate – 8.0km/165m) 

This area boasts beautiful and rugged scenery including flat-topped sandstone formations called hoodoos, deep canyons and coolees, and spectacular rock colour displays. A Park Guide will lead this extensive hike through this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hikers will need sun and heat

protection. 

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/canada/alberta/connect-the-trails

https://hikebiketravel.com/hiking-in-dinosaur-provincial-park/

Day 3

2. Lake Minnewanka Lakeside Trail, Banff National Park

(H2/Moderate – 10.0km/370m) 

This out and back trail offers spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountains and is a great introduction to the Canadian Rockies. As it follows the banks of the lake, the terrain is undulating rather than long ascents and descents. We follow the forested lakeside trail past some picturesque picnic areas and the locals’ boat dock, before crossing Stewart Creek and beginning a short ascent out of the dense forest and into the old burn. Notice the change in habitat; the clearer open spaces give us 180 degrees of photo opportunities.

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/canada/alberta/lake-minnewanka-lakeside

3. Upper/Lower Bankhead Trail, Banff National Park

(H1/Easy – 1.1km/35m)

This easy walking trail explores the abandoned mining town of Bankhead, where guests can learn about the history of the Banff area before it became world-famous as a National Park. 

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/canada/alberta/lower-bankhead-trail

Day 4

4. Banff Townsite Walking Tour 

(H1/Easy – 2.5km/80m) 

Guests will enjoy a leisurely walk-through downtown Banff to the National Historic Park, Cave and Basin which has been a special place for Indigenous Peoples for over ten thousand years and continues to be so to this day. In 1883, three railway workers found the thermal springs, sparking a series of events that led to the creation of Canada’s first national park. Today, the site is a gathering place for sharing stories about conservation and the connection between people and the land in Parks Canada administered places. Visitors can enjoy interactive exhibits, short films, seasonal activities, and stunning views of the Rocky Mountains.

https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff

https://banff.ca/114/Walking-Through-Banffs-History-Tour

5. Marsh Loop and Sundance Trail, Cave and Basin National Historic Site

 (H1/Easy – 3.4km/105m)

This popular trail takes guests along the Bow River and features a variety of flora and fauna. Afterwards, guests can continue the hike to town (2.5 km) or catch the shuttle bus back to the hotel.

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/canada/alberta/cave-and-basin-trails

6. OPTIONAL – Tunnel Mountain Trail, Banff National Park

(H2/Moderate – 4.5km/270m)

This is probably the most popular hike for visitors to Banff. The trailhead is within walking distance of the hotel.

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/canada/alberta/tunnel-mountain-trail

7. OPTIONAL – Bow Falls Viewpoint Trail, Banff National Park

(H1/Easy – 2.7km/65m)

For those seeking a pleasant stroll rather than an arduous hike, the trail to Bow Falls Viewpoint is close-by and very scenic.

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/canada/alberta/bow-falls-viewpoint

8. OPTIONAL - Hoodoos from Bow Falls Trail, Banff Townsite

(H2/Moderate – 10.0km/305m)

This loop trail along the Bow River goes around Tunnel Mountain, starting and ending near our hotel. Rather than long climbs up and down, this trail undulates along the river and through the community of Banff.

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/canada/alberta/hoodoos-from-bow-falls-trail

Day 5

9. Lake Agnes Tea House, Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House, Lake Louise 

(H2/Moderate – 10 to 12.4km/360m) 

Discover this beautiful trail near Lake Louise, Alberta. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 5 hours to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and horseback riding. This hike initially follows the shoreline of the iconic Lake Louise. Once we reach the back of the lake, the trail winds its way up, through the forest and onto a glacial moraine. Look back here for a different view of Lake Louise, one not as many people get to witness! From here on the trail is a little more challenging with loose rocks and narrow paths weaving their way through rock piles. As we start our final ascent up to the teahouse, we find ourselves on the edge of the forest once more, with glaciated peaks towering above us in all directions. Enjoy a tea or slice of cake at this historic tea house (**bring cash! They cannot take credit cards. This is one of the most expensive snacks you’ll ever have, but it’s the price you pay for the views and the fact that the staff hike all their supplies in and out).

