Alberta
Choose Your Pace: Hike the Canadian Rockies, Banff & Lake Louise
Program No. 5339RJ
Hike Banff and Yoho National Parks at your pace with experts as you learn about Lake Louise, giant glaciers, pioneer history and the impact humans have on these alpine environments.
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We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
800-454-5768
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Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Jul 20 - Jul 26, 2025
Starting at
4,099Aug 17 - Aug 23, 2025
Starting at
4,099DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Jul 20 - Jul 26, 2025
Starting at
4,929Aug 17 - Aug 23, 2025
Starting at
4,929Sep 7 - Sep 13, 2025
Starting at
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This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
7 days
6 nights
16 meals
6B 5L 5D
2
Hike Sunshine Meadows in Banff National Park
Canmore, AB
3
Icefields Parkway
Canmore, AB
4
Johnston Canyon, Banff, Bow Valley
Canmore, AB
5
Yoho National Park, Emerald Lake
Canmore, AB
7
Shuttle to Calgary, Program Concludes
Canmore, AB
At a Glance
Hike the alpine trails of the Canadian Rockies at the national parks of Banff and Yoho. Expert-led hikes selected based on your desired level of difficulty will explore the clear streams, turquoise glacial lakes and mountain vistas while learning about glaciology, human history and the unique wildlife of each region. Admire the world-famous Lake Louise at your pace as you learn about the challenges the future holds for these gems of Canada’s wilderness.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Choose Your Pace
We want every participant to have a safe, enjoyable and rewarding program experience. The travel and activities of the Hiking Banff, Lake Louise and Yoho program require participants to be in good general health and capable of performing all program activities described by the program description and its corresponding Activity Level. Although we offer 3 levels of hiking each day, participants must be able to hike 4 miles with an elevation gain of 850 feet on uneven rocky and rooty terrain in potentially inclement mountain weather at an absolute minimum. Registered participants who are unable to do so may be asked to stay back at the hotel during the hiking activities for their own safety and the safety of other participants of the program.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Explore alpine meadows, forests and mountain wildflowers on expert-led hikes as you learn about the region’s ecology, history and biodiversity.
- Learn about the remarkable Spiral Tunnels and witness the amazing engineering feats of early railway construction.
- Discover treasures such as the Victoria Glacier and the Grand Chateau Lake Louise on the shores of Lake Louise.
General Notes
Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Jack Burns
Jack Burns is pursuing his life’s passion, hiking, after nearly 40 years as a Canadian Army Officer, domestic and international disaster response specialist and businessman. He has extensive hiking and some climbing experience throughout North America, Europe and Asia. Jack’s involvement with the Central Alberta Mountain Club and the Great Divide Trail Association has helped him absorb the challenges of passionate non-professionals who pursue outdoor adventures.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Jack Burns
View biography
Jack Burns is pursuing his life’s passion, hiking, after nearly 40 years as a Canadian Army Officer, domestic and international disaster response specialist and businessman. He has extensive hiking and some climbing experience throughout North America, Europe and Asia. Jack’s involvement with the Central Alberta Mountain Club and the Great Divide Trail Association has helped him absorb the challenges of passionate non-professionals who pursue outdoor adventures.
Bryce Willigar
View biography
Born in a small farming community situated on the western edge of the Canadian prairie, Bryce found his calling in the outdoors at a young age while exploring the many wild places close to his childhood home. This led him to pursue a degree in outdoor leadership. Bryce has worked as both a snowshoeing and hiking leader, and has also taught cross-country skiing to a broad range of ages and ability levels. He is also a paddling instructor.
Suggested Reading List
(14 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Choose Your Pace: Hike the Canadian Rockies, Banff & Lake Louise
Program Number: 5339
Rocky Mountain Natural History, Grand Teton to Jasper, A Trailside Reference
Offers in-depth scientific information on the natural world found between Grand Teton, Wyoming, and Jasper, Alberta. It is beautifully illustrated with color photographs and line drawings, covering a thousand species of plants, animals, fish, birds, and insects found in the northern Rocky Mountains.
With You by Bike
After many years together Katrina and Mike's marriage has unravelled. In a quest to mend their relationship they embark on a year long, 13,000 kilometre cycling tour with the hope of strengthening their commitment to one another. Katrina is an adventure athlete who craves the wild; her husband, Mike, watches sports with his buddies. Like many couples, after 11 years in a relationship they’ve grown apart and have become mere acquaintances, as opposed to husband and wife. When they hit rock bottom they realize it's time for a change and they make the dramatic decision to travel the world by bike.
