Canadian Mountain Holidays Heli-Hiking Family Adventure
REI Adventures and Canadian Mountain Holidays have teamed up to offer a program that provides a perfect environment for a family vacation. Just west of the Canadian Rockies, the Columbia Mountains provide a natural playground for children and adults to explore and a wonderful place to create lasting family memories. Parents choose their own pace for the day, with or without children, from a leisurely walk in alpine meadows to rigorous hikes; the decision is up to you. By night, families exchange discoveries and join together for evening activities. Having fun is the #1 priority for this vacation.
Prices reflect a 5% discount for REI members.
Sample 4-day Bobbie Burns Lodge package:
Canadian Mountain Holidays Heli-Hiking Family Adventure Itinerary:
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Day 1
7:00am Pick-up from your hotel in Banff for the transfer by motorcoach to the heli-pad. Snacks and beverages available on-board.
7:30am Depart Banff—CMH Office.
8:20am Depart Lake Louise—Post Hotel.
10:00am Arrival at the heli-pad for your first helicopter ride to the Bobbie Burns Lodge. At the lodge, you are outfitted with hiking gear if needed and then enjoy a hearty lunch in the dining room.
After a helicopter safety talk, set off to breathtaking mountain scenery for your first heli-hiking experience. Return by helicopter to the lodge where snacks await you. There is free time to relax on the deck, read in the lounge or take a dip in the whirlpool before dinner.
5:30pm Children have the option of enjoying their own menu and sitting at their own table with our childcare professionals, followed by supervised activities in the game room. Of course, they can also eat with their parents and order from the adult menu, as well.
7:00pm Dinner is served by your hosts, followed with delectable desserts prepared by our own pastry chef. The evening is yours to get to know your fellow guests or to spend as you like, before retiring to the comforts of your room. Overnight at the Bobbie Burns Lodge. (Lunch and dinner included.) -
Days 2-3
7:30am The daily optional stretch class begins. Warm up your muscles for a full day of heli-hiking!
8:00am Breakfast buffet.
9:00am Children are organized by age and offered an incredible variety of opportunities to learn about the mountains in a flexible, dynamic and fun environment. You'll spend the day exploring massive glaciers, turquoise lakes and high mountain ridges with magnificent views. Enjoy a picnic or barbecue style lunch surrounded by spectacular untouched scenery. Return by helicopter to the lodge later in the afternoon where snacks and beverages await you. Take advantage of the amenities at the lodge before dinner is served at 5:30 pm and 7:00 pm. The evenings are yours to spend as you wish before retiring for the night. (All meals included.) -
Day 4
8:00am Breakfast buffet begins.
9:00am First flight out of the lodge.
11:00am Departure from the Bobbie Burns Heli-pad by motorcoach. Boxed lunch provided for return trip.
12:30pm Arrive in Lake Louise—Post Hotel.
1:30pm Arrive in Banff—CMH Office.
4:00pm Arrive at the Calgary Airport or Delta Calgary Airport Hotel. (Breakfast and lunch included.)
Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.
If you are traveling alone and are willing to share accommodations, we will assign a roommate if one is available. If we are unable to assign a roommate, you will not be required to pay an additional fee. If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted on the trip itinerary.
Accommodations for the specified number of nights in a full-service alpine lodge (all lodges feature outdoor sundecks, whirlpool, sauna, and massage service); 3 meals each day from lunch on the first day to lunch on the last day; helicopter transfers to and from the lodge; helicopter flights for each hiking day at all lodges; activity for each day as outlined for each package; a guide for each day's excursion; the use of top quality equipment (see gear list); ground transportation from Banff or Jasper to the heli-pad and return to Banff or Calgary.
Airfare to Calgary; extra hotel nights (if needed) in Banff, Jasper or Calgary; excess baggage charges; airport taxes; trip cancellation insurance; alcoholic beverages; tips to local guides; and Goods & Services Tax (GST).
CMH lodges blend harmoniously into their mountain surroundings. Guests enjoy the finest quality living space and amenities, such as rooms with private bath and a relaxation massage service, while the camaraderie of both staff and guests contribute to the family atmosphere of the lodges.