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/canada/alberta/plain-of-the-six-glaciers-trail

Day 6

10. Bow Glacier Falls Trail, Banff National Park

(H2/Moderate – 8.9km/300m) 

We asked our local guides for their highest recommendation, and this was their pick. This trail offers lots of scenery and vistas, reminding hikers they are high in the Rocky Mountains. Our hike begins along the banks of the turquoise-coloured Bow Lake. The views are instantly impressive! As we hike, we will enjoy views of lakes, glaciers, and towering peaks. After reaching the other side of Bow Lake we will hike through a gorge carved out by a glacial-fed stream. Continuing to climb, we will reach our destination and lunch spot at the 410-foot, tiered, cascading Bow Glacier Falls.

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/canada/alberta/bow-glacier-falls-trail--3

https://www.10adventures.com/hikes/icefields-parkway/bow-glacier-falls/

Day 7

11. Grotto Canyon

(H1/Easy – 4km/395m)

Grotto Canyon is located just a short distance from the town of Canmore and can only be accessed on foot. This beautiful, narrow-walled creek bed provides the route for a satisfying and accessible hike. As we ascend the canyon the limestone walls get steeper and narrower, leading eventually to a beautiful cascade, spilling down over the rock face and glistening in the summer sun. Just before the falls, guests will view the remains of ancient wall paintings, dating back between 500 and 1300 years ago. These are Hopi pictographs, produced by visitors from a Native American tribe based in what is now Arizona. Their full native name is Hopitu, meaning ‘peaceful people’. The images on the walls of Grotto Canyon represent animals and humans, including an iconic flute player, the symbol of the tribe.

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/alberta/grotto-canyon-trail

12. Sulphur Mountain Summit Trail, Banff

(H1/Easy – 1.1km/35m)

After taking the gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain, guests can choose to explore the summit and enjoy the views.

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/canada/alberta/sulphur-mountain--4

Day 8

13. Heritage Park Visit 

(H1/Easy) 

Our last stop on this tour will be Calgary’s Heritage Park, where guests will have several hours to explore this pioneer village on their own.

https://www.heritagepark.ca

Just Two Hotels

After spending our first couple of nights in Calgary to access Dinosaur Provincial Park in Drumheller, the rest of our week will be at the Banff Park Lodge, right off the main street along the river in the heart of downtown Banff.

Local Professional Interpretive Guides

No fear of getting lost, our tour takes you directly to the trailheads where we will be met by professional guides who know the terrain and places to see. This makes our guided hikes stress-free so guests can concentrate on exploring these amazingly beautiful trails in a safe manner.

Add-on Days in Calgary

Some guests may want to arrive in Calgary a day or two early to check out the sites. Our sales agents will be happy to help with hotel bookings and rental cars.

Balance of Group Hikes and Free Time

DeLuxe hiking tours try to strike the balance between organized activities and free time. One advantage of staying longer in one place is that guests can also take a day off if they like.

• Private coach transportation
• 7 nights of accommodation
• 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners
• Annual National Park Pass - good for a year at ALL Canadian National Parks
• Local professional guides and all park entry fees and passes
• Services of a DeLuxe Hiking Tour Director

Prices are in Canadian dollars, are per person and include HST.

Include Attractions

• Dinosaur Provincial Park
• Free time in Banff
• Gondola ride to Sulphur Mountain
• Hoodoo River Float Tour
• Lake Louise 

Day 1

Welcome to Calgary! Arrive at the Holiday Inn & Suites, Calgary Airport and connect with your Tour Director who will be in the hotel lobby waiting for a meet and greet. The tour officially kicks off with a welcome dinner at the hotel restaurant.

Stay: Holiday Inn & Suites, Calgary Airport North

Nights: 2

Meals: D

Day 2

On this day, we head east to Dinosaur Provincial Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site boasts more complete dinosaur skeletons than anywhere on earth. Upon arrival at the Park, guests will attend the Visitor Information Centre and meet a park ranger before taking a professionally guided hike through the nearby Badlands, a place that looks a lot like Mars or the Moon. We will stop off at a restaurant for dinner in Calgary (at own cost) on our return to the hotel before having time to rest in the evening.