Wonderful Life, The Burgess Shale and the Nature of History
PAPER, 347 PAGES, $15.95
A now-classic – and still provocative – study of the 600 million-year-old fossils found in the Burgess Shale of British Columbia. (Item no. CND86)
National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America
This guide is the veteran's choice for birding anywhere in the United States. Practical to use in the field, it has maps, illustrations and descriptions of the birds on facing pages.
Handbook of the Canadian Rockies
Geology, plants, animals, history and recreation from Waterton/Glacier to the Yukon.
Field Guide to Banff National Park
This fold-up, laminated card features 133 color drawings and short descriptions of commonly encountered wildlife and a map.
Switchbacks, True Stories from the Canadian Rockies
Marty recalls the colorful tales of his friends, colleagues and his own youth in this collection of tales.
How Old Is That Mountain?
A geological field guide for the visitor, this handy book explains the faults, glaciers, hot springs and mountains of Banff and Yoho National Parks.
Scats and Tracks of the Rocky Mountains
An essential pocket guide to tracks, scats and signs of not just the mammals of the region, but also of the reptiles, amphibians and birds. Each of 70 species gets a double-page spread, with line drawings of the animal, scat and track, range map and description.
After the Ice Age: The Return of Life to Glaciated North America
Eighteen thousand years ago, an immense sheet of ice covered all of present day Canada and northernmost U.S. This story tells of how a harsh terrain was transformed into the environment we know today.
Lonely Planet Banff, Jasper & Glacier National Parks
This informative, compact guidebook in the excellent Lonely Planet series includes details on the history, geology and wildlife of the region.
Stories of Ice: Adventure, Commerce and Creativity on Canada’s Glaciers
From a mother/daughter duo who spent five months skiing across icefields from Vancouver to Alaska, to scientists discovering biofilms deep inside glacier caverns, to protesters camping for weeks to protect their beloved local glacier, western Canada’s glaciers are dynamic, enigmatic, exquisitely beautiful, sometimes dangerous environments where people play, work, run businesses, explore, and create art every single day.
Northern Rocky Mountain Wildflowers, Including Glacier, Waterton Lakes, Banff, Jasper, Kootenay, Mount Revelstoke, and Yoho
Compiled by a former forest service ecologist and botany teacher at Yellowstone Institute, this handy guide features 300 species, expertly photographed, explained and organized by color and family for quick identification.
The Great Rocky Mountain Nature Factbook
Ewing's family-friendly guide, with black-and-white drawings throughout, answers the curiosity of engaged visitors about the plants, animals and natural features of the Rockies.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
7 days
Program Begins
Canmore, AB
Program Concludes
Canmore, AB
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
16
| 6B |
5L |
5D |
Activity Level
Hike the alpine trails of the Canadian Rockies at the national parks of Banff and Yoho. Expert-led hikes selected based on your desired level of difficulty will explore the clear streams, turquoise glacial lakes and mountain vistas while learning about glaciology, human history and the unique wildlife of each region. Admire the world-famous Lake Louise at your pace as you learn about the challenges the future holds for these gems of Canada’s wilderness.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Explore alpine meadows, forests and mountain wildflowers on expert-led hikes as you learn about the region’s ecology, history and biodiversity.
- Learn about the remarkable Spiral Tunnels and witness the amazing engineering feats of early railway construction.
- Discover treasures such as the Victoria Glacier and the Grand Chateau Lake Louise on the shores of Lake Louise.
General Notes
Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Featured Expert
Jack Burns
Jack Burns is pursuing his life’s passion, hiking, after nearly 40 years as a Canadian Army Officer, domestic and international disaster response specialist and businessman. He has extensive hiking and some climbing experience throughout North America, Europe and Asia. Jack’s involvement with the Central Alberta Mountain Club and the Great Divide Trail Association has helped him absorb the challenges of passionate non-professionals who pursue outdoor adventures.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Bryce Willigar
Born in a small farming community situated on the western edge of the Canadian prairie, Bryce found his calling in the outdoors at a young age while exploring the many wild places close to his childhood home. This led him to pursue a degree in outdoor leadership. Bryce has worked as both a snowshoeing and hiking leader, and has also taught cross-country skiing to a broad range of ages and ability levels. He is also a paddling instructor.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Choose Your Pace
We want every participant to have a safe, enjoyable and rewarding program experience. The travel and activities of the Hiking Banff, Lake Louise and Yoho program require participants to be in good general health and capable of performing all program activities described by the program description and its corresponding Activity Level. Although we offer 3 levels of hiking each day, participants must be able to hike 4 miles with an elevation gain of 850 feet on uneven rocky and rooty terrain in potentially inclement mountain weather at an absolute minimum. Registered participants who are unable to do so may be asked to stay back at the hotel during the hiking activities for their own safety and the safety of other participants of the program.
