Current as of: April 26, 2024 - 03:17
Canadian Rockies: Heli-Hike & Wilderness Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
- Destination: Canada
- Programmes: Walking & Trekking
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Activity Level:
4 out of 7 - Moderate / Challenging
- 12 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: TRW
- Carbon Footprint: 304.2kg CO2e
Trip Overview
Hike through the pristine wilderness of the Canadian Rockies
Few places on Earth offer such pristine and diverse walking options as the Canadian Rockies. Virgin forests, shimmering blue lakes, ancient glaciers, deep canyons and rushing rivers weave across the landscape while wildlife abounds. It’s a paradise for photographers, wildlife and outdoors enthusiasts but, most of all, it’s a haven for walkers. Hike along an extensive network of trails in some of the best national parks in the world as you keep your eyes peeled for bears, eagles, deer and moose. Nothing will inspire you more than a walking trip deep into the Canadian Rockies.
Aldo Kane Collection: A hand-selected range of adventures by our Brand Ambassador:
“This adventure offers some of the most remote locations of the lot – think milky-blue lakes, silent virgin forests and ancient glaciers. If you’re looking to explore Canada’s best national parks then the extensive network of trails you’ll discover on this trip won’t disappoint. Aside from exploring Jasper and Banff national parks, the three-night heli-hike excursion near Landslide Lake drops you in the thick of it – so you walk away with an incredible experience in the wild.”
We take a short helicopter flight to the Landslide Lake area, where we are placed far from other hikers for a wilderness trek like no other! We set up camp here for the next three nights in an area devoid of other travellers and distractions of everyday modern life.
Please note: While at Landslide Lake, you are not staying in a campsite. This is the Canadian wilderness, and your guide will set up tents where it’s best – there is no predetermined camping spot. You will not have access to showers or modern toilets during your three-night stay, and each day your guide will hoist food into the trees and away from bears. After arrival, and having set up camp, your guide takes you on a hike around the Landslide Lake area.
We ask that you take no more cargo than 20lb (9kg) each including carry-on for these three nights and that it is packed in a soft, small kitbag. If you wish to leave luggage behind, store it inside the trailer, which is left at the helicopter company.
Landslide Lake elevation gain/loss: 985ft-2,625ft (300m-800m) per day
At a Glance
- 10 nights of participatory camping, plus one night in a hotel
- Nine walks of varying lengths and difficulty
- Good fitness required
- Altitude maximum: 8,822ft (2,689m); average: 7,218ft (2,200m)
- Part of the Aldo Kane collection
Highlights
- Embark on a heli-hike experience in the wilderness around Landslide Lake
- Drive the breath-taking Icefields Parkway
- Walk through alpine-covered valleys
- Marvel at the beauty of Saskatchewan Glacier and Moraine Lake
- Spend two nights in the Lake Louise area and three nights in Jasper National Park
Is This Trip for You?
This walking tour is graded Activity Level 4 (Moderate/Challenging). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.
It is designed for active adults and offers a well-paced mix of walks to suit those with a decent amount of fitness. You do not need to be marathon fit but it is important you have read the day-by-day itinerary and noted the duration, elevation and length for each named hike. From time to time, the advertised hike may not be available or needs to be altered due to adverse weather conditions. Should this happen, we do our best to provide an alternative trail of a similar standard. For the more adventurous, there are often additional hikes that can be added onto existing trails, but should you struggle on the advertised trails there may also be shorter and more moderate hikes your tour guides can recommend.
You are accompanied by two tour guides on this walking tour. They either guide separate hikes or offer support on circular trails. Only one tour guide can walk with the group on point-to-point hiking trails.
This is a moderate/challenging trekking trip and you need to be fit if you want to undertake all the planned walks. A full-day hike lasts six to eight hours and half-day walks are four hours or less. The walks are at an average of 7,218ft (2,200m) above sea level with a maximum of 8,822ft (2,689m). Details of the length of each walk and altitude gain are specified in the itinerary. Almost all walking is on well-marked trails. None are technically difficult, but some are on steep trails, over large stones and/or scree slopes.
