Guided Hiking

Relax and let a local guide show you around. Guides are knowledgeable about the local plant, wildlife and geology. Many of the best hikes do not follow a trail, but wander through the many alpine meadows. Let a guide show you the hidden gems of this pristine area.

The hike to Keffi offers a scenic climb to a treeline pass which looks accross at the blue ice on the toe of the La Clytte Glacier. The path follows a ridge most of the way. It starts off through the forest, then open meadows and finally the broad ridge that leads up to the saddle. If the group has more energy, there is an optional side trip to the toe of La Clytte Glacier. Bring back some blue glacier ice to pour your scotch over in the evening. 4-7 hours

 

Tivoli: The prominent rock buttress that is seen out the front window of the lodge. The trail contours through forests, meadows, crosses several streams and eventually ends up at a flat viewpoint directly accross from this 300m cliff. These rolling meadows are an interesting area to explore with several small streams that have carved interesting forma out of the rock. For those with more energy, you can cross the La Clytte stream and head up to the summit of Luna Peak. At 8800' (2700m) this offers a 360 degree panorama, looking down on the lodge, the La Clyttle Glacier and accrross at the Mons and Lyell Glaciers. This is also the approach to the Lyell Hut. Despite being such a high peak surrounded by rugged glaciers, this hike is completely non technical.

Espresso Ridge: This is the long scenic ridge that rises up directly behind the lodge. The trail takes a long detour through alpine meadow and wildflowers before traversing back to the ridge. The high point is a lookout on the ridge at 2350m (7800 feet). There are outstanding views of Mount Forbes, the highest peak in Banff National Park. From the lookout the trail descends the opposite side through meadows and small streams eventually traversing beneath the base of the ridge back to the lodge. 4-5 hours. Another option is to continue up the bench on the west side of the ridge to Troll Pass. This high vantage point looks accroos at the glaciers and icefalls on the north face of Mt Kemmel. To the north you can see the Columbia Icefields.

Icefall Canyon: This is truly one of the most spectacular hikes anywhere. The Lyell and Mons Icefields, which cover over 50 square km, send glaciers down to the rim of this canyon. Waterfalls, up to 600m high, spill over from all sides of the canyon. This trail starts from valley bottom beside Icefall Brook. As you get closer the thunder increases. After 1.5 km you beak out of the trees into the open valley bottom. The shear limestone walls stretch for 2 km, with countless waterfalls and many caves. Standing there you feel the pure, untamed power of nature.

Balcony traverse: This trail traverses above Kemmel Valley at treeline, offering spectacular views of the Lyell Glacier and Division Peak to the east. There are several options on this day including a scramble up to Alien Peak (2600m or 8600 feet). This gives a view of the high massive of Rostrum Peak with its tumbling glaciers and seracs. From the base of Alien Peak, traverse a wide, natural rock ledge to the base of Kemmel Glacier. 5-6 hours.