The Mountain Life Experience was designed to represent what a day with our friends in the mountains looks like when we go hiking together. It always starts with sharing food and talking about the objective. It is then followed by sharing laughs, stories, and knowledge along the journey. We like to choose the perfect spot to share a great picnic and, of course, amazing views.

​

Who is it for?

It is directed to people who are looking for an added value to the hiking experience. It’s the perfect trip that combines leisure and physical activity. It's an excellent tour for a friend's get together, a couple's getaway or to celebrate a special occasion such as anniversary, bachelor(ette), proposal, etc. We want to accommodate your needs to create the perfect experience.

​

Where do we go?

The main goal remains hiking so we will choose a location that suits your group's profile best. Our preferred locations for this trip are lakes, meadows, ridges and passes. 

​

Average Hike Details:

Difficulty: Moderate (Based on distance, elevation gain and terrain)

Kilometers: 10-15kms.

Elevation gain: 500m +(Generally between 500 - 1000mts)

Duration: up to 8 hours (whole experience)

Reminder

All trips are tailored to your needs and preferences. The details above will vary according to the Group Profile.

Pre-trip personalized planning

We'll get in touch with you in order to create your profile and start building your experience. We'll discuss objectives, fitness level, personal interest and preferences. 

​

Professional Hiking Guide

Our Hiking Guide has 12 years exploring the Canadian Rocky Mountains and some other parts of the continent. He is a certified Hiking Guide of the ACMG (Association of Canadian Mountain Guides). He is also a member of the IGA (Interpretive Guide Association) and an accredited Wilderness First Responder.

Complementary certifications: ACMG Hiking Guide Winter Travel, AST1 (Avalanche Safety Training Level 1).

Your guide speaks 3 languages: French, English and Spanish.

​

Trailhead Breakfast

We often start early, so enjoying a meal and a beverage before your hike is a must and the guide will take care of that for you. First, he'll provide you with a tea or coffee (products of the Banff Tea Company and the Banff Roasting Company) followed by a hearty breakfast that will put you a smile on your face and some energy in your step.

You will be consulted for food preferences and allergies when booking.

The location to provide this service will vary with the weather but will most likely take place at a day use area along the way or at trailhead.

​

Mountain Picnic

A mix of selected products combined on a platter to "wow" you in a great location. Half way through the day your guide will pick a beautiful, picturesque location to stop and set up your mountain picnic, which will include a mix of delicious and nutritious food items specially chosen to delight your taste buds and fill your stomach.

You will be consulted for food preferences and allergies when contacted with bookings.

Note that the picnic items will be distributed amongst hikers to carry. (minimal weight)

​

Transportation

Avoid the hassle of trying to find the trailhead by having your guide pick you up and take you there in comfort, all while he shares his knowledge and stories of the area. At the same time, you can really enjoy picturesque scenery without missing any details; not to mention the added bonus that you won't have to drive back at the end of the day, as you might be "a bit" tired!

• Pick up at your location (Banff or Canmore. Other locations will need to be discussed).

• Meet and greet.​

• Guide’s briefing, sign waivers.

• Interpretative drive.​

• You are provided with fair share of picnic items and snacks.

• Hiking: duration up to 8 hours.

• Relaxing drive back to your location.

• Shake hands, end of experience.

Having the right gear is key to safety in the mountains. We have to be ready for the Rockies' unpredictable weather and also to be ready to stay warm in case of emergency.

​

Footwear

• Hiking boots: lightweight or moderate-weight. Broken-in.

  • Recommended.​

       -or-

• Hiking shoes.

  • Less stability and ankle protection when walking on uneven terrain.

​

Clothing

Layers, layers, layers!

• Socks​

  • Wearing an appropriate pair of socks can make a big difference on your footwear fit and comfort during the hike.  

  • Good choice: wool hiking socks. ​

  • Extra pair.

• Base layer: short or long sleeves. 

  • Good choice: merino wool, synthetic materials.​

• Mid-layer 1: Medium weight (i.e. fleece, wool).

• Mid-layer 2: Thick layer (i.e. thick fleece, down jacket)

• Waterproof Jacket: with hood.

  • Good choice: Gore-Tex or equivalent.

• Light weight pants or shorts. 

  • Good choice: nylon.

  • No jeans.

• Gloves or mittens.

  • Good choice: Gore-Tex or equivalent.

• Sunhat or cap.

• Hat/Tuque, ear warmers or Buff.

Recommended:

• Waterproof pants or gaiters.

  • Good choice: with side zippers, Gore-Tex or equivalent.​​​

​

Miscellaneous

• Backpack: large enough to carry spare clothing, lunch and water. (25 - 40L recommended)

• Water: 2 L capacity recommended.​

• Trekking poles: helps reduce impact on knees and back, specially on the way down.

• Sunglasses with good UV protection

• Sunscreen

• Toilet paper
• Mosquito repellant

If you are missing any of the above, contact us to see if we can provide it for you.

Please note that once you have booked a service with us it means that we have reserved time in our schedule exclusively for you.

If you cancel your appointment less than 72 hours before it is scheduled to take place, you will not be refunded.

​

To avoid a cancellation fee, please provide cancellation notice at least 72 hours prior to your service.

You can cancel or reschedule a service by:

emailing us: banffhikingcompany@gmail.com

texting or calling: 1 403-497-6676.