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West Canadas Best Hiking Tours
British Columbia / Alberta Guided Hiking Tours within Wells Gray Park, Mt.Robson, Rocky Mountain National Parks of Banff, Jasper, Yoho, the Chilcotin, Coast Mountains and Whistler. |
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Bugaboo Lodge is located 180 km (112 miles) west of Banff, at the base of the Bugaboo Glacier in the Purcell Mountains. The Bugaboos got their name from a turn-of-the-20th-century gold hoax, but their grandeur and world fame are the real McCoy. Icons of the mountain world, they were first named "Nelson's Mountains" by the great explorer David Thompson in commemoration of the English captain's victory at Trafalgar in 1805. There is probably no comparably stupendous range with so few visitors in the whole of North America, if not the world. The Bugaboos were the climbing bailiwick of Conrad Kain, who from 1916 to the 1930s led clients on routes that still challenge experienced climbers. In the 1950s-1970s legendary climbers like Fred Beckey, Ed Cooper, Layton Kor, Yvon Chouinard, and Chris Jones forged routes on Snowpatch, Bugaboo, Pigeon Spires, and the Howsers. And in the early 1970s Hans Gmoser built a little Heli-Skiing hut beneath the towers.
Gmoser built a little Heli-Skiing hut beneath the towersYour first view from the lodge's dining room at the great spires of the Bugaboos, and the great glaciers that swirl below them, is a signature moment. All our lodges are blessed with inspiring views, but Bugaboo must rank first among equals. The newly renovated lodge is about 1,600 metres (just shy of a mile) high, with 35 well-appointed double/twin rooms with private baths, a wood and stone bar-lounge, whirlpool, sauna, games room, and a handy little shop. And lodge manager Dave Cochrane has created a marvellous little museum with maps, pictures, natural history exhibits, and assorted fascinating Bugaboos memorabilia. A new 17,139 sq. ft. wing is being added to allow for twenty new spacious rooms, each with two queen size beds and private bath. Other additions include a large meeting room, guest office, guest laundry, guide's room and a roof-top spa complete with massage rooms, sauna, steam room and an outdoor whirlpool that will boast one of the most spectacular views in the world! |
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| Bugaboo Lodge |
| Day |
4 Day Heli Hiking Bugaboo Lodge, Purcell Mountains |
| 01 |
| We pick you up early in the morning from your hotel in Banff and drive west, through two glorious national parks, snacking along the way. We arrive at our helipad at about 9:30 for the first helicopter flight to the Bugaboo Lodge. Upon arrival we are greeted by the lodge manager, outfitted with boots, day packs, rain gear, etc., and settle into our rooms. At noon, we gather in the lodge dining room for lunch, meet the staff, and have a briefing on the next few days. After a helicopter safety talk, we climb in and soar up for an afternoon of getting acquainted with the High Country. In the late afternoon, our chopper picks us up and it's back to the lodge for hors d'oeuvres, soft drinks, tea, and good old Canadian mountain water. Our casual gourmet dinner, served family style, will be at 7:00 (save room for our pastry chef's latest inspiration). Then some camaraderie by the fire, maybe a sauna or whirlpool, and a great night's sleep. |
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| 02 - 03 |
| You might want to join the optional morning stretch, or sleep a little later. Breakfast is at 8:00. The first helicopter leaves at 9:00 (the aircraft seats 11 guests and a guide), making the short but dramatic trip to the timberline. The landscapes in which we spend our days are knock-down, world-class gorgeous and varied, and there is probably no other place on earth where you can experience such wildness and solitude without lugging a 40-pound backpack. Take a scenic hike along Grizzly Ridge to witness the signature feature of the Bugaboos chiseled granite masses forming spectacular spires; large icefields, glaciers, and alpine forests amidst colorful wildflowers await exploration. Transported by helicopter, you'll experience a palette of summer colors on those daily guided hikes through remote mountain settings that are rugged and mesmerizing. Every day is different as you explore rocky escarpments and lush meadows surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Enjoy the amenities each evening at the Bugaboo Lodge, where a roaring fire provides a comfortable setting for conversation, which is a perfect end to a memorable day! |
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| 04 |
| After breakfast, the first helicopter leaves about 9:30 am for the helipad, where we board a motor coach for the drive back to Lake Louise, Banff, and/or Calgary Airport. |
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| Dates |
Rates per Person |
| July |
03, 06, 12, 15, 18, 24, 27 |
| August |
05, 08, 14, 17, 23, 26, 29 |
| September |
01, 04, 07, 10 |
| Rates per Person in CAD$ |
Adult |
| July 03 - July 06 |
$1842.00 |
| July 12 - August 26 |
$1991.00 |
| August 29 - September 01 |
$1842.00 |
| September 04 - September 10 |
$1692.00 |
Including:
3 nights accommodation at the Bugaboo Lodge. Rooms with private bath 3 meals per day, from lunch on first day to lunch on last day Helicopter flights in and out of lodge, plus helicopter flights for each hiking day from lodge Daily activity as outlined in your package itinerary (heli-hiking, etc) Certified guide for each day's excursion Use of hiking equipment (hiking boots, insulated hooded jacket, rain poncho, wind pants, day pack) Ground transportation from Banff to heli-pad, and return to Banff or Calgary All applicable taxes (including non-resident GST rebate) |
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