Family Heli-Hiking in the Canadian Rockies
days
starting from US $4,790per person
Get this trip plan customized to cover everything you want to see.
Learn which places to go and which areas are best during certain times of the year.
Online booking sites prefer you do not bother them at all. Our approach is completely the opposite – instead we put visitors directly in touch with our Canadian travel Insiders because we believe the best vacations are personal.
Sample Itinerary
Think of this itinerary as just a starting point. Our experienced Canadian Insiders will create a personalized experience for you that matches your schedule, travel style and budget.Day 1 – Arrive in Calgary
Welcome to Calgary International Airport! Collect your rental car and drive to the town of Banff to begin your exploration of the Canadian Rockies. Banff is a unique destination – a UNESCO World Heritage Site with all the charm of a small mountain community. Breathe in the fresh Canadian Rockies air – you’ve arrived!
Insider tip: Families seeking a more secluded location can stay in the quieter mountain town of Canmore, just a 30-minute drive from downtown Banff. Activities are easily accessible from both locations. Please speak to your Vacation Advisor about your preferences.
Overnight in Banff.
Day 2 – Explore Banff National Park
Fill your lungs with cool, fresh Rockies air and head out for a day of exploration. Today your activity options are all about getting the whole family excited for your heli-hiking adventure to come. Challenge yourselves by learning new skills or simply enjoy the beautiful setting of Banff National Park.
You have the following 3 options today:
• Option 1: River Float Trip
Winding through the picturesque landscape of the Rocky Mountains, your float trip is a great whitewater experience for families. Located in the front ranges of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, this 2–3 hour river trip offers the novice a thrilling and fun introduction to whitewater rafting.
Activity rating: Easy
Insider tip: Looking for bigger thrills on your rafting trip? Ask your Vacation Advisor about including an exciting whitewater rafting tour with up to Class 4 rapids instead!
• Option 2: Voyageur Canoe Tour
Explore the Bow River in Banff in a big canoe! Join a group and a guide to learn about the river, work as a team and have fun! No experience necessary and fun for all ages!
Activity rating: Moderate
• Option 3: Scenic Ride to Sunshine Village + Standish Chairlift + Hosted Trail Walk
Starting at the base (1,660m) take the Scenic Alpine Shuttle or Sightseeing Gondola (depending on the day of the week) up to the village at 2,164m, all while taking in the views of the valley. From the Village, ride the Standish Chairlift to over 2,400m and experience 360-degrees of breath-taking views. Once at the top, surrounded by the iconic peaks of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, join a hosted trail walk. With your knowledgeable guide, explore Sunshine Meadows and take in the beautiful vistas.
Activity rating: Moderate
Overnight in Banff.
Day 3 – Banff National Park Discovery Continues
Continue to adventure through the Canadian Rockies today with family-friendly activities.
You have the following 3 options to help you enjoy Banff:
• Option 1: Via Ferrata Tour
Step out of your comfort zone and test your limits by scaling Mt. Norquay! Your guide will begin your day with an introduction to the equipment, before heading up into the mountains. This 2.5-hour tour is a great introduction into the world of Via Ferrata, with an experienced guide leading you along, no experience is necessary. The highlight may be crossing a cable suspension bridge high up in the Canadian Rockies.
Activity rating: Moderate–Challenging
• Option 2: Cave Tour
Your hike will introduce you and your family to the amazing world of caves, spending approximately 2 hours underground crawling, sliding, and wiggling past prehistoric bones and investigating ancient cave formations. This activity takes place 30 minute from Banff and involves a 30 to 40 minute hike uphill to the cave entrance. This won’t be an experience you soon forget!
Activity rating: Moderate–Challenging
• Option 3: Cowboy Cookout
Enjoy the mountain air on your trail ride along the base of Sulpher Mountain. Keep an eye out for wildlife, as you ride towards your delicious BBQ meal. Relax trail side as your cowboy guides prepare a BBQ feast and treat you to genuine western hospitality. Your day comes full circle as you ride back along Sulphur Mountain Trail and climb up and around the Windy Knoll, where dazzling views of the sky-piercing mountains await.
