Explore Banff, Lake Louise & Yoho, & Access Alpine Wilderness by Helicopter
Canada’s Rocky Mountains are among the world’s greatest natural marvels. Millions of years ago, an ancient inland sea bed was uplifted by intense geological forces to create these high ramparts straddling the border of Alberta and British Columbia. Sculpted by glaciers that gouged deep valleys during successive ice ages, the Canadian Rockies are among the most imposing mountains on Earth. Sharper and sheerer than their American counterparts, Canada's grandest peaks cradle turquoise lakes while glacier-fed rivers nurture abundant elk, bighorn sheep, bears and wolves. Our itinerary showcases iconic sights as well as far less traveled realms accessed from a luxury fly-in lodge in the Bugaboos Range. Among these granite spires, grizzlies outnumber people...and only a handful of travelers will ever experience this sublime wilderness.
Taylor Burk
Nat Hab guests heli-hiking, Banff National Park, Alberta.
Hiking in the Canadian Rockies, Alberta.
Nat Hab guests hiking on Athabasca Glacier, Jasper National Park, Alberta.
Lake Peyto, Banff National Park, Alberta.
Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Alberta.
Robin O'Neil
Nat Hab guest, Banff National Park, Alberta.
Upper Sunwapta Falls, Jasper National Park, Alberta.
Jesse Tamayo
Nat Hab guest awaits helicopter, Yoho National Park, Alberta.
John E. Marriott
Wildflowers and the Purcell Mountain Range, Bugaboo Provincial Park, British Columbia.
Taylor Burk
Bugaboo Lodge, Bugaboo Provincial Park, British Columbia.
Jesse Tamayo
Nat Hab guests at Bugaboo Lodge, Bugaboo Provincial Park, British Columbia.
Robin O'Neil
Purcell Mountain Range, Bugaboo Provincial Park, British Columbia.
Robin O'Neil
Nat Hab guests heli-hiking in the Canadian Rockies, Alberta.
Trip Highlights
The Best of Banff, Lake Louise & Yoho
Tapping the insider knowledge of our naturalist guides, discover the scenic grandeur and lesser-known corners of Banff and Yoho national parks
Helicopter Access to Our Fly-In Wilderness Lodge
Fly deep into the jagged Bugaboos Range to spend three days hiking from a deluxe backcountry lodge amid some of the continent’s most dramatic alpine terrain
A Small Group for Quiet Nature Encounters
With just 12 guests, look for elk, bear and bighorn sheep, and learn the geology of the peaks, canyons, fossil beds and glaciers along the Icefields Parkway
WWF In Action
Photo Expeditions Available
Photo departures are limited to 10 guests and are guided by naturalist Expedition Leaders who are also expert photographers and instructors. Photography workshops are included throughout the itinerary, with tutorials on capturing memorable images of landscapes, wildlife, wildflowers and more. A highlight is a sunrise shoot at Moraine Lake, a turquoise jewel ringed by the famous Ten Peaks, in a setting inaccessible to individual private vehicles. With us, you'll have special access for that coveted dawn shot. And at every turn, your guides are by your side with personalized coaching to help you take your nature photography to the next level.
View Photo Expedition
For a Wilder Experience of the Canadian Rockies, There's Only One Choice
A lot of tour companies offer trips to the Canadian Rockies. Why go with Nat Hab? We think you'll grasp the BIG difference between us and standard operators when you read on.
- A Truly Exclusive Itinerary
While of course we include the famous sights you come to the Canadian Rockies to see, like Banff and the Bow River Valley, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and Athabasca Glacier, we don't stop there. We've added three nights in the remote Bugaboos Range on the western edge of the Rockies where we access some of the most splendid alpine terrain on the planet via helicopter. Our aim is to get you totally away from crowds—you'll experience this region in a way that very few travelers will, and certainly none who are part of big commercial bus tours.
- Three Nights at a Luxury Fly-In Wilderness Lodge
The biggest distinction (among many) between our itinerary and the rest is this element: we fly you by helicopter to deluxe Bugaboo Lodge in view of glaciers and rugged granite spires—inaccessible to anyone except lodge guests—from which we'll take daily hikes of varying ability levels to untouched alpine meadows and flower-filled valleys. Return each day to relax on the deck, soak in the hot tub, rejuvenate in the sauna, and enjoy hearty dinners with unparalleled views of the glaciers beyond. - Glacier Walk with an Indigenous Guide
We're led by a local Indigenous guide and outdoor educator, a member of the Interior Salish tribes of British Columbia, who shares his expertise about the natural and cultural history of the Columbia Icefield region. We make an approximately 3-mile roundtrip walk atop Athabasca Glacier, supported with trekking poles and microspike attachments to our footwear. This is an exclusive opportunity to peer closely at the ice as we learn about the glacier's activity and the impact of climate change on the icefield. - A Small Group—Just 12 Guests—Ensures a Quieter Presence
It's true, the Canadian Rockies attract a lot of tourists. But in addition to accessing the most popular spots at less-busy times, such as sunrise, we also gain an advantage with our small group when it comes to reaching to out-of-the-way places, trails, and secret spots our Expedition Leader knows about that big tour bus groups can't access. There's no comparison when it comes to nature travel in a smaller group! - Two or More Guides Allows a Choice of Activities
Hiking is a focus of this adventure, but not everyone has the same desire and ability level when it comes to available options. By traveling with our Expedition Leader and an experienced local guide throughout—plus multiple guides at Bugaboos Lodge—we can divide the group to offer both easy nature walks and more challenging hikes to rewarding vistas. You'll also get double the attention and information as you travel with two seasoned naturalists. - A Window Seat for Everyone
While we travel in a small group, our chartered mini bus offers roughly double the seats we require, ensuring a window seat for each traveler and plenty of room to spread out and feel comfortable. - Outstanding Naturalist Expedition Leaders
We're known for the quality of our guides, and you'll find that the leadership on this trip is no exception! With a deep knowledge of the Canadian Rockies ecosystems, geology and history, your two Expedition Leaders will enhance your adventure in a way that makes you feel safe, cared for and enlightened. Read our Expedition Leader bios and traveler comments regarding the quality of our leaders. - Our Quality-Value Guarantee Ensures a Rewarding Canadian Rockies Experience
With Natural Habitat Adventures, you get our exclusive guarantee, promising that we will meet the lofty expectations set in our promotional materials. To our knowledge, this is the most impressive guarantee made by any adventure travel company. Read our important promise. - Feel Good About Your Carbon-Neutral Journey
We care deeply about our planet, as we know you do. When you travel with us, the carbon emissions from your trip are 100% offset—including your round-trip flights from home. Natural Habitat Adventures has been the world’s first carbon-neutral travel company since 2007. 
Natural Habitat Adventures is WWF's Travel Partner
Because of our commitment to environmentally friendly travel as well as the exceptional quality of our worldwide adventures, World Wildlife Fund, the world's leading environmental conservation organization, has named Natural Habitat Adventures as its worldwide travel partner, a designation that makes us exceedingly proud!
