Inside B&r’s New Alpine Hiking Journey Across Western Canada

Above the treeline in Banff National Park, wildflower meadows unfold toward glacier-fed lakes most visitors glimpse only through a shuttle window. Then, a short helicopter flight away in British Columbia’s Purcell Mountains, a backcountry lodge awaits your group alone—its wood-fired sauna already glowing as you touch down.&nbsp;Since joining B&amp;R in 2012, Experience Designer Dane Tredway has guided journeys from Newfoundland to Sri Lanka, earning a reputation as the team’s explorer of the “unGoogleable.” His newest itinerary, <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/small-group/banff-to-the-purcells-alpine-heli-hiking">Banff to the Purcells: Alpine &amp; Heli Hiking</a>, is a small-group <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/how-to-travel/small-group/limited-edition">Limited Edition</a> departure built around a simple idea: delivering Western Canada’s most expansive alpine scenery without demanding its most punishing physical effort. Here’s how he built it.&nbsp;

Opening

<h3>What’s the origin story here? Why this region, and why now?&nbsp;</h3>It’s personal. I live in this mountainous corner of Western Canada, and the Rockies felt like a part of <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/north-america/canada">Canada</a> we hadn’t yet fully explored through our trips. With Limited Edition, I’m always looking for a fresh lens on a familiar place.&nbsp;A visit to CMH’s Bobbie Burns Lodge provided it. I was blown away—and immediately sensed the kernel of something distinctly B&amp;R. It won’t be for everyone, but for the right traveller: someone curious, active and ready to go a little further, I knew it would resonate.&nbsp;<h3>What does the six-day route through Banff and the Purcells entail? &nbsp;</h3>We begin in Calgary, then spend our first two nights at Rimrock Resort Hotel in Banff National Park: the postcard version of Canadian tourism, and a bucket-list destination for many of our travellers.On day one, a gondola carries us to Sunshine Meadows for an easy alpine <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/how-to-travel/small-group/walking-hiking">hike</a>. Later, a medicine walk at Cascade Ponds with a local Cree guide brings the Bow Valley’s Indigenous history into the experience. Day two asks a little more of the group, with a hike into Skoki Valley. We follow switchbacks toward Deception Pass, where the forest opens onto alpine meadows, glacial lakes and wide-ranging views.&nbsp;For day three, we trade Banff for the Purcells, flying by helicopter to CMH’s Bobbie Burns Lodge. It’s a deliberate shift from the familiar to the unexpected: heli-hiking, and access to a mountain world that many travellers may not yet know is possible.&nbsp;

<h3>Banff draws millions of visitors every year. What does this trip show guests that they’d never find on their own?&nbsp;</h3>Most people have never heard of heli-hiking—and, if they have, it can sound intimidating. In practice, it’s the opposite. The helicopter takes care of the long approach, allowing you to land in remote alpine terrain without spending hours hiking to reach it.&nbsp;Day two is a different kind of access: rather than travelling by helicopter, we enter Skoki Valley via an exclusive private trailhead. One of Banff’s most difficult-to-reach corners, the valley would otherwise require an additional 10 kilometres on foot to access.&nbsp;While much of the park is busy with cars, crowded trailheads and shared viewpoints, we find genuine solitude within one of the world’s most visited national parks. &nbsp;

<h3>What is it like to stay at CMH Bobbie Burns lodge?</h3>After two nights in Banff, you trade the bustle of the park for a 15-minute helicopter flight into backcountry that would otherwise take days to reach on foot.&nbsp;The contrast is immediate. Banff is extraordinarily beautiful, but it is shared by thousands. By day three, in the Purcells, we may not see another person all day. Bobbie Burns Lodge is reserved exclusively for our group, with no other guests under its roof. There’s a wood-fired sauna, hot tub, swimming pond and genuinely exceptional food—but the real luxury is the feeling that the landscape belongs, if only temporarily, to you.&nbsp;

