Helicopter deep into Canada's backcountry and hike from hut to hut amid pristine alpine wilderness. Explore the lesser-trekked trails of British Columbia’s Esplanade Range by day and indulge in fresh meals and absolute peace each night.
Start - End: Calgary - Calgary
Total trip: 6 days
Average group size: 12 people
Level: 4
Gallery
This backcountry hiking trip invites you to explore some of the lesser-trekked trails of British Columbia's Esplanade Range. On your way toward jumping off the grid, visit two of Canada's most beloved national parks: Kootenay and Yoho. Your expert guides then usher you up to the Canadian backcountry, hopping in a helicopter for a quick ride up to your starting point, Sunrise Lodge.
By day you'll hike along secluded trails, delightfully disconnected from hectic schedules and entirely immersed in the beauty around you. By night, you'll rest your muscles and feast on fresh meals whipped up by a private chef. The unspoiled alpine wilderness will enchant you and restore you as you trek the trails of Canada's famed backcountry.
Enjoy each day hiking from one cozy hut to the next in a landscape that feels like you have it truly all to yourself.
Click map below to explore.
Gallery
Welcome to your Canadian backcountry exploration! After a morning pickup, you'll set off on a day of short, scenic hikes near Golden. You’ll begin with a welcome meeting and an easy stroll among towering peaks and photo-op-worthy bridges at Cascade Ponds. From there, you’ll head to the sleepy ski town of Golden, British Columbia, and up to Kicking Horse Resort. Enjoy lunch at the Eagle’s Eye Resort at 7,700 feet on the ridge of Terminator Peak. The alpine ridgeline hiking at Kicking Horse is unparalleled and uncrowded.
You’ll arrive in town this evening where you’ll get ready for your 4-day backcountry hiking experience with a packing discussion and run down of the week ahead with your guides.|
Accommodation: Best Western Mountainview Inn, Golden
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 3-6 miles (5-10 kilometers)
After breakfast at a popular local cafe, you'll arrive at Sunrise Lodge the only way you can – via helicopter! Just a short 5-minute ride brings you to the gateway of the Esplanade Range, the northernmost tip of the Purcell Mountains.
As you hike along Paradise Ridge, soak in the commanding views of the Canadian Rockies to the east, the Purcells to the south, and the Selkirks to the west. Enjoy a midday rest and a picnic lunch along the trails before setting off to Meadow Lodge, one of the highest alpine huts in Canada and your home for the evening.
Tonight, your personal backcountry chef will whip up dinner for you and your fellow hikers.
Accommodation: Meadow Lodge, Golden
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: Minimum 3 miles (5 kilometers), 4 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: Minimum 1,150 feet (355 meters) ascent, 1,000 feet (300 meters) descent
Notes: Creek crossings, boulder fields, off trail routes and some trails
An alpine wonderland few get to experience lies before you today. After breakfast, you’ll begin another day hiking along stunning and secluded trails where wild beauty thrives. And mountain goats, too! Feast your eyes on an endless panorama of sky-skimming peaks and fill your stomach with a hearty midday lunch on the trail.
On your way to Vista Lodge, you’ll hike through picturesque alpine meadows and spy the sparkling waters of Vista Lake. You'll have options to summit several different peaks along the way as you hike towards your private mountain hut for the night.
Accommodation: Vista Lodge, Golden
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: Minimum 4 miles (6 kilometers), 5 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: Minimum 1,200 feet (395 meters) ascent, 1,500 feet (470 meters) descent
Notes: Creek crossings, boulder fields, off trail routes and some trails
Step out onto the alpine meadow doorstep of Vista Lodge and hike the peaks and ridges toward Sentry Lodge, the “Crown Jewel of the Esplanade.” Climb over the ‘Col of the Wild’ and learn about the local tradition at the top. Wander through unspoiled, untracked alpine meadows in the headwaters of Colpitti Creek. But before you relax your delightfully tired muscles in its legendary sauna, you’ll enjoy a trailside lunch and traverse the ridgeline to wonder at the untouched alpine beauty all around you.