Small Group
(13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(14 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
7 days
6 nights
What's Included
16 meals | 6B | 5L | 5D |
6 expert-led lectures
7 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
6 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Location:
Canmore, AB
Meals:
D
Stay:
Coast Canmore Hotel
Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 4:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
A Road Scholar group shuttle from Calgary airport departs at 3:30 p.m. local time. Approximate arrival in Canmore is 5:00 p.m. Program Registration: 4:00 p.m. for those arriving independently. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
Orientation: 7:30 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This program is staffed by Company of Adventurers experts who will lead field trips and give lectures. Program-related travel and transfers will be via private motorcoach unless noted otherwise. We will have meals at the hotel, in the field, and at local restaurants. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Day
2
Hike Sunshine Meadows in Banff National Park
Location:
Canmore, AB
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Coast Canmore Hotel
Activity Note
Hiking mountain trails with varied terrain. Three levels of hiking options available. Mellow (3-4 miles; 150-850 ft. elevation); Moderate: (5-6 miles; 1000-1700 ft. elevation); Motivated: (7-9 miles; 1200-2400 ft. elevation). Consider the amount of elevation gained and lost, the varied terrain, and starting elevation of hikes, ranging between 4,200-7,200 ft. Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 26 miles one-way to trailhead, approximately half-hour riding time.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
During our scenic motorcoach drive to the trailhead, our knowledgeable experts will present information about the history of Banff National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the harsh alpine environment of Sunshine Meadows, and the influence of the pine beetle in mountain environments. Upon our arrival, we’ll embark on a full day of interpretive hiking at Sunshine Meadows in Banff National Park. We’ll learn about the ecology of the Sunshine Meadows area, one of the premiere hiking areas in the Rockies. The meadows are famous for the summer wildflowers, magnificent lakes, and monumental mountain peaks. All of our experts travel at an easy-going but steady pace, with occasional breaks along the trail. The pace also reflects the relative speeds of the participants in the group, and won’t go faster than the slowest person. We try to keep it at a pace where folks are able to have conversations while they're walking. That speed will vary from group to group.
Lunch:
Hearty home-made trail lunch from the Coast Hotel.
Afternoon:
Continuation of morning hiking options at Sunshine Meadows. We’ll discuss the human impact on the park's delicate alpine environment, and learn what measures are being undertaken to balance human encroachment with park conservation.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant in Canmore.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
3
Icefields Parkway
Location:
Canmore, AB
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Coast Canmore Hotel
Activity Note
This is a very active program with daily hikes on mountain trails with varied terrain. Three levels of hiking options available. Mellow (3-4 miles; 150-850 ft elevation); Moderate: (5-6 miles; 1000-1700 ft elevation); Motivated: (7-9 miles; 1200-2400 ft elevation). In addition to the distances it is important to consider the amount of elevation gained and lost, the varied terrain, and starting elevation of hikes, ranging between 4,200-7,200 ft. Coach transfers to trailheads are 45 - 90 minutes.
Breakfast:
At the hotel
Morning:
Talks will cover the history of Canmore, names and stories of surrounding peaks, and history of mining in the Rocky Mountains as we travel up the Icefields Parkway for full day of interpretive hiking in the North end of Banff National Park. Considered one of the most beautiful drives in the country, you will have the opportunity to see a landscape vastly altered by glaciers, many of which are still present to this day. Learn about the ecoregions of the Park while hiking upward from one to the next, starting in the subalpine and ending up in the alpine region.
Lunch:
Hearty home-made trail lunch from the Coast Hotel
Afternoon:
Continuation of hiking options on the Icefields Parkway Examine the specific ecology of this area including native wildlife and their habitats.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant in Canmore.
Evening:
Free evening to explore the town of Canmore.
Day
4
Johnston Canyon, Banff, Bow Valley
Location:
Canmore, AB
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Coast Canmore Hotel
Activity Note
This is a very active program with daily hikes on mountain trails with varied terrain. Three levels of hiking options available. Mellow (3-4 miles; 150-850 ft elevation); Moderate: (5-6 miles; 1000-1700 ft elevation); Motivated: (7-9 miles; 1200-2400 ft elevation). In addition to the distances it is important to consider the amount of elevation gained and lost, the varied terrain, and starting elevation of hikes, ranging between 4,200-7,200 ft. Coach transfers to trailheads are 45 - 90 minutes.
