BC / Alberta Canada – Kootenay

Three Day Nature Break - Day Hikes

Walking in the mountains in remote areas south of Banff is still the most popular activity in the Canadian Rocky Mountains and there are trails suitable for all ages and skills. This package is a weekend full of hiking for all nature lovers in a wilderness setting and includes unique nature programs amidst the spectacular scenery of the Kootenay area, exciting and informative guided hikes, and friendly camaraderie in a remote, natural setting. We will meet at evening campfire gatherings with some exciting, cultural storytellers to set the mood; day hike up to a lofty mountain ridge with spectacular views of peaks all around, including Mount Assiniboine, the sixth highest peak in the Rockies; as well as up an exciting trail of river crossings and varied terrain to a picturesque, alpine lake surrounded by characteristic rock wall cliffs. Whether you have seen the Rockies before or are here for the first time, this package is a great stopover into a remote, natural setting, that can immerse you into the wilderness grandeur of the mountains, the beauty of nature, and the stories of the land like you've never experienced before.

The cabins and the adjacent Gourmet Dining Service (you will not believe it possible in this remote location, but just try it) / Common / Relaxation Centre are pretty close to the hills and spectacular mountains are a short drive away.  You do not need your own transport, as we will collect you and transport you to the trailhead, then bring you home to your charming cabin.

In addition to our cabins we have a teepee camp and a First Nation Spirituality Centre (a wooden round house). Currently there are 3 tipi and they are 24 ft diameter, so we can sleep groups of up to 60. The 3 guys (below right) from Berkshire recently helped to build and erect the white ribboned tipi.
 

Hiking Difficulty rating: (Easy, Moderate, Hard or Very Hard) Each day will be based on the groups ability as we can set a programme that suits you / your family / the group.

Outline Detail:
Three days (two nights). Lodge-based interpretive outdoors trips, all-inclusive: transport, day hiking on all days to a variety of destinations; cultural and wilderness activities, based on native teachings.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at our mountain cabin retreat. A hot evening meal will be served over some friendly introductions before settling in to a relaxing night around an opening campfire with a native storyteller of legends, cultural traditions, and respect for nature.

Day 2: After a hearty breakfast, and a safety talk including bear precautions, we spend today out on a day hike that takes us high above the valley floor to a secluded unnamed lake, seldom travelled to. Along the way, you will experience spectacular views from lofty ridges above the tree-line, and varied terrain, from marshy wetlands, to scree slopes and boulder fields, that promote a variety of wildlife and vegetation sightings if the time is right. We return to our cabins for another unique campfire gathering including more stories, music, and a powerful talking circle ceremony based on traditional native teachings. A hot tub as you watch the sun go down.

Day 3: As it is your last day we make the most of it by taking you to a lofty mountain ridge beneath the towering Tangle Peak. The walk will be slow and satisfying, as the view from the top will be nothing less than breathtaking. Mountain peaks abound all around you, including the glacier covered & sixth highest mountain in Canada, Mount Assiniboine. These ridges are often visited by mountain goats, deer, and golden eagles and who knows what other surprises could add to this experience on this very secluded trail. After our descent back to our mountain cabin retreat and one last meal together.

Dates 2006:   

June 12-14, 14-16, 19-21, 21-23, 26-28

July 3-5, 5-7, 17-19, 19-21, 24-26, 26-28

August 2-4, 7-9, 9-11, 14-16, 16-18, 21-23, 23-25, 28-30, 30-Sep. 1

September 4-6, 6-8, 11-13, 13-15, 25-27, 27-29

 

Ref: Nature Trek KWT008             Email for availability

 

Price Per Person:   CAD595 / GBP290 

The Canadian Dollar is the base currency and the price in GB Pounds is subject to variance as exchange rates alter.  We calculated the above with a rate of CAD2.03 to GBP1.  Please obtain an up to date quotation before you book this trip.

 

What is Included
Gourmet meals (3 meals a day), activity costs, local transportation whilst staying with us and accommodation based on double occupancy. Local taxes and park entrance fees.

 

What is NOT Included

Flights from your home to the Banff / Calgary area.  Transport to our cabins (but we can provide this at extra cost). Tips, personal expenditure, personal insurance, visa fees (if required), vaccination costs, personal clothing and equipment, all items of a personal nature and all drinks.

Airfare (From the UK)
As a guide, the international airfare should be in the range GBP320 - GBP400 for economy class.  We can provide a competitive quote with excellent service for your flight tickets.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive personal insurance, including search and rescue is required on this trip. For UK clients we recommend the policies of the British Mountaineering Council, for their expertise in evacuation from remote areas worldwide. Details at www.thebmc.co.uk  As Insurance is always provided by a company based in your home country, we are unable to suggest suitable insurance companies unless you reside in the UK.