What should I bring?
Please arrive prepared for a mountain day, even on easier hikes. Weather can change quickly in Banff, Yoho, and Kootenay National Parks.
We recommend bringing comfortable hiking shoes or boots, weather appropriate layers, a rain jacket or shell, sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, lunch, snacks, enough water for the full hike, any personal medications, and a small backpack.
Bear spray is recommended if you have it and know how to carry it safely. Trekking poles are optional, but helpful for many hikers.
For longer black or double black hikes, preparation matters even more. A single 500 ml bottle of water is not enough for a full mountain day. Guests should bring enough food, water, and layers to stay comfortable for several hours away from vehicles and services.
Is lunch included?
Lunch is not automatically included unless stated in your hike details.
Guests are required to either bring their own lunch or pay to have lunch added on in advance. Snacks and enough water for the full hike are also required.
For longer black and double black hikes, all guests must have enough food and water for a full mountain day. A single 500 ml bottle of water is not enough for these routes.
Where do we meet?
Unless otherwise noted, hikes meet at Cascade Ponds in Banff.
At Cascade Ponds, drive straight toward the back parking area near the picnic shelters and washroom buildings, rather than turning right into the larger open parking lot.
Yoho National Park hikes usually meet at 8:00 a.m.
Banff and Kootenay National Park hikes usually meet at 8:30 a.m.
Your final confirmation will include the exact meeting time for your hike.
When do we leave Cascade Ponds?
We leave Cascade Ponds for the trailhead within 10 minutes of the scheduled meeting time.
Please arrive on time, ready to go, with your pack organized, water filled, washroom stop completed, and footwear on. This helps the group stay on schedule and protects the full hiking day for everyone.
Do we drive together from Cascade Ponds?
We may carpool from Cascade Ponds to the trailhead when appropriate. This helps reduce the number of parked vehicles at busy trailheads and keeps the group moving together.
Carpooling will depend on the route, group size, comfort level, vehicle space, and parking conditions.
Is transportation from Calgary available?
Transportation from Calgary may be offered through Poparide, but it is not guaranteed.
Guests are responsible for confirming their own transportation to the meeting point unless a specific transportation option has been arranged and confirmed in advance.
How long will we be on trail?
Time on trail varies by hike, group pace, trail conditions, weather, wildlife activity, parking, and other mountain factors.
Any listed hiking time is an estimate, not a guarantee. The guide may adjust the pace, route, turnaround point, or timing if conditions change or if a scenario arises that affects the group.
Can the hike change?
Yes. Final trail selection may change due to weather, wildlife activity, Parks Canada advisories, trail conditions, road access, smoke, snow, group ability, or guide discretion.
When needed, we may choose an alternate hike of similar distance, elevation, or experience level.
How fit do I need to be?
Each hike is rated using a simple mountain style system.
Green hikes are easier walks or lighter hiking days.
Blue hikes are moderate, with more distance, elevation, or uneven terrain.
Black hikes are difficult full day hikes.
Double Black hikes are advanced mountain days for experienced, well prepared hikers.
Please choose a hike that suits your current fitness, comfort, and hiking experience.
You need to advise of us recent surgery, any allergies or additional information the guide should be aware of.
What happens if I am not prepared?
For safety reasons, guests may be asked not to join a hike if they arrive without suitable footwear, clothing, water, food, or required personal items for the route.
This is especially important for black and double black hikes, where distance, elevation, weather exposure, and time away from services are more significant.
Are bathrooms available?
Bathrooms are usually available at Cascade Ponds, and some trailheads may have outhouses. Facilities vary by location and season, so guests should plan ahead and use the washroom before we leave the meeting point.
Are private hikes available?
Yes. Any scheduled Footnotes by Hideaway Travel hike may be made private by purchasing the full day, subject to guide availability, trail conditions, and group suitability.
Private hike days are a great fit for families, friend groups, solo travellers, photography focused guests, slower interpretive hikers, or experienced hikers looking for a more challenging objective.
What is the cancellation policy?
All fees are non-refundable within 7 days of the event.
Outside of 7 days, cancellation or transfer options may vary by hike, booking type, and any add-ons selected.
Trail changes due to weather, wildlife, Parks Canada advisories, road access, or guide discretion do not automatically qualify as cancellations, as an alternate hike may be offered.