Meals: B. L

Day 3

On this day we enter the Rocky Mountains. First stop is sparkling Lake Minnewanka, where we will enjoy the Lakeside Trail and picnic lunch. Next up is a stop in Lower Bankside, the original settlement in the area. After check-in at Banff Park Lodge, enjoy an included evening meal, take time to explore the lodge’s amenities, and perhaps even wander into Banff to explore.

Stay: Banff Park Lodge

Nights: 5

Meals: B, L, D

Day 4

Begin your day with a walk to the nearby Cave and Basin National Historic Site, to see where tourism began in Banff. Return to downtown Banff on foot (or by shuttle bus) and have a free afternoon. Guests may choose to take a “day off” from the tour itinerary and plan their own excursions in Banff such as golf, renting bikes, helicopter tours, horseback riding, and exploring Banff’s boutiques and the lodge’s amenities. An option is available to join the Tour Director for a hike at Tunnel Mountain, which is also within walking distance from the lodge or partake in other local trails. Afterward, guests get to enjoy an evening on their own.

Meals: B

Day 5

Every Canadian is familiar with Lake Louise. In fact, it’s so beautiful that many people think the photos have been altered. In addition to seeing the grounds of the iconic Chateau Lake Louise, guests will hike to the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House with a professional local guide. A free

evening will be enjoyed in Banff to explore local restaurants.

Meals: B, L

Day 6

A major feature of this tour is our full-day hike to Bow Glacier Falls.  This challenging trail takes guests beyond the crowds of Banff and Lake Louise and offers a little bit of everything:  lake views, canyons, mountain vistas, and a waterfall.

Meals: B, L

Day 7

Today’s hike offers the group the opportunity to explore Grotto Canyon and view Aboriginal Pictographs. Lunch will be enjoyed in Canmore with time to explore this town. Experience a Hoodoo Float ride down the Bow River, drifting down the gentle waters with the assistance of skilled guides, and passing significant landmarks and World Heritage sites along the way. The highlight of today will be taking a gondola up to Sulphur Mountain to experience awesome views that will be etched in our memories. Our farewell dinner allows us to recap our week’s adventures.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 8

On this day, we depart from Banff and return to Calgary International Airport.  However, before ending the tour, we will stop at Heritage Park, a pioneer village billed as Canada’s Largest Living History Experience.

Meals: B

Holiday Inn & Suites, Calgary Airport (2 nights)

Located near Calgary Airport and offering free airport shuttle service, this brand-new full-service hotel offers guests everything they need to enjoy their stay, including their popular Burger Theory restaurant and pool complete with waterslide.

Banff Park Lodge (5 nights)

Located in the heart of Banff just steps away from the glacier-fed Bow River, the Banff Park Lodge offers the peace and solitude of a quiet location with convenient access to downtown Banff. Amenities include complimentary WiFi, an indoor pool, eucalyptus-infused steam room, exercise facilities, and whirlpool.

The weather in southern Alberta is notoriously fickle, especially in spring and fall. As such, guests need to be prepared for 30C and sunny one day, and 10C and stormy the next. Further, while many of these hikes are rated H2/Moderate, they are definitely at the top end of that range. As such, guests will require proper footwear, and poles are also recommended.

This tour flies into and out of Calgary. Guests can join this tour from anywhere in the world! Please contact us to discuss your airfare and pre-and post-tour accommodation options. 

For those wanting more hiking, there are more than a dozen trailheads within walking distance of our hotel, ranging from short easy strolls along the river to full-day extreme hikes into the high alpine. (Ask the Tour Director for help selecting the right one for you.)

One of the hardest parts of planning a vacation in Banff is choosing from amongst an incredible variety of things to do. Here is a list of some of the options available. Plans for some of these will need to be made a few days in advance, but our Tour Director will be happy to help with arrangements.

• Horseback Riding
• Whitewater Rafting
• Fishing Trips
• Zipline Tour
• Via Ferrata
• Canoeing and Kayaking
• Helicopter Flights
• ATV Tours
• Bike Rentals & Tours
• Sightseeing by Floatplane
• Golf