Mount Temple

Program Agenda

We will meet all guests at our office in Canmore at 5am MST on the day of the climb.  We will go over the day's objectives, check that people have appropriate equipment and supplies for the day and then carpool up to Lake Louise to start the climb.  If you prefer, you can meet the group up at Laggan's Bakery in Lake Louise at 6am instead. This climb takes about 10 - 12 hours, so please come prepared for a full day out in the mountains with lots of snacks, a lunch, and appropriate clothing and footwear.

We start the day at the Moraine Lake Parking lot, hiking it's north shore before starting up the Larch Valley Trail and its numerous switchbacks.  Once we reach Sentinel Pass  and en route to the summit, a few short rock bands are easily climbed.  The final push to the top is often snow covered.  

Guides & Group Size
Maximum guide to guest ratio is 1:6. Our guides are enthusiastic and extremely talented. They hold certification from the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and we are licensed to operate in the area by the Parks Canada. Maximum group size is 12, minimum 3.

Transportation
Transportation is not included for this program. We will rely on guest's vehicles to reach the trailhead.

Canmore is situated 100km (65miles) west of Calgary on the Trans-Canada Highway. It is well served by scheduled bus lines both from Calgary (airport and downtown), Banff (20km west) and points further west. Calgary International Airport is well connected to major cities throughout North America and Europe. Vehicle rental is available both in Calgary and in Canmore.

Frequent shuttles connect Calgary International Airport and Canmore. Greyhound Bus Lines (1 800 661 8747) serves Canmore from points east and west along the Trans-Canada Highway.

Accommodation & Meals
Accommodations and meals are not included..

For your convenience we can arrange hotel accommodations in Canmore for $160 per night. This accommodation can be booked with the trip online or by calling us. Subject to availability.

You can also make your own arrangements. Check our links page for a range of recommended Canmore accommodations. In addition the Alpine Club of Canada Clubhouse (403 678-3200) is a good hostel here in Canmore with good facilities and reasonable prices.

Excess luggage can be left at your hotel or our office.

Clothing & Gear
We supply group and personal climbing gear such as ropes, harnesses and ice axes. You must bring your own personal gear, clothing and general equipment.

CLOTHING LIST
We suggest layers of light, easily carried clothing that allow for fast and easy adjustment to best suit fast changing temperature conditions. We discourage cotton clothing as it causes rapid heat loss when wet. Feel free to call us if you have any questions about what to bring. This list covers items needed for all likely conditions during the mountaineering season. Your guide will go through your clothing and gear with you prior to the course.

You will need to bring:

•LONG UNDERWEAR, top and bottom, polypro, wool, capilene or fleece.
•WOOL/BLEND SOCKS (extra pairs).
•Warm LONG PANTS to climb in. These could be windproof nylon/synthetic blend mountaineering pants, fleece pants, nylon exercise pants with light long johns or wool trousers.
•Light SHIRT or T-SHIRT.
•Wool or fleece LONG SLEEVE SHIRT.
•FLEECE SWEATER (medium weight).
•Heavyweight fleece or insulated JACKET.
•Waterproof OUTER JACKET with hood (Gore-Tex).
•Waterproof OUTER PANTS, preferably with sidezips on legs.
•Waterproof knee-length GAITERS that will fit over large boots .
•Waterproof mountaineering GLOVES or wool / fleece mitts /gloves plus waterproof overmitts.
•WARM HAT (that covers ears).
•SUNHAT with wide brim.
EQUIPMENT LIST
You will need to bring: (Items in blue are available to rent from Yamnuska)

•BACKPACK - Big enough to fit extra clothing, equipment and food. Internal frame packs are most comfortable.  A 30-40 Liter pack is suitable.
•LIGHT WEIGHT MOUNTAINEERING BOOTS or BACKPACKING BOOTS: You will need boots designed specifically for this use. Some backpacking boots are suitable but they must be firm enough, waterproof and able to take crampons. Mountaineering boots are made from leather or plastic. Leather boots have either a semi-rigid or a rigid sole. Plastic boots have rigid soles. The most important feature of a mountaineering boot is comfort. Different brands seem to suit different feet. If buying, try a few different pairs and if they are not comfortable don't buy them. There are many good brands. They include Asolo, Kayland, La Sportiva and Scarpa.
•SUNGLASSES with good UV protection
•Extra Strength SUN CREAM.
•Lip Cream with UV protection
•HEADLAMP with fresh batteries.
•WATER BOTTLE (1L minimum).
•POCKET KNIFE
•BLISTER KIT ('moleskin', 'Second Skin')
•FIRST-AID Items (band-aids, ibuprofen & aspirin / Tylenol is enough as guides have a kit also).
•CAMERA and spare batteries.
•TREKKING POLE (S) (optional).
OPTIONAL MOUNTAINEERING GEAR
If you have your own, feel free to bring:

•ICE AXE. We suggest a general mountaineering axe optimum 70cm length.
•CRAMPONS. Must fit your boots.
•SIT HARNESS.
If you don't have these items we will lend them to you. Please let us know what you need in advance.
 

Please book as early as practical to avoid disappointment. Full payment is required at time of booking.  We accept Visa, Mastercard, Canadian Cheques, Money Orders and Bank Drafts.  Credit card payments are easiest, especially for international travellers.

We ask that you review our detailed booking instructions and conditions.

Please note that you will be required to sign our waiver before commencing the program. Please view our sample waiver copy.

We also request that you complete and return our on-line mountain experience questionnaire.

There are two basic types of insurance that most travelers need to consider: Medical and Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance. We offer our guests coverage for both and highly recommend you purchase it.

Emergency Medical Expenses Insurance:

It is wise to ensure that your health plan will cover you in case of illness or accident during your trip.  Obtain extra coverage if necessary.  There is no charge for rescue in the National and provincial Parks, however costs such as air or ground transportation, long term care and other services are not covered.

Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance:

We recognize that our guests’ schedules may change for many reasons; business, family, flight delays, injuries and other unplanned events.  For these eventualities the Trip Cancellation/Interruption insurance is a great way to protect your investment. 

For all your travel insurance requirements we recommend the Simpson Group.  This agency offers a wide range of travel insurance options including Trip Cancellation/Interruption, Travel Medical and Personal Effect Loss for Canadian and International Travelers.  We highly recommend purchasing this insurance.  For more information and to purchase a plan, visit the Simpson Group’s website.