Trip
Details and Small
Print - Little Wapta Glacier Trek 
Can I do it?
Strenuous multi-day trek with a combination
of hiking on trails (at times steep and gravel covered) and
glaciers (at times snow covered). On the glaciers you will be
roped with your fellow trekkers and your guide as a rope team.
The terrain is not technical and relatively gentle, however
the use of crampons will likely be required. We will go through
an instructional session about glacier travel and crampon /
ice axe use on Day 1 and 2. All in all, you need to be in good
physical and mental condition, ready to be on your feet for
about 7-8 hrs on some of the days. If in doubt, give us a call!
Meeting
Point:
Depending on our client's preference,
we can meet you on Day 1 of the trek either a) in Canmore or
Banff at 7.30 or b) in Lake Louise at the Canadian Alpine Center
(a.k.a. Youth Hostel) at 8.30 AM for a trip briefing, distribution
of group food and rental gear. From Lake Louise, a 20 minute
drive takes us to the trail head at Bow Lake.
How
to get there:
Greyhound Bus Service from Calgary to
Canmore, Banff or Lake Louise 4 times a day. Driving times from
the trail head at Bow Lake: To Calgary = 2.15 hrs, Canmore 1.15
hrs, Banff 1 hrs, Lake Louise 20min. Also, there are several
private shuttle services providing bus service from the Calgary
airport to these three towns in the Canadian Rockies. Rental
cars are available in Calgary, Banff or Canmore.
Climate,
Weather, Temperatures, Preferred Season:
Temperatures and weather can vary greatly
on this trip: You might be able to start the hike in shorts
at Bow Lake in temps around 30 C ( 86 F) and face subfreezing
temperatures down to -15C (5 F)the next morning when stepping
on the glacier. Fresh snow is also a possibility on this trip.
Best season for this trip is July - September. For earlier or
later departures, we might have to carry snowshoes along. If
you wanted to do this trip as a ski traverse, have a look at
our Wapta Ski Traverse.
Services Included in the Total Price:
- Guiding by a certified (ACMG / IFMGA)
and insured mountain guide, alpine guide or assistant guide
under supervision.
- All trip organization, reservations as well as assistance
with all pre- and post trip preparations.
- All food and food preparations for the 2 nights in backcountry
huts
- Parks Canada wilderness overnight fee
- Rental of technical equipment: Ice axe, harness, crarabiner,
crampons and helmets for ice climbing practice
Not Included (but can be quoted separately):
- Pre- and post trip lodging in Canmore,
Banff or Lake Louise
- Airport pick up, drop off at Calgary International Airport
- Transport from and to the trail head
