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From Banff/Canmore | Surprise Me! The Spoiler-Free Mountain Wildcard (8hr, Private)

8 hours

Reclaim a sense of wonder with a mountain adventure that keeps the destinations secret until the day of. Put yourself in safe hands and embrace a rare opportunity to truly go with the flow, trading the predictable for a day of genuine discovery.
 

Introduction


Reclaiming the "Wow" Moment: In today's era of social media spoilers and over-researched itineraries, a genuine sense of awe has become an elusive rarity in travel. Most visitors have already seen their destination's icons and gems through their phone screens dozens of times before they even arrive.

The "Surprise Me!" Wildcard is our antidote to the predictable - a 10-hour invitation to put yourself in safe hands and embrace a rare opportunity to truly go with the flow and experience the landscape with fresh eyes.


The Wildcard: How it Works

  1. The Discovery & Design Process: After booking, you’ll complete a quick 5-minute questionnaire or jump on a 20-minute call with us so we can understand your group’s profile and preferences. We craft your day based on a combination of your input here and our local insights and experience. Nothing is given away during this stage, and once complete, we take over all decisions and logistical groundwork. We handle everything in the background so you can simply exist in the moment and enjoy a spoiler-free adventure once your tour day arrives.
  2. The "Inside Person" (optional): You have the choice to nominate one member of your group to be "in the know" ahead of time to help with packing or peace of mind. This is optional; if the whole group wants a total surprise, we will gladly accommodate.
  3. The Reveal: On the day of the tour, you choose the stakes: do you want the reveal as we drive, or do you want to wait until the moment we arrive at each stop?

Whether we find ourselves deep in Kananaskis Country, meandering a canyon in Banff, or at one of our Foothills favourites, the goal remains the same: to trade the predictable for a day of wow-factor discovery.


Key Features (From Banff/Canmore):

  • Duration: ~8 Hours.
  • Format: 100% Private (Maximum 11 participants).
  • Premium Transit: Relax in the exclusive comfort of our vehicle while your guide handles all navigation, storytelling, and park logistics.
  • Lunch: We provide a fresh field lunch from a local deli partner (see FAQ for more details).
  • Pickup & Drop-off: Door-to-door service, starting and ending the day at your preferred location in Banff or Canmore.
  • Booking cutoff: 48 hours before departure.
  • Activity Level: Varies - determined as part of the Discovery Process.
  • Languages: English primary; Spanish and Mandarin Chinese delivery also available.
  • Itinerary Note: As a bespoke experience, tour plans are tailored to each individual group. Routes and destinations may vary based on participant preferences, fitness levels, real-time mountain conditions, and safety.
  • Planning a multi-day stay? Let us know if we can pair this bespoke day with one of our signature, 'ready-made' itineraries!
Inclusions
    • Private, door-to-door transport
    • Air-conditioned vehicle
    • Field lunch (see FAQ for more details)
    • Van refreshments including drinking water refills
    • National/Provincial Park passes and permits
    • Parking
    • Local, certified guide
    • Hiking poles and microspikes/ice cleats (if winter conditions)
    Exclusions
      • Any additional cost incurring add-ons or extras (eg: Moraine Lake access, Kananaskis Nordic Spa etc.)
      • Participant travel insurance
      • Personal expenses (such as souvenirs or gifts), and any additional snacks, meals, or beverages beyond those provided
      • Any applicable pet fees
      • GST (Goods and Services Tax)
      Accessibility & Physical Requirements
        • Physical Level: Easy-Moderate (Customizable)
        • Wheelchair Access: Please note our transport vehicle is not wheelchair accessible .
        • Health: Not recommended for those with serious medical conditions that prevent light physical activity.
        • Pets: Service animals are welcome. Pets considered case-by-case and are subject to approval and an additional pet fee.
        What to Bring

          Clothing & Footwear:

          • Shoes: Comfortable hiking boots (recommended) or trail-appropriate walking shoes. Waterproof footwear is recommended.
          • Layers: Clothing fit for an active day, including adaptable layers. Weather in the Rockies is famously variable; being able to "layer up or down" is key to staying comfortable.
          • Pro Tip: Avoid Cotton. Cotton traps moisture and loses all insulating properties when damp, which can lead to rapid chilling. For your comfort and safety, we recommend moisture-wicking base layers made of merino wool or synthetic active-wear.

          Hydration & Personal Gear:

          • Water: Plenty of water for an active day. We provide chilled refills in the van - please bring your own reusable bottle(s).
          • Sun Protection: Sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen (even in winter).
          • For Photos: A fully-charged camera or smartphone.
          • Specialized Gear: We provide hiking poles and microspikes/ice cleats - no need to bring your own unless you prefer them.

          For Winter:

          • The Essentials: Insulated gloves, thick wool socks, a warm toque/beanie, and additional warm layers.
          • Footwear: Insulated, waterproof hiking boots are strongly recommended.