Transfer Option:

New camps are established daily as the expedition penetrates further into the mountains. Each day your guide takes you to breath-taking lakes and mountain passes while your cook and packer ride on to set up a new campsite. Meals are cooked over an open fire and the animals are hobbled to graze overnight, this really is the next step in true wilderness experiences.
Our Expedition schedule offers many different routes, each one offering its own unique locations and scenery. This gives guests the opportunity to ride through country that is only ridden once or twice a year, as well as a chance to come back year after year and ride through new areas!

Expedition #1: Banff –Ya Ha Tinda   Dates 2010: July 1-6
Departs from Banff taking you to the Elk Trap, Dormer Pass, the Lower Panther River, Tyrell Creek and ends in Ya Ha Tinda
Expedition #2: Ya Ha Tinda-Banff   Dates 2010: July 8-13
Departs from Ya Ha Tinda taking you to Tyrell Creek, Lower Panther River, Dormer Pass, the Elk Trap and ends in Banff.
Expedition #3: Wildlife Monitoring   Dates 2010: July 15-20
Departs from Banff and travels up the Sundance Pass, to Eau Claire, Spray Lake, Assinibione Pass, Tall Timbers, Allenby Pass, Halfway Meadows and ends at Healy Creek.
Expedition #4: Johnston-Panther  Dates 2010: July 22-27
Departs from Johnston Creek taking you to Flints Park, North Cascade River, Panther Pass, the Upper Panther River, Harrison Lake, Sulphur Springs and ends at the Panther River.
Expedition #5: Panther-Johnston   Dates 2010: July 29-Aug 3
Departs from the Panther River taking you to Sulphur Springs, Harrison Lake, Upper Panther River, Panther Pass, North Cascade River, Flints park and ends at Johnston Creek.
Expedition #6: Johnston-South Molar Pass   Dates 2010: Aug 5-10
Departs from Upper Johnston Creek taking you to the Pulsatilla Pass, Baker Creek, Red Deer Lakes, Cyclone, South Molar Pass and ends at Mosquito Creek.
Expedition #7: South Molar Pass-Johnston   Dates 2010: Aug 12-17
Departs from Mosquito Creek taking you to South Molar Pass, Cyclone, Red Deer Lakes, Baker Creek, Pulsatilla Pass and ends at Upper Johnston Creek.
Expedition #8: Dolomite- Ya Ha Tinda   Dates 2010: Aug 19-24
Departs from the Dolomite Pass Taking you to Isabella Lake, Clearwater Pass, Devon Lakes, Clearwater Lake, Mallock Creek, Indian Head, Divide Pass, Red Deer River, Tyrell Creek and ends at Ya Ha Tinda.
Expedition #9: Ya Ha Tinda- Dolomite   Dates 2010: Aug 26-31
Departs from Ya Ha Tinda taking you to Tyrell Creek, Red Deer River, Divide Pass, Indian Head, Mallock Creek, Clearwater Lake, Devon Lakes, Clearwater Pass, Isabelle Lake and ends at Dolomite Pass.
Expedition #10: Wildlife Monitoring   Dates 2010: Sept 2-7
 Departs from Banff and travels up the Sundance Pass, to Eau Claire, the Spray Lake, Assinibione Pass, Tall Timbers, Allenby Pass, Halfway Meadows and ends at Healy Creek.
Expedition #11: Johnston-Banff   Dates 2010: Sept 9-14
Departs from Johnston Creek taking you to Badger Pass, Flints Park, Panther River and the Cascade Valley ending at Elk Lake Summit.
Expedition #12: Banff- Johnston   Dates 2010: Sept 16-21
Departs from Elk Lake Summit taking you along the Cascade Valley, Panther River, to Flints Park, Badger Pass and ending at Johnston Creek.
Expedition #13: Wildlife Monitoring   Dates 2010: Sept 23-28
Departs from Banff and travels up the Sundance Pass, to Eau Claire, the Spray Lake, Assinibione Pass, Tall Timbers, Allenby Pass, Halfway Meadows and ends at Healy Creek.
 

