Canadian Rockies Hiking
Banff, Kootenay & Yoho National Parks
"This is the way I've imagined worlds being born - all mist and shadow and swirl," muses National Geographic Traveler magazine. "There would be peaks appearing and disappearing in wisps of fog, and rock walls so impossibly high you'd bow your neck in a posture the opposite of prayer just to see the top. And, below, a lake, its water a shade of blue you thought existed only in dreams." Join Backroads Trip Leaders, certified Professional Mountain Parks Heritage Interpreters who know the region intimately, and experience the natural grandeur of Banff, Kootenay and Yoho National Parks on an exhilarating hiking journey amid ancient glaciers, vibrant forests, majestic snowcapped peaks, hanging valleys and sparkling emerald glacier-fed lakes.
Trip Planning Links
- World-class hiking in three phenomenal national parks
- Walk through evergreen forests and flowering pastures to behold sensational glaciers
- Impossibly blue Lake Louise
- Commune with mountain goats, pikas and hoary marmots
- The Post Hotel, blending old-world charm with modern sophistication
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1 Yoho National Park
Meet in Banff 
In Kootenay National Park, hike through a vast and recent wildfire burn area, and experience the beauty of the new growth forest, fireweed and yellow columbine Venture farther into a pristine hanging valley for your first up-close view of incredible Stanley Glacier.
Days 2-3 Emerald Lake
Hike to Canada's second-highest waterfall, Takakkaw Falls (from the Cree word meaning "it is wonderful") Admire views of the Wapta Icefields and the Yoho Glacier as you ascend a series of switchbacks through lush forest and meadows to Yoho Lake Walk to our mountain retreat on the shores of aptly named Emerald Lake Hike to beautiful Emerald Basin, a natural amphitheater of rock and ice adorned with cascading water.
Days 4-6 Lake Louise
Tackle the steady climb to one of the most beautiful alpine meadows in Banff National Park - in peak season it's carpeted with wildflowers and alive with the whistles of hoary marmots Take in vistas of the Crowfoot Glacier and Bow Lake From Moraine Lake, follow switchbacks to breathtaking Larch Valley Marvel at the sight of Mount Fay and the ten Wenkchemna Peaks Savor the exquisite cuisine of Chef Hans Sauter at the Post Hotel's acclaimed restaurant - and for even more indulging, visit the Post's spa! Cap off the trip with a classic and stunning Canadian Rockies hike from world-renowned Lake Louise to the historic Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Other Trips You Might Like:
Alaska Walking Glacier Walking Hungary/Slovakia/Poland WalkingOther National Park Trips
Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
This trip offers a truly exquisite alpine experience! We bring together the finest hotels in the region, our amazing Trip Leaders, and some of the most beautiful hiking in North America to create a magnificent Canadian Rockies classic.- Regional Manager, Canada All Guest Reviews
For 30 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the Canadian Rockies tour experts. For walking tours and hiking tours in Canada, trust our in-depth connections. To see all our Canada walking tours and hiking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning Canada biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning Canada multisport tours click here.
Canadian Rockies Hiking
SUBLIME SECLUSION: Premiere Inns
Cathedral Mountain Lodge
Yoho National Park (1 night) Enjoy the grand comfort and cuisine of this timber-framed lodge before snuggling into your well-appointed private log cabin that features a stone fireplace and spacious deck with inspiring views.
Emerald Lake Lodge
Emerald Lake (2 nights) This secluded turn-of-the century lodge on a tree-rimmed lake offers delicious cuisine, a gym, sauna and outdoor hot tub.
Post Hotel & Spa
Lake Louise (2 nights) It's easy to see why this Relais & Châteaux member-hotel, with a full-service spa, an award-winning wine cellar and gourmet cuisine, is called a masterwork by the Los Angeles Times and consistently appears on Travel+Leisure World's Best list.
Canadian Rockies Hiking
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insider Trips | Explore at a leisurely pace—on village walks, market strolls, art history excursions, hands-on cooking classes and more. | ||
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 2 1 Route Option Available
- 5 miles
- 1000 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 5.2, 8.2, 8.6 miles
- 750 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- 3.2, 6.3 miles
- 0 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Level 3 2 Route Options Available
- 7.5, 8.6 miles
- 1500 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 2 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 5.2, 7.2 miles
- 1500 - 2500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Levels 2 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 6.2, 8.2 miles
- 1000 - 1500 feet elevation gain