Dog-Sledding and Ice Hiking: A Winter Adventure in the Canadian Rockies

Rise and shine for your first full day in Canada. After breakfast, head out and spend the day soaking in the cultural delights of Calgary, a city that put its name on the map by hosting the 1988 Winter Olympic Games, showcasing its welcoming spirit and strong Canadian identity. Some of our favourite things to do here include climbing up Scotsman’s Hill for panoramic views of the city and learning more about the region’s fascinating history at Glenbow Museum. Depending on your schedule, we could also arrange for you to watch an ice hockey game in the lovely downtown district.

Wave goodbye to the bright lights of the city as you make your way to Banff, a charming resort town in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. After breakfast this morning, hop into your hire car and drive an hour and a half west, via the lovely Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary. Here you can meet native wolfdogs that have been rescued and rehabilitated under expert guidance. This is a great opportunity to learn about the importance and value of their preservation among the Canadian wilderness. On arrival in Banff, settle in for six nights at a beautiful alpine chalet that has all the charms of a classic and cosy mountain retreat.

Make sure to fuel up at breakfast as you have a big day of outdoor adventuring ahead. Today, you’ll be veering off the beaten track and into one of the most spectacular canyons in the region for a private ice hiking experience. Once you’re suited and booted with warm clothing and crampon shoes, follow your guide on a hike through Grotto Canyon, which dazzles with its enchanting waterfalls, frozen rock faces and rich wildlife. Head back to Banff this afternoon to indulge in a hearty meal after your day in the great outdoors. You’ll be armed with our destination-specific Dossier, which is full of our top restaurant recommendations for the area.

For over a hundred years, people have been visiting the only hot springs pool in Banff National Park, and today you will get to experience this special spot for yourself. After a delicious breakfast this morning, head to the Upper Hot Springs for a swim in the naturally warm waters, while enjoying breathtaking views across the mountains. The rest of today is then yours to spend relaxing in your mountain resort. We recommend savouring the zen feeling of full-body relaxation and simply kicking back in the cosy lounge.

In the Rocky Mountains, respect for animals and the surrounding environment always comes first. Today you’ll have the opportunity to meet with a longstanding and very ethical dog sled team to learn about the care of the animals, before hopping into the sled yourself. You’ll be guided through a magical winter wonderland setting of frozen lakes, streams, glaciers and impressive mountain ranges, followed by a delicious lunch around a crackling fire in the heart of the mountains.

Get kitted out with snowshoes and snowsuits this morning, ready for an epic day of snowshoe hiking. After a hearty breakfast, you’ll journey into the Kananaskis Valley in the company of an experienced local guide. Enjoy the sounds of the snow crunching and the birds chirping, as you cross the powdery white landscape towards Hogarth Lakes, a collection of four beautiful lakes. The trail is relatively flat and gentle, making it a great spot for a first snowshoe hiking experience. This afternoon, head back to your mountain lodge to enjoy an afternoon of relaxing by the fire with some tasty sweet treats and nibbles, after your day spent in the lap of nature.

The small town of Banff perfectly combines the atmosphere of an upscale tourist resort with the wild environment that surrounds it. Your final day here in the Canadian Rockies is dedicated to soaking in its many delights at your own pace. From hitting the local slopes for a spot of skiing to relaxing in a soothing hot spring, Banff is brimming with different leisure options. The clear waters of Lake Minnewanka are within easy reach, as are the snow-capped peaks reflected on its surface. We recommend rounding off your holiday with a glass of bubbly in the Banff Spring Hotel, an architectural gem from the 19th century. We could also arrange for you to spend a portion of today enjoying a helicopter flight over the epic landscapes of Lake Abraham.