Tours #3, 10 and #13 - Wildlife Monitoring Trips.
The Adventure Expeditions are the most rugged type of trips we offer, there are no showers and in some of the camps there are no outhouses.  This ride sets up a new campsite each night in remote areas of the park. 

Wildlife Monitoring Trips
We are excited to offer you a unique Expedition trip through the Spray Valley wildlife corridor. In 1992 and 1993, the valley was designated a carnivore conservation area, restricting human access. This year, in cooperation with Parks Canada, we are pleased to offer a limited number of research trips through this area. You will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: with the help of wildlife researchers, guests will help document the behavior and any behavioral changes of bears and wolves as you pass through this corridor. Each group will be accompanied by a Parks Canada researcher.

You depart Thursday morning from the Healy Creek pack station and spend your first night at Halfway Meadows. The next morning you'll ride over Allenby Pass to the Tall Timbers camp to spend two nights. This layover allows time for one of several spectacular day rides. On day four you'll head down Bryant Creek, travel along the Spray Lake and spend the night at the Fortune camp. This area marks the beginning of the wildlife monitoring project. Day five takes you through the valley and is spent on wildlife research, overnight near the Eau Claire camp. The sixth morning of your trip will take you through the last stretch of the research area by way of Sundance Pass and down Sundance Creek, ending at our stables in Banff.
The special Expedition trip gives our guests the best of both worlds. It is designed for those who are specifically interested in the process of tracking and monitoring wildlife in the park, while still being able to travel through spectacular mountain scenery. Join us for an unforgettable trip!

These are average temperatures at an elevation of 4852 feet.  Temperatures will drop at higher elevations.

When packing your gear, keep in mind it is being packed out on a mule and our animal's comfort is very important to us. By following these guidelines you can help us ensure that.

You must pack your gear in soft-sided, cloth or nylon bag. It can not have any hard edges, frames or wheels. Your gear is restricted to a Total maximum weight of 30 lbs (sleeping bag, thermorest pad, and your duffel). It's a good idea to line the inside of your bag with garbage bags for waterproofing. You may pack your sleeping bag and mattress separately from your other gear. Your coat, rain gear, hat and gloves are packed separately from your duffel and are either worn or tied with saddle strings to the back of your saddle. Saddlebags, rain gear and other essentials that you are taking on your horse with you are not included in the 30lb weight restriction.

If you would like to bring saddlebags please fill them with only those essential items that you would need during the day, such as lip balm, your camera, sunscreen, etc. We reserve the right to limit the amount of gear in the saddlebags for weight. Fanny packs (a small pack that ties around the waist) also work well. Daypacks, backpacks or other bags are NOT allowed -- they are hard on your back and hard on the horse's back, and do not tie properly to the saddle. We have a limited supply of saddlebags for rent for $2/day, however we suggest you book them early, as last year this was a popular service. These are available for pick up upon check in (sorry, no earlier), and are rented out on a cash only basis.

A maximum of 8 guests are allowed on the moving trips and duffel is kept at a weight not exceeding 30 lbs.

The following list details essential items to bring with you:

1.      A warm sleeping bag -- We recommend a bag rated to -15 degrees Celsius or 5 degrees Fahrenheit. You may not need one quite that warm, but it sure comes in handy if you do. To further keep you snug and warm, we also recommend that you bring a flannel sheet or non-bulky blanket that fits inside your sleeping bag.

2.      A treated canvas tarp -- used to wrap under and around your sleeping bag to help keep you warm and dry during the night. This can also be used during the day to waterproof your sleeping bag (see instructions below on how to make a bedroll). Tarps can often be found at army surplus stores. Heavy cotton found at a fabric store can be waterproofed and serve the same purpose. Although canvas tarps are what we use and recommend, you are welcome to bring the bedroll of your choice. We have a limited supply of 8'x10' treated canvas tarps for rent for $5/day. If you are interested in this service, please book early. These are available for pick up upon check in and are rented out on a cash only basis.

3.      A mattress -- A self-inflatable mattress (e.g. Thermarest) works the best to ensure a comfortable night's sleep. You will be sleeping on a wooden floor in your tent.

4.      A warm coat -- Essential to ward off chilly nights or a windy day. Also bring a heavy sweater (wool is a great insulator) or fleece jacket.