Activity rating: Easy
Overnight in Banff.
Day 4 – Full Day in Banff National Park
Enjoy a full day at your leisure. Use your rental car to visit the famous emerald waters of Lake Louise or explore the Icefields Parkway. There are also many activities right in Banff – from shopping downtown, to the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, or the Banff Gondola. Or simply relax and enjoy the amenities of your hotel and save your energy for your heli-hiking adventure tomorrow.
Return your rental car in Banff this evening.
Overnight in Banff.
Day 5 – Family Heli-Hiking Adventure in the Canadian Rockies Begins
The excitement begins bright and early with a transfer to the heli-pad a few hours outside of Banff. Having returned your rental car, you can simply sit back and enjoy the view.
Your heli-hiking holiday begins with a flight to a beautiful lodge in the Columbia Mountains, accessible only by helicopter. Welcome to the world’s biggest playground! Families bond over exciting zip-lines, rock climbing, wild animals and jaw-dropping mountain views.
Overnight at Bugaboo Mountain Lodge.
Day 6 and 7 – Family Heli-Hiking Adventure Continues
Spend the next few days exploring the stunning terrain of the Columbia Mountains with your family. Hiking takes place between 1,828 metres (6,000 feet) and 2,438 metres (8,000 feet), which is a very comfortable altitude for most people. One of the greatest advantages of this heli-hiking adventure is the ability for your guides to tailor the hikes to accommodate all abilities, regardless of age.
After your hike, which is as short or as long as you want, fly back to the lodge where trip leaders keep the kids occupied with games and crafts, and you relax after the day’s adventures. For dinner enjoy some of the best cuisine your eyes and taste buds have ever experienced. Dinner is served family style at long tables, allowing guests and guides to reminisce over the day’s adventures.
Spend the evening sharing stories by the roaring fire, or relax in the whirlpool under starry skies.
Overnight at Bugaboo Mountain Lodge.
Day 8 – Transfer to the Calgary Airport
Enjoy seamless transportation today as you return by helicopter to the landing pad, and then continue with a transfer to the Calgary Airport.
A post-night has been included at a Calgary Airport hotel so there is no need to stress about catching a flight. Enjoy one more evening relaxing with your family, reliving your unforgettable vacation.
Overnight at Calgary Airport.
Day 9 – Depart Calgary
Much too soon you leave the beautiful colors and crisp air of Canada behind as your family vacation comes to an end.
Take the stress out of planning your trip to Canada with:
- Every detail and arrangement taken care of for a seamless trip.
- Suggestions to get the most out of Canada based on local insider knowledge.
- Your own personal contact in Canada you can call before or during your trip.
PRINTWhat's Included
Here are the things to look forward to on this trip...
• 5 nights in superior accommodation
• 3 nights at the Bugaboo fly-in mountain lodge
Banff Experiences:
Day 1 – Choose 1 of 3:
1. River Rafting or Float Trip
2. Voyageur Canoe Tour
3. Sunshine Village Scenic Ride and Hosted Walk
Day 2 – Choose 1 of 3:
1. Via Ferrata Tour
2. Cave Tour
3. Cowboy Cookout
Heli-Lodge Experiences/Inclusions:
• Experienced Certified Mountain Guides
• Daily Heli-Hiking (suited to your level)
• Daily Guided Stretch (optional)
• Indoor Climbing Room
• Games Room
• Swimming Pond
• Massage Therapy (additional cost)
• Rooftop hot tub
• Sauna
• All professional hiking gear (boots, backpacks, hiking poles, jackets, rain pants)
Meal Inclusions:
• All meals at the Bugaboo Lodge including wine with dinner
• Boxed meals and snack during transportation to/from the heli-pad
Transportation Inclusions:
• 4-day intermediate car rental between Calgary and Banff
• Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) on car rental, GPS, airport surcharges, unlimited kilometers, Third Party Liability Insurance Coverage (up to $1 million), fee for 1 additional driver, and vehicle licensing fee
• All ground transportation between Banff and helipad / helipad and Calgary Airport
• Helicopter flights to / from the Bugaboo Lodge
• Multiple helicopter flights between hiking areas each day
Other Inclusions:
• Parks Canada Pass
• Gratuities for private transfers and tours (unless otherwise noted)
• Fresh Tracks Canada customer service support – from the time you book, you will be assigned your own personal Vacation Coordinator with whom you can reach out to with any questions or requests.
