Compare Heli-Hiking in the Canadian Rockies by ElderTreks vs Rockies Trail by Omega Tours

Day 1: Banff, to Bobbie Burns Lodge

Make your own way to the Brewster Transportation Center (Banff Bus Depot) for the 2.5 hour drive to the Bobbie Burns Helipad. The bus departs Banff at 7:30 am. 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 for anyone going directly to Calgary airport, arrival is approximately 3:30/4:00 pm.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN CALGARY

Arrive at Calgary International Airport. Individual transfer to your centrally located hotel. After check-in the remainder of the day is free. The tour director will contact you in the late afternoon to give details about joining the tour. Explore the Old West at the Glenbow Museum or Fort Calgary on your own, browse through the Eau Claire Market, ride up the Calgary Tower for a great view and savor the great restaurants and dynamic nightlife. Overnight in Calgary.

Accommodation at the Delta Hotels by Marriott, Calgary, or similar

DAY 2: CALGARY TO BANFF NATIONAL PARK

We begin the day with a city tour of Calgary. Leaving the city, we travel west on the Trans-Canada Highway into the rolling foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The majestic peaks of the Canadian Rockies soon fill the horizon as we approach Banff National Park, our first of several in the Canadian national parks system. We soon arrive in the charming resort town of Banff. Overnight in Banff. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Mount Royal Hotel or Banff Aspen Lodge, Banff, or similar

DAY 3: BANFF NATIONAL PARK

Today we will enjoy a tour of the region around Banff. The area became Canada’s first national park in 1885 to protect its natural hot springs. An optional Helicopter Sightseeing Tour will give you the chance to see the eastern ranges of the Rocky Mountains. Alternatively, you can take an optional gondola ride to spectacular Sulphur Mountain. Bring your camera! The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the surroundings of Banff, stroll along Banff Avenue, or relax and enjoy the scenery. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Mount Royal Hotel or Banff Aspen Lodge, Banff, or similar

DAY 4: BANFF NATIONAL PARK TO JASPER NATIONAL PARK

Today’s journey through Banff and Jasper national parks promises to be a highlight of our Rockies Trail program. Shortly after leaving Banff, we visit the famous scenery of Lake Louise, one of the most photographed lakes in Canada. Afterward, we travel north on the famed Icefields Parkway through a rugged wilderness flanked by dramatic mountain ranges. At the Columbia Icefield, we board a specially constructed Ice Explorer to ride on the surface of the ancient Athabasca Glacier. Close to Jasper, you have the chance to go on an optional raft trip on the Athabasca River. Your experienced guide will point out the natural and human history as you raft through short rapids and stretches of calm waters. Overnight in Jasper. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Lobstick Lodge, Jasper, or similar

DAY 5: JASPER NATIONAL PARK TO SUN PEAKS

Before leaving Jasper National Park this morning, you can take part in an optional Spirit Island Cruise on Maligne Lake, the most picturesque and largest glacier-fed lake in the park. You may alternately take an optional motorcycle tour of Jasper, riding in the comfortable sidecar with an unmatched view of the forests and mountains. Then, we travel west along the Yellowhead Highway and into the heartland of British Columbia. Breathtaking, unspoiled vistas await visitors in every season of the year. The route takes us along the Thompson River through the picturesque Shuswap Highlands. Overnight in Sun Peaks. Meals: B

Accommodation at Sun Peaks Grand, Sun Peaks, or similar

DAY 6: SUN PEAKS TO WHISTLER

We can expect a day of dramatic scenery changes when we drive through the ranch lands and head for the coastal mountains. A journey along the Duffey Lake Road exposes new vistas at every turn. An optional Floatplane Sightseeing Tour over Garibaldi Park gives you an inspiring view of a natural preserve of volcanic peaks, alpine lakes, and meadows. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Whistler. Meals: B

Accommodation at Delta Hotels by Marriott Whistler Village Suites, Whistler, or similar

DAY 7: WHISTLER TO VICTORIA

The Sea-to-Sky Highway leads us south through spectacular coastal scenery today. You will visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge suspended high above a magnificent canyon. From Horseshoe Bay, we cruise by ferry across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island and continue by coach to Victoria, British Columbia’s capital city. Arriving in Victoria, we embark on a city tour of this former British enclave. Overnight in Victoria. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA, Victoria, or similar

DAY 8: VICTORIA

Proud of her maritime heritage, Victoria has retained a quaint, colonial demeanor evident in the many 19th-century landmarks throughout the city. Today we treat ourselves to a tour of the world-famous Butchart Gardens, one of the world’s great floral displays set in a reclaimed stone quarry. Time will be allocated here for browsing through the regal gardens. You can take part in an optional Floatplane Sightseeing Tour over downtown Victoria and the Strait of Juan de Fuca with the Olympic Mountains in the distance. You can also go on an optional Whalewatching Excursion aboard a Zodiac or a regular vessel. Watch for the magnificent orcas and the abundance of marine wildlife. The remainder of the day is at leisurely exploring the city’s delights. Overnight in Victoria. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Coast Victoria Hotel & Marina by APA, Victoria, or similar

DAY 9: VICTORIA TO VANCOUVER

We continue through the resort region of the Gulf Islands to the oceanside city of Vancouver. Upon arrival in Vancouver, we enjoy an interesting tour of the city, including Stanley Park, English Bay, Gastown, Chinatown, and much more. The remainder of the day is free for independent exploration or simple relaxation. This evening features our farewell dinner. Meals: B, D

Accommodation at the Sutton Place Hotel, Vancouver, or similar

DAY 10: VANCOUVER DEPARTURE

A time for last-minute shopping and sad farewells. Individual transfer to Vancouver International Airport in time to check in for your return flight. Meals: B