Breakfast:
At the hotel
Morning:
Journey by coach up the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A) while discussing the unique features of this montane ecosystem along the way. Explore the impact of wildfires, controlled burns and fire management efforts as strategies for protecting mountain wild lands. Learn about the stages of mountain building in the Canadian Rockies. Arriving in Johnston Canyon, morning hikes are enjoyed at your own pace as you learn about the geological timeline of the Canadian Rockies and the concept of differential erosion. Johnston Creek has carved down into the limestone on the valley bottom, creating a spectacular and deep canyon in a short period of time.
Lunch:
Hearty home-made trail lunch from the Coast Hotel
Afternoon:
En route via Banff, the guides will share their knowledge on the history of Banff townsite, and the Banff Springs Hotel. Enjoy some free time in Banff. Explore independently the "Castle of the Canadian Rockies" - the Banff Springs Hotel and/or the many museums, shops and cafes that line Banff's bustling main street. Gain an appreciation for original Canadian artists and the art history of Banff with a visit to the Whyte Museum, or one of the town's cutting-edge art galleries. Learn more about aboriginal heritage, culture and handcrafted antiquities with a visit to the Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum. Optional walk to Bow Falls.
Dinner:
Dinner on your own (at your own expense) in Canmore
Evening:
Evening to explore Canmore.
Day
5
Yoho National Park, Emerald Lake
Location:
Canmore, AB
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Coast Canmore Hotel
Activity Note
This is a very active program with daily hikes on mountain trails with varied terrain. Three levels of hiking options available. Mellow (3-4 miles; 150-850 ft elevation); Moderate: (5-6 miles; 1000-1700 ft elevation); Motivated: (7-9 miles; 1200-2400 ft elevation). In addition to the distances it is important to consider the amount of elevation gained and lost, the varied terrain, and starting elevation of hikes, ranging between 4,200-7,200 ft. Coach transfers to trailheads are 45 - 90 minutes.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Today we will cross the Continental Divide on the motorcoach and head into British Columbia while learning about the famous Burgess Shale fossil beds (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), wildlife corridors in the Bow Valley, and history of the Canadian Pacific Railway. As we pass by them, we’ll learn about the remarkable Spiral Tunnels and witness the amazing engineering feats of early railway construction through high mountain passes. We will stop at a visitor center, which has interpretive displays on the tunnels and the area. Upon arrival, we’ll embark on a full day of interpretive hiking in Yoho National Park. Levels and groups as in previous days. Hiking destinations for the day include: Yoho Pass and Takakkaw Falls, Emerald Basin, and Emerald Lake circuit. Witness breathtaking views on all hikes and enjoy the lush and unique west-slope vegetation.
Lunch:
Hearty home-made trail lunch from the Coast Hotel.
Afternoon:
We will continue our interpretive hiking in Yoho National Park. Enjoy lakeside hikes along the jade-green waters of Emerald Lake and/or hike the trails of Emerald Basin. We’ll discuss the significance of the Burgess Shale Fossil beds in the surrounding mountain ranges, one of the largest, oldest, and best-preserved fossil beds in the world.
Dinner:
We’ll enjoy a unique dinner location at the historic Lake Louise Train Station restaurant. Some of the ingredients are grown on-site in the chef’s garden. The building is a treasure trove of historical photographs and early Canadian Pacific Railway memorabilia.
Evening:
Following dinner, a special stop will give us the opportunity to view the world-renowned Lake Louise, the Victoria Glacier, and the grand Chateau Lake Louise. We’ll have some time to explore the Chateau and lakeside panoramas independently. Our return to Canmore will be later than usual due to our dinner in Lake Louise; after arriving at the hotel, the remainder of the evening will be at leisure.
Day
6
Hike Moraine Lake & Ten Peaks Valley, Lake Louise & Chateau
Location:
Canmore, AB
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Coast Canmore Hotel
Activity Note
This is a very active program with daily hikes on mountain trails with varied terrain. Three levels of hiking options available. Mellow (3-4 miles; 150-850 ft elevation); Moderate: (5-6 miles; 1000-1700 ft elevation); Motivated: (7-9 miles; 1200-2400 ft elevation). In addition to the distances it is important to consider the amount of elevation gained and lost, the varied terrain, and starting elevation of hikes, ranging between 4,200-7,200 ft. Coach transfers to trailheads are 45 - 90 minutes.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Today our topics of discussion include erosive powers and the shaping of the Canadian Rockies, current issues and future of our National Parks, and climbing culture (the Golden Age of Mountaineering). A full day of interpretive hiking at Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Levels and groups as in previous days. Begin your hiking expedition at turquoise-colored Moraine Lake, with close-up views of the Ten Peaks. Today's various destinations include secluded and picturesque Consolation Lake, the breathtaking Larch Valley trail, and the spectacular vistas of Sentinel Pass.
