Mount Temple

Climb Mt Temple

We will meet all guests at our office in Canmore at 3:30 am 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, then carpool to Lake Louise to start the climb.  If you prefer, you can meet the group up at Laggan’s Bakery in Lake Louise. Please call us to discuss this option. 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. Because of its proximity to the hamlet of Lake Louise people often underestimate the weather and temperature change while climbing Mt. Temple. This is a big mountain that is capped with a glacier. In the summer, this area is prone to snow and thunderstorms. A good pair of hiking or mountain boots are required to complete this scramble as we may encounter snow near the summit or at any other elevation along the way. Your boots should be able to fit crampons should we encounter snow and ice.

We start the day at the Moraine Lake Parking lot, hiking its north shore before starting up the beautiful 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 and Group Size
The 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 Parks Canada. The maximum group size is 12, minimum 3.

Transportation
Transportation is not included in this program. We will rely on guests’ 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.

Park Passes

Please note that program venues may be within National Parks and/or Kananaskis Country. For programs where transportation is not provided by Yamnuska/Canadian Rockies Hiking by Yamnuska, 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.

Kananaskis Country conservation passes are available online at https://www.alberta.ca/kananaskis-conservation-pass.aspx

Accommodation and Meals
Accommodations and meals are not included.

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.

Equipment and Clothing

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. If you arrive without the appropriate clothing and gear for the day your guide may require that you not attend without reimbursement. Read the following suggestions and lists carefully. If you have any questions or need clarification, don’t hesitate to call or email prior to your departure.

Equipment

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

• Crampons
• Mountaineering ice axe
• Climbing harness
• Climbing helmet

We recommend you bring:

• Sturdy hiking boots or Light mountaineering boots* (must be crampon compatible)
• Daypack* (30-40 litres)
• Lunch, snacks
• Water bottle (full!)
• Headlamp
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen, SPF lip balm
• Camera
• 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.)
• Trekking pole (recommended)*

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

Clothing

When scrambling in a high mountain environment, 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:

• Socks (synthetic/wool)
• Light synthetic shirt
• Softshell pants and jacket
• Midweight synthetic or down jacket
• Heavyweight insulated jacket
• Waterproof hardshell jacket with hood
• Waterproof hardshell pants
• Midweight gloves
• Gaiters
• Warm hat that fits under a helmet
• Sun hat

Additional gear info:

Mountaineering boots: A good pair of boots is essential. They need to be warm and crampon compatible. Yamnuska uses both the Scarpa Mont Blanc and Scarpa Charmoz boots

Daypack:  For single-day climbing trips your pack should be 30–40 litres.

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. Full payment is required at the 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.

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.

There are two basic types of insurance that most travellers 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, 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 Travelers. We highly recommend purchasing this insurance.

Please note that this coverage is for Canadian residents only. For guests who are not from Canada and who are interested in the ‘Visitors to Canada’ insurance package please contact the Simpson Group directly at JSimpson@simpson-group.com and reference your Yamnuska Mountain Adventure trip.