Egypt Lake Circuit (Banff National Park - Easy):

Day 1: Sunshine Parking Area to Healy Creek Campsite
At 8:00am we meet at the Yamnuska Mountain Adventures office in Canmore. We then drive to the trailhead (45 min) through the eastern gate of Banff National Park and up the Sunshine access road. The trail begins at the Sunshine Village lower base station and leads up through sub-alpine forests along Healy Creek to our first campsite. Distance 5.5km. Elevation gain 275m.

Day 2: Healy Creek to Egypt Lake Campground
We continue up into the alpine along Healy Creek and into the flower speckled meadows that blanket the slopes around Healy Pass (2330m). From this brilliant viewpoint we can see into the wilds of British Columbia extending south and west along the continental divide. The trail continues down into the lush Alpine valley that surrounds a number of beautiful crystal clear mountain lakes. We base ourselves out of the Egypt Lake campsite, enjoy a relaxing lunch and then have the entire afternoon to explore and enjoy the multitude of trails that radiate out from the campsite. Distance 6.9km. Elevation gain 380m, loss 335m.

Day 3: Egypt Lake to Redearth Creek Trailhead
Today is our longest day, but it's all downhill from here! With light packs we turn our backs to the lakes and meadows surrounding Egypt Lake and begin our descent back to civilization. Following Pharaoh Creek we hike through forests of Lodge pole pine and White Spruce. Reaching the Redearth Creek junction we find ourselves on a wide path that allows us to easily complete the last few kilometres to our vehicles. Distance 19.2km. Elevation loss 595m.

Rockwall South (Kootenay National Park - Moderate):

Day 1: Numa Falls Picnic Area to Numa Creek Campsite
At 8:00am we meet at the Yamnuska Mountain Adventures office in Canmore. After introductions and distributing group gear and food, we drive through Banff and Kootenay National Parks to our trailhead at the Numa Falls Picnic area. From here the trail snakes up the Numa Creek valley through a lush western slope forest carpeted in green moss.  We reach the connection with the main Rockwall Highline trail by lunch and it is just a quick half kilometre to our campsite at Numa Creek for the night.  Distance 6.9km. Elevation gain 100m.

Day 2: Numa Creek to Floe Lake
This is the pass crossing day!  With our sights set on the alpine, we make our way up to the stunning Numa Pass from which we will have a beautiful panorama of the mountain peaks of the main Rockies range to the East and our goal, Floe Lake just to the South glittering like a turquoise gem beneath the imposing face of the Rockwall. Once we have reached the pass it is a relaxing hike through the alpine meadows to our campsite at Floe Lake.  Distance 6.9km. Elevation gain 830m, loss 315m.

Day 3: Floe Lake to Highway 93
Today, our last day finds us enjoying a relaxed morning around the lake before packing up camp and hitting the trail for the last time. Winding down the Floe Creek valley, we descend through lush sub-alpine forest that eventually gives way to the remains of the 2003 Verendrye Forest Fire.  Charred trees provide opportunities to view the surrounding peaks and valleys of this beautiful range.  The fire weed and alpine wild flowers carpet the forest floor.   Distance 10.5km. Elevation loss 715m.

Kananaskis Alpine Loop (Kananaskis Lakes Country - Challenging):

Day 1: Upper Kananaskis Lake to Aster Lake Campsite
Meet in Canmore at 8:00 am. After issuing food and gear we pack up and then drive south along the spectacular Smith-Dorrien highway to Kananaskis Lakes which will take just over an hour. We enjoy a leisurely hike around the Upper Lake for 5.5 km before striking into the forest towards Hidden Lake and the high country surrounding it. Working around Hidden Lake we reach the trail that climbs high above Foch Creek to take us into the high alpine basins above. We camp by Aster Lake, one of the prettiest alpine lakes in the region. Distance: 11 km, total elevation gain: 575 meters.

Day 2: Aster Lake to Three Isle Lake via Northover Ridge
We'll increase the tempo today with a traverse of the exposed Northover Ridge and the potential of climbing 3003m Mount Northover on the way. The views are fantastic in a 360 degree panorama of all the surrounding wilderness. From the end of the ridge we drop down to Three Isle Lake where we camp back near tree line. Distance 11.3km, total elevation gain and loss: 700m.

Day 3: Three Isle Lake to Upper Kananaskis Lake
This, our last day will be a relaxing trek through the Kananaskis River valley and around the Upper Kananaskis Lake.  After hiking down the headwall from last night's camp, we hit the valley bottom at the convergence of three streams called the "Forks".  This area is rich in both beautiful montane wildflowers and local wildlife.  Distance 10km. Elevation loss 300m.

Private Departures and Family Trips:

Departures can be set up on a private basis for individuals, families, or groups, and we can organize to leave the trip open for more people to join. Trips that we have confirmed and are open to more guests will be listed to the right, but check back often to see if any new departures have been added. Please contact us if you would like to arrange your own departure and we will be happy to provide you with a quote based on your group's size and trip options.