This sublime backpacking tour encapsulates much of the unique ambiance of the southern Canadian Rockies. Representative landscapes are revealed to you along the way as you crest each pass and enter each valley: Primeval forests, flower-strewn meadows, turquoise lakes reflecting rugged peaks and glaciers.
Experience the essence of the southern Canadian Rockies on this unforgettable backpacking adventure. Each pass and valley reveals a new landscape: ancient forests, vibrant wildflower meadows, turquoise lakes mirroring towering peaks and glaciers.
The journey is ever-changing, with colorful wildflowers blanketing the meadows in July and August, giving way to the golden larches that set the alpine ablaze in September.
Featuring mostly moderate distances and opportunities for ridge hikes, the Rockwall Highline is perfect for relative newcomers and seasoned backpackers. Alongside breathtaking views, you’ll share the trail with fellow adventurers from around the world, making it a truly exhilarating mountain escape.
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Availability (2025):
INTERNATIONAL NUMBER: +1 778 348 1676
You can also send an email to info@adventures.com, or use the contact form here below.
Find out more details about the tour and its highlights
Guide information: There will be a maximum of eight guests and a minimum of three. Your guide will be a fully-trained professional, licensed by Parks Canada.
Restrictions:
This trip is rated moderate. By using a food drop at Tumbling Creek, backpack weights are moderate. Participants will be carrying personal clothing and gear plus a fair share of food and group gear (tents, stoves, etc). By keeping personal gear light, pack weights need not exceed 16kg (35lbs).
Prior hiking experience is not a prerequisite but is recommended. Participants must be in good physical condition and able to carry a backpack over hilly terrain for a succession of days. The trails are generally good.
Transportation: Trips originate and end in Canmore, Alberta.
Weather: Summer temperatures average 15 to 25 degrees Celsius.
Meals & Dining:
The guides will supply all meals and trail snacks from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 5.
Trail cuisine is prepared from lightweight wholesome ingredients including custom-made dehydrated dinners. For guests with dietary restrictions, we are able to modify the program food pack to meet your individual needs.
We will meet in our classroom in Canmore at 7:00 am for introductions, trip review, and equipment issue/check. After packing up, it’s an hour drive north to the Paint Pots parking lot where we begin our hike. The famous Paint Pots is a source of red ...)
We will meet in our classroom in Canmore at 7:00 am for introductions, trip review, and equipment issue/check. After packing up, it’s an hour drive north to the Paint Pots parking lot where we begin our hike.
The famous Paint Pots is a source of red ochre clay, used for body paint by the indigenous people. Following Ochre then Helmet Creek, a gradually ascending trail leads us through mature forests of spruce and fir which opens up as we arrive at the campsite. Here we find ourselves at the base of a spectacular cirque dominated by one of the largest waterfalls in the Rockies, the 352m high Helmet Falls. Looking carefully, we may spot mountain goats grazing the precipitous slopes that rim the cirque. Distance, 14.6km. Elevation gain 624m.
Get ready for a heady dose of beautiful alpine scenery! Today the trail takes us to the base of Limestone Peak and the northern end of the ‘Rockwall’, our point of reference for the remainder of the trip. Before us lies a huge area of meadows that fo...)
Get ready for a heady dose of beautiful alpine scenery! Today the trail takes us to the base of Limestone Peak and the northern end of the ‘Rockwall’, our point of reference for the remainder of the trip. Before us lies a huge area of meadows that follow the Rockwall south. A five-minute side trip takes us to Wolverine Pass, a giant cleft in the Rockwall. From here we look over the Beaverfoot Valley to the spectacular spires of the Bugaboos some 70 kilometers away to the west. After this, we drop a short distance into the head of Tumbling Creek and our camp. Distance 12.4km. Elevation gain 700m., loss 560m.
Today is relatively easy involving a scenic climb to Tumbling Pass with the Tumbling Glacier not far to the side. Tumbling Pass is a narrow cleft and the meadows are dotted with larches that seem to be designed for our aesthetic pleasure. From the pa...)
Today is relatively easy involving a scenic climb to Tumbling Pass with the Tumbling Glacier not far to the side. Tumbling Pass is a narrow cleft and the meadows are dotted with larches that seem to be designed for our aesthetic pleasure. From the pass, we have the chance to do some ridge walking to enlarge the already marvelous vistas. Then it’s a long descent into Numa Creek where we camp once more. Distance 7.1km. Elevation gained 330m, loss 715m.
Today’s objective is Floe Lake, one of the most beautiful spots in the Rockies and a highlight of this trip. We reach it via Numa Pass, the highest point on the trail. Here, we are surrounded by high peaks whilst meadows and forests drop into the val...)
Today’s objective is Floe Lake, one of the most beautiful spots in the Rockies and a highlight of this trip. We reach it via Numa Pass, the highest point on the trail. Here, we are surrounded by high peaks whilst meadows and forests drop into the valleys below. Amazingly the view gets better as we descend, for below us appears Floe Lake, its blue waters speckled with ice that fell from the glacier above. The hard work is behind us now as we settle into this spectacular lakeside camp. Distance 10.2km. Elevation gain 860m, loss 315m.
In the summer of 2003, the valley below the campsite was burnt out in a large forest fire. This provides us with the unique opportunity to hike in a forest in its regenerative phase. We descend for 10km through the burnt forest to the Radium Highway,...)
In the summer of 2003, the valley below the campsite was burnt out in a large forest fire. This provides us with the unique opportunity to hike in a forest in its regenerative phase. We descend for 10km through the burnt forest to the Radium Highway, surrounded by flowering perennials taking advantage of the extra sunlight. Hiking in this valley we come to understand how fire is a positive force of regeneration! Transportation is awaiting us at the trailhead, and we head back to Canmore! Distance 10.7km. Elevation gain 308m, 1000m loss.
Deposit and taxes
Pricing does not include: 5.00% GST.
A 35% deposit is required to hold your reservation.
Balance of payment is due 57 days before trip commencement.
CANCELLATION POLICY & DETAILS
You have 24 hours from when you make your booking to change or cancel with no charge to you (provided your booking does not depart within 15 days).
If canceling your public or private program anytime between the time of booking and up to 57 days before the program start, you will receive a full refund less a $100.00 (plus tax) administration fee and less a 4% service fee. The 4% service fee is calculated on the total amount being refunded for the canceled program. This includes the program fee, any program add-ons (such as gear rental) and taxes.
Cancellation less than 42 days before the program start and during the program results in a loss of the entire amount paid. We will gladly accept a substitute guest should you not be able to attend provided they meet the prerequisites for the program.
Between 56 days and 42 days before the program start, 60% of the program cost will be refunded.
We will gladly accept a substitute guest should you not be able to attend provided they meet the prerequisites for the program. Cancellations must be received in writing (letter, fax or email).
