Day 1 - Calgary to Banff
Welcome to Calgary and the Province of Alberta! Once you have cleared the airport customs and immigration you will be met by your driver and shown to your private limousine. In no time you will be traveling west through the "foothills" towards the Canadian Rockies. Soon they appear on the horizon, a looming and magnificent presence. The gates of Banff National Park herald your entrance. Arrive at the mountain resort town on Banff. Tonight the castle-like Fairmont Banff Springs hotel beckons you to stay.
Luxury: Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - One Bedroom Suite
Day 2 - Flight to Bobbie Burns Lodge / Heli-Hiking
Early this morning your driver will transfer you to the Banff Bus Depot for your journey to the Bobbi Burns Helipad. Your route takes you west toward Golden, BC, through the fabulous scenery of Banff and Yoho National Parks. 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 late1800s. From Golden, you 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.
Upon arrival at the helipad, prepare for your first exhilarating helicopter ride to the Bobbie Burns Lodge. Once you arrive at the lodge, you are outfitted with all the necessary hiking gear before sitting down to a hearty lunch is in the dining room. After a helicopter safety talk, set off to breathtaking mountain scenery for your first heli-hiking experience. At the end of the day, return by helicopter to the lodge where snacks await you. There is free time to relax on the deck, read in the lounge or take a dip in the whirlpool before dinner. Dinner is served by your hosts, followed with delectable desserts prepared by our own pastry chef. The evening is yours to get to know your fellow guests or to spend as you like, before retiring to the comforts of your room.
Bobbie Burns Lodge
Is located 120 miles west of Banff, in the Purcell Mountains at an altitude of 4,494 feet. It features 24 double/twin rooms, all with private bath. In addition, its features include a bar/lounge area, outdoor whirlpool, sauna, extensive wine cellar, indoor practice climbing wall, games room and shop.
Luxury: Overnight Bobbi Burns Lodge
Day 3 & 4 - Heli-Hiking
At 9:00am the first helicopter flight leaves the lodge. Spend the day exploring the immense variety of landscapes in the Bobbie Burns, a winsome sub-range of the Columbias. The Bobbie Burns abounds with personality-rich glaciers, turquoise lakes, and airy mountain ridges. And everywhere, from every vantage point, vast, heart-stirring views. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst stunning, utterly unspoiled scenery. After a memorable day, fly back to the lodge, where snacks, beverages, a good book, or the sauna and restful outdoor whirlpool await. At dinner enjoy the company of different guests each night as you sample the chef's choice of the evening. After dessert and coffee, share stories and experiences of the day with your newfound friends and staff. Visit the retail shop where you'll find an excellent array of clothing and hiking-related items for purchase. Make an appointment with our masseuse (not included) or enjoy the peace and quiet on the deck as you watch the alpenglow settle on the mountain peaks, before retiring for the night.
Luxury: Overnight Bobbi Burns Lodge
Day 5 - Flight to Bugaboo Lodge with Picnic Lunch
Today, fly 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. You 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, visit the lodge's retail shop, set up an appointment with the masseuse (not included, but well worth the extra charge), or just enjoy peace and quiet on the deck as the alpenglow settles on the great monoliths above.
Bugaboo Lodge
Situated 112 miles west of Banff, at the base of Bugaboo Glacier in the Purcell Mountains at 4888 ft., its features include a bar/lounge area, whirlpool, sauna, games room and shop. It has 24 double/twin rooms, all with private bath.
Luxury: Overnight Bugaboo Lodge
Day 6 & 7 - Heli-Hiking
Experience more spectacular helicopter flights, beautiful alpine wildflowers and look for mountain wildlife as you explore the new terrain. You will spend the next two days exploring the immense variety of landscapes in the Bugaboos, which abound with vast glaciers, sparkling lakes, mountain ridges, and the magnificent spires which make the range a mountain-lover's paradise. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst magnificent scenery. At the end of the day, fly back to the lodge, where snacks, beverages, a good book, or the sauna and restful outdoor whirlpool await. Savour the chef's creation of the evening.
Luxury: Overnight Bugaboo Lodge
Day 8 - Heli-Hiking / Return to Banff
At 9:00am the first helicopter flight leaves the lodge for your last heli-hiking outing. At 11:00 depart from the Bugaboo Helipad by motorcoach. Boxed lunch provided for return trip to Banff. Upon arrival, at the bus depot, you will be met by your driver and transfer back to the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel for your last night stay.
Luxury: Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - One Bedroom Suite
Day 9 - Banff to Calgary Airport
Your delightful journey in the Rocky Mountains comes to a close as your driver escorts you to the Calgary International Airport for your flight departure home.
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- 6 nights backcountry lodge accommodation and room tax
- 2 nights Pre & Post hotel accommodation, any mandatory service charges and room tax
- All meals plus snacks and wine at dinner from lunch on Day 2 to lunch on Day 8
- Guided heli-hiking each day from Day 2 to Day 8
- 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
- National Park Fee
- Private Limousine transfer between Calgary Airport & Banff; Banff hotel & bus depot; bus depot & Banff hotel, and Banff & Calgary Airport including gratuities
- 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)