Please note: Both the weather conditions and presence of wild animals can be unpredictable in the Canadian Rockies. Either of these may force the guide to change a planned hike for the day. It is important to use common sense when walking in the wilderness and to follow the advice of the guides at all times.
As this tour is primarily a walking tour, there are only a few opportunities for optional activities. If you opt for these, it can mean deciding between hiking or enjoying an activity. Your tour guides organise these on your behalf and you pay locally in cash. You can find the main optional activities listed under each daily description on the itinerary, along with guideline prices. It may not be possible to do all optional activities listed on each tour.
Group
Your tour guides take care of all the planning and organisation, drive the van and make sure everything runs smoothly. They are there to ensure you get the most out of your tour: organising activities, providing information and answering any questions you may have as well as sorting any queries or problems you may encounter. If you have any particular interests or things you would like to do, please let your tour guides know at the beginning of the tour and they will do their best to help.
Please note, Canadian law regulates the total number of hours your tour guides are available to work. Our trips are designed to make the most of your time in Canada, but there are certain times each day that your tour guides need to be off duty from work. Due to these restrictions, particularly after the longer driving days, your tour guides may not be able to join you for some of the daily activities or may need to tend to other work duties.
Camp duties
An essential part of a camping tour is helping out with the day-to-day camp duties and everyone assists with the setting up and packing of the campsite. Your tour guides provide guidance on what to do, and typically it only takes 15 minutes to set up or break down the tents and camp kitchen. Before you know it, you are enjoying ‘home sweet home’ in the great outdoors.
Your tour guides also co-ordinate and assist the group with food shopping, preparing meals and cleaning up. Sharing the camp duties is a great way to bond with your fellow travellers and the group camaraderie is all part of the experience.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 12
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Calgary
- End City: Calgary
Flight Inclusive
- Start City: London
- End City: London
Land Only Itinerary
Fly to Calgary, transfer to hotel
Those on the group flight will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel in Calgary. Sandwiched between the Rocky Mountains and the winding Bow River, Calgary is at the epicentre of Alberta’s oil industry. The high-rise buildings and urban parklands create a balanced modern city.
There will be an opportunity to meet your guide and fellow travellers this evening.
Accommodation: Ramada Downtown Calgary (or similar)
Start Calgary
Welcome to Calgary, gateway to the Canadian Rockies, where you can take time before the tour begins to explore. It was historically famous for its Wild West roots but in recent years has become a dynamic, exciting city. Join your tour guide and fellow travellers for a welcome meeting at 6pm in the hotel lobby.
Accommodation: Ramada Downtown Calgary (or similar)
Lake Louise; Lake Agnes Trail
We go west into the heart of the Rockies, travelling to Lake Louise, our base for the next three nights. Upon arrival, we take a warm-up trek on the Lake Agnes Trail (maximum altitude: 6,955ft/2,120m). Hike through old-growth forest before reaching spectacular views of Lake Louise from above and then continue along the trail until you reach Lake Agnes and a rustic teahouse, providing much-needed refreshment before the descent back to our campsite near Lake Louise.
Accommodation: Lake Louise Campground (or similar)
Moraine Lake; climb to Sentinel Pass
Take a short transfer to picturesque Moraine Lake, neighbour to Lake Louise and situated in the scenic Valley of the Ten Peaks. This is one of the most photogenic lakes in the Canadian Rockies, surrounded by ancient pine forests and snow-capped mountains. We take the Sentinel Pass trail (maximum altitude: 8,566ft/2,611m), hiking along the Larch Valley before climbing to Sentinel Pass itself for magnificent views over Banff National Park backcountry. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife including elk, porcupines and bears, which are often sighted on this route. From here, you can either hike back or start your descent along the Paradise Valley to end this loop trail. This is one of the premier hiking trails in Banff, so we are likely to see a few fellow hikers on our way.
