B.C. Canada – Cross River Valley & Banff NP

5 Days - Lodge (2nights) & camping (3 nights), all-inclusive:
3+ days of hiking; cultural and wilderness activities, based on native teachings.

This short hiking trip was designed to give those travellers in the Canadian Rocky Mountains an opportunity to get off the highways and crowded park trails for a few days, and to explore the Canadian wilderness, while not keeping you from your onward journey for too long. 

We will trek into the secluded and remote backcountry, which is seldom visited.   The area is ideal for trekking as it is packed with rugged and beautiful nature, spectacular views, wildlife, vivid vegetation, learning opportunities, and a chance to participate in some unique cultural and wilderness activities, based on native teachings, to enhance the experience.

Wildlife, including bear, elk, marmot and deer often frequent these areas, and the views looking out over the Cross River valley, the end of the Spray River Valley in Banff National Park, and Slab Lake in the light of the morning sun alone are worth the effort of this trip.

This trekking experience can be done back to back with some of our 4 day Multi Activity trips.

Itinerary

Day 1  Arrive at our lodge (30km SW of Banff - as the eagle flies) and settle in to your cabin and relax.  Take time and explore the immediate area before you enjoy a gourmet dinner. D.

Day 2 An early breakfast and a briefing on some standard wilderness safety procedures, including bear safety. We then set out for the trailhead and trek to the historic White Man Pass (the picture above) and Slab Lake . Our ascent takes us up through dense forest, over river beds, and through open marshlands to the top of the pass, where we camp. B, L, D.

Day 3 Today we trek to Rock Pass and then head down into Table Meadows and over to the tree line plateaus around Glacier Lakes, where we will camp. Throughout the day, there will also be many opportunities for identifying various animal tracks and plants and possibly other nature awareness activities based on native teachings. The views in all directions are spectacular and, depending on time of year, the wildflowers of Table Meadows colourfully highlight the way. Glacier Lakes provide a beautiful backdrop to the end of our day with their ice floes, waterfall, and setting amidst the surrounding mountain peaks.  B, L, D.

Day 4 After a morning hike around the surrounding ridges, we will return to our lodge for a delicious home-cooked meal, a relaxing soak in our outdoor wood-fired hot tub, and then dinner together around the campfire.  B, L, D.

Day 5 After breakfast we hike to Tangle Peak.  Then we have lunch together before you depart. B, L.

Dates: 24-28 June; 12-16 July; 9-13 August; 19-23 August; 23-27 August; 16-20 September 2007.
The dates in black can be done back to back with our 4 day Multi Activity package.

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Price Guide per person in GBP / USD / CAD: From GBP423 / USD785 / CAD995 (base currency). The price above is based on 4 participants and shared double rooms. We can quote for groups of up to 12.
                                  
                                       Email for current price

Single supplement: £105 / US$199 / CA$250 approx

You can book as an individual, but we need a minimum of 4 for the trip to proceed. The maximum size of the group on this trip is 8, unless special arrangements are made.

What is included
The price allows for joining at our lodge and includes, all food as stated in the itinerary by the code (B, L, D.), plus drinks as served with meals. A qualified & experienced wilderness guide who ensures your safety (briefing you on how to act in bear country and watching out for you). Accommodation at our lodge for 2 nights.  Fully supported camping (3 nights) by our crew, which includes all the group equipment and tents. All activities mentioned and more.  Park entrance fees.

What is not included
The price allows for joining at our lodge and does not include international airfare and departure taxes. Breakfast and lunch on day 1 and dinner on day 5. Local transport to and from our lodge. Meals unless stated by the code (B, L, D). Personal insurance. Visa fees (if required). Personal clothing and equipment. All items of a personal nature. All drinks, unless served as part of a meal.

Airfare (From the UK)
As a guide, the international airfare should be in the range £560 - £600 for economy class. 

Visas
A visa is not required for passport holders from the USA and UK.

Additional Accommodation
If you need accommodation in the cities you travel through book online or advise your Muir's Tours consultant (always use this option for extra accommodation in remote locations).

Travel Insurance
Comprehensive personal insurance, including search and rescue is recommended on this trip. We recommend the policies issued by the British Mountaineering Council, as no other organisation in the UK has the experience of recovery from wilderness areas.  See the details at www.thebmc.co.uk