Two-Day Guided Trek on the Wapta Glacier (Banff National Park)
Come with Brent, an IFMGA-certified mountain guide, on a two-day tour of the immense and compelling Wapta Glacier in western Canada. This ice trekking program allows you to walk on one of Canada´s most studied ice fields and learn about its landscape.
Rockies
2 Days
May - Sep
Intermediate
Intermediate
Description
Walk on the ice of the captivating Wapta Glacier on this amazing two-day program! Discover a remarkable ice field and learn its history while trekking across it!
The Wapta Icefield has an impressive resume. Located in both Alberta and British Columbia along the Continental Divide, it belongs to both Banff and Yoho National Parks. It is massive, and plays a pivotal role in feeding other glaciers, rivers, and waterways throughout the region.
It is a popular destination for mountaineers and tourists, playing host to ski trips in the winter and tours of the glacier in the summer. Traversing across Wapta offers the rare hands-on opportunity for us to navigate the crevasses and other fascinating features of the glacier. To experience ancient land formations that might possibly disappear is truly incredible.
Our program is made specifically to give you this chance. You will hike up through Bow Valley to the aptly named Bow Hut, where we will brief you on the glacier, the tools and skills we will use to explore the ice field, and appreciate the natural beauty of Wapta and the surrounding area.
Within a couple of days, you will experience a variety of ecosystems as you climb, exposing yourself to an amazing array of wildlife and wilderness while learning about mountain culture. Once on the glacier, you will make your way across the icy and snowy outcroppings that make this a delightful and exciting excursion.
My passion for this region inspires me to share it, and I will provide a safe journey for us to learn about the glacier and have a blast doing it. We will make Wapta an experience that you will remember for a long time after you leave the ice field.
This trip does have some challenges, so a reasonable level of fitness is necessary to enjoy this program. Previous mountain and ice trekking experience is always beneficial.
If you are ready for an adventure, book this program and I will guide you to the Wapta Glacier for two days of ice trekking on a vital Canadian landform!
If you would like to take a little more time to enjoy the experience, we can make this a three-day program. Or I can prepare a multi-pitch rock climbing program for you in the Canmore region!
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
Price details
- The price includes the guiding fee, accommodations, and dinner at the mountain hut.
- We will also provide the equipment used for glacier travel, including crampons, ice axe, harness, and rope.
- The price does NOT include other meals, personal equipment, and personal food and drink(s).
Itinerary
Day 1: Bow Hut
Our first day begins with a hike up to Bow Hut, located on the eastern edge of the Wapta Glacier. We will discuss our itinerary on the glacier and get familiarized with our equipment, preparing ourselves for an extended exploration of the ice field the following day.
Our evening will include a three-course dinner comprised of backcountry food, before getting a good night´s rest.
Day 2: Wapta Glacier
Our second day will allow us ample opportunity to thoroughly discover the Wapta Glacier. We will cover more information on the glacier while walking along the snow and ice, and then returning to for the culmination of our program.
Details
More info
We kindly ask that you bring mountaineering boots, a large backpack, warm clothes, hiking boots, sun protection, water, lunch, and personal snacks. We have mountaineering boots available for rent at an additional $15 (CAD) per person, per day.
Meeting point
About the guide
Brent
4.7
(23)
Mountain Guide
Based in Canmore, Alberta, I am an IFMGA- and ACMG-certified mountain guide. I also serve in the Canadian Armed Forces and am a founding partner of the Outward Bound Veterans Program.
My mission is for you to learn the skills to be competent and independent in the backcountry. I will break down complex skill sets into individual building blocks for you to learn progressively and confidently. After learning the skills, you will get to practice them in the backcountry with my guidance or that of one of the ACMG-certified guides in my team.
Languages
English
Certificates
ACMG
What people are saying about Brent
Carlise
Brent is super knowledgeable of the area and great at finding climbs that fit our skill level and goals.
Timothy
I recommend booking with Brent no matter what level of climber you are. He is able to cater the day to exactly what you'll be looking for. In my experience, making the transition to outdoor climbing can be intimidating for a number of reasons. But with the way these routes are bolted, there's a level of comfort not typically found outdoors. Again, I recommend this to anyone at any level. It can be as challenging or as easy of a day as you want it to be.
Erin
Brent single-handedly convinced us that we need to return to Canmore. He was highly meticulous and professional, which everyone who is climbing should appreciate in a guide. Thanks Brent! You made our trip amazing.
Simon
Admin was efficient for paying Communications were hit and miss. Took too long to answer questions about the day / route etc. We were beginners and the guide chose a route that was too challenging. One member of group dropped out the day before. The requested refund never even got a reply about. Let alone confirmation
Patric
Great guide, found us snow in the driest of year
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