Day 1

If coming from international destinations - arrival in either Edmonton or Calgary (possible shuttle from Edmonton to Calgary). Transfer to Hotel. Meet guide(s) and other members of the group, we check over all personal equipment to make sure everyone is properly equipped and prepared. In the evening dinner in the city, discussion of detailed tour description of the following three weeks with your guide(s).

Day 2

We conclude all last minute or unfinished preparations for the trip after which we head west by van towards Banff National Park and the awe-inspiring Icefields Parkway (total dist covered today approx 300 km). Stops and scenic highlights along the way include: Peyto Lake, Sunwapta and Athabasca Falls, and the Crowfoot glacier. We camp in the mountain meadows along the banks of the North Saskatchewan River.

Day 3

We start with an Approximately 4 hour hike to the 1600 m high Glacier Lake (hiking distance 12 km). The ~32 km long Glacier Lake in Banff National Park is considered one of the most scenic Mountain lakes in the Rockies. We camp on the bank of the lake.

Day 4

Return hike from Glacier Lake to van. We continue our trip by van over the Icefields Parkway to the Colombia Icefield and the small town of Jasper Alberta. Another 50 km brings us to our campsite on the edge of Wildhorse Lake far off from the normal tourist routes. From our campsite you can see the panoramic view of the Rockies and in the evening fall asleep along side the cry of loons. (Total distance travelled today approx. 250 km)

Day 6

Today marks the longest day "étape" on our trek (with a total length of approx 24 km). After crossing the Wild Hay River and passing over Eagles Nest Pass with its impressive vertical rock formations, we reach the isolated and remote Rock Creek valley. Along the Starlight Mountain Range we hike up the valley until Summit Cabin; a remote trapping cabin far off from any signs of civilization or people.

Day 7

Our goal for the day is Jack Knife Pass. With its incredible view over the Willmore as well as the mountain ranges of the Rockies at 2200m it marks the highest pass crossing of the trip. With a little luck from this point can observe Grizzlies, Caribou, and Marmots. Depending on weather conditions we camp in the meadows on the pass itself or descend a little further down into the North Berland Valley to a more sheltered camp site.

Day 8

We continue our descent into the North Berland River valley. Here we encounter the first of numerous creek and river crossing as the Berland zigzags its way through the valley. We hike through Alpine tundra and boreal forest descending the valley. Our goal is the confluence of Sunset Creek. We set up camp beside the river.

Day 9

Today we encounter the confluence of the North and South Berland Rivers, a sizable increase of water volume of the river makes for the most adventurous river crossings of the trip. Throughout this stretch we have ample opportunity to practice techniques of bridge-less river crossings (and the making for great holiday stories). Towards evening we arrive and set up camp in the meadows at Adams Creek, our goal for the day’s hike.

Day 10

After a final 6 hour "étape" of hiking through the open meadows of the Berland valley, we leave the Willmore Wilderness Park and arrive towards late-afternoon or early evening at the van (which has been shuttled for us) on an old abandoned forestry road. We return back to Highway 40 and another 2 hour van ride brings us to Hinton. Dinner at a restaurant and then we camp at Wildhorse Lake for the night.

Day 11

Rest day! We go shopping for food in Hinton. Possibility of hot showers, and swimming at the local swimming pool, a laundromat provides us with the opportunity to wash any laundry. We camp at Graveyard Lake in Switzer Provincial Park - just north of Hinton.

Day 12

Today we begin with our canoe training. We put in on the lake next to our camp. You will be instructed and have the opportunity to practice all necessary and required paddling skills. Once everyone feels comfortable in their ability there is the possibility to either paddle up or down the small Jarvis Creek, meandering through beaver dams, ponds, and meadows, with some luck we have the opportunity to see local wildlife. We camp in the same spot as the night before near Graveyard Lake.

Day 13

Half-day training (with empty boats) on the upper Athabasca River within the scenic mountain ranges of Jasper National Park. In the evening we camp at Wildhorse Lake.

Day 14

We begin our approx. 200 km North Saskatchewan River trip from Abraham Lake to the small town of Rocky Mountain House. It starts with a 150-200 km van ride from Wildhorse Lake to North Saskatchewan Crossing. We put in just below Abraham Lake. After loading and packing all the boats we push off and paddle for a leisurely afternoon. Our daily paddling stretches, vary from day to day. In the evening we camp either on islands or on the river bank.

Days 15-17

The upper part of the North Saskatchewan winds itself through the eastern edges of the Rockies. The first couple of days we find ourselves surrounded by mountainous peaks, wide valleys and open meadows. The upper sections of the North Saskatchewan are marked with the occasional rapids requiring precise maneuvering which also provides us with the excitement of some easy white-water.

Day 18

250 km Return van shuttle to Jasper. This is a rest day and involves hot showers, laundry, and the opportunities for shopping in the small tourist town of Jasper. In the evening, an excursion (70 km by van) to the 1500m high Miette Hot Springs in the middle of the mountains of Jasper National Park provides for a relaxing and therapeutic soak in the 39-41°C hot sulfur pools. We camp at one of the campgrounds close to Jasper. At night there is the possibility to go out to one of Jasper’s hot spots or to have a beer at a local pub.

Days 19 to 20 - Rafting or Mountain Biking:

The next two days depend on the interest of the group and can either be spent white-water rafting or mountain-biking the abundant trails around Jasper.

Rafting:

Rafting:An approx. 250 km drive takes us to the small town of Grande Cache on the boarder of Willmore Wilderness Park again. From here we take a shuttle for a full day of rafting on the remote and pristine white-water rivers running through the Wilmore and the surrounding area of Grande Cache. The, Kawka, Sheep, and Sulphur Rivers all offer some of the best white water in Western Canada (Class III to IV ).

Mountain Biking:

This is not geared toward the expert mountain biker but more toward an introduction to single track mountain biking. We bike (approx 30km) on the scenic trails around Jasper. Some possible trails include a trip around Maligne Lake, Geraldine Lake, Valley of the Five Lakes, or the Overlander Trail.

Day 21

Return drive to Edmonton, Alberta (Approx. 350km). In Edmonton it is possible to visit the West Edmonton Mall which was up until 2004 the largest shopping mall in the world. West Edmonton Mall is a consumer’s temple covering an are of 350,000 square meters with over 800 stores. Hotel accommodation in Edmonton for the night and in the evening farewell supper at a restaurant.

Day 22

(For those returning to International destinations) Shuttle transfer to the Airport for a return flight home