Lunch:
Hearty home-made trail lunch from the Coast Hotel.
Afternoon:
A continuation of interpretive hikes in the stunning Valley of the Ten Peaks area. We will discuss the subalpine and alpine ecoregions (as we move between the two), grizzly bear digs in the meadows, and larch trees. We’ll then return to the hotel in Canmore.
Dinner:
At the hotel. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At the hotel, we’ll have a wrap-up session and say our farewells. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
7
Shuttle to Calgary, Program Concludes
Location:
Canmore, AB
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Group shuttle departs from Canmore en route to Calgary Airport at 8:30 a.m. Approximate arrival at Calgary Airport is between 10:00-10:30 a.m. To allow for unexpected weather, and/or traffic conditions, participants should book flights that are scheduled to depart in the early afternoon. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
16 Meals
6 Breakfasts
5 Lunches
5 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Jul 06, 2025 - Jul 12, 2025
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- Jul 20, 2025 - Jul 26, 2025
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- Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 62 Reviews
Sort By:
I liked this program so much, I actually went on it twice! Banff and the Bow Valley are very special to me. Both times the program was excellently run. I loved every minute and wish it had been a few days longer.
— Review left September 24, 2024
The program for Canadian Rockies, Banff and Lake Louise was wonderful! The guides were informative and entertaining. We were lucky to have perfect weather and got to hike at higher elevations than I've done before. I highly recommend this program!
— Review left September 17, 2024
This program is perfect for me since I love the organization and the timeliness of everything. I love the scheduled activities and meals.
— Review left September 15, 2024
5 stunningly beautiful hikes led by excellent guides added so much to the program through sharing their knowledge as well as their humor and personal warmth. Couldn't ask for better. If hiking is your thing and the activity guidelines are a fit for you (physical preparation is a good idea!) don't miss it!
— Review left September 13, 2024
Superb guides and instructors. Gorgeous mountain and lake scenery. Excellent food. Engaging history. Friendly and interesting fellow travelers. Three levels of hiking to choose from, with overlap to enable sharing of experiences.
— Review left September 12, 2024
Hiking in Banff is an excellent trip for those who want to be submerged in nature, move out of their comfort zone and spend the day hiking in beautiful national parks. You will meet new people and expand your horizons. Definitely one of the best trips ever with an excellent leadership group.
— Review left September 10, 2024
This program was outstanding. Incredibly beautiful scenery, great guides, choice of challenge for hikes. I loved it!
— Review left September 8, 2024
The scenery was indescribably beautiful, and we learned so much about the area. The leaders were fun, knowledgeable and compassionate. I got to challenge myself physically as much as I wanted. Food was amazing - and I ate a lot to fuel for the hikes! I will never forget this trip - perfect!
— Review left August 31, 2024
This was an outstanding program in every way. The guides were professional, warm, knowledgeable, and encouraging. The choice of hikes was fantastic - I chose the "motivated" level and loved every day out on the trail. We broke into four small hiking groups to accommodate everyone's level and my group usually had just 3-4 participants, plus a guide. The food was delicious (always a vegetarian option) and the hotel was nice. I appreciated that the lectures were given during our bus rides, rather than at night when we were tired. And of course, the scenery was incredible - mountains, ice fields, glaciers, waterfalls, bright blue lakes and rivers, bear, big horned sheep, and more. An A+++ program!
— Review left August 25, 2024
The Choose Your Pace hiking trip was a great program with different route options everyday, different leaders to learn from everyday, and different region of magnificent Canadian Rockies to experience every day. Good group of fellow participants too.
— Review left August 23, 2024
Absolutely stunning place to hike and enjoy the outdoors. I enjoyed all aspects of the experience and would encourage others to achieve their goals for hiking some challenging trails.
— Review left August 19, 2024
Incredible scenery, friendly and informative guides, good food overall, well organized, but the trails were a bit crowded for those of us who chose "mellow" pace.
— Review left August 19, 2024
I was a somewhat handicapped 74 year old during this trip, but the leaders made the hiking exceptionally interesting and enjoyable and safe. Even the easy hikes were great. Very glad I went. The leaders made the trip worthwhile.
— Review left August 11, 2024
This trip was very enjoyable and the scenery was awesome!!
— Review left August 6, 2024
Beautiful, amazing landscapes. This should be on everyone's bucket list.
— Review left July 30, 2024
The beauty of our surroundings on all of our hikes was indescribable. The hike leaders were exceptionally relatable, patient, kind and knowledgeable. I would recommend this program to anyone who enjoys stimulating and interesting hikes with like-minded people in a paradise-like setting.
