Alpine Horizons: Hiking the Canadian Rockies

Alpine Horizons: Hiking the Canadian Rockies

Step into a landscape carved by ancient glaciers, where electric-blue lakes, jagged alpine peaks, and wildflower-lined trails create the backdrop for every moment. This adventure brings you into the heart of Banff and Jasper National Parks along with Kananaskis country, pairing iconic routes like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake with lesser-known local favourites far from the crowds.

Across four immersive hiking days, you and your small group will trace ridge lines, wander through silent forests, and pause at viewpoints that feel almost unreal. Our expert guide selects the best trail each day based on weather and conditions, ensuring you always experience the Rockies at their finest. With private transport, flexible pacing, and the camaraderie of likeminded travellers, this is the perfect blend of adventure, comfort, and connection.

Is this trip for me?

Duration: 6 days | 5 nights

Tour Starts & Ends: Banff, Canada

Accommodation Style: Our favourite 3-4 star hotel

Activity Level: Moderate – Ideal for travellers who love hiking and adventure without forgetting comfort. Guests should be comfortable hiking 10km (6 miles) with 500m (1500 ft) of elevation gain.

Availability: Limited departures from June to September for optimal trail conditions.

Trip Type: Small Group (max 12 travellers). 6:1 guide to guest ratio.

Age Requirement: 14+ (all travellers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult)

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Highlights

Daily moderate hikes (3–4 hours, ≤500 m gain) through iconic and lesser-known alpine landscapes

Sunrise at Moraine Lake, one of the most sought-after and unforgettable views in the Rockies

Hike to a backcountry tea house in the mountains overlooking Lake Louise, with sweeping glacier and lake vistas

Hidden-gem hiking in Kananaskis, away from the crowds

Hiking along the Icefields Parkway, with panoramic glacier views

Alpine wildflowers and wide-open vistas at Sunshine Meadows, accessed by gondola and chairlift

Small-group experience (6–12 guests) with a knowledgeable local guide

Flexible routing, with all hikes adaptable based on trail conditions, permits, and weather

The perfect blend of bucket-list locations and quieter, authentic alpine wildernes

What's Included

✓  Premium Accommodation – Twin Share in our favourite 3 star hotel.

✓  Meals – Daily breakfast, most lunches (boxed or picnic), and 2 dinners. Included meals are as specified in the itinerary.

✓  Hikes and Sightseeing – Daily hikes and sightseeing to the most iconic places in the Canadian Rockies, gondola tickets, and exclusive access to our favourite spots.

✓  Private Transportation – Upscale, modern, comfortable, air-conditioned minibus or high roof passenger van transportation included.

✓  Local Legend – Your guide knows this region like no others and they are excited to share their stories with you.

✓  Small Group Experience – Tours will have a maximum group size of 12 passengers and a 6:1 guide ratio for safety and flexibility while hiking.

What's Not Included

✕  Flights – Radventures cannot make your flight bookings for you.

✕  Airport Transfers – Shuttle or Private transfers are available for purchase.

✕  Beverages – Drinks (both soft and alcoholic) are at your own expense.

✕  Gratuities – Optional but encouraged for great service by your guide at $10-15 per person per day.

✕  Travel Insurance – Strongly recommended and available for purchase.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Banff

Arrive in Banff at your leisure and settle into your hotel, surrounded by the rugged peaks and forests of the Canadian Rockies. Transfers from Calgary Airport can be arranged for a seamless start to your adventure.

In the evening, gather with your group for a welcome dinner and orientation with your guide. This is the perfect opportunity to meet fellow travellers, set expectations for the week ahead, and get a sense of the landscapes you will explore. As the sun sets behind the surrounding mountains, anticipate the wild beauty and crisp alpine air that will define your journey.

 

Overnight: Banff

Meals: Dinner

Day 2 – Moraine Lake Sunrise + Lake Louise Hiking

We start the day with a drive to Moraine Lake to watch the sunrise over the Ten Peaks. You will see the still waters mirror the mountains, creating a serene and unforgettable introduction to the Rockies.