5.      Rain gear -- A rain coat and rain pants, and if possible, coverings for your boots and hat. Please DO NOT bring rain ponchos, they flap in the wind and spook the horses. If you have an oilskin slicker, we definitely recommend that you bring it. We have a limited number of full length oilskin slickers for rent for $7/day. If you are interested in this service, please book early. Slickers are available for pick up upon check in and are rented out on a cash only basis.

6.      Shirts -- 2 Sweatshirts, 1 long-sleeved shirt (turtleneck if you prefer) and 2 t-shirts. Adjust according to the length of your trip.

7.      Jeans -- We suggest one pair for riding in during the day and another pair for wearing around camp. Two pairs of jeans are all you should need on any of our trips. Also important is a pair of long underwear for chilly nights.

8.      Riding boots -- A boot with a heel that can easily slip in and out of stirrups. Alternatives would be a narrow style of hiking boot or solid sneaker. For safety reasons, clunky hiking boots are not recommended. Plastic bags inside your boots will help keep your feet dry on rainy days.

9.      Sneakers -- or an extra pair of shoes for wearing around camp. An extra pair of DRY socks is also recommended.

10.  Toiletries -- Towel, facecloth, biodegradable shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, disposable razors, etc. Please note that we do not have any electricity at the camps. WE SUPPLY TOILET PAPER AND HAND SOAP AT ALL CAMPS.

11.  Flashlight -- Remember to check your batteries!

12.  Hat -- A cowboy hat offers the most protection from the elements. Baseball caps or canvas-type hats are also fine.

13.  Gloves -- Lined leather or suede gloves provide protection from the elements and a sure grip on the reins (bring two pair just in case).

14.  Scarf -- A silk or cotton scarf/bandana is recommended for extra warmth.

15.  Sunscreen-- sunglasses and mosquito repellent are important as well.

16.  Your camera -- Don't forget extra film.

17.  Chaps -- If you have them, bring them.

18.  Liquor -- Please make sure that all bottled liquor is well-wrapped in plastic and placed in the middle of your duffel to prevent it from breaking. Plastic bottles are preferred. Please remember that alcohol is included in your 30 lb weight limit on your duffel (all camps are supplied by mule or pack horse).

19.  Cellular phones do not work in the areas you'll be riding in so leave them somewhere safe.

20.  Water bottle - for refreshment while you are riding.

EQUIPMENT RENTAL

It's a good idea to reserve ahead if you are interested in renting saddlebags or rain slickers. Saddle bags rent for $2 a day. Rain slickers rent for $7 a day.

Sleeping bags and ground mats are about $12 a day

http://www.snowtips-bactrax.com/bactrax/index.html

Cellular phones do not work in the areas you’ll be riding in so leave them somewhere safe.

When packing your gear, keep in mind it is being packed out on a mule and our animal’s comfort is very important to us.  By following these guidelines you can help us ensure that.

You must pack your gear in soft-sided, cloth or nylon bag.  It can not have any hard edges, frames or wheels. Your gear is restricted to a Total maximum weight of 30 lbs. (sleeping bag, thermorest pad, and your duffel). It’s a good idea to line the inside of your bag with garbage bags for waterproofing.  You may pack your sleeping bag and mattress separately from your other gear.  Your coat, rain gear, hat and gloves are packed separately from your duffel and are either worn or tied with saddle strings to the back of your saddle. Saddlebags, rain gear and other essentials that you are taking on your horse with you are not included in the 30lb weight restriction.
If you would like to bring saddlebags please fill them with only those essential items that you would need during the day, such as lip balm, your camera, sunscreen, etc.  We reserve the right to limit the amount of gear in the saddlebags for weight. Fanny packs (a small pack that ties around the waist) also work well.  Daypacks, backpacks or other bags are NOT allowed -- they are hard on your back and hard on the horse’s back, and do not tie properly to the saddle. 

We have a limited supply of saddlebags for rent for $2/day, however we suggest you book them early, as last year this was a popular service. These are available for pick up upon check in (sorry, no earlier), and are rented out on a cash only basis.

