Fall Canadian Rockies Hiking & Icefields

$3950

Deposit: $1,000

Sep 27 – Oct 1, 2025

Group size: 6 – 10

18 reviews

About this trip

Take in the beauty of Banff National Park and surrounding areas in the Fall when the tamaracks are a stunning yellow! Join us for 5 days and 4 nights of hiking at Lake Louise, Sunshine Meadows, and trekking out onto the Columbia Icefield!

Highlights

Activity Level – Moderate

We will do several easy to moderate-level hikes that range in mileage from 2 miles to 6.6 miles. There will be some moderate elevation gain and we will be starting our hikes at high altitude (between 4,000-7,500 feet), so take that into consideration as you are training. To fully enjoy this adventure, you will need to train for these hikes and be able to average a 30 minute/mile hiking pace at high altitude and with some moderate elevation gains.

Weather

Daily high temperatures between 50-65 degrees F and nights typically 30-40 degrees F. Perfect hiking weather and great opportunity to see the fall colors.

Money & Tipping

All the excursions listed in the itinerary are included. Bring cash/credit cards for purchasing souvenirs, additional snacks/meals, alcoholic drinks, extra activities, and other items. You can either order Canadian Dollars from your bank at home or use an ATM on arrival in Canada to get some cash. Exchanging USD to Canadian Dollars at the airport or at a bank in Canada is not always easy and doesn’t give the best exchange rates. All gratuities are included with the exception of those for your Chicas Abroad tour leader. Tipping the Chicas Abroad tour leader is optional and not included in the price of your adventure.

Packing List

A custom packing list will be emailed out a few months prior to departure.

Are you ready to embark on a journey of a lifetime?

Sneak Peek Trip Details

Day 1-Arrive in Canmore

Arrive in Calgary and Shuttle to Canmore

Plan to arrive in Calgary by 3:00pm. A shuttle will transport guests from the Calgary airport to Canmore where we will settle into our rooms and enjoy a Welcome Dinner to get to know all the Chicas. If you are planning to drive to Canmore, please plan to arrive in Canmore by 5:00pm.

Included Meals: Welcome Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Canmore

Note: The Chicas Abroad team can help you book a hotel if you would like to arrive in Calgary the day before the adventure.

Arrive Catania
Cava Misericordi
Day 2 - Lake Hiking

Hiking around Lake Louise, Lake, Moraine, and Consolation Lakes

After a hearty breakfast to fuel us for our hikes, we will depart Canmore and head to beautiful Lake Louise where we will take in the glacial blue waters and and get a million Insta-worthy photos with a stroll around the lake.

We will then go for a walk around the lakeshore or Moraine Lake. This is a special treat because this area is closed to private vehicles. We’ve teamed up with a local guide to take us to all the best places!

After a visit to Moraine Lake, we will head out on a short hike to Consolation Lakes where we will enjoy a lunch with views of the gorgeous lake as a backdrop.

After our hike, we will drive along the Bow Valley Parkway and stop for views of the landscape and possible wildlife (moose, elk, deer, maybe even a caribou). We will arrive back at our hotel and have some time to freshen up before going to dinner in Canmore

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
Accommodation: Hotel in Canmore
Activity: Hiking 4 miles with 882 feet elevation gain. Hike is rated as moderate.

Day 3 - Sunshine Meadows

Hike the gorgeous Sunshine Meadows near Banff

Today we will do another stunning hike in the Rocky Mountains in Sunshine Meadows. To get to the trailhead, we will ride a gondola with gorgeous views. The hike begins at an altitude of 7,000 feet and is a 6.6 mile loop with 1,371 feet elevation gain. This is one you’ll want to train for simply for the altitude, especially if you live at sea level.

We will take our time exploring this beautiful area before heading back to Banff where we will make a stop at the Cave and Basin National Historic Site where we will go for a soak in the thermal hot springs at the site of the very first national park in Canada. After our soak, there will be some time to explore the shops of Banff and and enjoy a group dinner.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Canmore
Activity: Hiking 6.6ish miles with 1,371 feet elevation gain. Hike is rated as moderate.

Ragusa to Noto
Vendicari
Day 4 -Columbia Icefield

Columbia Icefield Parkway and Icefield Explorer

Today is going to be one you’ll want to write home about! We will join our local guide for a drive from Lake Louise to Jasper along the Icefield Parkway where we will make several picture stops. The highlight will be going out onto the 10,000 year old Athabasca Glacier on an ultimate ATV, the Icefield Explorer to see the glacier up close.

After our amazingly fun day of adventure, we will return to Banff to enjoy our last group dinner before we all depart tomorrow.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
Accommodation: Hotel in Canmore

Day 5 - Departure

Stroll along the Bow River Depart for Home

Today we will start our day with a group breakfast and a relaxing walk along the Bow River in Canmore. This is a casual hike to stretch our legs before our flights/drives home.

We plan to arrive at the Calgary airport around 1:30pm. Please schedule your flights to depart after 3:00pm.

Included Meals: Breakfast
Activity: Approximately 2 mile easy hike along boardwalks and paved paths with minimal elevation gain.

Arrive Catania

Let’s Make This Journey Yours

What’s included

Lodging

4 nights at a hotel in Canmore, Alberta

Ground Transport

Trip will begin and end in Canmore, Alberta; if you are flying to Calgary, we will assist in arranging a shuttle from Calgary to Canmore at no additional cost

Tips for Local Guides

Generous tips are provided for all LOCAL guides and drivers. Tips for the Chicas Abroad tour leader are optional and at your discretion.

