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Great Wild West Adventure Tour

Ref # CAGW
About Canada
How to Book

Highlights:

  • All of western Canada in a single trip: major national parks of the Rocky Mountains, very wild British Colombia parks, wildlife, the cities of Vancouver and Victoria, Vancouver Island.
  • Exceptional variety of landscapes.
  • An East to West crossing route, from Calgary to Vancouver, from the Rockies to the coastal mountain ranges.
  • A guide passionate for this country and this trip who will be eager to make your trip a true memory!
Duration:15 days
Group size:4 to 11 persons
Available Dates and Costs From:
07/19/2008 - 08/02/2008$5580Full
08/02/2008 - 08/16/2008$5580Full
06/20/2009 - 07/04/2009$5590Available
07/05/2009 - 07/25/2009$5590Available

Services + :

  • Arrive Sooner - Stay Longer
  • Single Supplement
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What's Included:

  • Experienced Mountain World Travel English speaking professional guide
  • Lodging in mentioned hotels, lodges, chalets, or similar, based on double occupancy
  • Full board during the entire trip (from dinner Day 1 to breakfast Day 15)
  • Transportation with driver-guide, private bus
  • All mentioned visits in Parks and sites as written in the program.

A gem full of mountain wilderness national parks stretching all the way across the Canadian Rockies, all for adventure travel discovery and enjoyment. Visit the wilds of Canada!

North America, Canada

The nature and wildlife reign on the vastness of Canada, the second largest country in the world. From east to west, during summer time or in the limelight of the Indian summer, the magic of wide open spaces and the wealth of wildlife will make you fall in love for such nature in it's raw state.

  • Trip Summary
  • Detailed Itinerary
  • Important Information
  • Image Gallery

Trip Summary

About the Adventure

From Alberta to British Columbia, from the glacial peaks to the Pacific beaches and its rainforest, a trip to explore these beautiful areas, where nature is queen.

Itinerary

  • Day 1/ Arrival in Calgary
  • Day 2/ Kootenay NP, Stanley glacier
  • Day 3/ Banff NP, Bourgeau lake
  • Day 4/ Lake Louise, Sentinel pass
  • Day 5/ Icefield parksway, Parker ridge
  • Day 6/ Yoho NP, Iceline trail
  • Day 7/ Glacier NP, Balu pass
  • Day 8/ Revelstoke NP, Evas lakes
  • Day 9/ Kokanee Glacier PP, Kokanee Glacier cabin
  • Day 10/ Flight to Victoria, Vancouver Island
  • Day 11/ Whale watching
  • Day 12/ Garibaldi PP, Garibaldi lake
  • Day 14/ Whistler, High Note trail, road to Vancouver
  • Day 15/ Depart from Vancouver.

Detailed Itinerary

The Adventure

The Canadian Rockies, "The Rockies", belong amongst these mountain gems that nature has fashioned for the pleasure of the eyes.
The immensity, once can cover hundreds of miles without encountering one village; the "wilderness" , we can climb on a summit without seeing any trace of human civilization; everything here is grand and fascinating.
Long steep wooded valleys, flowery meadows within walking distance of glaciers that descend from majestic summits (though of modest altitude-Mount Robson rises to 13,041 feet) and lakes of changing colors from navy blue to emerald green, this is only a small taste of what we offer through this trip.
We have selected some wonderful spots for you to admire nature and wildlife, still omnipresent.

Itinerary

Day 1/  Arrival in Calgary
Arrival in Calgary (3,533 feet). Welcome at hotel. Dinner reception and night at Sandman Hotel downtown.

Day 2/  Kootenay National Park

Road Calgary/Kootenay National Park/Canmore: 150 miles (3 H)
Hiking: Stanley Glacier in the Vermilion River's southern valley.  We go to the bottom of this valley which is completed by the Stanley Glacier; a very steep decline (many Hoary marmots, picas and snow grouse).
Settle in for two nights in a hotel in Canmore (4,400 feet) at 13 miles from Banff (rooms with twin beds, shower).
5.3 miles, 1,197 feet, 3 H 30 walk

