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Off the Beaten Path: Kananaskis Guided Hiking or Sightseeing - Winter

7 hours

Trade crowded viewpoints for the rugged, tranquil landscapes of Kananaskis Country. A bespoke winter day in the wild, custom-built around your preference to hike, sightsee, or do a bit of both.
 

Introduction

Hiking or sightseeing: tell us your preference and we'll build an itinerary custom-tailored to your group's needs in a stunning area of the Rockies overlooked by the masses. Whether you're looking for one longer hike, two shorter trails, or a series of shorter stops with minimal walking, there are no wrong answers and no shortage of variety.


Why Kananaskis?

Bordering Banff National Park, Kananaskis Country offers breathtaking mountain scenery and is home to a vast array of natural landmarks, wildlife, and outdoor activities. Chosen as the official site for the 2025 G7 Summit, the region is known for its dramatic landscapes, tranquil trails, and distinct lack of commercial tour buses.


Highlights

  • 100% Tailored Flexibility: Work with us to design your ideal day across an expansive region spanning 5 provincial parks, 4 wildland provincial parks, and numerous recreation areas – including the Foothills.
  • Year-Round Hiking: Discover some of the region's local winter favorites.
  • Highway 40 Scenic Drive: Considerably quieter than the main Trans-Canada route through Banff, this scenic single-lane highway offers world-class mountain views and frequent wildlife sightings.
  • Private, Door-to-Door Transport: Carefully cleaned after every journey, our van comes equipped with remote-start climate control, charging ports, snacks, water refills, and four-season comforts.
  • Picnic Lunch Included: Refuel with a locally-sourced grazing spread of premium charcuterie, cheeses, and seasonal accompaniments at a carefully scouted picnic spot, or from the warm comfort of the van (depending on the weather). Please check our FAQ for additional, important details.


Key Details:

  • Duration: ~7 hours (Banff/Canmore) | ~9 hours (Calgary). Start time depends on pickup location and is flexible.
  • Format: 100% Private (Up to 11 guests).
  • Pickup & Drop-off: Door-to-door service from your accommodation or preferred Banff/Canmore/Calgary location.
  • Booking Cutoff: 24 hours before departure. For requests <24 hours, please contact us to discuss.
  • Physical Activity Level: Fully customizable.
  • Languages: English (primary), Spanish or Mandarin Chinese.
  • Itinerary Note: Routes, timings, and destinations may vary based on participant preferences, fitness levels, real-time mountain conditions, and safety.
  • Planning a multi-day stay? This journey pairs superbly with any of our National Park tours to Banff, Yoho, or Kootenay. Ideal for those who want to explore the hidden side of our backyard one day, and some of the more famous Rockies icons the next.
Inclusions
    • Private, door-to-door transport
    • Air-conditioned vehicle
    • Lunch (see FAQ for details)
    • Van refreshments including drinking water refills
    • Provincial Park passes and permits
    • Local, certified guide
    • Hiking poles and microspikes/ice cleats
    Exclusions
      • 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: Fully customizable.
        • Wheelchair Access: Our transport vehicle is not wheelchair accessible .
        • Suitability & Health: Not recommended for those with medical conditions that prevent or restrict active hiking/walking.
        • Pets: Service animals are welcome. Pets considered case-by-case and are subject to approval and an additional pet fee.
        • Waiver: required for all guests before departure (available for review here).
        What to Bring

          Clothing & Footwear:

          • Footwear: Insulated hiking boots are essential (waterproof strongly recommended).
          • Layers: Clothing fit for an active day, including versatile layers. The weather in the Canadian Rockies is famously variable; being able to "layer up or down" is key to staying comfortable. A wind and rain-resistant outer layer is recommended year-round.
          • Winter Essentials: Insulated gloves, thick wool socks, a warm toque/beanie, moisture-wicking wool or synthetic base layers (upper and lower body; avoid cotton ), and additional warm layers (including a warm, weatherproof outer layer for wind/snow/rain protection).
          • Spare base layer: Bring an extra base layer to change into for the return journey. It’s a simple way to stay fresh and comfortable after an active day (especially when it's warm).
          • 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, Food & Personal Gear:

          • Backpack: Please bring a small daypack to store your layers, water, and gear. This ensures you're prepared for changing conditions while keeping your hands free to use poles while we're hiking/walking.
          • Water: Plenty of water for an active day. We provide refills in the van - please bring your own reusable bottle(s).
          • Lunch and Snacks: We provide lunch (see FAQ for details), and a selection of light snacks is available in the van. However, we always recommend bringing along any personal favourites (like a specific energy bar or fruit) to keep your energy up throughout the day.
          • Sun Protection: Sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen (even in winter).
          • For Photos & Devices: A fully-charged camera or smartphone, and a USB-A charging cable if available (USB-A charging ports are available in the van).
          • Specialized Gear: We provide hiking poles and microspikes/ice cleats/snowshoes - no need to bring your own unless you prefer them.