<h3>What are the food and dining experiences on the trip?&nbsp;</h3>One of our Banff dinners takes place off-site at a private ranch-style property recently acquired by the Banff Hospitality Collective, the team behind several of the town’s best restaurants. The evening begins with cocktails, cornhole and horseshoes on the lawn as a bluegrass band plays nearby.&nbsp;Then comes a long-table, family-style dinner outdoors: Alberta beef, corn, roasted potatoes and baked beans, followed by line dancing around a bonfire. It’s Canadian barbecue meets cowboy cookout—and, when I trialled the experience with another group, it became the highlight of the trip.&nbsp;At CMH, meals are shaped by the setting. Packed alpine lunches are flown to wherever we’re hiking—there’s a lakeside picnic in the Valley of the Lakes—and the week closes with an outdoor dinner beneath the peaks.&nbsp;

<h3>How active is this trip, and who is it really for?&nbsp;</h3>The terrain is more rugged than on many B&amp;R journeys: trails can be rougher, often above the treeline, with loose rock and open meadows rather than groomed paths. That said, it is more approachable than it may sound. Travellers selecting the easier daily option will find it sits at a Level 3 on <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/activity-levels">B&amp;R's Activity Level scale</a>. I was careful about that. I didn’t want someone to hear “alpine hiking” and assume the trip isn’t for them.&nbsp;The most honest way to describe it is level-five scenery for level-three exertion. You don’t need to be an alpine athlete—or even a serious hiker—to enjoy it. Wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers and photographers will feel just as at home here as more experienced walkers.&nbsp;<h3>When you think about luxury in a landscape like this, what does it actually look like?&nbsp;</h3>It’s the exclusivity of access more than any single amenity: a remote lodge, a trailhead that almost no one else can reach, and a helicopter that handles the hard approach so the wilderness feels earned rather than exhausting.&nbsp;It also appears in smaller moments: a midday swim in an alpine lake in the Valley of the Lakes, peaks reflected in still water, or a quiet stretch of trail without another person in sight. For much of the week, this landscape feels functionally yours.&nbsp;Banff to the Purcells: Alpine &amp; Heli Hiking runs August 23–28, 2027.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/small-group/banff-to-the-purcells-alpine-heli-hiking">Explore the full itinerary and reserve your spot.&nbsp;</a>

What does hiking and heli hiking the Canadian Rockies look it? Butterfield & Robinson Experience Designer Dane Tredway breaks down the new Limited Edition trip to Western Canada.

Inside B&r’s New Alpine Hiking Journey From Banff to the Purcells

The Great North

As a Canadian travel company, it’s no surprise that Canadian trips come naturally to Butterfield &amp; Robinson.&nbsp;Years of exploring&nbsp;the best regions and building relationships with local guides and experts have enabled us to curate experiences that showcase the full breadth of this diverse country.&nbsp;From the wild landscapes of British Columbia to the awe-inspiring Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada offers a melting pot of exploration.&nbsp;Bike, hike and walk through iconic national parks, backcountry and vineyards. Go to the water to see icebergs and whales. Delight your taste buds with local treats and wines while soaking in the architecture, art, and design of sophisticated cities like Vancouver.&nbsp;Explore Canada’s natural beauty and experience its heart.

Yours to discover

Cycle Banff and the Icefields Parkway, walk British Columbia on small group or private bespoke trips through Canada, with lodge stays and local access.

Canada Bike & Walking Tours | Butterfield & Robinson

A warm Canadian welcome, fresh Pacific air, and tours along quiet roads and shorelines make this trip truly special. Our Gulf Islands tour features three of the most beautiful islands in the Gulf Island archipelago as well as the Saanich Peninsula of Vancouver Island.  Ferries deliver us to Saltspring, Mayne and Galiano for rides along coastal roads where views of the water are never far away.  Because the trip is fully supported, we are free to stop in small villages along the way to savour the local lifestyle. The world-class cycling is interrupted only by opportunities to hike, sea kayak and observe the local wildlife.

Join us on a massive opportunity to explore the Canadian Arctic with our friends, the Weber family. While we add those special touches and quirky surprises that you know and love us for (your B&amp;R guide, Dane, has been curiously investigating every corner to pull out all the stops), the Weber family bring years of in-depth Arctic experience and knowledge, including 45 Arctic expeditions and running Canada’s most northernly lodge on Somerset Inlet (where we’ll be guests!). Daily walks lead us to ridges, canyons and waterfalls where we’ll witness spectacular wildlife and soak up other-worldly Arctic scenes.