We continue to Lake Louise for a hike to the Lake Agnes Teahouse (~3 hrs, 400 m gain). Along the trail, you will move through forested slopes and alpine meadows before reaching the teahouse, where you can enjoy a warm treat while gazing out at the lake and the glaciers beyond. Sharing these iconic landscapes with a small group of like-minded adventurers and hearing stories from our knowledgeable local legend makes the experience even more memorable.

All hikes on this trip are subject to change depending on weather, National Park permits, and trail conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Optional afternoon activities include canoeing on Lake Louise or tea at the Fairmont Lake Louise. Public buses run between Lake Louise and Banff on frequent intervals for those who want to spend the afternoon at Lake Louise.

 

Overnight: Banff

Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 – Kananaskis Country and Local Treat

We venture into the quieter valleys of Kananaskis Country for today’s hike – an area known for its open alpine meadows, reflective lakes, and rugged peaks that feel worlds away from the busier Banff trails. Our chosen trail offers a moderate, steady climb with rewarding ridge or lake views, and the chance to experience one of the Rockies’ most peaceful corners.

After our time on the trail, we round out the day with a unique local experience in the Kananaskis region. Depending on seasonal availability and conditions, this may include relaxing at a cozy mountain lodge with scenic views and refreshments, or visiting a character-filled ranch for a warm Western welcome. Both options offer an inviting place to unwind, enjoy regional hospitality, and connect with your fellow travellers after a rewarding hike.

Please note that access roads in this area can be rough and winding. Travellers prone to motion sickness may wish to take precautions or speak with us about alternative activities.

Day 4 – Icefields Parkway and Glacial Views

Today, we wind along the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic drives in the world. We will hike the Wilcox Pass Trail to the Athabasca Glacier viewpoint (~3–4 hrs, 400 m gain). Along the trail, you will cross high alpine meadows and be rewarded with sweeping glacier vistas. At the iconic Red Chairs, you can pause for reflection and photos with the glacier and mountains as your backdrop.

We make stops along the Parkway for showstopping views and hidden gems (and any wildlife, of course!), including a stop at Peyto Lake to take in the striking turquoise waters framed by rugged peaks. Throughout the day, our local guide will share stories about the history, wildlife, and geology of the region.

 

Overnight: Banff

Meals: Breakfast & Packed Lunch

Day 5 – Sunshine Meadows Exploration

We will spend our day enjoying the alpine trails of Sunshine Meadows accessed via gondola and chairlift. We will spend 3–4 hours hiking through expansive meadows, crystal-clear lakes, and panoramic peaks. The lift accessed trails provide a gentle yet invigorating alpine experience, with wide vistas that make it easy to pause and enjoy the scenery.

In the afternoon, we return to Banff for a farewell dinner, celebrating the shared experiences and camaraderie of the week. Hiking with our small group has allowed us to share moments of awe, spot wildlife together, and enjoy the connections that come from exploring the Rockies side by side.

 

Overnight: Banff

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 6 – Farewell, Banff

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and pack up for your departure, or perhaps stay a few more days to further enjoy the grandeur of the Canadian Rockies (let us know if you need help with your plans!).

Then, bid farewell to your new friends – we can’t wait to see everyone again on our next adventure.

 

Meals: Breakfast

KANANASKIS COUNTRY

A scenic escape from the busier Banff trails, Kananaskis Country is where the Rockies feel wild, peaceful, and wonderfully expansive. Here, quiet alpine basins, reflective lakes, and wide-open ridgelines invite you into landscapes that locals love for their unspoiled beauty. After your hike, enjoy a uniquely local experience—whether relaxing at a cozy mountain lodge or unwinding at a character-filled ranch. It’s the perfect blend of adventure, fresh air, and genuine Alberta hospitality.

ICEFIELDS PARKWAY

Often called one of the most spectacular mountain drives on Earth, the Icefields Parkway reveals the Rockies at their most dramatic. Your day here includes a rewarding high-alpine hike with sweeping views of glaciers, meadows, and jagged peaks surrounding the Columbia Icefield. With stops at vibrant turquoise lakes and hidden scenic lookouts along the way, this journey offers some of the most unforgettable vistas in the Canadian Rockies—along with insights into the geology and glacier systems that shape this landscape.

