Wapta Icefields Glacier Hike

Day 1: Bow Lake to Bow Hut
Meet us at our classroom in Canmore at 8:00 am for introductions, trip review, and equipment issue and check. After packing up, it’s an hour and a half drive north to Bow Lake where we commence the hike to Bow Hut.

We start on the “tourist trail” which follows the lakeshore to the head of this turquoise-coloured lake and then up the river flats beyond. The ‘tourist trail” experience finishes partway up a steep trail next to a small but spectacular gorge the river has cut into the limestone. Here the gorge is bridged by a gargantuan boulder which we use to gain the other side where the mountaineer’s trail starts.

This trail leads us past old moraines then up through the forest until it opens out into a massive alpine cirque surrounded by peaks and glaciers. We hike on a rough trail through the rocky flats until a final ascent brings us to the Bow Hut which is located at 2350m on a shoulder adjacent to the snout of the Bow Glacier.

The Hut has magnificent views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers as well as back down the canyon to the main valley.

This will take us between 3 and 5 hours. Distance 7 km, elevation gain 400 m. 

Day 2: Bow Hut to Peyto Hut
We get up early to make the most of what will be a spectacular day as we cross the Icefields to Peyto Hut.

The Bow Glacier is the source of the Bow River which flows down the valley through Lake Louise, Banff, Canmore, and finally out onto the plains then past Calgary to eventually join the South Saskatchewan River.

Today we climb its gentle slopes below the impressive crag of Mt. St. Nicholas to top out on the flat expanse of the Wapta Icefield. After a side trip to flat-topped Polaris Peak from where we gain can enjoy an expansive panorama with peaks in every direction, we continue west to where the Peyto Glacier drops gradually away. Peyto Hut sits on a bench above the Glacier where it takes a sweeping turn to the north. This is a fantastic spot, in every direction are glaciated peaks and colours in shades of rock and ice.

Hiking on the glacier we will be wearing a harness and be roped together for maximum safety. The glacier, like those everywhere, has many crevasses, and while most are easily seen and avoided, we take maximum precautions. Your guide is certified, trained, and very experienced on glacier terrain. We will also wear crampons (spikes that fit onto the soles of our boots) to give us firm traction on the ice. The glacial surface is not very steep. Walking with the crampons on is very easy.

This will take between 4 and 6 hours. Distance 6 km. Elevation gain 550 m, loss 460 m. Additional hiking may be available depending upon the conditions.

Day 3: Peyto Hut – Peyto Lake (or return to Bow Lake)

Today is mostly downhill as we drop back onto the glacier from the hut and follow it almost to its snout. Hiking across the white ice, we’ll pass deep mill wells where glacier streams roar into the depths below. Along the way, we’ll see how glaciers preserve fragments of the past—rocks, ancient spruce needles and twigs from long-ago fires; even small animals caught centuries ago in early winter snows. The Peyto Glacier offers one of the clearest on-the-ground examples of a rapid glacial retreat, and your guide will point out where the ice once reached not long ago. Opportunities like this may not remain common in the future—this is a rare chance to experience a glacier up close. 

Leaving the Glacier just before its snout, we climb briefly onto old moraines and pass a modest research station where glacial studies are occasionally carried out. From here we traverse to the crest of the lateral moraine before descending into the lower valley. River flats and forest lead us toward the gravel plains above Peyto Lake—one of the signature turquoise lakes of the Canadian Rockies. A short final climb through mature forest brings us onto the popular “tourist trail,” where day hikers often look on with awe at those emerging from a full Icefield traverse. 

As conditions change throughout the season, we may also need to use ropes and harnesses to safely lower through the short cliff band that provides access to the lower valley on the Peyto exit. Your guide will manage this process with appropriate safety systems and clear instructions. 

Route Options: Peyto Exit or Return to Bow Hut 

Depending on weather, glacier conditions, water levels, and overall group ability, it may be necessary on Day 3 to retrace our route across the Icefields and return to Bow Hut rather than continuing out to Peyto Lake. Safety and group experience always guide this decision.