— Review left July 24, 2024
An excellent program in a beautiful space with awesome guides! Couldn’t recommend it more highly!! Wish our kids could join in!
— Review left July 22, 2024
I highly recommend this program--Banff is one of the most beautiful places on earth, and hiking there is sublime. Our guides (Brett, Travis, Lynn, and Cindy) from Company of Adventurers were all excellent, and shared so much knowledge with us.
— Review left July 17, 2024
A life-changing program! The beauty of the Canadian Rockies is sublime, and our guides/instructors genuinely cared about our intellectual and spiritual growth. The food was amazing as well!
— Review left July 14, 2024
I encourage everyone to take advantage of this trip to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. The team (Brett, Trevor, Lynn, Cindy and Rob) is great! The activity level descriptions are accurate and it's easy to switch from one level to another each day.
— Review left July 14, 2024
Wonderful trip! The Canadian Rockies are a must-see for hikers craving a mountain trip, and this program did a nice job of offering alternative difficulty levels each day, allowing us to chose how challenged we would be on that trail. Bryce and his crew were phenomenal guides to the area they clearly love, and were wonderful as ambassadors for Canada. Special shout out to Brett, whose talks about mountain rescues were riveting - he conveyed so well the urgency and complexities of avalanche emergency services - and whose sense of humor belied the intensity of his work. Accommodations were comfortable and Canmore was charming - might be a good place to extend a day or two to see the town, or even add a couple more days to visit nearby Calgary. Highly recommended!
— Review left January 11, 2024
This hiking program should be the bar other hiking programs strive to emulate in every area.
— Review left September 27, 2023
Hiking in the Canadian Rockies with Road Scholar & Company of Adventurers was nothing short of magnificent! The choice of 3 levels of hikes each day insured that everyone could find the appropriate trail with great leadership and coaching from our experienced guides! Highly recommend!!!
— Review left September 19, 2023
Outstanding program with challenging hikes, interesting lectures, organized and funny group leader, and knowledgeable local guides. If you love the outdoors and hiking in the mountains, this program is for you.
— Review left September 18, 2023
It’s another enjoyable trip with Roadscholar! Our four guides Randi, Jack, Brett and Brandon are all professional and knowledgeable, and easy to approach. On the first day, I was not sure that I was able to do the moderate group hiking. After consulting our guides Jack and Brandon, who were very encouraging to me, I finished the next three days hiking with the moderate group. I felt very accomplished. I am encouraged to do more hiking trips with Roadscholar.
— Review left September 16, 2023
the Canadian Rockies trip is great!
— Review left September 11, 2023
Hiking the Canadian Rockies was an excellent program: well organized, educational (but not too much), and with superb scenery. "Choose your pace" options allowed something for everyone's ability. The people we met were interesting and friendly. Guides were professional, knowledgeable, personable, adaptable, and courteous. This was another highly enjoyable RS experience.
— Review left September 11, 2023
One of my bucket list items, and this trip did not disappoint. Our guides, Brett, Travis, Randi, and Lynn, were all wonderful and helpful to each one of us. The scenery was spectacular, especially the color of the glacier fed lakes - beautiful turquoise. I recommend this trip to anyone who enjoys hiking at any level. The choice of hiking levels was a great addition to this hiking program.
— Review left September 4, 2023
We really enjoyed this program -- the Canadian Rockies were beautiful, we learned a lot without sitting through any long lectures. Each of the 4 hike guides were great! The ability to choose your level of hiking each day was a plus, and the small groups of 5-7 people was perfect.
— Review left August 31, 2023
Neither smoke from distant wildfires nor temperatures 20° F higher than expected could cast a pall on this wonderful experience. Bryce, Brett, Brandon, & Cindy were all terrific & knowledgeable leaders, interesting & interested people who very clearly love the natural world, this particularly stunning landscape, & the work they do. The varied hikes were breathtaking (in the best way), & one small medical emergency on the trail was handled as well as it could be. Accommodations very comfortable, food very good, snacks more than generous. Loved it!
— Review left August 27, 2023
Hiking in Banff and Yoho National Parks was Magnificent! My personal swim in Emerald Lake was priceless. Will be back again!
— Review left August 26, 2023
This is a great trip to see the Canadian Rockies from the trail. Bryce Willigar, the guides, and the Company of Adventurers made this trip one of the best! Small group, great group leaders, excellent location, beautiful scenery, and lots of fun.