Accommodation: Lake Louise Campground (or similar)
Icefields Parkway to Jasper National Park; hike the Parker Ridge Trail
Our journey continues north along one of the most breath-taking roads in the world, the Icefields Parkway, surrounded by jagged mountains and twinkling glaciers. Along the way, there is the opportunity for a guided walk on Athabasca Glacier and we stop for a hike on the Parker Ridge trail (maximum altitude: 7,448ft/2,270m) with the chance to see the Saskatchewan Glacier. The trail climbs quickly until it gets above the treeline. It does not actually reach the summit of Parker Ridge, but comes within about 195ft (60m) of it and the views are simply incredible.
Our destination for today is Jasper National Park; keep your eyes peeled for wildlife such as black bears and the abundant Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. Tonight, we set up camp underneath the watchful gaze of Jasper’s rugged peaks.
Optional activities:
- Guided glacier walk: 112 dollars (US$83) or 67 dollars (US$49) for under 17s
Accommodation: Whistlers Campground (or similar)
Jasper National Park; Cavell Meadows
Jasper is much quieter than some other national parks, making it easier to leave the crowds. We take the Cavell Meadows trail (maximum altitude: 7,507ft/2,288m) to the foot of Angel Glacier for a true wilderness feel. After climbing up, we reach the alpine terrain with a great chance to watch caribous. This is an excellent way to discover more about the ever-changing environment of this stunning national park.
Accommodation: Whistlers Campground (or similar)
Jasper National Park; Sulphur Skyline Trail
We hike the Sulphur Skyline Trail (maximum altitude: 6,562ft/2,000m), which has some of the most breath-taking panoramas in Jasper. The 3mi (5km) trek to the mountain peak overlooks a phenomenally rugged section of the Canadian Rockies. A great way to finish the day is with a soak in Miette Hot Springs (don’t forget your swimwear).
Optional activities:
- Miette Hot Springs: 16.50 dollars (US$12)
- SkyTram cable car: 60 dollars (US$44)
- Mountain biking: 30 dollars (US$22) per hour
Accommodation: Whistlers Campground (or similar)
Helicopter flight to Landslide Lake
We take a short helicopter flight to the Landslide Lake area, where we are placed far from other hikers for a wilderness trek like no other! We set up camp here for the next three nights in an area devoid of other travellers and the distractions of everyday modern life. After setting up camp, our guide takes us on a hike in the Landslide Lake area.
Please note: You are not staying in a campsite, this is the Canadian wilderness, and your guide will set up tents where it’s best; there is no predetermined camping spot. You will not have access to showers or modern toilets during your three-night stay, and each day your guide will hoist food into the trees and away from bears.
We ask that you take no more cargo than 20lb (9kg) each including carry-on for these three nights and that it is packed in a soft, small kitbag. If you wish to leave luggage behind, store it inside the trailer, which is left at the helicopter company.
Landslide Lake elevation gain/loss: 985ft-2,625ft (300m-800m) per day
Accommodation: Wilderness camping
Landslide Lake
We have many options for the next two days, ranging from steady walks through alpine meadows to strenuous treks to surrounding ridges. The tour guides suggest hiking choices such as the Lake of the Fall hike or a trek along an unnamed pass. All hikes offer a truly unforgettable experience in the wilderness of the Canadian Rockies, but it is important to remember there are no designated trails – you’re in complete wilderness. We walk on public land, but this area is ungoverned by a national park. Your guides make decisions based on the group’s capabilities. They carry bear spray, which will be on hand in the rare event it is required.
Landslide Lake elevation gain/loss: 985ft-2,625ft (300m-800m) per day
Accommodation: Wilderness camping
Heli flight; Banff National Park
We depart Landslide Lake this morning on a spectacular helicopter flight to Cline River. Our journey then continues by road towards Banff National Park. Banff is our base for the next two nights, giving us the opportunity to take more wonderful hiking trails. This afternoon, we discover Lake Minnewanka, a glacier lake of 3mi (5km), with an easy hike by the rocky shore. Alternatively, relax by the water, visit the Banff area, relax on Banff Upper Hot Springs or rent a canoe and paddle along the Bow River.
