Biking, Hiking & Rafting Tour in Banff & Jasper National Parks

We’ve found the perfect way for families to experience the natural wonders of two of the Canadian Rockies’ most famous destinations: Banff and Jasper National Parks. 

By bike and on foot, you'll explore in the company of Trip Leaders who are accredited interpretive guides and know the region intimately. Spin past saw-edged mountains and glaciers inching their way down the faces of mighty peaks. Hike to lakes in crayon-box hues of the deepest blue and emerald green. Delight in abundant wildlife sightings—moose, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats—and have an unforgettable family adventure in this amazing wilderness.

Trip Overview:

• Natural and historic treasures discovered by foot and bike
• Walk on massive Athabasca Glacier with informative mountain guides
• Crackling campfires and star-filled skies
• Float Class II rapids of the Athabasca River
• Kids rock climb with accredited instructors
• All Meals Included
• Priced from $1,998

Location: Alberta, Canada

2012 Dates: June 24th-29th, July 1st-6th, July 8th-13th, July 15th-19th, July 22nd-July 27th, July 29th-Aug 2nd, Aug 5th-9th, Aug 12th-16th, Aug 19th-23rd

2011 Pricing:

All meals included 
$1,998 per person

Day 1: Bow Valley Biking Route

Day 2: Agnes Teahouse Hike Gondola Ride & Activities

Day 3: Bow Lake Biking Route

Day 4: Shuttle to Columbia Icefields Athabasca Glacier Walk

Day 5: Jasper Rock Climbing Shuttle to Maligne Lake

Day 6: Valley of the Five Lakes Hike

Routes for All Abilities

Every 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.  Your choices range from a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the most difficult.

Day 1

Bow Valley Biking Route

Meet your tip leaders at 9 a.m. at Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa in Banff, Alberta. Please arrive dressed in your biking clothes and have your rain gear handy. See “Arriving & Departing” for additional logistics information.

Welcome to the Canadian Rockies! After meeting, your trip leaders fit your bike, and give a brief talk on biking techniques and safety. Then it’s time to head out on our first ride through the town of Banff toward Lake Louise. Today’s route passes towering peaks, virgin forests and the blue-green water of the Bow River, so named because the early Cree Indians made hunting bows from wood found near its banks. After stopping for a picnic lunch at Johnston Canyon, you can take a short scenic hike up the gorge to a series of stunning waterfalls.

Hop back on your bike and ride to Lake Louise Campground, where there’s plenty of time to relax while your trip leaders perform culinary magic for tonight’s dinner.

Campground: Lake Louise Campground

Day 2

Agnes Teahouse Hike Gondola Ride & Activities

A ten-minute shuttle brings us to lovely Lake Louise, a World Heritage site located at 5,680 feet and one of the most photographed areas in the Rockies. You’ll understand why when you see the reflection of Mount Victoria in its shimmering blue-green waters. Walk along the shoreline before ascending through the barren rocky landscape created by Victoria Glacier. Keep an eye out for mountain goats, pikas and hoary marmots that make their homes in the boulder fields, and be sure to take in the spectacular views behind you. A 1,200-foot climb brings you to the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse, nestled among pine trees with amazing views of Mount Victoria and six surrounding glaciers.

The teahouse was built in the 1800s by the Canadian Pacific Railway with the help of Swiss guides. It’s still a cozy spot for a lunch break—fancy some chocolate cake?

This afternoon, a special treat is in store for the youngsters. Accompanied by a leader, they take a gondola ride up Whitehorn Mountain and spend the afternoon exploring and learning about the region’s wildlife, landscape and environment through engaging educational activities. Meanwhile, adults forge ahead to Lake Agnes along the Highline Trail and past Mirror Lake, also known as “the Goat’s Looking Glass.” The route, with a total elevation gain of 1,800 feet, offers breathtaking glimpses of Lake Louise. Later, the younger set is treated to pizza and fun in Lake Louise while adults enjoy dinner and a relaxed evening around the campfire.

Campground: Lake Louise Campground

Day 3

Bow Lake Biking Route

On this spectacular day of riding, you’ll shadow the Continental Divide and cruise along the Icefields Parkway, over rolling hills with sweeping views of glaciers and forests. This family-friendly route provides some of the most stunning vistas of the trip, not to mention a generous six-foot-wide shoulder that keeps vehicles at a comfortable distance. Stop at Mosquito Creek for a tasty picnic lunch before continuing toward the Crowfoot Glacier, perched high on a mountain face. The Crowfoot is an interesting example of how glaciers are formed: Notice how the mountain walls act as a catch basin for snow, which then accumulates and hardens under its own weight.

Our campground for the evening is set on the bank of North Waterfowl Lake. Kids can enjoy a variety of special activities before another delicious fireside meal. For the brave in the bunch, a dip in the lake is an invigorating (and quite chilly!) experience.

Campground: Waterfowl Lakes Campground

Day 4

Shuttle to Columbia Icefields Athabasca Glacier Walk 

After breakfast we head to the frigid terrain of the Columbia Icefields, the largest of the chain of glaciers along the Great Divide separating Alberta and British Columbia. As you look at this icy landscape, consider that the meltwater generated by this enormous ice field will eventually feed three oceans: Pacific, Atlantic and Arctic. In the company of certified mountain guides, we strap on crampons and set out on an adventurous interpretive walk on the surface of the Athabasca Glacier, a massive river of ice riddled with an estimated 30,000 crevasses. (Note: minimum age for the ice walk is 6.)

Following the ice walk, we shuttle to the Athabasca River. Here, a scenic guided Class II float trip provides a new perspective on the Canadian Rockies landscape—as well as more chances to see wildlife. (Note: minimum age for rafting is also 6.) Climb into sturdy rafts and follow a route used by early fur traders and explorers, riding the Athabasca’s mellow glacier-fed rapids. Afterward, a brief shuttle brings us to our home for the next two evenings, Wapiti Campground, named for the Cree word meaning “elk.” Wondering how it’s pronounced? Refer to humorist Ogden Nash’s verse: “There goes the Wapiti, Hippety-hoppity!”

Campground: Wapiti Campground

Day 5

Jasper Rock Climbing Shuttle to Maligne Lake

Today kids join a leader and an accredited mountain guide for a fun-filled introduction to rock climbing (weather permitting). The opportunity to safely scale and rappel from rocky terrain is exhilarating. (Note: minimum age for rock climbing is 6.) Meanwhile, adults take a scenic shuttle to Maligne Lake, one of Jasper National Park’s best-known natural attractions. The Canadian Rockies’ longest and deepest lake, Maligne is world renowned for its intense blue-green color. Enjoy this beautiful view before biking the mostly downhill route back to the campground.

Feel free to stop at Maligne Canyon for a short hike. This river-sculpted gorge is 250 feet deep in places, yet sometimes scarcely more than 3 feet wide.

As you descend into the cool damp depths of this limestone cathedral, you’ll hear the river’s constant roar as it cuts deeper into the canyon floor.

Reunited back at the campground, we savor our last evening together around the campfire. Indulge in another wholesome dinner before bedding down under the stars.

Campground: Wapiti Campground

Day 6

Valley of the Five Lakes Hike

This morning’s hike takes you through pristine mountain wilderness at the Valley of the Five Lakes, along the shores of the valley’s jade-green namesakes, and through the habitats of mule deer, elk, beaver and coyote. In midsummer you may be lucky enough to see mountain orchids in bloom. If you’re up for one final Canadian Rockies dip, Lake Four is a great place for a family swim. After the walk, we shuttle back to Banff, where we say our goodbyes.