Kicking Horse, Canada

Here is some information about a resort which receives plenty of publicity regarding the incredible ski terrain offered, but little about what the summer months offer: Kicking Horse, Canada.

Kicking Horse Mountain Ski Resort offers some of the best ski vertical in the winter time with is famed "champagne powder" which is light fluffy snow (the stuff making snowballs out of is difficult). I have been up to my waste in this stuff, and you can still move easily! In the winter time, many use the Kicking Horse Powder Express to experience this ski resort from Banff and Lake Louise or you can stay right on the mountain.

Lets look at what the summer offers as we are finding more and more guests are now including Kicking Horse in their Rocky Mountain summer holiday itinerary.

✩ The Kicking Horse Summer Gondola. Another gondola?! This one is worth it too as there is an almost 100% you will see a grizzly bear at the top! Boo, the resident grizzly bear, lives in the largest grizzly bear reserve IN THE WORLD. There are day tours from Banff to Kicking Horse which actually guarantee the Grizzly sighting or you get to go on the tour again for FREE!

✩ Hiking and Mountain Biking. There are trails from the top of the gondola to make things easier for you - downhill all the way!

✩ Rafting. There are several White-Water Rafting trips available on the Kicking Horse River. Most tours include a mouth-watering BBQ lunch on the riverside.

✩ Jet Boating. Jet boating on the Kicking Horse Lower Canyon and Columbia River can also be easily integrated into any Rocky Mountain summer holiday package. This tour is usually combined with a rafting trip for additional package savings.

✩ Wolf Centre. See these beautiful animals up close and learn about their struggles against humans.

✩ Golfing. There is plenty of golfing to be had and the rates are fraction of comparable other resort golf courses. Tee times are easy to secure and can be included into a discounted Rocky Mountain Holiday package.

✩ Fishing. Nearby lakes located out of National or Provincial Park boundaries can be visited in a day. Permits are still required.

✩ Accommodation. Kicking Horse accommodation in the summer is very reasonably priced. There is on-mountain accommodation which certainly will not disappoint.

To ask how to incorporate Kicking Horse, Canada into your Rocky Mountain Holiday, just contact a Rocky Mountain Holiday specialist who can create your customised itinerary.

Any questions or suggestions about Kicking Horse, Canada? Visit KickingHorseCanada.com or post your comments on this Canadian Rockies Blog.

Information provided by: RockyMountainHolidays.com

Heli-Hiking Canada

Heli-Hiking in the Canadian Rockies is a great way to see some backcountry under careful supervision of a qualified guide. I have written a bit about my recent Heli-Hike experience and included some photos for you to enjoy.

I went out last Tuesday, October 14, which is getting quite late for Heli-Hiking. As you can see by the pictures, there was already some snow. Once the snow really accumulates, you can take advantage of a Heli-Snowshoe tours which can also be booked through rocky-peak Ski Holidays.

The drive to the Helicopter start point is spectacular in itself as you have to drive along the magnificent Icefields Parkway from either Jasper, Banff or Lake Louise. The location makes this tour a great addition to many itineraries in Western Canada as it is right en-route and so minimises travel time.

Once you arrive at the Icefields Heliport, just outside of Banff National Park, you will be safety briefed, geared up, and then you board the helicopter.

The helicopter takes you into the backcountry where you can start your hike with the certified guide. Martha, the guide, was very knowledgeable and has the qualifications to back this up!

The walk in itself was easy, however, if you are a stronger hiker, slightly more challenging heli-hikes can be arranged. The home-made gourmet lunch was delicious and really satisfying. After a couple of hours of hiking, the guide will radio the helicopter pilot and you will be picked up. It really is that easy!

I hope you enjoy the photos and if you have any questions, please feel free to post here and I will do my best to answer them, or you can contact rocky-peak Holidays direct.

Do you like Yoga? Why not try a Heli-Yoga tour?!

Memorable hiking in the Canadian Rockies.

There are many photo opportunities!

The only things left behind: your footprints.

Nature surrounds you. Opportunites to see wildlife.

The guide knows the area better than anyone!

Scenic mountain streams.

Abraham Lake greets you on your return flight.