Lake Minnewanka Trail: Minimal elevation gain/loss
Accommodation: Tunnel Mountain (or similar)
Banff National Park; Cory Pass
Today we take the Cory Pass Trail (maximum altitude: 7,625ft/2,324m), an 8.5mi (14km) loop. This is a strenuous workout up 3,219ft (981m) to the Cory Pass, behind Mount Edith, past Mount Louis and through the Edith Pass on the way back to the trailhead.
From the Fireside Picnic area, we follow a 0.6mi (1km) trail to the Cory Pass Junction, and then climb most of the 3,002ft (915m) over the remaining 3mi (4.5km), eventually reaching above the tree line. There are several points to take photos and catch your breath along the way. Once through the Cory Pass, we follow a rough trail for about 2mi (3.5km) through scree fields and across avalanche paths until we rejoin the main hiking trail at Edith Pass. We descend along the drainage through the forest between Mount Norquay and Mount Edith until we loop past the Cory Pass Junction again and then to the trailhead. This is a really good hike and a favourite of the local climbing community.
Accommodation: Tunnel Mountain (or similar)
Hike the Surprise Corner to Hoodoos Trail and return to Calgary; tour ends
Our tour is nearly coming to an end but there is time for one last chance to hit the trails! Today depends on the weather conditions, but we more than likely hike the Surprise Corner to Hoodoos Trail. This is a well-maintained trail, easily accessible from Banff and offering some of its most iconic lookouts. As we hike between Surprise Corner to the Hoodoos, we walk in the cliffside shadow of Tunnel Mountain and along the shores of the Bow River while enjoying views of some of Banff’s most iconic mountains. We pass through lush evergreen forests, past moss-covered boulders, huge Douglas Firs and open meadows with panoramic views.
We can book your post-tour accommodation if required. If you are planning to fly tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before 7pm.
Hike the Surprise Corner to Hoodoos Trail and return to Calgary Airport; depart Calgary
Our tour is nearly coming to an end but there is time for one last chance to hit the trails! Today depends on the weather conditions, but we more than likely hike the Surprise Corner to Hoodoos Trail. This is a well-maintained trail, easily accessible from Banff and offering some of its most iconic lookouts. As we hike between Surprise Corner to the Hoodoos, we walk in the cliffside shadow of Tunnel Mountain and along the shores of the Bow River while enjoying views of some of Banff’s most iconic mountains. We pass through lush evergreen forests, past moss-covered boulders, huge Douglas Firs and open meadows with panoramic views.
After the walk, those on the group flight will be transferred to the airport.
Arrive London
Ascents, descents and distances
All ascents, descents and distances listed above have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. Please note, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these trips notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.
Accommodation
Camping
This camping tour uses national and state park campsites and a wide assortment of private campgrounds. These are not always within the national park boundaries, but we select the best from what is available in each area. Most have flush toilets and hot showers; however, some may charge an additional fee of 1-3 dollars (US$0.75-US$2.25) for use of the showers. The ground for camping is usually a mix of hard dirt and gravel.
You sleep in high-quality tents, which single travellers share with one other passenger of the same sex. Camping equipment also includes field kitchens, inflatable sleeping pads, food storage and camp lanterns and chairs. Most campsites have a quiet time from 10pm to 7am. Please respect your fellow campers who are there to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of camping.
Accommodation on our tours is based on twin-share, so if you’re travelling on your own, you share with a fellow passenger of the same sex. However, if you would prefer your own space, we offer a single supplement where you can have your own tent for an additional fee.
Single supplement from USD 510
Accommodation - Pre Trip
This tour begins at a hotel in Calgary. We offer you the option to book additional hotel nights before or after your tour at this hotel, which should be booked prior to departure with your sales representative. See below Joining Instructions for hotel details.
