A professionally guided private hike in Yoho, Kootenay, or Banff National Park tailored to your pace, interests, and the day’s conditions.  Designed for travelers who want a complete mountain experience without committing to a multi-day itinerary.

  • Full Day

  • Up to 8 people

  • Gentle walk to advanced alpine hike

  • Starting from $800 CAD

Hiking Tours in the Canadian Rockies

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A full mountain day designed around you.

Experience Overview

Our private, single-day hikes let you experience the Canadian Rockies in a deeper way in one well-planned excursion.

Together, we’ll choose a route that fits your interests, comfort level, and the conditions, whether that means an iconic trail, a quieter alternative, or something in between.

With a local ACMG-certified hiking guide leading the way, you’ll move steadily through mountain landscapes with time to pause and enjoy the experience as it unfolds. From snacks to gear, we handle all of the details, so you can focus on the trail, the views, and time spent outdoors.

experience overview

Private, Small-Group Canadian Rockies Tours 

  • Gentle

    Short walks at a relaxed pace

    Wide, well-maintained trails

    Minimal elevation gain

    Frequent stops, interpretive pacing

    Kid-friendly and accessible

  • Easy

    Easy hikes with light elevation

    Clear trails with gentle climbs

    Comfortable for beginners with basic fitness

    Half-day outings

  • moderate

    A solid challenge for most active hikers

    Noticeable elevation gain

    Rocky or uneven terrain in sections

    3–5 hours on the trail

  • Strenuous

    Longer days in rugged alpine terrain

    Sustained climbs and steeper grades

    Loose rock, scree, or exposed sections

    Full-day hikes, requiring good fitness

  • advanced

    Demanding alpine objectives for experienced hikers

    Significant elevation gain and long distances

    Remote or committing terrain

    Variable mountain conditions

What to Expect

Personal, flexible, and balanced.

Our guided hiking tours in the Canadian Rockies are shaped collaboratively and led with care.

Whether you’re visiting the Rockies for the first time or returning with specific places in mind, your hiking guide will help you create a day that’s rewarding and genuinely enjoyable from start to finish.

Route chosen together based on your desired difficulty level, what you want to see, and the current conditions.

Led with professional judgement and safety at the forefront.

Well-paced with time to stop, explore, and adjust as needed.

Food & Trail Comforts

Elevated touches, even on the trail.

You’ll enjoy a locally sourced, healthy lunch and trail snacks prepared and served outdoors, with the menu adapted to your dietary preferences. Expect fresh ingredients, simple comforts like charcuterie, fruit, and nuts, plus espresso brewed trailside. It’s time to rest and refuel is just as much a part of the experience as the hiking itself.

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THE DETAILS

The details

What’s Included:

Private, professionally guided hike led by an ACMG-certified hiking guide

Route planning and decision-making based on conditions and group ability

Locally sourced, healthy trail lunch, espresso, and snacks

All necessary group gear (such as trekking poles or microspikes, as conditions require)

Emergency communication and first-aid equipment

For an additional fee, guests can add transportation to and from the trailhead. Please contact us for any questions about this add-on.

THE DETAILS

Canadian Rockies Hikes

Featured Trails

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  • Hike One

    Lake O’ Hara

    With colourful lakes, stunning glaciers, and craggy peaks, a Lake O’ Hara hike is a bucket-list adventure for a lot of travelers.

    Location: Yoho National Park

    Difficulty: Moderate Hike to Advanced Alpine Hike

  • Hike Two

    Ha Ling Peak

    A steady climb rewards hikers with panoramic views over the Bow Valley and surrounding peaks, making this iconic summit a powerful introduction to the scale of the Rockies.

    Location: Canmore

    Difficulty: Strenuous Hike

  • hike three

    Plain of Six Glaciers

    This classic Lake Louise route leads beneath towering glaciers and rugged summits, offering close-up views of icefields and a memorable alpine teahouse stop along the way.

    Location: Banff National Park

    Difficulty: Moderate Hike

  • Hike Four

    Lake Agnes (Via Lake Louise)

    A scenic and approachable climb through forested trails to a historic mountain teahouse, with sweeping views over Lake Louise and the surrounding peaks.

    Location: Banff National Park

    Difficulty: Easy Hike

  • Hike Five

    Stanley Glacier

    This striking trail winds through a landscape shaped by fire and renewal before opening to dramatic cliffs and glacier views in a quieter corner of the Rockies.

    Location: Kootenay National Park

    Difficulty: Moderate Hike

Trip Logistics

  • June through September

  • Private bookings for up to 8 guests

  • Options range from gentle walks to advanced alpine hikes, depending on route selection and conditions.

  • Designed for active travelers with varying experience levels. You don’t need to be an expert hiker, but a basic level of fitness and comfort walking on uneven terrain is recommended. Pace and route difficulty are adjusted throughout the day to ensure the experience feels challenging in the right ways.

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off the beaten path

What Your Fellow Adventurers Are Saying

Testimonials

"Jacob's knowledge of mountains and the area, along with his mountaineering experiences give us full trust and confidence.”

I had such a memorable hike with Jacob over the course of 5 days in Banff National Park. The group size was perfect with four of us. We had a chance to interact on and off the trail, like a drink or dinner after the hike. Jacob's knowledge of mountains and the area, along with his mountaineering experiences give us full trust and confidence. I highly recommend Columbia Wild Guides if you want to explore Banff National Park.

-Montana P. (Thailand)

"Jacob’s deep knowledge of the region and genuine care for his guests set Columbia Wild Guides apart"

Our experience hiking with Jacob in the Rockies was truly exceptional. Despite wildfires near Jasper requiring last-minute adjustments, he guided us through stunning landscapes with ease, professionalism, and a clear focus on safety. What made the trip unforgettable were the thoughtful personal touches—from engaging trail conversations to bike rides to the trail. 

Jacob’s deep knowledge of the region and genuine care for his guests set Columbia Wild Guides apart. We would wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone seeking a remarkable and personalized adventure in the Canadian Rockies.

-Katie R

"We have gone on many guided hikes. This was one of the best."

The trip was well planned and adjusted based on the group and weather. Every day was better than expected. Jacob was very patient. He explained what to expect at the start of each hike and shared knowledge about history and area plant and wildlife along the way. 

I am slow going downhill due to knee concerns, and he was helpful and taught me some ways to use my poles to make it easier. We have gone on many guided hikes. This was one of the best. I highly recommend Jacob and Columbia Wild Guides. He helped us plan our next trip while we were on this one.

-Lisa F

FAQs

If you have any questions that we have not answered here, please get in touch.

Ask a question

  • Most of our guided hiking tours in the Canadian Rockies last between 4–8 hours on the trail, depending on route choice, conditions, and group preferences.

  • Not necessarily. Routes can be selected for beginners through experienced hikers. We’ll talk through expectations in advance to ensure a good fit.

  • You’ll need appropriate clothing, footwear, and personal items for mountain conditions. A detailed packing list is provided once you book.

  • Each hike is led by Jacob Downie, an experienced, ACMG-certified guide with extensive local knowledge. Routes and timing are selected with careful attention to weather, terrain, and wildlife activity, and plans adapt as conditions change.

  • Yes. Our private day hikes in Yoho, Kootenay, and Banff National Park are designed to be flexible and tailored. Let us know your interests, goals, and any specific locations you’d like to explore.

Let’s explore the Rockies

Ready to Explore the Rockies the Right Way?

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