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.
Moderate: Overnight
Banff Caribou Lodge
Superior: Overnight Fairmont
Banff Springs Hotel - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont
Banff Springs Hotel - Junior Suite
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 Adventures (July 29 & 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.
Moderate:
Overnight
Bugaboo
Lodge
Superior:
Overnight
Bugaboo
Lodge
Deluxe:
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.
Moderate:
Overnight
Bugaboo
Lodge
Superior:
Overnight
Bugaboo
Lodge
Deluxe:
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.
Moderate: Overnight
Banff Caribou Lodge
Superior: Overnight Fairmont
Banff Springs Hotel - Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Fairmont
Banff Springs Hotel - Junior Suite
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
- Trip Cancellation Insurance (Insurance can be purchased from your Vacation Specialist, ask for more details)