MORAINE LAKE & LAKE LOUISE

The iconic waters of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake showcase the Canadian Rockies at their most breathtaking. From watching sunrise illuminate the Ten Peaks to exploring the alpine trails around Lake Louise, this day blends world-famous views with quieter moments on the trail. You’ll hike through forests, along turquoise shoreline, and into expansive mountain scenery shaped by centuries of ice. Standing beneath towering peaks and glacier-carved cliffs offers a powerful sense of scale—and a deeper appreciation for why these landscapes are beloved worldwide.

Additional Information

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The deposit for this tour is $500 CAD (or equivalent) per person. Your deposit is refundable for 24 hours after booking. After that, there is a $100 per person transfer fee that applies to changes you want to make to your tour (ie. to change the tour date or to choose a different tour). Transfers are possible until the final payment deadline, unless otherwise specified. Of course, if Radventures cannot confirm your tour by the final payment deadline, your deposit can be refunded or transferred to another tour free of charge.

Yes! We would definitely recommend an “All Inclusive” policy that covers you for both medical expenses as well as any trip cancellation or interruptions. You can purchase this from our booking platform, “WeTravel”, or contact us for more information.

At Radventures we pride ourselves on our flexibility. If you wan’t to enjoy more of this beautiful country before and after your time with us, we’d be more than happy to make any arrangements for you. As for being partly involved in a tour, whilst we can’t make any guarantees about whats possible or not, it’s best that you get in touch with us when you’re considering booking a tour or trip with us and let us know how you want things to work so we can see if we can make it work.

This is a tricky one. We don’t know when other people will book, so it’s hard to know if and when the tour will fill up. Our advice is to book as soon as you’ve made the decision to travel, that way you won’t be disappointed. Most of our service providers have a cutoff date of 2-3 months before departure that we need to advise them to release any excess space, and while we may be able to get these services back after the cutoff date it’s definitely safer to book early while we can still guarantee enough space for you.

You’re in great company! We have two options for solo travellers on our tours – you can join our share program to be matched with another rad solo traveller (of the same sex), or you can purchase the single supplement to have your own private room.

Hiking in bear country is safe when you follow established guidelines and travel with an experienced guide. Our guides are trained in wildlife behaviour, park protocols, and safe group management. They choose trails with current bear reports in mind and make decisions that prioritize your safety and comfort at all times.

Your guide will lead the group in standard safety practices, including:

  • Staying together as a group

  • Making noise at appropriate intervals

  • Being alert in areas with limited visibility (dense forest, running water, corners)

  • Avoiding known feeding areas when necessary

  • Following all Parks Canada advisories

These simple habits significantly reduce wildlife encounters and help ensure a safe and enjoyable hike.

The Rockies are beautiful year-round, but for hiking, the best time is late spring through early fall. We plan our tours during months when most high-elevation snow has melted and before winter conditions return, giving you the safest and most enjoyable trail experience.

Because mountain weather can change quickly, we keep our daily hike plans flexible. This lets us adapt to conditions on the ground and also take full advantage of seasonal highlights, whether that’s wildflower season (typically June to August) or larch season, when alpine larch trees turn brilliant gold (usually mid-September to early October). Each period offers something uniquely spectacular, and we tailor our hiking choices to what will provide the best experience on any given day.

This trip is designed for travellers with a moderate level of fitness. Most days include hikes of 6-10 km (4-6 mi) or 3-4 hours with gradual elevation gains of up to 500 meters (1500 ft), along well-maintained trails. You don’t need to be an experienced mountaineer, but you should be comfortable walking on uneven terrain, managing some uphill sections, and spending several hours outdoors in a day.

Hiking at this pace allows you to enjoy the scenery, take photos, and fully appreciate the Rockies without feeling rushed. If you’re generally active (walking, cycling, or doing other aerobic activity a few times per week) you’ll likely find the itinerary very manageable. Our guides will always adjust the pace to match the group and provide support where needed, so you can focus on enjoying the adventure rather than worrying about your fitness level.

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