Seven fun filled active days in the Canadian Rocky Mountains exploring some of the most beautiful places that this area has to offer. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of snow capped mountains, alpine forests, turquoise blue lakes, and plenty of fresh air as we make our way through the National Parks of Banff, Jasper and Yoho. Each day involves an easy to moderate hike to stunning locations and natural features like Lake Louise, Minnewanka Lake, Columbia Icefields, Peyto Lake, and Athabasca Falls. In the evenings gather around a cosy campfire under a starry night's sky and relax to the sounds of the Canadian wilderness.

Calgary, Banff National Park - Your tour begins at 8.30am at the assigned meeting point where you will meet your Tour Leader and the rest of the group (if you require accommodation in Calgary for the night before then please contact Kumuka). We then head into the mountains of Banff National Park to our forested campsite which will be home for the next two nights. In the afternoon we embark on our first hike following the shores of Lake Minnewanka or on one of the many well-maintained mountain trails. Dinner will be prepared back at the campground. Walking time 2-3 hours. (L, D)

Yoho National Park - Today we pack up and drive deeper into the Rockies along the Trans-Canada Highway up into the Bow River Valley to the picture postcard scenery and splendour of Lake Louise. One of our choices here is a 7.5 km (4.7 miles) trek with 600 metres gain (1,968 ft) to a lookout at 2,300 m (7,544 ft) where we are rewarded with panoramic views across the lake. We then make our way through Kicking Horse Pass, a high mountain pass across the Continental Divide of the Canadian Rockies on the Alberta/British Columbia border. We are now entering Yoho National Park on the western side of the Rockies where we arrive at our next campsite for two nights, near Kicking Horse River. Walking time 3 – 5 hours. (B, L, D)

Jasper National Park - Our journey now takes us along the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93), a scenic route that runs parallel with the continental divide, traversing the rugged landscape of the Canadian Rockies. Photography enthusiasts will enjoy the colourful settings of Peyto Lake from Bow Summit, the highest point on the Parkway. In the summertime the lake glows a turquoise blue due to glacial deposits, turning it into a dramatic wonder of nature.  During our frequent stops and short excursions, we may spot a variety of wildlife including wapiti, bighorn sheep and sometimes a bear. The best view of Saskatchewan Glacier is gained after a steep, 2.5 km ascent of a windswept ridge. Camp for the next two days is near the little holiday town of Jasper. Walking time 2 hours. (B, L, D)

Calgary - Mighty Athabasca Falls counts among the top attractions of Jasper National Park. Trails near the Columbia Icefields start at tree line and are especially rewarding thanks to their magnificent views of the glaciers and surrounding ranges. Our final hike is an 11 km (6.9 miles) loop with 335 m (1,100 ft) gain through Wilcox Pass at 2,375 m (7,790 ft). Following lunch we transfer back to Calgary. Walking time 2 – 3 hours. (B, L)

Arrival in downtown Calgary is at approximately 9.00pm where the tour ends.  Accommodation for this night is not included in the tour.

As well as your day to day clothes and personal items, you will need the following:

• A rucksack or backpack (we do not recommend bringing a suitcase)
• A daypack to carry camera, jacket, water, snacks, etc. on day hikes and outings
• 3 or 4 season sleeping bag (a hard foam mattress is provided, however you may wish to bring an inflatable mat for extra comfort)
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• A good pair of walking boots, preferably waterproof, as well as a comfortable pair of shoes for wearing around the camp or in towns at night
• Fleece jumper 
• Sun hat and warm hat and gloves
• A torch
• Sunglasses and sunscreen (for skin and lips)
• Power adaptor to suit US/Canada voltage type and plug fitting
• Water bottle
• Swimming suit and towel
• A walking stick is recommended but not essential (especially useful for walking downhill)
• Insect repellent

Your passport is a valuable document and you should exercise care in keeping it safe. It should be valid for at least six months after the end of your tour and it must have at least one blank page for each visa required. We advise that you take photocopies of your passport in case of loss or damage. Alternatively, you can scan copies of these pages and email them to yourself so that you can access them if you happen to lose your passport whilst abroad and have to apply for a new one at your nearest Embassy.

If you wish to spend a few additional days in your starting or finishing city, then we can arrange accommodation for you. All our accommodation is carefully chosen, conveniently located, clean and comfortable. (All rates per person per night and subject to availability).

In North America tipping is a way of life and very much expected, as well as appreciated. For many, receiving tips is a means of supplementing their salary which is usually based on minimum wage. The standard amount in restaurants and bars is 15% of the total bill (please note that sales and service taxes are automatically imposed in some restaurants and bars).  Chambermaids usually receive $1 or $2 per night in a hotel, simply left on the bedside table.

It is also customary in North America to show appreciation of your Tour Leader by tipping him/her at the end of the tour.

During the tour your Tour Leader will recommend a variety of optional activities operated by carefully selected ground handlers to make your tour even more enjoyable. These ground handlers and activity partners have been chosen for their standards in quality, professional ability and reputation. All optional activities are available at your own expense, and are undertaken at your own risk. Kumuka cannot be held responsible for injuries or claims arising from adventurous activities by third party. To start planning and budgeting for any optional activities that you may chose on your tour, please visit:

http://www.kumuka.com/North-America-Optional-Activities.aspx

IMPORTANT: Some tours depart from the starting city very early on Day 1 therefore you might not have enough time to enjoy the optional activities in that area. Please check the tour itinerary. Furthermore, some tours end on arrival in the finishing city and your flight may leave early the following morning, therefore leaving no time to partake in any optional activities in that area. Again, please check the itinerary.

Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. One week after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still complete a questionnaire by visiting www.kumuka.com/feedback

Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email to operations@kumuka.com

KUMUKA WORLDWIDE

UK OFFICE

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Hillswood Drive Chertsey KT16 0RS
Tel: +4420 7937 8855 Fax: +442075043782

Email: sales@kumuka.com
www.kumuka.com

AUSTRALIAN OFFICE

Level 5, 387 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Tel: 02 9279 0491 Fax: 02 9279 0492
Email: sales@kumuka.com.au
www.kumuka.com.au