Dove House Hospice Canadian Rockies Trek

The trek is accompanied by local guides who have an excellent knowledge of trekking in the region. You will also be supported by an excellent team of support staff and drivers and a Different Travel Company UK tour manager.

Early summer is the best time to visit the Canadian Rockies. The trails are getting busier but the lakes are thawing and the early wildflowers start to bloom which adds to the beauty of the region. There may still be snow on the ground at higher elevations. Daytime temperatures generally range from 10 ̊C to 18 ̊C with cool nights of -1 ̊C to -5 ̊C. The days are long, with up to 16.5 hours of daylight. Some rain in isolated showers is possible and snow showers can occur at higher altitudes. Although climate conditions mentioned here are historically accurate, climate change can result in uncharacteristic conditions which are out of our control. Our guides will assess all situations and make decisions to ensure the best enjoyment and ultimately safety of the group as a whole.

The terrain will vary throughout the 5 days but will generally be on good wide trails which are usually kept clear of obstacles without dangerous drop-offs or trip hazards. There will be some steady steep sections of hiking and some areas of scrambling. It is critical that your training includes hill walking and trekking up and down gradients so you are sure on your feet. Underfoot you will find uneven stony trails, forest floors, rocky sections and scree. The trails may be muddy or dusty depending on the weather conditions.

This trek is graded moderate to challenging. You will be trekking for up to 8 hours for 5 consecutive days, camping, and tackling varying terrain (including some demanding ascents). Remote areas are sometimes unpredictable (be it because of group pace, weather conditions, local bureaucracy or other factors) and itineraries may be altered to allow for this. Do not to expect standards to be the same as you are used to at home. For you to get the most out of your challenge it is important that you are open minded, positive and flexible, enjoy the challenges of being away from home, are happy to be pushed out your comfort zone and keen to try something new. Suitable fitness preparation before departure forms a crucial part of this.

You are strongly advised to train to a good fitness level before departure to ensure fast recovery from each day’s trek. The distances covered may not be great but you must be prepared for, and be capable of, trekking up to 8 hours a day on 5 consecutive days on steep, rough terrain while carrying a daypack of around 6-8kg in weight. If you attempt to complete the trek without training, it will be unnecessarily challenging and will hinder your experience, and the experience of your teammates.

During your stay at the hostels you will eat breakfast at the accommodation and dinners at local restaurants. During the trek, breakfast will be at camp and will include yoghurt, fruit, cereal, bread, jam, meat and cheese. Every second day there is the option of a hot cooked breakfast, such as bacon and eggs. After breakfast, items will be laid out on a table for you to make your own packed lunch. Dinners will be cooked for you at the campsite. It is likely that there will be one or two pasta nights and other dinners may feature salmon, sausages, chicken or steak served with potatoes, rice, fresh vegetables plus a dessert. Dietary requirements can be catered for if we know in advance.

You will stay in a hostel in Canmore, Banff and Calgary and two different campsites in Banff National Park during the trek. Your stay at the hostels will be in mixed-gender dormitories which have 4 -10 beds per room. While camping you will sleep in 4-man tents with two people per tent; Thermarest mattresses are provided. You will need to bring your own sleeping bag which must have a comfort rating of -5°C.

The hostels have shared bathrooms and the campsites have flushing toilets and shower blocks with hot water. Away from camp during the trek days there are no toilet facilities so you will need to use a ‘bush toilet’. Please make sure you pack up any toilet paper you use and dispose of it properly at camp. You must NEVER leave toilet paper or other litter on the trail. You should bring your own toilet paper (1-2 rolls) and you are recommended to bring a small pack of baby wipes and hand sanitizer for general hygiene throughout the day (e.g. to clean your hands after toilet visits and before eating).

You must be at least 18 years old to participate on this trek unaccompanied. It may be possible for you to participate if you are 16 or 17 years old but you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian throughout. There is no upper age limit.

We require a medical form to be completed by everyone upon registering, and any pre-existing conditions, medications used and other medical issues must be specified. All your medical details are treated in the strictest confidence.

The information will be securely screened by a qualified medical professional, and details provided to your tour manager and local guides so our staff are adequately informed and prepared to support you during the trip. By completing this booking form you are giving consent for us to contact you confidentially with any follow up questions regarding your health.

If you declare any medical conditions you may be asked to provide more information, or we may request to contact your GP. We must be informed if any conditions or medication change, or if new conditions develop. If necessary confirmation of fitness to travel from your GP or specialist may be required.

In the event that your medical issues represent a concern for your safety and wellbeing, or the safety and wellbeing of others in the group, you may be recommended not to take part. If this happens your deposit will be refunded. Please note that we will never unreasonably deny participation on a trip nor contravene the Equality Act 2010.

Please note: This list is not exhaustive and does not account for your personal taste or preference. It should be used as a guideline only. If you have any questions or queries regarding this list which are not answered in the sections above please contact info@different-travel.com.

*Please ensure you pack your boots in your hand baggage in the unlikely event your luggage is delayed or goes missing.

*Please consider eco-friendly or biodegradable options. Consider shopping at Little Footprint Gifts.