Day 3/  Banff National Park
Route for Banff National Park: 43 miles round trip (1 H)
HIKING: Bourgeau Lake (7,054 feet of altitude). This lake nestles in the palm of a magnificent limestone amphitheater of the Massive Range. Its name comes from that of a French botanist! It is surrounded by alpine meadows dotted by fir-trees and slopes that rise above the tree line. Here you can encounter marmots, picas and snow grouse. Anemone flowers bloom by the end of spring.
We go back up the Wolverine creek watercourse where the view covers the Bow Valley, the Sawback Range and the summit of Mount Brett (9,790 feet).
Within 15 more minutes of walking, it is possible to reach a southern pass on the descending ridge of Mount Bourgeau from where the view on Mount Assiniboine is breathtaking!
Free time to spend visiting Banff.
2nd night in a hotel in Canmore about twenty kilometers from Banff (rooms with two beds, shower).
9 miles, 2,451 feet, 6 H walk

Day 4/  Lake Louise

Road for Lake Louise: 49 miles.
Hiking: Sentinel Pass (8,547 feet)
Discovery of the famous "Lake Louise," "Moraine Lake," "Ten Peaks" and "larch Valley"
Settle for two nights at Lake Louise's Alpine Center, room with 4 beds, shared shower.
7 miles, 2,362 feet, 5/6 H walk

Day 5/  Icefields Parksway
Full day exploration of "Icefields Parkway, one of the most beautiful mountain roads of North America 158 miles
Multiple panoramic stops: Crowfoot Glacier, Peyto Lake etc.
Hiking: Parker Ridge, for a spectacular view of the Saskatchewan Glacier
At Sunwapta Pass, we discover the Columbia ice cap and Mount Athabasca (11,460 feet).
We visit the Icefield Information Center and it is possible to reach the Athabasca Glacier, via a snow coach.  The Glacier reaches .6 miles wide and is 984 feet thick (Cost is 30 CAD/per person).
2nd night in Lake Louise Alpine Center, Rooms with 4 beds, shared shower.
3 miles, + 820 feet, 2 H walk

Day 6/  Yoho national Park
Lake Louise Route/Roger Pass (4,534 feet altitude): 100 miles, 2 H 30.
Hiking: as a loop Little Yoho Valley/Stanley Mitchell Hut/Iceline Trail/Whiskey Jack Youth Hostel (7,349 feet high point)
Discovery of one of the highest waterfalls in Canada (833 feet height), the secret valley of the Little Yoho, and a panoramic and spectacular journey at the foot of "Vice President" (10.059 feet) and then a balcony path in the terminal moraines of the Emerald Glacier.
Overnight in a hotel at Rogers pass, Glacier Park Lodge, in the middle of Glacier National Park.
13 miles, 3,543 feet, 7 H walking

Day 7/  Glacier national Park
Route to Revelstoke: 43 miles
Hiking: Balu-Pass (6,890 feet) at the heart of the Columbia Mountains.
Hiking up a beautiful alpine valley cut by multiple avalanche corridors frequented by bears (as indicated by the name of the pass). From the summit, the view is on Cougar Brook Valley where the mysterious "Kakimu" cave is found (4 miles of underground tunnels)
Overnight in rustic cabins in Revelstoke.
6 miles, 2,379 feet, 5 H walk

Day 8/  Revelstoke National Park
Hiking: in the Revelstoke National Park in the heart of the Monashee Mountains: Mount Revelstoke Meadows at an hour's road drive from Revelstoke (approx. 17 miles): walk up to Millers and Eva lakes (with small climbs and descents): domain of the eagle, Hoary marmot and squirrel.
Route Revelstoke/Nelson in the afternoon: Ferryboat 20 minutes, then a splendid route along Slocan Lake to New Denver with a mountain view of the Valhalla Regional Park.  We pass by the Sandon ghost town ruins (visit of museum included).  Possible swimming as an option in the hot-water springs of Ainsworth ($ 7.5 CAD / person) and free time at the picturesque little village of Nelson.
Settle in for two nights in a youth hostel in Nelson.
8 miles, + 1,312 feet, 5 H walk.