— Review left August 23, 2023
I am a well-traveled professional very much looked forward to this, my first trip with Road Scholar. I purchased all of the equipment and prepared for the hike. Road Scholar let me down. There was no mention of possible altitude issues and the need for acclimation to avoid sickness. The flight there gave only 1 hour to connect with flight to Calgary and of course I missed the connection-no other flight for 9 hours. Arrived at 1:30 am and out at 8 for hike at 7000 feet. Very sick ,did not know till later it was altitude sickness. Monday was the only hike I was on-the rest of the time in bed trying to recover. What a waste of time, money and energy. Worse, I’ve written you before and had no response. RS was recommended to me by a friend but-I felt very let down by this company. Looking forward to hearing from you.
— Review left August 5, 2023
I cannot state strongly enough how wonderful this program is. Brett, Randi, Jack, and Lynn were all great leaders, guides, and lecturers. The Canadian Rockies have got to be one of the most beautiful, inspirational locations on Earth, and this program takes full advantage of that beauty. The "choose your own pace" worked very well, especially for those of us whose hiking is mostly flat land and not climbing trails at elevations in the 5,000-7,000 foot level.
— Review left August 2, 2023
Excellent trip.
For a regular hiker the 'Motivated' levels were not challenging.
The pace was occasionally too slow on the 'Moderate'
Some participants were clearly not hikers.
Guides were excellent and took us to some lovely areas.
— Review left July 31, 2023
This was one of the best programs ever that RoadScholar has offered. This adventure was a dream come true for me. The four hiking guides went above and beyond to make sure we all had a wonderful time learning about beautiful Alberta and its nature at its finest national parks. The guides of Brett, Lynn, Jack and Randy were professional, caring and concerned for our well being and were very accommodating with all the different levels of hiking each of us had. I am 100% satisfied with this RS adventure and highly recommend to anyone wanting to experience nature at its finest in the Canadian national parks. All participants were fantastic and we learned from each other as well as learning from the guides. Education and learning from each other and experiencing new places in the great outdoors is good for the mind, body and soul. Thank you RoadScholar for making another one of my dreams come true.
— Review left July 31, 2023
A trip I always wanted to take. Got to share this hiking experience with my daughter. Everyone was welcoming & guides were the best!
— Review left July 25, 2023
This is the best Road Scholar trip I have been on. The guides were all terrific and everything was very well planned. We felt very safe and cared for the entire time. The hikes were absolutely beautiful and very well described beforehand so you could choose which hike to do each day. We also had a great group so it made the trip even better! You do need to be in shape to do even the Mellow hikes so I would suggest anyone considering this do some hiking and get in shape before the trip. I would strongly recommend this to anyone seeking to explore the Canadian Rockies.
— Review left July 24, 2023
What a wonderful week . This hiking at your own pace was perfect. The guides- Brent, Lynn Travis and Cindy were a perfect team. I'm ready for another hike
— Review left July 20, 2023
Very good program, but became a COVID-spreading event.
— Review left July 18, 2023
This was a fabulous trip! The group leader (Brett) and guides (Travis, Cindy and Lynn) contracted with Company of Adventures were outstanding with their knowledge, compassion, and engaging personalities. They have the expertise in knowing how to "set the tone" for our group to have the best experience possible which was critical for a highly active trip with varying degrees of challenges. We also bonded with Rob, our commercial bus driver. Great guy and safe driver!
— Review left July 16, 2023
Stunning scenery and excellent guides. This is a great program for those who want to spend a week outdoors immersed in nature. Your experience will be enhanced if you train by walking on hills and uneven terrain. That said, the 3 daily hike options met everyone's needs, including those who were accustomed to longer, high altitude hikes.
Our dinners at local restaurants were great fun.
— Review left September 21, 2022
This is a wonderful program. Each day of hiking, there were three levels of difficulty and it was sometimes possible to move from one level to another. Each days' hikes were between 4-7 hours on a variety of terrains. This is my 7th Road Scholar trip. I highly recommend it.
— Review left September 19, 2022
Once again you found the BEST leader for this program!
— Review left September 10, 2022
The Road Scholar Canadian Rockies, Banff & Lake Louise, hiking program far exceeded my expectations Choose your own pace is definitely an ideal program for avid as well as hikers with minimal limitations.
— Review left September 7, 2022
I've been on three Road Scholar programs, and have loved every minute of each trip!
— Review left August 30, 2022
Great trip! Go if you can.
Start early trying to learn about the animals and area. Most of the literature recommended wasn't available from Barnes & Noble.1
— Review left August 28, 2022
Well-organized, exhilarating hikes w/stunning vistas; great info about the areas we visited; yummy and varied food for dinner with a semi-rest day in the middle w/site-seeing! Bring your bathing suit & water shoes for a once-in-a-lifetime freezing dip into a glacial lake, in case there is time to spare. :-)
— Review left August 26, 2022
This Choose Your Pace Program was fantastic! It allowed everyone no matter what mobility issues they might have, to participate in the hiking in the mountains successfully and be a part of the group. I highly respect Road Scholars for reaching out to allow people who may not be high energy hikers to get into the wilderness, into the mountains, and really enjoy it as a part of the group!