Important Schedule and Trip Notes:
• Activities at the Heli-Lodge may vary. Your guides will adjust as necessary to provide the best experience based on weather.
Not Included
• Meals, other than those mentioned
• Alcoholic beverages at the Bugaboos Lodge (other than wine with dinner)
• Airfare (but don’t hesitate to ask for help)
• Gratuities for hotel, tour & transfer staff
• Medical and Trip Cancellation Insurance (highly recommended – ask us for a quote)
• Canadian Sales Taxes
Customize this trip a little, or a lot...
Think of this itinerary as just a starting point. Work with us to personalize this trip by adding some amazing side trips & activities, like...
• Combine this trip with a drive or train ride to beautiful Vancouver, on the west coast
• Add more time in the Canadian Rockies with a stay at Lake Louise
• Visit Drumheller, the dinosaur capital of the world
• Add on a package for the Calgary Stampede (early July only)
Accommodation Options
Below you'll find examples of this trip's accommodation options. Please call us for the full list or advice on how to customize your experience.
Moose Hotel & Suites
An example of our Superior accommodations
The Moose Hotel and Suites is a new property operated by the Banff Lodging company. Designed with warm, rich, natural materials, the Moose has an air of elegant sophistication. Just one minute from downtown Banff, the Moose features air conditioned One and Two Bedroom Suites. Guests enjoy access to the Meadow Spa and Pools as well as a complimentary Roam bus pass.
Solara Resort & Spa
An example of our Superior accommodations
The Solara Resort & Spa is located in downtown Canmore and surrounded by the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Only a short walk to restaurant and shops, this is the perfect location for your stay in Canmore. Amenities include fitness centre, sauna, hot tub, and children's activity centre.
Bugaboo Heli-hiking Lodge
An example of our Lodge accommodations
Located amid a sea of green flora, the Bugaboo Lodge sits at 1500 metres (5000 ft) high. Featuring 32 rooms with private baths, a sauna, steam room along with a game room, cozy bar/lounge area and inviting fireplace, there is plenty of opportunity for private respite and communal gathering with new-found friends. The rooftop hot tub boasts unparalleled views of this magnificent setting. History buffs will delight in the lodge museum.
Calgary Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel
An example of our Superior accommodations
Conveniently located with direct access to the Calgary Airport's international terminal. The Calgary Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel offers breathtaking views and modern luxury. Amenities include an indoor pool, fitness centre, and onsite restaurant.
Trip Start Dates
2019 – Bugaboos Lodge AdventureJune 29
August 1
Trip Prices
Prices listed may vary by departure date, hotel class and degree of personalization. Please speak with one of our travel advisors to get a personalized quote.
On our Wilderness Adventures, you'll enjoy days with experienced naturalist guides, some meals, seamless connections, and accommodations suited to the unique Canadian surroundings.
What you'll love about
this trip
Heli-hiking in the Columbia Mountains
Choice of family activities in Banff National Park
Spectacular scenery and wildlife
Unique mountain lodge accommodation
Family specific departures
Common Questions
You'll be staying at various local three to five start hotels or lodges along your route, some of which are very iconic properties with great locations, views and history. All our accommodations are carefully selected by our Canadian Insiders. We'll make sure that wherever you stay, you get the best value and comfort based on the seasonal availability.
Typically we include and pre-book all your main trip components so you don't have to worry about your connections, places to stay, or activities on your trip. You'll receive a complete travel package with detailed documentation and our Canadian Insiders remain at your disposal before and during your trip to answer your questions.
