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Highlights
Experience some of Canada’s premier backpacking trails in Yoho
Immerse yourself in some of the most breathtaking land in Canada, and possibly the world, in Yoho National Park.
Stand underneath 254-metre waterfalls that crash down from between might peaks.
Spend each night cozied up in a new campsite, unplugging from it all and relaxing in the wilderness.
Hike the Iceline Trail, which deserves every bit of its local and international acclaim.
You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to backpacking in the Canadian Rockies, but you just couldn’t miss an adventure in Yoho National Park. The Backpacking the Yoho Valley and Iceline Trail tour is an all-in experience in some of Canada’s best mountain scenery and a must-do for hikers in the Rockies.
Imagine waking up in your tent, unzipping to step into an amphitheatre of massive peaks. You trek underneath thundering waterfalls, along dizzying ridgelines, and underneath some of Canada’s most majestic summits. The scenery is a highlight reel from start to finish, and each night you crawl back into your sleeping bag under a blanket of stars. It’s just your group and the raw beauty of the mountains- some of the finest in the world. This dream is a reality on the Backpacking the Yoho Valley and Iceline Trail tour!
You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to backpacking in the Canadian Rockies, but you just couldn’t miss an adventure in Yoho National Park. The Backpacking the Yoho Valley and Iceline Trail tour is an all-in experience in some of Canada’s best mountain scenery and a must-do for hikers in the Rockies.
Imagine waking up in your tent, unzipping to step into an amphitheatre of massive peaks. You trek underneath thundering waterfalls, along dizzying ridgelines, and underneath some of Canada’s most majestic summits. The scenery is a highlight reel from start to finish, and each night you crawl back into your sleeping bag under a blanket of stars. It’s just your group and the raw beauty of the mountains- some of the finest in the world. This dream is a reality on the Backpacking the Yoho Valley and Iceline Trail tour!
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Backpacking the Yoho Valley and Iceline Trail Itinerary
Day 1 Meet in Canmore, Waterfall Hikes
Your adventure begins with a meeting in Canmore before hitting the road to Yoho. Once arriving in the park, you’ll stop right under the magnificent Takakkaw Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies. Begin hiking up the Yoho Valley, passing the lovely Laughing Falls, the delicate Point Lace Falls, and Angel’s Staircase on the way to camp.
Try to decide on your favourite waterfall from today as you set up camp and eat dinner as a group.
Overnight Location: Camping in Yoho National Park
Distance: 6.9km, 145m elevation gain
Meals: Lunch, dinner
Day 2 Twin Falls to Little Yoho
Your first full day on the trails starts with a trek to Twin Falls, an amazing double waterfall off a 180-metre limestone cliff. From the chalet at the base of the falls, you’ll climb up to the very top of the falls, where the water tumbles over. It’s going to be a highlight of the trip!
From the falls, hike over a suspension bridge to the top of the Whaleback, where wonderful views of Mt. des Poilus and the Yoho Glacier await. From here, drop back into the valley and make your camp for the night.
Overnight Location: Camping in Yoho National Park
Distance: 11.4km, 725 metres elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3 Little Yoho to Canmore
After a warm coffee in your sleeping bag, you’ll begin your hike for the day, and you’ve saved the best for last! Begin climbing a series of switchbacks to the famous Iceline Trail, a stunning route that traverses the eastern flank of The Vice President. You’ll have glaciers on one side and aerial views of the waterfalls you’ve passed on the other.
After a break at the Iceline summit, keep traversing, then dip down into the valley. With one last view of Takakkaw Falls to send you off, it’s back to Canmore. You can choose to go out to dinner tonight with the group to celebrate your trek!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: 11.4km, 175m elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Backpacking the Yoho Valley and Iceline Trail Price and Dates
This guided backpacking tour is run as a fixed-departure tour where you’d be joining a group, however, custom private tours can be organized for those willing to travel with their group only (please contact us with your preferred date and the number of people in your group and we will create the itinerary just for you). Please note that due a very high demand and limited availability in campgrounds it is necessary to plan your trip a long time in advance.Prices below are per person:
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Finish
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Accommodation on the Backpacking the Yoho Valley and Iceline Trail Tour
This tour is based in campsites in the Canadian Rockies. Facilities may be basic or limited, so you should be comfortable with a rustic experience. Tents will be provided.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
There are no single rooms available on this tour as all accommodations are communal. The minimum group size is 3 people, so please contact us about joining an existing group if you are a solo traveller.
What’s Included in the Backpacking the Yoho Valley and Iceline Trail Tour?
Meals
2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners are included. Please pack any additional snacks you may want. Meals to suit dietary requirements are available but may incur an additional fee depending on your needs.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 2 nights are included. Accommodations before and after the tour are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Transportation During the Tour
You will be driven from Canmore to the trailhead on Day 1. You will be responsible for your own transportation to Canmore and back on the final day. We recommend booking shuttles or renting a car.
Also Included
- Tents
- Expert guide services
Not Included
- Flights
- Hotels
- Meals, drinks, or snacks
- Travel insurance
- Optional excursions
- Visas if required
- Anything not mentioned as included
- GST (5%)
Optional Extras
- Special dietary requirement meals
- How hard is the Backpacking the Yoho Valley and Iceline Trail tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Canada?
- Do I need to carry my gear myself?
- Are meals included on the Backpacking the Yoho Valley and Iceline Trail tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Canmore to start this tour?
- Is the Hiking the Skoki Circuit tour guided?
- What should I bring?
- Boots
- Multiday pack (55-75 litres)
- Bladder or water bottle (1-2 litres)
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping mat
- Pillow
- Camera
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Blister kit
- Utensils and bowl
- Hand sanitizer
- Bug spray
- Trekking poles
- Insulated jacket
- Fleece jacket
- Hiking pants
- Light footwear for at camp
- Rain gear
- Personal toiletries
- Where does the Backpacking the Yoho Valley and Iceline Trail tour end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Canada?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Canada?
- When is the best time to travel to Canada for this tour?
We rate this tour as a 3/5. You don’t need any previous experience backpacking for this tour, but you should be fit enough to hike an average of 7-12km per day for consecutive days at high altitudes. You will also need to be comfortable sleeping in basic conditions on this tour.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Yes, you will carry everything you need, as well as a share of the common food and equipment.
2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners are included. Please pack any additional snacks you may want. Meals to suit dietary requirements are available but may incur an additional fee depending on your needs.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip. Please verify that your insurance covers the included activities on this tour. Get your Travel Insurance.
Fly into the Calgary International Airport (YYC). We recommend renting a car or booking a shuttle as you’ll need to find your way to Canmore and back to the airport at the end of the tour.
Yes, you will be led by an experienced guide.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions concerning your packing list for this trip. As a start, we recommend bringing:
The tour ends in Lake Louise. You will need to find your way back to the airport.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
The best time to visit the Canadian Rockies for this tour is between early July and mid-September when the weather in the mountains tends to be the warmest and sunniest.
Customer Ratings
Located in Canmore, Alberta at the gates of Banff National Park, Yamnuska Mountain Adventures is one of Canada’s premier providers of mountaineering, rock & ice climbing, backcountry skiing, hiking, and trekking experiences in the Canadian Rockies. For over 40 years, we have hosted thousands of clients from Canada and all over the world. Our brand is known for quality mountain experiences, safety, and well-organized itineraries. We have some of the best mountain guides and hiking guides in the industry. All Yamnuska Mountain Adventures climbing guides are certified through the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides.