A new-era backcountry lodge, Sentry offers plenty of space, stellar views, running hot and cold water supplied by Tetras Lake, and even Wi-Fi! But, with the views, good company, and natural treasures surrounding you, you’re just as likely to forget you even brought your phone.
Accommodation: Sentry Lodge, Golden
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: Minimum 4.5 miles (7 kilometers), 6 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: Minimum 1,500 feet (475 meters) ascent, 1,725 feet (525 meters) descent
Notes: Creek crossings, boulder fields, off trail routes and some trails
You’ll spend the day hiking the network of meadows and ridges that surround Sentry Lodge. Perhaps you’ll take a dip in an alpine lake along the way to cool off and revitalize your senses. Learn why it’s called Unicorn Lake, walk Cowboy Ridge, and soak in the glacier-draped mountain majesty, or wander alpine meadows with no trails discovering the wildflowers that make their home up high.
Today is a day purely intended to explore the secluded wonderland the mountains hold with your expert guides. This evening, rest up and relax with your fellow trekkers and relive the lifelong memories made this week.
Accommodation: Sentry Lodge, Golden
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: Options for 2-3 mile (3.2-4.8 kilometers) loop, 2 hours; 4-5 mile (6.4-8 kilometers) loop 4 hours; 5-7 mile loop (8-11 kilometers), 6 hours
Bid the backcountry farewell this morning and catch a helicopter ride back to town. In just 12 short minutes, civilization comes roaring back to life. On your way back to Calgary, enjoy a lunch stop and a stop at Lake Louise to find out why its beauty has captivated visitors for over 100 years.
Later this afternoon, we’ll drop you off in Calgary, refreshed and renewed after your backcountry expedition.
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Find out all you need to know about this epic hiking adventure in spectacular British Columbia.
On the first morning of the trip, our two pick-up locations are the Hotel 11 by Sonesta at 7am, or the Sheraton Suites Eau Claire at 7:30am. You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at either of these hotels directly or any other hotel in Calgary, though you must make your own way to one of the two pick-up points at the pre-designated times.
Please bring your hiking boots and your day pack ready with the essentials you'll need for the first hike with your fellow adventurers.
Your trip ends with a drop-off at a hotel of your choice in Calgary around 5pm.
Arrival: We recommend arriving in Calgary at least the day before your trip starts. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the city prior to your trip start.
Departure: We do not recommend flying out of Calgary on the last day of the trip to accommodate potential helicopter delays.
The Huts used for these trips offer comfortable bedding, a large common area, and plenty of great views of the surrounding mountain landscape. There is solar power at the first two huts – Meadow & Vista - and it provides enough power to charge phones or iPads, though not enough power for items like hair dryers or other appliances. Also, there are no traditional showers/bathrooms. Instead there are two outhouses at each hut and a sauna for a bucket bath and relaxation.
Due to limited rooming options on this trip, we cannot offer private rooms to solo travelers for a single supplement fee.
Please be aware the huts will not have any laundry facilities so we recommend bringing enough clothing to not have to do laundry during your trip.
By paying in full, we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. This offer is only valid for reservations where the trip is no sooner than 180 days from the departure date at time of booking.
We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance – you can find details here.
T+Cs Apply. Read more here.
Gallery
With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading average 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you’ll enjoy a highly personalized experience.
It’s so much easier to relax and enjoy your adventure when you have fun, caring guides who know the land, sweat all the details and whip up incredible meals, too!
When we say all inclusive, we mean it! Meals and snacks, activities, lodging, transportation, guiding services and more. All you need to do is show up!
Every aspect of your trip is thoroughly considered for your safety, from highly vetted partners and well-maintained equipment to extensively trained guides.
Family travel and North American National Parks are our specialty. We’ve perfected our itineraries for decades, ensuring you'll experience your destination to the fullest.
For us, the extra mile is never extra, it’s part of the way! Count on special touches throughout your trip that will amplify your experience.
Book 3, 4th travels FREE on 2026 trips. Use code 4THFREE. T&Cs apply. Explore Trips.
