Canada Road Trip: Rocky Mountains and Bear Lodge

Enjoy the endless possibilities for outdoor adventures in Clearwater at your own pace. The town offers so much to do all year round, with its lakes, ski slopes, camping sites, picnic grounds and fishing opportunities come winter or summer. Go swimming or canoeing on Hallamore Lake. Try fly fishing, followed by a fresh trout for lunch! You could also go mountain biking, climbing, river rafting, or horseback riding. Explore the volcanic landscape around town or enjoy an easy hike to the waterfalls at Wells Gray Park. Or you could also just spend the day spotting birds and local wildlife in the park. (Self-guided Activity; Fitness level: Easy to Moderate).

At the heart of Jasper National Park lies one of the finest wonders of the Canadian Rockies – Maligne Lake. This glacier-fed lake with its aquamarine waters and magnificent backdrop of jagged peaks, is the largest in the park. This 90-minute cruise, in the comfort of a glass-covered centrally heated boat offers sensational views of the alpine scenery. A knowledgeable team of captain and guide will keep you thoroughly entertained with stories and facts of the area’s history, geology, glaciology, flora and fauna. Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy sighting moose, grizzly bears and caribou that prowl the lakeshore. At Spirit Island in the center of the lake, disembark and take a short walk to a viewing platform where the craggy snow-capped peaks and forests that ring this picturesque lake provide a visual treat for expert and amateur photographers alike. (Duration: 1.5 hours; Shared Activity & No Transfers; Starting point at the end Maligne Lake Road, about 1 hr / 50km from Jasper)

Deepen your connection to the natural world on this half-day glacier hike in Canada. Meet your experienced guide at the Columbia Icefields Discovery Centre parking lot in Jasper National Park. Before you set out, your guide will give you an overview of your hike and an introduction to some of the glacier science projects for the day. Collect equipment such as mountain boots and crampons, as well as any other safety articles you might need for your hike. Then follow your guide up to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier. Notice the formations produced by the ice, such as crevasses, mill wells, and drainage channels. If the conditions are right, you might use ropes to further explore some of these formations in a safe and controlled manner. You might also get the chance to collect scientific samples for research projects. Along the way, your guide will teach you all about this alpine landscape. (Duration: half day; Time: 1030/1200/1630 hrs; Seasonal: June 1 – Sept 30; Shared activity; Group size: max 12 ppl; No transfers; Starting point: Rockaboo Interpretive Trailer, Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre; Meals are not included; Fitness level: moderate, please note that people with physical limitations can participate as long as they have someone to provide assistance; Min age: 12; Please wear warm clothes that are suitable for outdoor activity, and bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a water bottle, camera and binoculars; Depending on the weather condition, the timing and date of this activity may change at a very short notice)

Look forward to an otherworldly experience: these two stunning alpine lakes look too beautiful to be real. On this sightseeing tour you will visit the “Jewel of the Canadian Rockies”, Lake Louise, and the world renowned Moraine Lake, both of which are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of their priceless natural beauty. (Duration: 4.5 hrs; Afternoon departure available at 1 pm; Shared Activity; Group size max 24 people; Fitness Level: Easy; Please wear comfortable clothes and hiking shoes; Don’t forget your camera)

Experience the beauty of the Canadian Rockies while hiking through its backcountry. Early in the morning, with your guide leading the way, set off on one of the many popular trails in the area. There is the Lake Agnes Trail, a moderately challenging route that winds its way up along Lake Louise, past Mirror Lake, to tranquil Lake Agnes. Meanwhile, the Larch Valley Trail takes you from Moraine Lake up to the lower slopes of Mount Temple. This trail is named for the verdant patches of larch trees in Larch Valley, and allows you to take in the fall colors. If you hike the Stanley Glacier trail, you can enjoy picturesque views of the Kootenay Valley, a waterfall, and Stanley Glacier. Walking on the Plain of Six Glaciers trail will bring you up close with some of the Lake Louise glaciers. Irrespective of the trail you choose, keep an eye out for endemic species of flora and fauna around you. Along the way, take a break from hiking to tuck into a picnic lunch amid scenic surroundings. After, hike some more before it is time to head back to your shared vehicle for the return transfer. (Duration: full day; Seasonal: Jun 1 – Oct 14; Time: 0800 hrs; Shared activity & transfers; Group size: max 12 ppl; Meals included: picnic lunch; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Min age: 13; Please dress in layers and wear sturdy footwear; Carry drinking water, snacks, sunglasses, sun hat, and wind/waterproof jacket; Total hiking distance is between 5 to 8 miles, hiking time between 4 to 6 hours, and the elevation is from 984 to 2300 feet; The hiking route may vary with the day; Depending on the weather condition, the timing and date of this activity may change at a very short notice)

View grizzly bears in their natural habitat in Toba Inlet on this three or four-night package from Klahoose Wilderness Resort. After a 45-minute covered boat transfer from Lund, BC, or a land shuttle from Powell River Airport to Lund, you will reach the resort. On arrival, you will be given accommodation in either a lodge room or a cabin, both of which have ocean views. All your meals, from dinner on arrival to breakfast on departure, are part of the package. On the second and third day of your trip, you will be taken by boat to Toba Inlet for a grizzly viewing adventure. From the dock, it’s a short bus ride to the viewing platforms, which are located by a river in the rainforest. Your Klahoose guide will lead you. You will spend about three hours seeing the bears, with the possibility of getting close enough to hear them breathing. It’s a spine-tingling experience that you will not forget. Other activities you can indulge in while staying here include sea kayaking and ocean swimming. You can also explore one of the forest walking trails near the property. The resort also offers cedar weaving classes and indigenous storytelling sessions. (Seasonal: Aug 25 – Oct 13; Private activities and transfers; Included: Transfer by boat from Lund, BC, full board with all meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages; Please inform us of any allergies in advance; Activities included: two grizzly bear viewing tours, indigenous storytelling, cedar weaving, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, ocean swimming, forest walks, and ocean foraging)