How do you improve on the luscious cuisine, cobbled city squares and ethereal cultural charms of Europe? Put it in your own backyard - and sprinkle in a dash of Canadian politeness. Get a little taste of Europe; no trans-Atlantic flight required. Cycle past historic homesteads, brush up on your French, and savour foie gras, cider and local cheeses as you journey through the rural countryside from chic Montreal to 400-year-old Quebec City.

Experience the scenic beauty and cultural richness of Eastern Canada as you cycle from the bustling streets of Montreal to the historic avenues of Quebec City. This journey offers riders breathtaking landscapes, culinary delights, and a unique blend of modern and historical insights along the picturesque St. Lawrence River.

From Urban Charm to Historic Splendor: A Bicycle Adventure Linking Montreal's Vibrancy to Quebec City's Old-World Beauty

Explore Canada's most European province

Please note the below itinerary is for the Sep 21 - Sep 27 departure. Please be sure to check the itinerary associate with you date of interest for a complete overview of your experience. 

Cycle past historic homesteads and brush up on your French as you journey through the rural countryside from chic Montreal to 400-year-old Quebec City.

Montreal to Quebec City Biking|  Butterfield & Robinson | Luxury Travel

B&amp;R’s Women’s Only trips are designed by women, for women to experience new regions, cultures and communities from female perspectives. Venture to Canada’s west coast and discover the enchanting British Columbia—a haven of breathtaking coastlines, rugged mountain landscapes and lush, emerald forests. Your journey begins in the vibrant city of Vancouver, where you'll savour local flavours at the renowned Granville Market and wander beneath the ancient, towering trees of Stanley Park. A short flight then whisks you to the magical town of Tofino, where you'll ride the Pacific waves in a female-led surf class and stroll along the pristine shores of endless beaches. Glide through the serene waters of Pacific Rim National Park in a kayak, and e-bike past beaches and forests on your way to Ucluelet. End your adventure learning about local traditions in a bead-making workshop led by a First Nations Elder, an experience that will leave you deeply connected to this serene corner of Canada.

Unforgettable Experiences

One-of-a-kind Hotels

Authentic Food

From city buzz to coastal bliss, this women's-only trip blends wild beauty with west coast soul. Savour bites at Granville Market, surf with badass women in Tofino, and kayak through Pacific Rim’s calm waters. E-bike past beach and forest, then bead with a First Nations Elder. It’s a soul-soothing, wave-chasing, memory-making kind of trip.

 A mindful journey through serene lands

The itinerary below is a sample and is subject to slight changes in routes, accommodations and activities. Please download the itinerary for your selected departure for precise details.

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Experience Designer

A place where unparalleled beauty, wilderness and adventure come together; explore the gems of Lake Moraine and Lake Louise. Hike your way around Sunshine Meadows and pedal through the valleys in Banff National Park with jagged mountain peaks all around.

Diverse Landscapes

Vibrant Culture

Active Adventure

The Rockies don’t do subtle—think turquoise lakes, jagged peaks, and trails that dare you not to say “wow” every five minutes. Hike flower-filled meadows, bike through Banff’s jaw-dropping valleys, and dip your toes in glacier-fed waters (refreshing is an understatement). It’s self-guided, but Mother Nature handles most of the guiding anyway.

Roaming around the Rocky Mountains

Experience Designers

$7,595 based on two travellers,  $6,795 based on four travellers, $6,495 based on six travellers.

Hike Banff and Canmore on a tailor-made Alberta itinerary. Glacial lake cycling, wildlife trail access and spectacular Rockies scenery, privately guided for

Alberta Private Tours: Banff Hiking, Glacial Lake Cycling & Wildlife Trails

Newfoundland's draw has traditionally been the wide expanses of raw nature, from ranging moose to towering icebergs. This&nbsp;landscape provides endless options to entertain the active explorer. As for the warm and cheery Newfoundlander, that&nbsp;seems to&nbsp;be what keeps visitors coming back. Experience Newfoundland your way on a private, tailor-made adventure inspired by these highlights.

Nature’s Wonders

Local Connections

Maritime Magic

Newfoundland is shaped by sea, story and time. Follow in the wake of Vikings and settlers, drawn by cod-rich waters and windswept shores. Sip molasses-tinged Screech, sway to Gaelic rhythms at lively “kitchen parties” and feel centuries of seafaring spirit in every note. Drift past towering icebergs, spot whales breaching in wild blue and stand on some of the oldest stones on Earth. And when the day ends, wind down&nbsp;in places like Fogo Island Inn—part sanctuary, part work of art and fully unforgettable.

