Example Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at CrossRiver Wilderness Centre by 5:00 p.m. After preliminary introductions, a hot evening meal will be served in the main lodge. After dinner, we will formally gather with the rest of the group for a brief expedition outline and orientation before settling in to a relaxing night at the Wilderness Centre.

Day 2: After an early breakfast, we pack and finish our final preparations before heading out to the trailhead (approximately a 45 minute drive). Here we will have an on-location safety talk, and begin the hike with a slow pace, up to the first of four mountain pass ascents during the expedition. We camp for our first night in this first pass, probably near one of the two possible lakes. This is a very historic pass in the Rocky Mountains, for numerous reasons, and will present a great opportunity for some good storytelling. Walking distance: 5-6 km; elevation gain: 600 m.

Day 3: Bright and early we pack, rise for breakfast then set out on our ascent over the second and highest pass of the expedition. We are in the alpine here, and will certainly take some time out for the views, which encompass some of the highest ranges in the Canadian Rockies. The next leg is perhaps the most rugged off-trail section of the expedition as we wind our way down through the wildflowers, meadows, and steep forests, and over to the third pass of the journey. We will camp the second night here, at a large and very picturesque subalpine lake, where I have seen lots of wildlife in the past. Walking distance: 6-7 km; elevation gain: 400 m.

Day 4: The third day is the easiest day of the expedition as it is virtually flat the whole way. Depending on the group’s circumstances, and the weather, this could be our best day to break off the planned route for a bit of a side journey and exploration trip to some of the myriad lakes or passes in the area. It may also be our best opportunity to engage in some more storytelling, or nature-based awareness activities, as we will now be walking beneath some historic peaks, and through a picturesque subalpine meadow and river plateau. We camp this third night along the edge of the river. Walking distance: 7-8 km; elevation gain: 100 m.

Day 5: After packing up and breakfast, we set out to start completing the loop and turn back towards the first pass we ascended on Day 2. We travel for the most part up along a narrow creek through varied terrain of dense forest; open subalpine meadows; rock crags; cliff bands; and finally an open avalanche run before reaching the top of the pass again, and our final camp site. We will again be near one of two possible lakes. This will be a great spot for some relaxation, possibly some more nature-based activities, and more stories, as we are again in a very historic area. Walking distance: 4-5 km; elevation gain: 550 m.

Day 6: Bright and early we rise for breakfast and our final pack-up of the expedition. Depending on group circumstances, there is a great opportunity from here for another spectacular off-shoot trip to a high alpine shoulder, probably with lots of snow still. The view from the top is well worth the effort, and is a satisfying way to cap the expedition indeed. Either way, we aim to head back down to the trailhead by 3:00 p.m. at the very latest so that we have time to wash-up before a delicious, home-cooked, dinner back at CrossRiver. The evening is yours to relax at the Wilderness Centre, whether alone with a book, around the campfire, or in the outdoor wood-fired hot tub.

Day 7: After one final breakfast together, we part ways until next time.

Price: Cabins - $1,495.00 CAD, per person            Teepees - $1,345.00 CAD, per person

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