— Review left August 13, 2022
Very enjoyable. I only tried two of the paces, moderate and motivated, but both seemed to have an appropriate pace. The guides were great, informative and patient and the meals were great
— Review left July 28, 2022
This is a spectacular one of a kind active hiking trip where you are immersed in some of the most stunning scenic beauty of the Canadian Rockies: seeing monumental mountain ranges, cascading dynamic waterfalls, pristine paradisacal neon green lakes, giant commanding glaciers,and diverse wildlife in their natural settings. Truly heavenly and unforgetable !!!
— Review left July 26, 2022
The “Choose your Pace” format was perfect for us…..allowing my husband and me to participate in hikes that met our skill levels and needs on any given day. The Guide Team of Bryce, Brett and Brandon were exceptional…best we have ever experienced! They educated us, entertained us, supported us and accommodated us as needed. They are very fine young men and we were honored to experience the beauty and majesty of the Canadian Rockies with them.
— Review left July 24, 2022
Terrific program! Every day brought me tears of joy due to the natural beauty of the alpine lakes and awesome mountains. Our leader, Bernie, was a fount of knowledge on so many topics - hysterical historian and marvelous manager. I highly recommend hiking in the Canadian Rockies Hiking Program for a fantastic bucket list adventure!
— Review left July 17, 2022
This program fulfilled a lifelong dream of seeing the Banff/Lake Louise area. The hike levels were well-described so that we could select what to do each day. The leader/guides did a great job in sharing their knowledge and guiding us on our daily adventures. The scenery is SPECTACULAR. So great that this program is back since the break from 2019!!
— Review left July 17, 2022
This was a fabulous program in every way!
It was well organized, very capably led, and well-paced. The hiking/exploring locations were gorgeous with options to suit all participants, and the lodging and meals were well chosen!
Bryce, Kelsey, Joel, and Cindy were fantastic guides! They were incredibly personable, looked after everyone's comfort and safety, and shared their wealth of knowledge in an entertaining and enthusiastic manner. We really loved that they took turns leading a different hiking level (mellow, moderate, motivated) each day, so that we could experience each of them as our guide on a day of hiking! Breaking up into smaller hiking groups also made for a great opportunity to get better acquainted with and enjoy our fellow program participants, making for a much more personal experience.
We really appreciated that informational talks were presented on our bus rides to and from the trailhead, making great use of that time on the road.
Canmore was a charming, friendly town to stay in while on our program, with a wonderful variety of shops and restaurants situated in the midst of great natural beauty.
Each day's hiking location was gorgeous, and offered so many varied and scenic views of these magnificent mountains. Our time there passed by much too quickly. We would love to return and continue exploring and hiking in Canada's incredible National Parks. We loved every minute of our Canadian Rockies adventure and just wish it had lasted longer!
— Review left January 12, 2020
This is a wonderful, well organized tour. We loved the flexibility of choosing from 3 different hikes. The middle day is a nice, 3 1/2 mile hike along a beautiful river canyon. It was a nice mellow day for everyone.
The guides were great and they made the learning experience fun.
I highly recommend this tour if you like hiking and want to see the Canadian Rockies.
— Review left September 8, 2019
This was an amazing trip. The itinerary was phenomenal and the guides were, not only knowledgeable, but they were incredibly personable. Kudos to Road Scholar for providing me with an experience I will not soon forget.
— Review left September 8, 2019
This was our 3rd Road Scholar program. The arrangements were great and we felt we had clear guidance. The itinerary was well done and managed by the leadership. The guides, led by Jack Burns, were exceptional and we connected with them all. The hikes were well managed and having 3 levels was perfect since everyone had something that worked for their abilities. We left that week energized and very happy we once again, chose RS.
— Review left August 4, 2019
This was an excellent program with staff that work well together. We enjoyed the hiking, the wild flowers, the views and even the occasional sprinkle.
— Review left July 14, 2019
Excellent choice for fantastic scenery combined with daily choice of hiking levels making for a good match for couples of different capabilities or people uncertain of their hiking level.
— Review left July 14, 2019
Terrific program. Extremely well-organized and well-run by the local guides (Company of Adventurers).
— Review left July 13, 2019
This was one of the best trips of my life! The guides and all of the employees of the sub-contracted group were beyond compare.
Knowledgeable, organized, caring and fun! This trip is not to be missed!!
— Review left January 16, 2019