Day 9/  Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park

Discover the West Kootenay region and Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park in the Selkirk Mountains between Slocan and Kootenay lakes; imposing granite massif (Nelson batholiths) sometimes frequented by the grizzly bear. Possible visit (during the "run" of the salmon period) in Kokanee Creek Provincial Park at 12 miles from Nelson.
This place is frequented by the osprey, beavers and even coyotes. Late summer, the salmon come to spawn before dying.
Route for the park: 43 miles round trip including 20 miles pist.
Trekking in Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park: Kokanee Glacier Cabin
From Gibson Lake hike past Kokanee Lake over Kokanee Pass and down to Kaslo Lake. The cabin is at the north end of Kaslo Lake, past the campground. Hiking distance is 4.5 miles with 1,591 feet elevation gain and descent 328 feet.
Or
The intermediate level: Enterprise Creek Trail. The hike is 6.3 miles and takes about five hours, one way, with an elevation gain of 2,490 feet. You will pass by the scenic Kokanee Lake, Kokanee Pass and Kaslo Lake en route to the Slocan Chief Cabin, built in 1886.
2nd night at the youth hostel in Nelson.
9 miles, 1,919 feet, 5/6 H walk

Day 10/  Flight for Victoria, Vancouver Island
In the morning, route for Nelson/Kelowna: 216 miles -5 H
We are in the Okanagan region (over 2,000 hours of sunshine a year!), The California of Western Canada with its orchards and vineyards, and therefore its wine! We discover the mountains surrounding the lake, wild and semi-desert. The microclimate here is amazingly hot and dry. Along the blessed valley, apples, apricots, peaches, cherries and grapes grow well. We can sample the Canadian wine, similar to that of California, which is produced here. 
Visit a winery with tasting.
Flight Kelowna/Victoria.
Settle in for two nights in Victoria Inn Downtown Hotel.

Day 11/  Visit of Victoria and Whales Watching
Walking tour of Victoria and observation cruise of killer whales, sea lions and other marine mammals.
2nd night at the Victoria Inn Downtown Hotel.

Day 12/  Whistler
Road Victoria/Whistler: 144 MILES - 5 H with ferryboat crossing Nanaimo/Horseshoe Bay
HIKING: North Stawanus Chief -First Peak.
North of Shannon Falls, at the southern entrance of Squamish, North Stawanus Chief, "big wall" of granite, 2,287 feet high, very well known by climbers and overlooking Howe Sound and the famous "Sea to Sky Highway" route.
Settle in for two nights in a hotel in Whistler.
Whistler is the most popular alpine ski resort for the people of Vancouver and this is where the 2010 Winter Olympics will take place.
First Peak: 2 miles roundtrip, + 1,640 feet, 2 H 30 walk.

Day 13/  Provincial  Park of Garibaldi
The Garibaldi Provincial Park in the heart of the Coastal Range. Unforgettable 360 degree panorama.
Road for Rubble Creek parking lot: 50 miles round-trip. Hike: Taylor Campground - Garibaldi Lake (loop).
2nd night in a hotel in Whistler
12 miles, 3,314 feet +, 7 H walk

Day 14/  Return to Vancouver

Either a second hike in Whistler (e.g. High Note trail with access via cable car) or a day to visit Vancouver. The trail begins at the peak of Whistler Mountain (7,005 feet), west ridge heads down, turns east and traverses along the mountain's south aspect past Piccolo peak into the Piccolo/Flute saddle. It then loops back to the Roundhouse Lodge via a part of the Musical Bumps trail.
Route: Whistler/Vancouver: 71 miles, 1 H 30/2 H 00
Goodbye diner!
Overnight hotel in Vancouver
5 mile loop, 1,132 feet, 3 to 4 H walk

Day 15/  Depart from Vancouver
Breakfast then separation. Return flights back home.

Itinerary Notes

Average round trip distance: 7.5 miles, average climb: + 2,008 feet, average hiking time: 5 H/6 H.
Longest uphill gain in altitude : 3,543 feet
Longest Distance : 13 miles
Maximum duration : 7 H
Maximum altitude: 8,547 feet

- The walking time schedules are given only as an estimate.
- For different reasons involving trip organization, daily schedules and planned altitude gains (ascent or descent) may be modified without any prior  notice. 

Luggage Tips

All of your belongings will be divided in two bags: A back-pack that you will be carrying while walking, and a traveling bag that will be carried by the logistics team following us.

Staff

An experienced Mountain World Travel English speaking professional guide, passionate by the region.

Transportation

Ground transportation by large air conditioned private van, driven by a driver/guide, and a trailer for luggage.

Lodging

9 nights, Calgary, Canmore, Roger Pass, Victoria, Whistler and Vancouver: Hotel and Inn (excellent category, 3 stars)
Other nights : in Youth hostels (small rooms with 4 beds, shared showers) and/or chalets, as indicated in the daily Detailed Itinerary.
Due to our goal of providing quality accommodations, we seek charming and reputable places located in the middle of the most beautiful landscapes, on the most beautiful view-points or close to the departure of the excursions.
We choose those hotels and lodges, not only for the excellent price/quality ratio, but also for its cordiality and hospitality.