Meals:  Although we can cater to some specialty diets, we do not cater specifically to vegetarian diets.  There are always plenty of meat-free options available. However we do not offer a “vegetarian” main course. 

Passports
Passport valid for at least one day beyond the intended departure date from Canada required by all nationals referred to in the chart except the following:
(a) 1. Canadian citizens holding a Canadian Certificate of Identity, Canadian birth certificate or a certificate of Canadian citizenship;
(b) permanent residents of Canada with proof of status, ie Permanent Resident Card, Record of Landing, Returning Resident Permit or a Refugee Travel Document issued by the government of Canada to refugees who have been resettled in Canada;
(c) 2. citizens of the USA holding proof of citizenship (eg US birth certificate or US naturalisation papers).
Note: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport or other approved document when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced as early as 1 January 2008. For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html.
(d) persons entering from St Pierre & Miquelon or the USA who are legal permanent residents of the USA and hold a US alien registration card (Green Card);
(e) 3. citizens of France who are residents of and entering from St Pierre & Miquelon.
Note: (a) Children under 18 years must have information with them on the people responsible for their welfare, if travelling alone; this includes a letter of permission to travel from guardian(s), and also a letter from the custodian in Canada. (b) Depending on circumstance and nationality, certain applicants may need to undergo a medical examination in order to receive their visas; this must be carried out by a physician on Canada's list of Designated Medical Practitioners.
Passport Note
Visitors to Canada must satisfy an examining officer at the Port of Entry that they are genuine visitors, in good health, with no criminal convictions, and have sufficient funds to maintain themselves during their stay in Canada and to return to their country of origin, as well as evidence of confirmed onward reservations out of Canada. Persons under 18 years of age who are unaccompanied by an adult should bring with them a letter from a parent or guardian giving them permission to travel to Canada.

Identity/travel documents issued to non-national residents of the country of issue, refugees or stateless persons are recognised for travel to Canada.

Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in chart above (visitor or transit) for stays of up to six months except the following:
(a) 4. holders of passports endorsed ‘British Subjects’ and ‘British Protected Persons’;
(b) 5. nationals of Bulgaria and Romania;
(c) those visiting Canada who, during that visit, also visit the USA or St Pierre & Miquelon (a French Overseas Territory) and return directly to Canada as visitors within the period authorised on their initial entry (or any extension thereto).

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the high commission to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Visa Note
The Government of Canada refuses admission to: (a) holders of passports issued by the UK Government entitled 'British Temporary Resident's Passport'.

(a) A single-entry visa is still valid if used to visit the USA. (b) Persons wishing to attend a course of six months duration or less, at any level, do not require a study permit. However, if there is the possibility that you will extend your period of study in Canada, or if you are a full time student and wish to work on campus, you may apply for a study permit.
Types of Visa and Cost
Visitor: C$75 (single-entry); C$150 (multiple-entry). Family: C$400 (for families of six or more persons). Transit: free. Transit visas are necessary for all nationals who require a visitor visa. Although transit visas are not required by British citizens, they may be required by foreign nationals with British passports; check with the embassy or high commission for details. For further information on payment methods, contact the high commission. Prices are subject to frequent change.
Validity
Up to six months depending on circumstances of individual applicant. The determination regarding length of stay in Canada can only be decided by the examining officer at the port of entry, but visas cannot exceed the validity of the passport and cannot be longer than five years. If no actual departure date is indicated within the visitor’s passport, then the visitor will be required to depart within three months from the date of entry. Visitors must effect their departure from Canada on or before the date authorised by the examining officer on arrival. If an extension of stay is desired, an application must be made in writing to the nearest Canada Immigration Centre at least three weeks before the expiry of the visitor visa. Multiple-entry visas cannot be valid longer than passport. Transit visas are only allocated if a national's flight/onward journey is continuing within 24 hours. Single-entry visas can be used multiple times by nationals of St Pierre & Miquelon and the USA.
Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy or high commission)
Working Days Required
10 days are required from receiving applications, but applications should be made at least one month prior to the intended date of departure. Certain nationals are subject to longer processing times. For urgent applications it is advised to apply in person. Same-day processing is available for applications made in person and 24-hour processing for those using the drop-in service.