Some hotels may take a debit or credit card as a deposit at check-in. They may also take an amount to cover incidentals. Funds can be held until checkout, at which time the amount actually incurred is charged. Please clarify with the hotel when you check out that all deposits are refunded as promptly as possible.
Food & Drink
There are 10 breakfasts, 11 lunches and seven dinners included.
Most of your meals are included while camping. Tour guides co-ordinate shopping and assist the group in preparing healthy, hearty breakfasts, picnic lunches and delicious dinners.
Occasionally, you eat out in local restaurants. To help you budget, meals cost on average:
- Hotel breakfasts: 15-20 Canadian dollars (US$11-US$15)
- Lunches: 20-25 dollars (US$15-US$19)
- Dinners: 30-50 dollars (US$23-US$38), this does not include alcoholic beverages
Drinks cost on average:
- Wine: 15-20 dollars (US$11-15) per glass
- Beer: 8-12 dollars (US$6-US$9) per bottle
A tip of approximately 17%-20% is added to group meals in Canadian restaurants. Applicable taxes are also added to all listed menu prices.
Please make sure we are aware of any special meal requirements before travelling. We do all we can to accommodate various dietary requirements but in certain parts of Canada certain food types can be limited.
Transport
We travel in a private 15-seater Ford vehicle driven by the tour guide. All luggage, equipment and other necessities are stored in a specially designed trailer or storage area to maximise space and comfort in the vehicle. The smaller size of our vehicles allows us to reach more remote destinations not accessible to larger vehicles. All our vehicles are equipped with air-conditioning.
Weather & Seasonality
Summer in the Rockies is generally warm and sunny. Average daytime temperatures are 18C (64F) in June and the first half of September and 22C (72F) in July/August. Night temperatures are cool in July and August; cold in June and from early September and can near freezing point. Temperatures vary depending on altitude. June has long hours of daylight.
The weather in the Rockies can be unpredictable. Be prepared for sudden thunderstorms, strong winds or even snow. Although summers are fairly dry, there may be the odd rainy day. September can bring early snow on the peaks. Residual snow at higher elevations may linger until mid-July. Walking on hard-packed snow is sometimes required.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Ramada Plaza by Wyndham, 708 8th, 8 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 1H2
Phone: +1 403-263-7600
Recommended arrival time: 5.30pm at the start hotel so you can join the welcome briefing. If you arrive later, the leader will update you separately
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 25 minutes’ drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:
Take an Exodus transfer
Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Make your own way
You can reach the start hotel relatively easily using a taxi. A cab from the airport costs approximately 50 Canadian dollars (US$37) and should take 20-25 minutes. On arrival at the hotel, please make the reception staff aware that you are part of an Exodus group and they will have more details on meeting with your leader and group.
You are free to arrive at any time on Day 1 of your tour but please ensure you leave plenty of time to reach the start hotel and attend your welcome meeting, which is usually held at 6pm. Details on the specific location of your meeting are available from around midday on the arrival day. During this evening meeting, you meet your tour guide and fellow travellers and spend a few minutes filling out necessary paperwork, so please bring your insurance documents, passport and tour documentation to the meeting.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Arrival complications
Sometimes the unexpected can happen; your plane may be delayed or you may even miss it. If you have missed your tour departure, first call the hotel to see if your tour leader has left you a message. If not, call the relevant emergency number and speak to our staff who will be happy to help you catch up with the group. Please note that you are responsible for any extra travelling expenses incurred due to missing your tour’s departure.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to Calgary airport for customers who Exodus have booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
The timings of activities on this day can be adjusted, however we recommend you book a flight that leaves no earlier than 7pm. You are responsible for any transportation costs if you have to arrive for an earlier flight and you must make us aware of this well in advance of your tour departing. If you require accommodation for the last night, it is essential you book this before your tour departs.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Calgary
Location end: Calgary
What To Take
Essential Equipment
Take a practical selection of clothes for both warm and cool climates to suit the season. You may encounter a wide variety of temperatures en route due to altitude and unforeseen weather conditions – so it’s best to be prepared!