Meals

All meals included (4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners)

Excursions

Hiking & Columbia Icefield

Chicas Abroad Swag

Commemorative Chicas Abroad swag included for you to enjoy during and after the adventure

Lifelong Memories

Freedom to enjoy your vacation and mindlessly wander, as well as make lifelong memories and new friends!

What’s not included

Flights

Arrive in Calgary on Saturday, September 27 by 3:00pm; depart Calgary on Wednesday, October 1 after 3:00pm

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is highly recommend to cover any unforeseen events. Chicas Abroad will provide you with a link to our recommended carrier upon booking, but you may choose any carrier.

Alcoholic Beverages

Alcoholic drinks are at your own expense

Chicas Abroad Leader Tip

Your Chicas Abroad tour leader works countless hours before and during the trip to ensure a seamless experience so you can adventure more and worry less! $30-40 per day is typical and much appreciated

Available Packages

Registration – $2650
Available until August 28, 2025
This price is for a double-occupancy room that includes 2 queen beds. If you are traveling alone, we will pair you with another Chica.

If you prefer your own room, you can select the Single Supplement option for an additional cost.

The default payment plan is a $750 deposit, then 2 payments of $950 in July & August. Please contact us at info@chicasabroad.com if you’d like to set up a customized payment plan.

Available options

Single Occupancy
Additional cost to have your own private room

Reviews

What a fabulous trip to Greece and the islands of Santorini and Mykonos! This is my second trip with Chicas Abroad and both trips have been stellar. Last year I hiked the Camino De Santiago trail with the Chicas and had a blast. The hotels are top of the line. You won’t be disappointed. I love that everything is arranged for you and all you have to do is enjoy! No stress on vacation as Melanie and her trip leaders take care of everything. The activities and tours are carefully chosen and all have been fabulous. And you get to make new friends with your fellow travelers. If you are looking for a tour company that is top of the line, check out ChicasAbroad.com for all of their fabulous trips! I am already looking forward to my next trip with the Chicas!

5
By Patricia M for Greece Adventure on May 20, 2024

Just returned from 8 days in Greece with Chicas Abroad! What an amazing trip. From Athens to Santorini to Mykonos back to Athens. From the time I landed until the time I left I didn’t have to think about a thing. Everything was thoughtfully planned, including free time to explore and to see all of the relevant sights. It was a dream vacation. I have met wonderful ladies from all across the country, whom I will remain friends with for years to come. Melanie and Kathy were the most excellent Chicas guides! I loved every single minute. Can’t wait for the next adventure!

5
By Kristen H for Greece Adventure on May 26, 2024

Melanie and Kathy did a wonderful job organizing our trip. All events flowed smoothly and we saw some amazing sites. I got to know some fantastic women and look forward to seeing them again on some of my future trips with Chica’s Abroad!

5
By Kristi B for Greece Adventure on May 29, 2024

I traveled to Greece with 2 friends from my hometown and we had a wonderful time. However, the Chicas Abroad leaders, Melanie and Kathy had all the details planned extremely well and everyone was so nice that I would not hesitate to take another Chicas’ trip on my own. What a confidence booster! It was a super experience all the way around. Great job ladies!

5
By Kim E for Greece Adventure on Jun 10, 2024

This was my first trip with the Chicas. It will not be my last! The accommodations were top notch. The activity level was very active, we truly had great adventure. I learned so much thru the people I met. There was a real sence of belonging. The guides were incredibly knowledgeable and fun as well. I started out with strangers but gained a new group of strong friends with these ladies. It was an unforgettable experience.

5
By Marlene B for Northern Italy Food & Wine Adventure on Jul 01, 2024

This trip felt “intimate” and very cultural. I enjoyed meeting meeting the food artisans in their shops (pasta, chocolate, dairy). The chefs and owners of several restaurants came to our table to welcome us, and will always remember dinner at Monica’s family home.

5
By Linda M for Northern Italy Food & Wine Adventure on Jul 03, 2024

We could not have had the experience we had without your assistance. From the driver who picked us up from the airport to the driver of the 55 passenger bus the drivers were amazing. Having a guide for every excursion/tour was a must. Our tickets were ready, no lines to wait in, and having a knowledgeable guide was so appreciated!!! We were able to see everything we hoped to. Our time in Grimaldi was so special…we didn’t know what to expect. The people of Grimaldi were so kind and made us feel very welcomed. A trip of a lifetime that we were able to experience as a family🇮🇹❤️

5
By Michele H for Naccarato Italy Trip on Jul 07, 2024
Absolutely beautiful beyond words! Inspiring women, trip details were well organized, a lot of fun, laughter and smiles.
5
By susan k for Canadian Rockies Hiking & e-Biking Adventure on Jul 23, 2024

My niece and I went on this trip together and the memories and experiences we gained are something I will always cherish. The trip was perfectly planned, the group was full of kind and fun women, and the itinerary was challenging while also safe and enjoyable. I will definitely be checking back in to book a future Chicas Abroad trip!

5
By Nicole C for Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Sea Kayaking Adventure on Aug 06, 2024

AmaziAmazing experience and a fantastic adventure. It was a six star trip! Definitely looking forward to the next one. Sarah S.ng experience and a fantastic adventure. It was a six star trip! Definitely looking forward to the next one. Sarah S.

5
By Sarah S for Montana Hiking, Biking, and Rafting Adventure on Aug 06, 2024