As long as you enjoy walking and have a spirit of adventure, you can enjoy any one of Canadian Mountain Holidays' trips. One of the greatest advantages of these vacations is that we can accommodate all abilities! Hikes can range from 1-10 miles on any given day depending on your preference and ability level.
The children are divided into 3 main age groups: 5-7, 8-10 and 11-14. However, adjustments will be made depending on the total make-up of ages. While out hiking, there is one caregiver and one guide to a maximum of eight children. The children's program for the Family Adventure is designed for ages 5-14. Although they are welcome, children under 5 years must be accompanied by a parent during the hikes for safety reasons. Children over 14 are also welcome to join the adult groups. Fun activities are always available back at the lodge in the dedicated activity/craft room.
Compared to the US Rockies and the Alps, the Columbia Mountain range of British Columbia is at a relatively low altitude. Because tree line is at 7,000' and the highest peak is 11,000', we don't have to go to the rarefied air of higher altitudes to get spectacular views. Hiking generally takes place between 6,000'-9,000', which is very comfortable for most people.
Generally, the weather is sunny and pleasant. Due to the high mountain environment, this adventure can also bring adventurous weather. You need to be prepared for cooler temperatures, rain, windy conditions and possibly snow. As long as it is safe to fly, we do hike in the rain. The temperatures range from highs of 50-85°F during the day to lows of 30-60°F at night.
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.
Canadian Mountain Holidays Heli-Hiking Family Adventure
The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.
Weather
Daytime temperatures usually range between 50-85° F, with evening temperatures dropping to 30-60° F. Due to high mountain environment, this adventure can also bring adventurous weather.
Gear Checklist
- Hiking boots
- Wind pants
- Insulated hooded jacket
- Daypack
- Rain poncho
- Water bottle
- Airline tickets
- Photo identification
- Passport or proof of U.S. citizenship
- Duffel bag or soft-sided suitcase
- Small carry-on bag
- Bring a few lightweight, easily washable items for travel wear and evenings at the lodge.
- Midweight fleece or wool sweater
- Fleece pants
- Lightweight thermal underwear top and bottom, synthetic or wool
- Hiking pants
- Hiking shorts
- Long-sleeve shirt(s)
- T-shirts
- Underwear
- Hiking socks
- Liner socks
- Casual socks
- Swimsuit
- Sun hat
- Wool or fleece hat
- Bandana
- Thin liner gloves
- Sturdy hiking boots, waterproof, lightweight, broken-in, aggressive tread
- Comfortable shoes for evenings
- Rain jacket, waterproof and breathable (if you prefer your own)
- Rain or wind pants, waterproof and breathable (if you prefer your own)
- 2 one-quart water bottles or hydration pack
- Flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries/bulb
- Sunglasses and retainer strap
- Sunblock and lip balm
- Toiletry kit
- Baby wipes
- Hand sanitizer gel
- Insect repellent
- Several Ziploc plastic bags
- Camera, film and spare batteries
- Altimeter
- Compass
- Whistle
- Watch with alarm or travel clock
- Thermos
- Spare contact lenses or glasses
- Reading and writing materials
- Sewing kit
- Knee supports
- Travel pillow
- Ear plugs
- Hiking staff or trekking poles
Things to Consider
- Please remember to always pack essential items such as appropriate identification, money, eyewear, a change of clothing, hiking boots and medications in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.
- Wind chill can be a significant feature of this trip. Air temperatures are not very cold, but when the wind is constant, and when you combine this with the stress that altitude puts on your body, you can be robbed of body heat quickly. Wind or rain gear is very important.
- Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. However, once it becomes wet, it will drain your body heat. Bring wool or synthetics such as Capilene®, MTS® and Thermax®.
- Always test your layers before a trip. Your outer layer should fit easily over the inside ones without binding and bunching up.
- Make sure boots are broken-in. Bring moleskin for foot treatment. Thin liner socks worn under regular hiking socks may minimize the risk of blisters. The liner sock should be synthetic, not cotton. Test your sock combination before you go on the trip.
- Stuff sacks are great for sorting gear. Use different sizes/colors to differentiate contents.
- Feel free to give us a call at (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales (800-426-4840) will be happy to help you with gear questions. Or visit REI's website at www.rei.com. The Expert Advice section has great information to help you prepare for your trip.