Canada's eclectic east coast

Expertly curated with our favourite experiences in each destination, these departures bring together a maximum of 16 like-minded travellers on pre-set dates.

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Explore our Scheduled trips

Bespoke travel lets you to take our inspirational cues and craft them into your personalized, private adventure. Collaborate one-on-one with an Experience Designer to put together your tailor-made trip.

Walk Newfoundland's iceberg coast, spot whales and puffins from sea cliffs on a custom itinerary. Canada's most surprising destination, privately guided for

Newfoundland Private Tours: Iceberg Coast, Sea Cliffs & Canada's Hidden Gem

The Rockies are a stunning example of nature at her best.&nbsp;These transcendent mountains formed more than 80 million years ago from continental plates shifting beneath North America. Continuing tectonic activity, along with the erosion created by glaciers, resulted&nbsp;in the&nbsp;dramatic combination of jagged peaks and valleys we see today.&nbsp;What better way to experience them than on an adventure-packed private journey, tailor-made by our Experience Designer who calls the Rockies her backyard.

Breathtaking Landscapes

Understated Luxury

In the Wild

From towering peaks and glacier-carved valleys to trails that beg for boots or bike tires, the Rockies are simultaneously rugged and resplendent. Whether you’re hiking alpine ridges, paddling turquoise lakes or spotting elk at sunrise, this is wilderness with wow-factor. Designed by locals who know every switchback, our adventures in the Rockies are anything but ordinary.

Home to some of Canada’s most idyllic scenery

Bespoke travel lets you take our inspirational cues and craft them into your personalized, private adventure. Collaborate one-on-one with an Experience Designer to put together your tailor-made trip.

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Hike, bike and raft Banff and Canmore on a tailor-made itinerary. Wildlife trails, river canyons and wild Canada far beyond the viewpoints. Built for you.

Canadian Rockies Private Tours: Banff, Canmore & Wild Backcountry

Wilderness with Reach

Spirit of the West

Extraordinary Stays

From the iconic peaks of Banff National Park to the remote wilderness of the Purcell Mountains, discover some of Western Canada's most spectacular alpine landscapes. Hike high above the tree line through wildflower-filled meadows, past glacier-fed lakes and beneath soaring &nbsp;mountain peaks, before retreating each evening to exceptional lodges—including a backcountry retreat accessible only by helicopter. From pristine alpine valleys and turquoise tarns to rugged ridgelines and glacier-carved terrain, this Limited Edition journey reveals a wilder side of one of North America's great mountain ranges.

Heli-hike the remote Purcell Mountains and hike Banff National Park on this Limited Edition Canadian Rockies journey, staying at a backcountry lodge accessible only by helicopter.

Canadian Rockies Hiking & Heli-Hiking – Banff & Purcell Mountains

Sample Canada’s most European province through its cheeses, wine, sparkling lakes and delightful city streets, travelling along roads that wind past old ancestral homes, covered bridges, historic churches and chapels. Rural antique shops abound, full of charming trinkets from the past and crafts by local artisans. Come wintertime, a blanket of snow covers the landscape in a soft, white glitter. Here are a few highlights to inspire your bespoke itinerary.

Worlds both old and new meet in Quebec

Go Bespoke!

British Columbia’s motto is Splendor Sine Occasu, or "splendour without diminishment." In Canada’s most biologically, geographically and climatically diverse province, it may be an understatement. The urge to explore this unbelievable variety of landscapes—from grasslands to soaring mountains, ocean to a modern metropolis—is irresistible. Gaze over Canada’s tallest mountain ranges, ride through cowboy country, fish salmon streams surrounded by coastal rainforest and visit beautiful Vancouver, a sophisticated world-class city.

Nature's Wonders

In British Columbia, the wild and the wonderful go hand in hand. Kayak with orcas, hike rainforest trails, bike past alpine lakes and toast it all with Okanagan wine. From coastal inlets to Rocky Mountain peaks, BC is where rugged beauty meets refined adventure and every trail leads to something unforgettable.

Canada's incredible West Coast

Hike ancient rainforests, kayak among orca pods and bike Tofino's coastal trails on a custom itinerary. Canada's Pacific wilderness, privately guided and