Your trip can be as rich as you'd like, and completely arranged around your interests and needs. The greatest benefit of working with us is our local knowledge. You can request your free trip plan to decide what you'd like to see and do.
If your trip is a special occasion, we'll make sure it is unforgettable. Or if you're traveling with a group, we'll take care of the logistics so you can share time together stress-free.
Canada has a network of spectacular roadways, train routes, ferry crossings, and float planes. We can arrange for you to travel by car or to sit back and relax.
New visitors will drive with ease because of the wide and well maintained roadways. We'll ensure your trip includes the most spectacular and safest routes throughout your trip.
That depends on the destination and type. As a rule, the main feeding and migration seasons are best for wildlife experiences. Tell us which animals interest you and we'll make your trip coincide with the best viewing season.
With the exception of our guided wildlife trips, our vacations are not typically 'escorted.' We combine the best of both worlds – the reassurance of seamless connections, customer service support, and scheduled activities, plus the freedom of 'independent' travel. You are not tied into a specific group, or a rigid daily itinerary. This allows us to personalize your trip to suit your occasion, interests, and timeframe.
The temperature varies from mild to hot, depending on location. Northern Canada will range between 50°F to 64°F (10°C – 18°C) in summer. The interior of BC, prairies, Ontario and Quebec can reach temperatures around 95°F (35°C). Canada's west coast, mountain regions, and Maritimes enjoy milder summer temperatures. They range on average from 59°F to 77°F (15°C – 25°C).
All our trips can be customized to fit your schedule and budget. The price depends on travel season, train service, hotel level, and the sightseeing tours you choose. Request your free trip plan which will provide you with a detailed cost estimate.
Treat your family to a Canadian adventure they will never forget. Experience the best of the Banff National Park with hand-picked activity options to suit every family member. Save the best for last with majestic, unspoiled views as you hike high above the tree line in the Columbia Mountains. Staying in a mountain lodge accessible only by helicopter, explore an environment few people get to experience. After such a unique adventure, your family will be talking about this vacation for years to come.
Trip Outline
Arrive Calgary → 4 nights Banff/Canmore Area → 3 nights Heli-Hiking Lodge → 1 night Calgary → Depart Calgary
Fresh Tracks Canada Vs. Others
| Fresh Tracks Canada | Local Travel Agency | Doing it Yourself | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Independent Travel
Flexibility and freedom of a personalized tour to suit your travel goals. |
|||
|
Better Rates and Availability
You'll get better rates and availability because of our relationships with our suppliers (hotels, tour operators, etc.). Even when popular locations are booking up fast. |
|||
|
Personalized itineraries
Have everything pre-arranged and booked around you. (Hotels, transportation, tours, free-time, etc.) |
|||
|
Insider Knowledge
Get suggestions based on your interests from over 20 years of local knowledge. Our Insiders live and travel Canada so you'll know when to come, where to stay, which transportation to take, and lots more… |
|||
|
Local Support
Someone in Canada you can call before and during your trip, seven days a week. |
|||
|
No-one can be trusted more
You'll feel confident when booking your vacation with our accreditation and consumer protection through the following organizations. 
|
|||
Pre-packaged TripsOne-size-fits-all approach. |
|||
Group ToursCheapest type of travel with rigid itineraries and crowds. |
Get your FREE trip plan organized and arranged for you
Train and hotel availability is limited – we're now booking into 2019.
- Get a trip that covers everything you want to see.
- Know which places to go and which areas are best during certain times of the year.
- Have someone local who knows the area to suggest trains, hotels, dining, sightseeing, etc.
Not the right trip for you?
Try one of these hand-picked Canadian experiences
Canadian Rockies Winter Vacation
days
from US $ 1,590
Canadian Rockies Discovery Tour
days
from US $ 2,690
Christmas in the Canadian Rockies
days
from US $ 3,890
days
from US $ 4,440
