This sample itinerary is based on a Calgary to Calgary departure and Signature Service level.
Please speak to a travel specialist for other service level itineraries or create a custom experience.
Day 1
Arrive in Calgary
Upon arrival at the Calgary International Airport, transfer by scheduled motorcoach to the beautiful mountain resort town of Banff for your pre night accommodation. Remainder of the day is at leisure to explore Banff on your own.
Overnight - Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - Fairmont Gold View Room (includes continental breakfast)
Day 2
Flight to Bugaboo Lodge / Heli-Hiking
Early this morning, you will transfer to the Banff Bus Depot (on own) for your journey to the Helipad. You head westward along the shores of the Bow River past the incredible mountain citadels of Banff National Park and into equally impressive Kootenay National Park. Wildlife sightings along the way are normal and inspiring. You cross the Rocky Mountain Trench, arriving at the Bugaboo Helipad near Spillimacheen, BC. Snacks and beverages will be provided on board. You arrive at the helipad for the quick, exhilarating flight to Bugaboo Lodge. After settling in to your rooms, you'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. You fly back to the lodge in the afternoon for snacks, beverages, and relaxation before dinner. Dinner with wine is served family style, with guests and staff eating together, topped off with dessert prepared by Bugaboo's resident pastry chef. Before retiring we can enjoy the company of fellow guests by the fire, take a look at the Bugaboo's fine history exhibits, make a visit to the lodge's cheery and excellently stocked retail shop, set up an appointment with the masseuse (not included, but well worth the extra charge), relax in the whirlpool and sauna, or just enjoy peace and quiet on the deck as the alpenglow settles on the great monoliths above.
Family Adventure (August 13)
The Heli-Hiking Family Adventures are a sensational way for families to share unique experiences, pursue individual interests and generally have a bang-up vacation in a natural playground for kids (and of course, adults). There are select dates that are Family Vacation oriented, please see departure date section for specific dates.
Families can spend enriching times together or the adults can choose an afternoon or even a whole day, to adventure on their own, confident that the kids are cared for under the direction of a Child Care Specialists (who call themselves Facilitators of Fun). These top-notch science and environmental specialists, outdoor and physical education teachers, story tellers and recreation leaders have created a series of hands-on activities designed to challenge and fascinate young people from preschoolers to teenagers.
During Family Adventures, they schedule a kids-only time at the lodge bar, so kids can relax with Shirley Temples and other special treats. At dinner-time, the chefs consult with the young guests to create some really outstanding and outrageous meals. And in the evenings, there are scheduled activities that give the whole family a chance to swap discoveries.
Overnight - Bugaboo Lodge
Day 3 & 4
Heli-Hiking
At 9:00am, the first helicopter flight leaves the lodge. Each group of hikers, accompanied by a guide, will spend the day exploring the immense variety of landscapes in the Bugaboos which abound with personality-rich glaciers, turquoise lakes, airy mountain ridges and the magnificent spires which make the range a mountain-lover's paradise. 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 (the chances of us seeing any other hikers up here are almost nil, despite the Bugaboos' world fame). After a memorable day, we fly back to the lodge, where snacks, beverages a good book, or the sauna and restful outdoor whirlpool await.
Overnight - Bugaboo Lodge
Day 5
Return to Banff
This morning, depart the lodge on your flight to the Bugaboo Helipad. Depart the helipad by motorcoach and retrace the journey through Kootenay and Banff National Parks en route to Banff and Calgary. A boxed lunch is provided for the return trip--one last meal for the road. Upon arrival (approximately 1:30 pm), you will transfer (on own) to your hotel and have the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight - Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - Fairmont Gold View Room (includes continental breakfast)
Day 6
Depart Banff
Today, your backpacking adventure comes to an end. Transfer by scheduled motorcoach to the Calgary Airport for your homeward or onward flight.
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- 3 nights backcountry lodge accommodation and room tax
- 2 nights Pre & Post accommodation and room tax
- Round-trip transfers between Calgary airport & Banff hotel by scheduled motorcoach
- All meals plus snacks from lunch on Day 2 to lunch on Day 5 and wine with dinner on the first night at Bugaboo Lodge
- Guided heli-hiking each day from Day 2 to Day 4
- Use of heli-hiking equipment (boots, insulated jacket, raingear, daypack and water bottle)
- Return ground transportation between trip starting point and lodge/heli-pad
- Helicopter fights in and out of the lodges
- Personalized documentation package
PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Gratuities for lodge staff and guides
- Transfers not listed as included
- Alcoholic beverages not mentioned
- Goods and Services tax (GST)
- Trip Cancellation Insurance (Insurance can be purchased from your Vacation Specialist, ask for more details)