Banff to the Purcells: Alpine & Heli Hiking
A Canadian Rockies Journey by Trail and by Air
6 Days, 5 Nights
20
B&R Activity Levels
$14,995 USD
Single Supplement: $1,500 USD
View Dates
limited edition
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 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.
Venture beyond the tourist trail into remote corners of the Canadian Rockies, where gondolas and helicopters do the heavy lifting—granting access to spectacular alpine landscapes few visitors ever see, along with exceptional opportunities to spot iconic wildlife in its natural habitat.
Experience the traditions and stories of the Canadian West through encounters that connect you with the land and its people, from a medicine walk with a local Cree guide to a cowboy cookout at a private ranch.
From the newly reimagined Rimrock Resort Hotel in Banff to the remote CMH Bobbie Burns Lodge, accessible only by helicopter, this journey pairs world-class hiking with distinctive stays that bring together alpine adventure and elevated comfort.
Day by Day
No two trips are ever the same, but this will give you a taste of what your journey will be like.
Rendezvous
Airport City: Calgary
Trip Start: The Fairmont Palliser
Time: 9:00 AM
Farewell
Airport City: Calgary
Trip End: Calgary International Airport
Time: 2:00 PM
* Itineraries are subject to change. Please confirm exact Rendezvous and Farewell locations upon booking.
Day 1
Welcome to Banff National Park, where Sunshine Meadows sits high above the tree line—wildflower trails winding past crystal-clear lakes with sweeping Rocky Mountain views in every direction. Come afternoon, a medicine walk with a local Cree guide brings the Bow Valley's Indigenous history and traditions to life, before welcome drinks and dinner await at Rimrock Banff.
Activity:
Daily hike: 6.5 km (4 mi) | Elevation 215 m (705 ft)
Long option: 10 km (6 mi) | Elevation 254 m (833 ft) / -176 m (577 ft)
Day 2
Skoki Valley is Banff's best-kept secret, and exclusive access to a private trailhead puts it within reach: think forested switchbacks, a climb to Deception Pass, and alpine meadows framed by jagged limestone peaks and glacial lakes. Cap it off with a cowboy cookout-style dinner at a private ranch under the Rockies.
Activity:
Daily hike: 8 km (5 mi) | Elevation 300 m (984 ft)
Long option: 12 km (7.5 mi) | Elevation 400 m (1,312 ft)
Day 3
Buckle in for a helicopter flight deep into British Columbia's Purcell Mountains, touching down at Bobbie Burns Lodge. First up: heli-hiking on Grizzly Ridge, with the Bugaboo Spires and glaciers stretching out below, followed by a wood-fired sauna and dinner back at the lodge.
Activity:
Daily hike: choose between 6 or 10 km (4 or 6mi) | Elevation: 100 or 450 m (328 or 984 ft)
Day 4
A short helicopter flight drops you into the Valley of the Lakes: a hidden alpine basin where turquoise lakes and glacier-fed tarns sit mirror-still beneath rugged peaks. Hike between them at an easy pace, picnic lakeside, and—if you're feeling bold—take the plunge into the glacial waters, before winding down with stargazing or a hot tub soak back at the lodge.
Activity:
Daily hike: choose between 8 or 12 km (5 or 8 mi) | Elevation: 300 m or 600 m (984 or 1,969 ft)
Day 5
Choose your adventure: a gentle hike to Snowman Pass for sweeping views of the Purcells, or the Conrad Glacier Via Ferrata, an exhilarating route across bridges, cables and climbing features above the valley floor. Either way, the week wraps with a special outdoor dinner beneath the peaks, toasting the memories made in the alpine.
Day 6
A final helicopter flight over the Purcell backcountry leads to the drive back to Calgary—or, for those extending their trip, a drop-off in Lake Louise for a few more days in the mountains.
Dates & availability
Can't find your dates?
Get in touch to craft a Bespoke itinerary or request an additional date to privatize.
Featured stays
Rimrock Resort Hotel
Location: Banff, Canada
CMH Bobbie Burns Lodge
Location: British Columbia,
What's included
All breakfasts, lunches and dinners as indicated on the itinerary.
All accommodation as indicated on the itinerary including exclusive use of CMH Bobbie Burns Lodge.
Thoughtfully selected local wines, beers, cocktails or non-alcoholic beverages with all meals.
Use of two lightweight, telescoping walking sticks and a backpack.
A reusable B&R water bottle.
Detailed GPS routes available via RideWithGPS.
Services of B&R guide(s).
All special events, private tours, guest experts and entrance fees.
All gratuities for baggage, porters and hotel services.
Transportation from pick up to drop off.
Baggage transportation.
What's Not Included: International flights, travel protection, gratuity for your B&R guides.
This trip is carbon neutral. Learn more about our Sustainability commitment.
Good to know
Access by Air
Helicopters are an integral part of this wilderness experience, providing access to our remote alpine lodge and scenic transfers to some of the region's most spectacular hiking areas. Travellers should be comfortable with helicopter travel.
Terrain
These are true alpine adventures on natural trails and uneven terrain. While gondola and helicopter access minimize the biggest climbs, travellers should be comfortable on rocky paths and variable surfaces, with options to suit different hiking abilities.
Weather
Mountain weather can change quickly, so come prepared for all four seasons with sturdy footwear and quality layers. The mountains set the pace, and itineraries may adapt based on weather, trail conditions and safety considerations.
Connectivity
While both accommodations offer WiFi, cell service is very limited in the backcountry, with weak or no signal along the trails. Embrace the opportunity to unplug, slow down and fully immerse yourself in the alpine experience.
Why choose a Small Group trip?
An Effortless Journey
Our expert Experience Designers are perfectionists, using first-hand knowledge of routes, restaurants and hotels to create an unforgettable experience. This means all the planning is taken care of for you. All you need to do is enjoy.
Active Exploration
From emerging destinations to iconic sights, B&R trips show you the world in a new way on our expertly developed cycling, walking and hiking routes. Travelling through historic villages and romantic vineyards and up to striking viewpoints, our routes offer a variety of challenges for every activity level.
Friends for Life
Your fellow travellers are as passionate and curious about the world as you are, which means the conversations and laughs will be as free flowing as your drink of choice. Don't be surprised if your group starts planning a reunion before the trip is done.
Room for Surprises
We love a plan, but we adore a spontaneous moment even more. Whether it's an impromptu al fresco meal or a moon-lit musical performance, our advice is to expect the unexpected.