Besides your essential clothing, here’s a checklist of other items you should take:
- Waterproof jacket and trousers (pants)
- Warm sweater/fleece
- Sleeping bag (three-to-four season)
- Casual evening-out clothes
- Sleeping bag liner
- Pillow (can be purchased locally on Day 1)
- Hiking boots
- Thick hiking socks
- Blister packs
- Comfortable day shoes
- Sandals or flip-flops
- Warm hat/gloves
- Swimwear
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Small torch (flashlight) or headtorch (head lamp)
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent (20% DEET)
- SD memory cards/spare camera batteries
- Travel power adaptor
- Toiletries/personal medicine
- Microfibre towel
- Walking poles
- Small backpack
- Bear spray or bear bell (can be purchased locally as spray cannot be carried on planes)
- Two refillable water bottles
Footwear
We recommend hiking boots, as comfortable shoes with good ankle support make walking more enjoyable. Please ensure you bring adequate walking socks, blister packs and plasters (band-aids).
Clothes washing
You have the opportunity to wash your clothes. This can often be done at the campsite or in a local town. Ask your guide for local information.
Battery charging
Many of our travellers bring phones and cameras that require frequent battery charging. When camping, it is often difficult to find a safe and secure wall outlet to recharge these devices, therefore we recommend you bring a car charger. Every vehicle has two outlets for your use, but please bear in mind that 12 people travelling with multiple devices can mean very little charge time per person per day so it may be useful bringing extra batteries.
Luggage allowance
One suitcase, soft kitbag or backpack (50lb/23kg maximum) per person, plus a sleeping bag. A smaller backpack and camera can also be carried in the van. Before you travel, please check the baggage allowance with the airline you’re flying with as this may be less than 50lb (23kg).
We are unable to offer luggage-storage facilities; however, some of our pre- and post-tour hotels provide this service, although there may be a charge. Please contact the hotels directly for further information.
Sleeping bags
You must bring your own sleeping bag for this tour; we provide a self-inflating mat to sleep on. If you are travelling on an early- or late-season tour or a winter tour, you might want to consider bringing a mountain climate (four-season) sleeping bag as the weather can be much cooler. For summer trips, we recommend bringing a three-season sleeping bag in case of inclement weather. We do not provide pillows; you may wish to bring your own or pick one up in Calgary on Day 1.
Practical Information
Visa
Canada
Travellers from the UK and EU countries can enter Canada under an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). US citizens do not normally need a visa. Visas are required for some nationalities and requirements often change; it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas and fulfil any requirements for this trip. We recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
- Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/americas/canada
- United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/canada/entry-requirements
- United States: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Canada.html
To apply for your eTA, or for more information, visit www.canada.ca/eTA; you will need your passport, credit or debit card, and an email address. It costs 7 Canadian dollars and will be valid for five years or until your passport expires. We recommend you carry a print out of your eTA approval when you travel.
If you have not applied for and received authorisation for an eTA prior to travel you may be denied boarding, experience delayed processing or be denied admission at the Canadian point of entry. However, neither possession of a visa nor meeting the basic requirements for travelling visa free on the eTA guarantees admission to Canada. As with most countries, the final determination of admissibility is made by immigration officials at the point of entry.
Travel via the USA
If you are travelling via the USA and are eligible to transit under the Visa Waiver Program, you are required to register in advance for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). There is a US$21 charge, which is only payable online. Please see our website www.exodus.co.uk/usvisa for further information.
Please note, not all nationalities have the same eligibility for travel to or transit via the USA, and you may not be covered by the visa waiver program. Regulations stipulate that any person who has travelled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen since March 2011, or have dual nationalities of these countries, may no longer qualify. In addition, if you have travelled to Cuba since 12 January 2021 you will not be eligible for the visa waiver program and should instead apply for a visa.
