Fill Your Senses with the Magnificent Backdrop of the Canadian Rockies
If locals only have a couple of times to get out hiking, they’ll want to see either the wildflowers in full bloom or the larches at their prime. Imagine the colours, smells and serene quiet that fill your senses with the magnificent backdrop of the Canadian Rockies. Our last July 5 – 9 Canadian Rockies Walking Tour was bang on the best week for wildflowers and blue skies. It was too hot to see much wildlife, but we did catch a grizzly on day one springing clumsily out of the bushes on the road in front of us, and a black bear moving along a cool stream in the willows on the last day, along with a couple of nanny Big Horn Sheep with their young of the year. Also saw a female elk calling to her this year’s calf to follow her across the strong river current . Believe it or not, some of the guests on this trip wanted snow! We get that, on some trips!
Jane Whitney
Yamnuska Mountain Adventures Senior Guide
“Yamnuska – not just for the elite mountaineer. A great intro to the Rockies for casual hikers too!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 July 2015 NEW
I was a little hesitant to go with this company at first after reading that they train the guides who lead all the tours in the area and do ice climbing and other extreme mountain sports- However, my expectations were exceeded with their 5 day Canadian Rockies Walking Tour adventure. 7 of us of varying ability and stamina – from marathoners to weekend exercisers- set out on 5 separate day hikes spanning the area- from Jasper to Kootenay, Banff and Lake Louise and a Provinical Park too. Distances went from 5-10 miles, elevation up to 2400 ft gain. Each hike was picked out for our group by our guide, Jane Whitney, to cater to our abilities and preferences, and to provide maximum wildflowers, wildlife sighting, meadows, snow patches and glaciers and heart pumping. Some were popular hikes, some were hidden treasures, and several had add-on options for those who wanted a little more, while the others could enjoy a drink at a lodge while waiting. Days were long and there wasn’t a lot of extra time for souvenir shopping- but we got to stay in a variety of towns, had a good bed and shower every day, and formed a cohesive group who chose to find a nice place to have dinner together every evening. The packed lunches she brought every day were yummy and practical- whenever energy levels dragged- there was a juice box or trail mix or an interesting energy bar to consume- wonderful sandwiches and fruit/ veggies too..Jane gave us a great introduction to geology, biology, history, and culture of the area- and was very concerned that we all got to challenge ourselves, have a great time and grow to love Alberta and the Rockies as much as she does. Jane and Yamnuska know what they are doing. I can’t wait to return for my next Yamnuska tour!