If we return via Bow Hut, the day is equally rewarding:

• A second crossing of the Wapta Icefield gives you another chance to travel through one of the most expansive and awe-inspiring glacier systems in the Rockies—often with different light, visibility, and atmosphere than the previous day.
• We enjoy big-mountain views in reverse, revealing new angles on Mt. St. Nicholas, the Bow Glacier, and the surrounding peaks.
• Descending towards the Bow Hut offers a comfortable, sheltered break before the final hike out, with time to rest, or simply take in the sweeping alpine scenery one last time.
• The hike from Bow Hut back to Bow Lake delivers all the classic highlights of Day 1, now with the reward of experience behind you—traveling through the cirque, passing the massive gorge, and emerging once more beside the turquoise waters of Bow Lake. 

Either way—Peyto Lake or Bow Lake—you’ll finish the trip having experienced some of the most iconic glacier travel and alpine terrain the Wapta has to offer. 

Instructors and Group Size

Because this hike takes place on glaciers your guide will be a certified guide who is trained and qualified to lead you across glaciers. Our guides are also licensed by Parks Canada.

The minimum group size will be 4 people. There will be a maximum of 8 guests per guide.

Meeting Place and Time

We will meet you at our Yamnuska Mountain Adventures classroom at 8:00 am on the morning of Day 1.

Our office is located at 100, 50 Lincoln Park, Canmore. See this map for location.

Please ensure that you have your hiking equipment with you.

Transportation

Participants are responsible for their own transport to Canmore which is a 1 hour (100 km) drive west of Calgary.

Frequent shuttles connect Calgary International Airport and Canmore. Banff Airporter is the best way to get between Calgary Airport and Canmore/Banff. When you book with Yamnuska Mountain Adventures you will receive a 15% discount on Banff Airporter Scheduled Services.

Transportation is not included. We rely on guests’ vehicles to access the trailhead.

Park Passes

Please note that program takes place within a National Park. Guests will be required to purchase their own pass.

National Park passes are available both online at https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/voyage-travel/admission and in-person at National Park gates and some information centres.

Accommodation & Meals

During the trip, we stay in alpine huts operated by the Alpine Club of Canada. Sleeping areas are communal and facilities basic. The Huts are equipped with propane stoves, pots, pans, plates, and cutlery. There is no running water. We gather water from nearby streams and lakes for drinking, cooking, and washing.

Accommodation in Canmore is not included. A variety of accommodation options exist in both Canmore and Banff, including campsites, hostels, all levels of hotels as well as condo-style accommodation with kitchens or suites.  We recommend that you book your own pre and post-trip accommodations well in advance as all levels of accommodations in the Bow Valley fill quickly.

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

We supply dinners on Day 1 and Day 2. A meal package is available if you would like us to include breakfast and lunches.

Trail cuisine is constructed from lightweight ingredients including our Yamnuska custom-made dehydrated dinners.

For guests with dietary restrictions, we are able to modify the program food pack to meet your individual needs.  As food pricing and preparation for these diets is more costly, there is a surcharge.  Our kitchen staff will assess your restrictions to inform you if the diet can be accommodated and what surcharge would apply. Vegetarian meals will not be surcharged.

Please let us know the details by filling out a Food Questionnaire when you sign up for the program.

Equipment and Clothing

The equipment and clothing you bring to this course will play a large role in the quality of your experience. Read the following suggestions and lists carefully. If you have any questions or need clarification, don’t hesitate to call or email.

Equipment

Yamnuska provides the following personal technical gear. Please feel free to bring your own items if desired:

• Crampons
• Mountaineering ice axe
• Climbing harness
• Climbing helmet
• Prussic cord, slings, carabiners

We recommend you bring:

• Mountaineering Boots* (must be crampon compatible – Please see notes below regarding boots)
• Multi-day pack* (60–75 litres)
• Sleeping bag*
• Water bottle
• Sunglasses (wrap-around style to protect from the glare of snow and ice)
• Sunscreen, SPF lip balm
• Camera
• Compass
• Headlamp (with fresh batteries)
• Earplugs
• Blister kit
• First aid items (Our guides carry a first aid kit, but you may bring your own Band-Aids and anti-inflammatory medication if desired.)
• Personal toiletries including hand sanitizer (visit the travel section for small sizes – view our Intro to Mountaineering video for ideas about toiletries)
• Trekking pole (highly recommended)
• Music player and lightweight reading material (optional)

*These items are available for rent. Please advise us in advance.

