Heli-Hiking in the Canadian Rockies

Day 1: Calgary or Banff, to Bobbie Burns Lodge

A shuttle bus departs the Calgary Airport Marriott Hotel (in terminal) bright and early at 5:15am. We recommend you book an overnight at the Calgary Airport Marriott Hotel the night before. Alternatively, if you wish to make your way up to Banff before the trip, you will make your own way to the Brewster Transportation Center (Banff Bus Depot) for 6:45am. The drive takes us west toward Golden, BC, through the fabulous scenery of Banff and Yoho National Parks.

We travel over Kicking Horse Pass, site of the famous Spiral Tunnels, which minimized the steep grade for the rail lines of Canada's National Dream, the transcontinental railway, when it was heroically built in the late 1800s. From Golden, we head south through the Rocky Mountain Trench, with the Rockies to the east and the front ranges of the Columbia Mountains to the west. The Rocky Mountain Trench, down which flows the great Columbia River, is the boundary between the Columbias and the Rockies. One of Earth's most dramatic landmarks, it's clearly visible from orbital space.

We arrive at the helipad for the quick, exhilarating flight to Bobbie Burns Lodge. Before settling into our rooms, we'll be outfitted with all the necessary hiking gear, get acquainted with helicopter safety procedures, then fly up for an afternoon of hiking in some of the world's most stunning mountains.

Late afternoon, we return to the lodge to relax before dinner. After dinner, you may choose to just relax by the fire with your fellow hikers or take a whirlpool soak or sauna.

Overnight at the Bobbie Burns Lodge.

Days 2 - 3: Full Days of Heli-hiking

For those who want a warm up, there is a morning stretch class before the buffet breakfast. We then board our helicopter for a flight to your starting point for the days hiking.

Each group of hikers, accompanied by a guide, spends the day exploring the immense variety of landscapes in the Bobbie Burns, a winsome sub-range of the Columbias. The Bobbie Burns abounds with distinctive glaciers, turquoise lakes and airy mountain ridges. And everywhere, from every vantage point, vast, heart-stirring views.

We'll enjoy a picnic lunch (or, on special days, a grand high mountain barbecue) amidst stunning, utterly unspoiled scenery. After a memorable day, we fly back to the lodge, where snacks, beverages, a good book, or the sauna and restful outdoor whirlpool await. One of the charms of family-style dining is getting to know our fellow guests as we savor the chef's creation of the evening.

Overnight at the Bobbie Burns Lodge.

Day 4: Hiking the Bugaboos

Today, fly by helicopter to Grizzly Ridge and trek along the ridge to the Bugaboo Lodge with a picnic lunch on the way. Arrive at your new destination to find your luggage and another remote, exclusive lodge tucked away in the Purcell Ranges.

We follow a similar routine at the Bugaboos where snacks and beverages await after a memorable day of hiking. There's time to relax before dinner; read a good book, relax in the sauna or outdoor whirlpool. Dinner is served family style with the chance to get to know the Bugaboo staff and other guests.

Before retiring, enjoy conversation by the fire, take a look at the Bugaboo's fine history exhibits, make a visit to the lodge's retail shop, set up an appointment with the masseuse (at additional cost) or just enjoy peace and quiet on the deck as the alpen glow settles on the great monoliths above.

Overnight at the Bugaboo Lodge.

Days 5 - 6: Full Days of Heli-hiking

Optional morning stretch class or sleep in. Enjoy a helicopter journey to your starting point for your days hiking. Each group of hikers, accompanied by a guide, will spend the day exploring the immense variety of landscapes in the Bugaboos.

We'll enjoy a picnic lunch (or, perhaps, a grand high mountain barbecue) amidst stunning, utterly unspoiled scenery (there is not much chance of seeing other hikers, despite the Bugaboos' world fame). After another spectacular day, we fly back to the lodge for another gourmet meal.

Overnight at the Bugaboo Lodge.

Day 7: Bugaboo Helipad, to Banff or Calgary Airport

After breakfast, take your final helicopter ride from the lodge to the Bugaboo Helipad. From the helipad, we take a bus journey through Kootenay and Banff National Parks en route to Banff and Calgary. A box lunch is provided.

The bus arrives in Banff at approx 1:30pm, or stay aboard and return to the Calgary Airport Marriott (in terminal) hotel for arrival at approximately 3:00 pm. It is recommended you do not book flights before 6:30pm.