The names of accommodations (hotels, lodges, etc...) when they are indicated, are only indicative.
Depending on availability, accommodations (hotels/Lodges, etc...) may be replaced by another equivalent type.
It is possible that accommodations may change without prior notice due to a number of factors. 

Food and Beverages

Breakfasts and dinners taken at the accommodation or in restaurant; sometimes prepared by the guide (for those nights spent in hostels - chalets)
Lunch, as a picnic, taken on site.

Additional Information

Although we are an experienced adventure travel company doing our best to respect the itinerary schedule as presented on this detailed itinerary, there is always the possibility that we may need to modify it for different reasons beyond our control. Please read the Registration Conditions: Terms and Booking conditions - Limitations of Liability.

Important Information

What's Not Included

  • International flights in Calgary and  out Vancouver
  • Transfer airport-hotel (Calgary) and hotel - airport (Vancouver)
  • All services mentioned in Services +/extensions/options
  • Personal medical & Travel Insurance
  • All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

Extra Costs

  • Drinks (except mineral water during meals)
  • Personal expenses.
  • Tips for guides
  • All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

Air Travel

As airfare is NOT included in our adventures, please check if your trip is "a guaranteed departure" before confirming your own airline travel arrangements. You can check your trip status at the Mountain World Travel website or contact the Mountain World Travel office at 1 888-MWT-TREK (698-8735).

Our preferred airlines to fly in Calgary, out Vancouver:
-      Air Canada
-      all the American airlines.

Foreign-Entry Requirements

For US citizens, please check with US Government Travel Entry Exit Requirements
For other nationalities, please contact the Canadian embassy of your country.

Health and First Aid

Vaccines
No vaccine is obligatory. We advise you, however, to be up date for traditional vaccinations: Diphtheria - Tetanus - Poliomyelitis, Typhoid fever. Vaccination against hepatitis A and B is recommended.

Dentist and doctor
A check up before departure is recommended.

Our advice

Although present in Canada from June 15th to mid-August, mosquitoes are less numerous than in Lapland or in Alaska and they do not carry any disease. Your guide will advise you upon your arrival of the most effective products to buy on the spot.

Physical Preparation

LEVEL 3
2 months prior: Hike 9 to 10 miles every weekend or on two consecutive days OR if you are regularly committed, on an annual basis, to another sports activity for a cumulative duration of 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes per week, you should be up to speed.

Equipment

Basic equipment
- A warm fleece hat
- A cap or a hat to protect from the sun
- Sun glasses (minimum index 3 or 4 for high mountain)
- Thermal top and bottom, short and long) underwear (fast drying).
- Fleece turtle neck top
- A warm fleece jacket (light weight/well insulated).
- A waterproof/breathable shell jacket (Gore-Tex).
- A pair of gloves
- A rain poncho
- Hiking shorts
- Lightweight hiking long pants
- A Camelback or a water bottle.

Shoes and technical material
-
Hiking socks
- Light ventilated hiking shoes with a good traction on different type of terrain, for people with fragile ankles: waterproof ankle hiking boots and a sole offering good traction.
- Gaiters
- Head lamp
- A pair of telescopic walking poles
On your packing list: A sleeping bag for those nights to be spent in hostels (hostels provide sheets, but no blankets - guests bring their sleeping bags)

Luggage
- A back pack equipped with broad straps, with an adjustable anatomical back reinforcement, and a capacity of 7 to 9 gallons, for your daily belongings
- A soft travel bag, which can hold between 18 to 23 gallons that will be transported by the porter team or by vehicle during the day.

Miscellaneous
- A change of clothes.
- A pair of replacement shoe laces
- A dop-kit and a bath towel.
- Toilet paper.
- A pocket knife (not in carry on luggage).
- Some plastic bags to protect your belongings.
- A bathing suit.
- A small pocket anti-theft protection device, to always keep on yourself, along with your identity papers, money, certificate of insurance.

Some advice
During your flight your back pack should contain fragile and useful items that you might need while on the plane (camera, memory cards, jacket, books, magazines, medication, dop-kit etc). On your packing list: A sleeping bag for those nights to be spent in hostels (hostels provide sheets, but no blankets - guests bring their sleeping bags).

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