Guided Trekking in Western Canada and the Rockies

Walks range from level lakeside circuits to trails of up to 8½ miles with 1,000 feet of ascent. On some days there is also the option of a harder walk of up to 11 miles and 2,000 feet of ascent.

Day 1 To Vancouver: Fly to Vancouver and transfer to Granville Island Hotel for 3 nights, a hotel full of style and character in a lively harbour setting. After dinner there will be a welcome meeting.

Day 2 Vancouver: Morning walking tour of Vancouver, including Chinatown and Chinese Gardens, Gastown, Canada Place and the art-deco Marine Building, and a picnic lunch in the attractive Stanley Park. Walk back to the hotel along the sea wall or spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Day 3 Victoria and Vancouver Island: This morning take the ferry among the Gulf Islands, on the lookout for harbour porpoises and bald eagles, with snow-capped mountains in two countries forming the backdrop. Arrive on Vancouver Island for a stroll around the colourful Butchart Gardens and continue to the historic resort city of Victoria on for a walking tour including Thunderbird Park and the Inner Harbour.

Day 4 To Kamloops: Head into the mountains, stopping for a walk at Othello Tunnels, and continuing on the Coquihola highway over the mountain passes. Arrive at the luxurious Delta Sun Peaks Resort for 1 night, in a marvellous mountain location.

Day 5 To Jasper: Journey through the heart of British Columbia, stopping at Saphat’s Falls, a bird sanctuary at Valemont and Mt. Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Travel over Yellowhead Pass into Alberta and stay in modern log cabins at Becker’s in Jasper National Park for 2 nights.

Day 6 Jasper National Park: Today there is a marvellous selection of walks in the Jasper National Park, including the low level Valley of the Five Lakes to Old Fort Point walk or the high level Bald Hills. From now until the end of the holiday, walks are in the World Heritage site of Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks and surrounded by great views and mountain wildlife.

Day 7 To Baker Creek: Take one of the world’s most scenic drives, the Columbia Icefields Parkway and a ‘snowcoach’ ride onto the Athabasca glacier for a short walk. Stay at Baker Creek Lodge for 3 nights amid some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

Day 8 Yoho National Park: Over the next few days, there are some remarkable world-class walks with choices including the trail to the shores of Emerald Lake and a high level walk to the awesome Takakkaw Falls, with astounding glacier views.

Day 9 Yoho National Park and Lake Louise: A great choice of walks, some of the best in the Rockies, including the trail to Mirror Lake and Plain of Six Glaciers and high levels walks to the Big Beehive or Stanley Glacier, all with views of the soaring peaks, valleys and shimmering lakes, including the famous Lake Louise.

Day 10 To Banff: Travel to Moraine Lake for a choice of walks in the Valley of the Ten Peaks to Consolation Lake, or Eiffel Lake, for outstanding alpine views. Continue to the mountain town of Banff for 3 nights at the Royal Canadian Lodge.

Day 11 Banff National Park: A lovely variety of full day walks in the awesome Banff National Park, including a leisurely walk to Johnson Lake, a great place to spot native birdlife, and a harder walk to the classic Rocky Mountain cirque of Cascade Amphitheatre.

Day 12 Banff National Park: More choices of full day or part day walks, with some time at leisure around Banff. The walk to Healy Pass through alpine meadows on the spine of the North American continental divide provides a very popular day in the mountains.

Day 13 To Kananaskis: Move on to the pristine wilderness of Kananaskis, one of the Rockies hidden gems. Stay for 2 nights at the Delta Lodge in this region of great wildlife that is hard to find in the busier areas, and take an afternoon walk past waterfalls to Grassi Lakes.

Day 14 Kananaskis: Full day walks in Kananaskis, among a beautiful array of wildflowers to Ptarmigan Cirque or above the tree line for an array of off-trail options in rolling meadows with rich mountain vistas.

Day 15 To Calgary: After an optional early morning walk, drive to the modern city of Calgary, famous for its Wild West history and culture. Take a walking tour of the city, including Olympic Plaza, City Hall and the Devonian Gardens. Afternoon transfer to the airport for the flight to London.

Day 16 London: Morning arrival.

Note  No flight holidays finish on day 15.