Day 0
Pre arrival:(for members of the group arriving by plane, or bus)
Group members arriving by plane, bus or those who are either already in Edmonton will be shuttled to Hotel/Hostel the evening prior to commencing the trip. In the evening we have a group meeting and introduction to the guide(s) and other members of the group. The guides check over all equipment and make sure all necessary preparations have been made to start our trip for the next week.
Day 1
From Edmonton we van shuttle to the small town of Hinton close to Jasper National Park. After any last minute preparations, (which can to be done in the small town of Hinton Alberta), we camp at one of the beautiful campgrounds in Switzer Provincial Park 40 km north of Hinton, and enjoy the atmosphere of the surrounding Rockies and evening camp fire. With your guide you discuss, pack, and prepare for the beginning of the hike for the following day.
Day 2
Today we drive 60 km along the lonely highway 40 and another 40 km by gravel logging road to the remote Rock Lake, on the edge of the Willmore Wilderness Park. We pack all necessary equipment and begin our 7 day hike into the Willmore. Our first days hike follows the Wild-hay River valley upstream, up to a small wardens cabin (White Cabin) were we set up camp for the evening.
Day 3
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 other people.
Day 4
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 5
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 6
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 adventures 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 days hike.
Day 7
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 the van (which has been shuttled for us). Along an old abandoned forestry road we return back to Highway 40 and another 2 hour van ride brings us back to Hinton. Dinner at a restaurant, we camp at Wildhorse Lake on the edge of Jasper National Park.
Day 8
After a relaxing breakfast and repacking all our gear, we slowly make our return journey back to Edmonton. We take our time making plenty of stops and taking in the sights and view points along the trip. Optional include the possibility to enjoy a relaxing soak in the therapeutic pools of Miette Hot Springs. We aim to start our return of the 340 km trip back to Edmonton by early afternoon, so that we can be back in Edmonton by early evening.