If you are in doubt of your eligibility, please check the visa requirements with your local US embassy.
Vaccinations and Health
Canada
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for polio, tetanus and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Ticks are known to be present in this region and can carry lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis and other diseases. Please take care to protect yourself. You can read more about ticks here.
Local Time
Alberta Canada’s time zone: Canada/Mountain Time Zone (UTC -6:00)
Electricity
Canada's electricity: Plug types A (two flat pins) and B (three pins: two flat, one round) – 120V, 60Hz
Money
Canada's currency: Canadian dollar (CAD)
ATM Availability
ATMs are available throughout Canada but are limited in some off-the-beaten-track destinations. All charge withdrawal fees (1-5 Canadian dollars). Major credit cards are also widely accepted. It is important you advise your bank prior to leaving your home country of your intended travel, so they do not block your card.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
We recommend you take at least 30 dollars (US$23) per day for any meals not included in the tour, drinks, snacks and other incidentals. You should also budget for tipping, as well as for the optional activities you wish to join. We suggest you bring 150 dollars (US$112) with you in cash for the beginning of your trip.
Optional excursions:
Calgary
- Calgary Tower: 21 Canadian dollars (US$15)
- Canada Olympic Park: From 12 dollars (US$9) – price depends on the number of activities (20 minutes by car or one hour using public transport)
Banff
- Aerial gondola/tramway: 62 dollars (US$46)
- Banff Upper Hot Springs: 16.50 dollars (US$12)
Jasper National Park
- Mountain biking in Jasper: 15-75 dollars (US$11-US$56)
- Miette Hot Springs in Jasper: 16.50 dollars (US$12)
Landslide Lake
- One-day fishing permit: 30 dollars (US$23)
- Seven-day fishing permit: 60 dollars (US$45) plus 8.50 dollars (US$6.50) wildlife identification number for both options
Tipping
It is normal and expected in Canada to tip local guides, waiters, bar staff, taxi drivers and anyone who provides a service for you. Service workers are paid a low wage and depend on tips for their livelihood. It can be embarrassing if you are not aware you need to tip and a local expecting a tip confronts you, which is why we provide the following guidelines.
A 15%-20% tip is standard in restaurants, and you should also expect to tip when paying for drinks in bars – 1 dollar per drink if paying in cash, or a percentage will be suggested when paying with a card machine. For other services, 1-2 dollars (US$0.75-US$1.50) per bag for porters and 10% for taxi drivers is usual. It’s also typical to tip around 10% for local guides who provide optional activities.
Your tour guides will work long and hard for you during your tour and we recommend a discretionary tip of 7-12 dollars per person per day if your guide’s performance meets or exceeds your expectations.
People, Places & Planet
We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
- Local guides keep you well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
- This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels, restaurants, and other enterprises, and by championing locally produced food wherever possible.
- At the end of each season, our local partners donate unopened foods to food banks and used tents and sleeping bags to various charities.
- Read more about our other initiatives here.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
- By travelling in a small group, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
- We work with our partners on the ground to proactively reduce waste; this includes eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles by providing refills for reusable bottles.
- The payment of entrance fees to natural reserves generates income used to upkeep and develop these important sites. This trip visits Banff and Jasper national parks and fees collected go towards funding conservation initiatives.
- We rewild 1,075sqft (100sqm) per passenger to compensate for all trip and flight emissions.
- Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels with us.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
- Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
- Our local partner is accredited by Aventure Écotourisme Québec, which certifies they adhere to high standards in this area.
- Walking trips like this have very little detrimental impact on the environment and the locals, as it is a quiet, low-impact activity requiring comparatively few resources to support.
- Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
- Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
- Plastic waste reduction: Please bring a reusable water bottle on this trip, also consider avoiding single-use hotel toiletries, which generate a large amount of plastic waste.
Important Information
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.