Youth Backpacking Camps – Canadian Rockies

Youth Backpacking Camps – Canadian Rockies Itinerary

Our standard itinerary starts in Canmore with a pre-trip meeting in the morning of the first day. Our route departs from a trail head east of the hamlet of Exshaw AB and takes us via the South Ghost Wilderness back through the Fairmont Range to arrive in Canmore AB again on the last day late in the afternoon. Most of our hiking is on rough trails in forested, tree line, and alpine terrain. The area is very remote and it is not unusual that we do not see other hikers except for the first few hours on the first and the last few hours on the last day.

For a few select departures we can a) also run the classic horseshoe trek in the Yoho National Park starting at Emerald Lake, Yoho Pass, Little Yoho Valley, Twin Falls and end at Takkaka Falls trail head or b) do the Rockwall traverse in the Kootenay National Park.

Another one of our favourites is the more remote Cline River Area, north-east of the Saskatchewan River crossing, west of Abraham’s Lake. It takes about 2 hours from Canmore to get there, but the travel is worth it as the backpackers have some pristine wilderness area with several lakes to choose from as their preferred camping spots. (Lake of Falls, Landslide Lake).

Skills and Content Covered during the Camp:
– Risk management and trip planning
– Movement skills and efficiency
– Navigation, GPS mapping, use of conventional maps, compass and altimeter
– Wildlife and Leave-no-Trace basics
– Principles of wilderness camping

Phones / Use of Electronic Devices

Reception on our standard itinerary is spotty at best, most likely only 5-10% of the time when we travel high in the alpine along ridgelines. The distractions of electronic devices and outdoor adventures or education in general don’t go well together. We would be happier if participants left their smart phones at home, but we accept their use during the day for taking photos, videos, navigating and mapping or calling parents if need be. We reserve the right to ask participants to leave their phones at home, if we notice habitual use such as gaming, social media or chatting apps.

Recommended accommodation in Canmore, AB

If you require accommodation in Canmore or Banff, we can gladly give you a hand with your booking in light of your preferred lodging standard, price level and location in town, may it be in a hotel or air b&b.

Here are a few of our recommended hotels in Canmore:

• Coast Hotel
• Basecamp
• Rocky Mountain Ski Lodge
• Georgetown Inn

FAQ

Do I need to sign a Release of Liability & Assumption of Risk Agreement (a.ka. liability waiver)?

Yes, you do. Mountaineering, skiing, climbing, hiking, via ferrata and all other wilderness and adventure travel activities are inherently risky with potential for injuries or even death.
It is very important to us that you are aware of those risks before you start the booking process, which includes filling out a booking form and paying a deposit.
With signing the liability waiver, you confirm that you understand the potential risks and hazards, and are willing to accept the risks, which includes giving up legal rights you may have.
This would also be the time to ask questions or address concerns before you book.
For your reference here is a link to our Liability Waiver. Our booking terms & cancellation policy with more details can be found here

Can I Do It?

No previous backpacking experience required but useful. Campers should be keen to spend 5 full days in the mountains rain or shine with the fitness to walk all day at a reasonable pace, often uphill, carrying a backpack that weighs up to 17kg. Participants should also be sure-footed to walk confidently on exposed, rocky trails in the mountains. All in all, it’s a challenging experience for hearty kids.

First Day and Last Day Meeting Point

Meeting in Canmore AB at our base is between 8:30 and 9 AM for a trip briefing and distribution of food + group gear.
Depending on where the group will go, we will convoy between 30m (Ghost Wilderness area) – 2 hours (Cline River Area)  to the trailhead, where you can say goodbye and wave off the group as they begin their backpacking trek.

On the last day, we plan to arrive in Canmore ready for parents/guardians to pick up at 5PM, however this always depends on conditions and weather. More details will be in the trip information that all campers will receive.