Yes. To maintain our professional standing with the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) and our national park permits, all guests are required to sign a Release of Liability Waiver.

This is a standard practice for all guided mountain adventures in Canada. You will be asked to acknowledge the waiver during the booking process, and you must sign a physical copy in person before we head into the field. You can review the [Release of Liability / Waiver of Claims] here at any time. If you have questions about the document or the nature of the risks involved in mountain travel, we are always happy to discuss them before you book.

Mountain environments are dynamic, and flexibility is built into every day. Weather forecasts and conditions are continuously monitored, and decisions are made early and conservatively when adjustments are needed.

This may mean altering a route, changing the order of hikes, or selecting a different objective altogether. These decisions are made to preserve safety and the overall quality of the experience.

Lake O'Hara is one of the most protected alpine areas in the Rockies, and access is tightly controlled by Parks Canada. Permits can't be secured until April 1st each year, and only 5 guests are allowed in per day. For groups of 6 or more, we plan for two separate Lake O'Hara days across the itinerary — splitting the group so everyone gets a turn, while the rest hike a different trail with the second guide that day.

Included:

• An ACMG-certified hiking guide with over a decade of experience and extensive local knowledge

• 7 nights at Everwild Canmore with Everwild Spa access (double occupancy)

• 3 days of hydrotherapy access at the Everwild Spa

• 7 breakfasts at Rhythm & Howl (tax & 20% service included)

• 6 trail lunches with fresh, locally sourced ingredients

• 1 welcome dinner at the fine-dining restaurant, Ankor Canmore, which was featured as one of Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants

• Unlimited drinking water and trail snacks during hikes

• Daily guided hikes in Banff, Yoho, and Kootenay National Parks, as detailed in the itinerary (permits included)

• Private transportation for all scheduled activities

• Airport transfers (Day 1 & Day 8)

• Daily transfers to trailheads

• All guiding permits and park entry fees

• Emergency and communication equipment (radio, GPS/InReach)

• First-aid supplies (these are carried by your guide)

• Group gear (i.e., trekking poles, micro spikes, as needed)

• Business licenses and operating permits for all regions visited

• All applicable GST, DMF, and resort fees

Add-ons (let us know at check-out, and we’ll arrange them):

• Single occupancy room (available to add at checkout)

• Additional spa treatments or massages beyond the included hydrotherapy access

• Gear rentals (backpacks, rain covers, etc.)

• Additional hotel nights in Canmore before or after the 8-day excursion

Not included:

• Transportation to Canmore

• Alcoholic beverages or any personal drinks not listed above

• Massages or spa treatments beyond hydrotherapy access

• Clothing or personal gear

• Meals not listed above

• Insurance (this is highly recommended)

• Guide gratuities (optional)

This experience is designed for active hikers with a solid general fitness level. Most days involve hikes of 8–14 km (5–9 miles) with elevation gains between 500–800 m (1,600–2,600 ft). You’ll typically be on the trail for 4–6 hours, moving at a steady, guided pace with regular breaks for photos, snacks, and lunch.

You don’t need to be an endurance athlete or technical mountaineer. Prior hiking experience—especially in mountain environments—is helpful, but not required. Routes, pacing, and daily plans are adjusted based on group ability and conditions, ensuring the experience feels challenging in the right ways while remaining well supported throughout.

Yes. Single occupancy rooms can be arranged for an additional fee, subject to availability. If you are interested, simply select the single occupancy add-on during checkout, and we’ll confirm the details for you.

Single room supplement is mandatory for odd-number guests.

You’ll need to bring your personal hiking gear, as well as clothing appropriate for variable mountain conditions. This includes a comfortable daypack (20–30L), hiking footwear, weather layers, and personal items such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity). 

A detailed packing list will be provided well in advance of your trip, along with guidance on what’s essential and what’s optional. Group gear, safety equipment, and select items, such as trekking poles or microspikes (if conditions require), are provided.

Every trip is led by an ACMG-certified Hiking Guide. In addition to over a decade of guiding experience, your guide holds an 80-hour Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification—the gold standard for remote medical care. We operate under a professional Emergency Response Plan (ERP) vetted annually for our National Parks business licenses.

We are never out of reach, even in the most remote valleys. We carry a professional communication suite on every outing:

• Satellite Messaging: A Garmin InReach Mini for two-way satellite communication and 24/7 SOS capabilities.

• VHF Radio: A professional radio programmed with dedicated Parks Canada Dispatch frequencies for direct, immediate contact with park wardens and rescue services.

• Medical: A comprehensive WFR-level first aid kit, patient care documentation, and emergency shelters (bothy bag/tarp).

Safety is proactive. We conduct daily hazard assessments for weather, rockfall, and forest fire activity. We are strictly "Bear Aware"—we manage wildlife risks through strategic route choice, timing, and group management. Every guest receives a mandatory safety orientation at the start of the trip, covering wildlife protocols and the use of bear spray.

Travel insurance is not required, but it is strongly recommended for all guests. Coverage should include medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip interruption, and cancellation. This helps ensure peace of mind for both expected and unexpected situations.

The minimum age for our 8-day luxury hiking tour in Banff, Yoho, and Kootenay National Parks is 18 years old. Group size runs from a minimum of 2 to a maximum of 10 guests. For groups of 6 or more, a second ACMG guide and a second vehicle join the trip, so we can split into two sub-groups by fitness level or itinerary preference.

Note that guests under the age of 18 may be permitted on our privately guided tours.

A 30% deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your spot, with the remaining balance due 90 days prior to your trip start date. If you book within 90 days of departure, full payment is required at the time of booking.

All payment details and timelines will be clearly outlined when you reserve your place, so there are no surprises along the way.

No. There are no additional booking or platform fees. By booking directly with Columbia Wild Guides, you avoid third-party service charges. This is one of the benefits of working with a locally owned, independent guiding company!

Because trips are carefully planned and spaces are limited, the following cancellation terms apply:

• Deposit: The 30% deposit is non-refundable once paid.

• 90–61 days before departure: Any payments made beyond the deposit are fully refundable.

• 60 days or less before departure: All payments are non-refundable.

We recommend reviewing these terms carefully before booking and reaching out if you have questions. We’re always happy to talk through timing or concerns in advance.

This trip is best suited for travelers who enjoy being active outdoors and appreciate thoughtful planning, comfort, and expert guidance. If you value well-paced days, quieter trails, good food, and the confidence that comes from having an experienced guide handle the details, this experience is likely a great fit.

If you’re unsure, we’re always happy to talk through expectations, fitness considerations, and any questions you may have before you decide.