Diamonds in the Rough Best of the Rockies

Arriving into Calgary, the gateway to Canada’s majestic Rockies, your adventure begins. For those joining the group flight, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel, where a welcome briefing in the evening sets the tone for the days ahead. We’ll review plans, check gear and pore over maps of the area. To ensure a smooth start, plan to arrive by 4pm. Overnight: Hilton Garden Inn, Calgary

Meals:  Nil

Our journey ventures south the next morning, through the foothills of Alberta to Waterton Lakes National Park. After a relaxed lunch, we stretch our legs on the first hike—a scenic trail leading us to Summit Lake. A series of gentle switchbacks rewards us with the sweeping mountain vistas that define this region. The day is rounded out with warm hospitality at our lodge in Waterton. Elevation Gain: 300m. Distance: 8km. Duration: 3-4hrs Overnight: : Waterton Lakes Lodge Resort

Meals:  B,L

Today's hike to Goat Lake offers a varied trail that begins with an easy meander before ascending into alpine terrain rich with mountain views. With plenty of time to soak in the surrounds, we ascend steadily—perhaps catching sight of the lake’s namesake goats or the trout-filled waters shimmering below us. Elevation Gain: 400m. Distance: 13km. Duration: 5-6hrs Overnight: Waterton Lakes Lodge Resort

Meals:  B,L

This is the perfect hike to finish this leg of the trip. A boat ride across Waterton Lake brings us to the start of the Crypt Lake Trail—often rated among Canada’s best. As we gain elevation, the path reveals dramatic cliffs, waterfalls and a natural tunnel requiring a short scramble through. At the trail’s high point lies the beautiful Crypt Lake, set at 1945m (6380ft) on the US-Canada border. Elevation Gain: 700m. Distance: 17km. Duration: 6-8hrs Overnight: Waterton Lakes Lodge Resort

Meals:  B,L

Waking in Waterton, we begin the next leg of our journey with a scenic transfer to Kananaskis, a quieter gem nestled against the eastern ranges of the Rockies. Once settled at Pomeroy, you may want to book yourself into the Kananaskis Nordic spa for some R&R before the next leg of the trip begins. If time allows, there will be the option of a short hike to the cascading Troll Falls. Overnight: Pomeroy, Kananaskis

Meals:  B,L

The road to Banff isn’t just a transfer—it’s a journey through Spray Lakes, one of Alberta’s most scenic drives. Halfway through we stop to stretch our legs on one of two classic trails—either Chester Lake or Burstall Pass. These trails offer elevation, alpine meadows and a chance to get truly immersed in the clean, dry air of the higher Rockies. Elevation Gain: 350-450m. Distance: 10-15km. Duration: 3-5hr Overnight: Banff Park Lodge, Banff Driving distance: 125km; Duration 2.5hr

Meals:  B,L

Today’s hike takes us into Kootenay National Park and the Stanley Glacier Trail. You’ll walk through a remarkable valley of “Fire and Ice” – “fire” being the remains of a 1968 wildfire, almost regrown now, and “ice” being the Stanley Glacier overhanging the cliffs at the head of the valley. Elevation Gain: 600m. Distance: 13km. Duration: 4-5hr Overnight: Banff Park Lodge, Banff

Meals:  B,L

From Banff, we journey to the turquoise jewel of Lake Louise, where alpine hiking meets postcard perfection. Options include the beloved Lake Agnes Teahouse walk, the longer Plain of Six Glaciers trail, or a loop combining both—each offering a rich immersion in the towering beauty of this UNESCO-protected wilderness. After our hike we’ll head towards Lake Louise Village for the evening. Elevation Gain: 400m. Distance: 18km. Duration: 6-8hr Overnight: Lake Louise Inn, Lake Louise Driving distance: 100km; Duration 1hr

Meals:  B,L

On our final full day, we face a welcome dilemma: hike the switchbacks up from Moraine Lake to Sentinel Pass, or explore the dramatic alpine shelf of the Iceline Trail in Yoho National Park. Both rank among the best hikes in the Canadian Rockies, and either will be a fitting conclusion to our trip. At the end of today, we'll come together for a final farewell meal to celebrate our trip. Elevation Gain: 750m+. Distance: 12km+. Duration: 6-8hr Overnight: Lake Louise Inn, Lake Louise

Meals:  B,L,D

The adventure wraps up this morning with a return transfer to Calgary after breakfast. Please don't book a flight out before mid afternoon.

Meals:  B