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Muir's Tours - The Canadian Rockies |
The Spirit Walker
8 Days -
Lodge (4 nights) & camping (3 nights), all-inclusive:
3+ days of easy to moderate hiking; 1 day of rafting: 2 days of culture and nature with a native
American elder
The native Americans still know a great deal more than most about nature and on this very special trip, you get to do some wild camping and hiking PLUS native American ceremonies such as a sweat lodge and an untold number of new ideas for you about nature and much more. This is a very refreshing and enlightening experience.
The location is the Canadian Rocky Mountains near Banff - but are well away from the crowded park trails as we explore the Canadian wilderness. Our tipi / teepee village is a focal point on this experience.
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.
Itinerary
Day 1 (Monday) 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. 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 raft part of the Kootenay River. The conditions are variable and normally we expect rapids of class 2 and 3 with the odd class 4. B, L, D.
Days 6 & 7 These days are set aside for a learning experience with a native American elder. We will take part in various nature hikes, nature awareness activities and native ceremonies, such as a sweat lodge, council fire, and / or various thanksgiving and rising sun ceremonies. It will be a relaxing and enlightening finish to our week. These two days may have an impact on you for the rest of your life. B, L, D.
Day 8 After lunch we head home or on to our next adventure. B, L.
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Price Indication Per
Person: GBP861
/ USD1685 / CAD1995 (The base currency
is the Canadian Dollar and all other prices may vary with fluctuations in the
exchange rate). The price above is based on 2 participants
and shared double rooms.
Email
for current price
Single supplement: GBP105 / USD199 / CAD250 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
