Heli-hiking the stunning Canadian Rockies

BY Quentin Long

Last updated . 26 August 2019

Hike with all the wonder, but none of the effort aboard a helicopter.

Seemingly insurmountable monuments to nature’s beauty, the furthest reaches of the Canadian Rockies were once off-limits to all but the boldest of adventurers.

But now there’s an easier way to ascend and experience all this natural beauty up close: by helicopter.

Taking stock atop a Canadian mountain.

In summer and spring, world-class hotspots such as Lake Louise, Jasper and Mount Charles Stewart, represent fantastic opportunities to experience Canada’s wilderness in comfort.

You’ll see waterfalls, mountain flowers and you might even catch a glimpse of an eagle. Mountain-top picnics, ice fishing, zip lines and rock climbing are all available.

Get going:

Helicopter hiking is great fun.

Sightseeing helicopter tours run year-round, but hiking-specific tours generally run mid-June to late September. Fly and hike with Canadian Mountain Holidays (canadianmountainholidays.com).

Location:

Take heli-hiking tours from Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise and Calgary. Trips can be as short as a few hours or up to six days, with expert guides and overnight stays in mountain lodges.