Clothing

When travelling at altitude or on a glacier, it is important to be able to adjust to the changing conditions. We recommend bringing clothing that can be layered to achieve comfort as you change from periods of activity to periods of rest. Cotton clothing is not appropriate as it causes rapid heat loss when wet.

We recommend you bring:

• Long underwear top and bottoms (lightweight synthetic or wool)
• Socks (synthetic/wool, at least two pairs)
• Light synthetic shirt
• Softshell pants and jacket
• Midweight synthetic or down jacket
• Waterproof hardshell jacket with hood
• Waterproof hardshell pants (should have a full-length side zip so they can be put on without taking off boots and crampons)
• Gaiters (big enough to fit over large boots)
• Waterproof mountaineering or ice climbing gloves, at least two pairs
• Warm hat that fits under a helmet
• Sun hat
• Lightweight running shoes or sandals for hut use and possible river crossing

Additional gear info:

• Sleeping bag: We recommend a three-season bag rated at approximately -7 Celsius. A down bag will be lighter and more compressible for the weight than a synthetic bag. A compression stuff sack is recommended to reduce the volume
• Boots: A good pair of boots is essential. They need to be warm and crampon compatible. Boots either need a rigid sole supported by a full-length shank or boots that have a semi-rigid sole supported by ¾ length shank. You are welcome to try the Scarpa Mont Blanc boots that Yamnuska rents.
• Crampons:  Mountaineering crampons should have anti-snow-balling plates, and need to be compatible with your boots. We use the Petzl Vasak.
• Mountaineering ice-axe: Your ice axe should be 55-75 cm, and should be equipped with an adze. Yamnuska provides the Petzl Summit Axe.
• Climbing harness:  Should be sized to fit over your cold-weather clothing. It is recommended to have a harness with a belay/rappel loop.
• Helmet:  A comfortable, all-around climbing helmet that can fit over your winter hat.

Please book as early as practical to avoid disappointment. A 35% deposit (including GST) is required at the time of booking. The final payment is due eight weeks before the start of the trip. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Canadian Cheques, Money Orders, and Bank Drafts. Credit card payments are easiest, especially for international travellers.

We ask that you familiarize yourself with our detailed booking instructions and conditions.

Risk is an inherent part of all mountain activities. We strive to manage and reduce it however, it is impossible to totally eliminate. Learn more about our safety and risk management approach here.  Please note that you will be required to sign our waiver before commencing the program. Please view our sample waiver copy.

The Simpson Group offers a wide range of travel insurance options including Trip Cancellation/Interruption, Travel Medical, and Personal Effect Loss for both Canadian and International Travelers. Other providers offer similar services and we encourage you to select an appropriate level of coverage. We highly recommend purchasing this insurance to cover and protect you against unforeseen events. The two basic types of insurance that most travellers need to consider are Medical and Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance.

Insurance Risk 
One of the ways to mitigate risk is by purchasing appropriate insurance. Simpson Group Insurance Services who are travel & health risk specialists, work with technical and high-risk insurance solutions both in medical and non-medical spheres.  We highly recommend that you review your insurance needs to cover and protect you against unforeseen events. It is wise to ensure that your health plan will cover you in case of illness or accident during your trip. Simpson Group have a team standing by to answer any of your questions.

Emergency Medical Evacuation
While there is typically no charge for search & rescue in the National and Provincial Parks for active pass holders, costs such as air & ground ambulance after the rescue are not covered by your park pass. The chance of a large bill associated with this risk is a real possibility.

For Canadians
A common myth is that healthcare across provinces is fully covered. There are many things which do not carry interprovincial agreements. Ambulance services, medical evacuation, and some services which one province charges more than another you’d be responsible to pay the difference.

For Internationals
A common myth is that healthcare in Canada is free. Although it is less expensive than US healthcare, charges for non-residents can still be very high. Proper medical health insurance is essential if you were to get injured. Most coverages exclude rock climbing, mountaineering, ice climbing, backcountry skiing and the like. Simpson Group can make sure all those risks are well covered.

Trip Cancellation/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, Trip Cancellation/Interruption insurance is a great way to protect your investment. We can assure you that circumstances do arise that prevent guests from participating in trips or courses and trip cancellation & interruption insurance is a relatively easy way to manage your level of risk of unforeseen events.

For all your travel insurance requirements we recommend Simpson Group Insurance Services.  For more information and to purchase a plan, visit Simpson Group’s website.