Spirit Walker - Wilderness with Native American

  Canada

• Alberta: 
Banff

Dates: 2007 - June 18-25, July 16-23 and August 6-13, 20-27

Description: The location is the Canadian Rocky Mountains near Banff - but are well away from the crowded park trails as we explore the Canadian wilderness and the Rockies.

We will trek into the secluded and remote backcountry, which is seldom visited.   The area is ideal for trekking as it is packed with rugged and beautiful nature, spectacular views, wildlife, vivid vegetation, learning opportunities, and a chance to participate in some unique cultural and wilderness activities, based on native teachings, to enhance the experience.

Highlights: The native Americans still know a great deal more than most about nature and on this very special trip, you get to do some wild camping and hiking PLUS native American ceremonies such as a sweat lodge and an untold number of new ideas for you about nature and much more. This is a very refreshing and enlightening experience.

Wildlife, including bear, elk, marmot and deer often frequent these areas, and the views looking out over the Cross River valley, the end of the Spray River Valley in Banff National Park, and Slab Lake in the light of the morning sun alone are worth the effort of this trip.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive at our lodge (30km SW of Banff - as the eagle flies) and settle in to your cabin and relax. Take time and explore the immediate area before you enjoy a gourmet dinner. D.

Day 2 An early breakfast and a briefing on some standard wilderness safety procedures, including bear safety. We then set out for the trailhead and trek to the historic White Man Pass. Our ascent takes us up through dense forest, over river beds, and through open marshlands to the top of the pass, where we camp. B, L, D.

Day 3 Today we trek to Rock Pass and then head down into Table Meadows and over to the tree line plateaus around Glacier Lakes, where we will camp. Throughout the day, there will also be many opportunities for identifying various animal tracks and plants and possibly other nature awareness activities based on native teachings. The views in all directions are spectacular and, depending on time of year, the wildflowers of Table Meadows colourfully highlight the way. Glacier Lakes provide a beautiful backdrop to the end of our day with their ice floes, waterfall, and setting amidst the surrounding mountain peaks. B, L, D.

Day 4 After a morning hike around the surrounding ridges, we will return to our lodge for a delicious home-cooked meal, a relaxing soak in our outdoor wood-fired hot tub, and then dinner together around the campfire. B, L, D.

Day 5 After breakfast we raft part of the Kootenay River. The conditions are variable and normally we expect rapids of class 2 and 3 with the odd class 4.   B, L, D.

Days 6 & 7 These days are set aside for a learning experience with a native American elder. We will take part in various nature hikes, nature awareness activities and native ceremonies, such as a sweat lodge, council fire, and / or various thanksgiving and rising sun ceremonies. It will be a relaxing and enlightening finish to our week. These two days may have an impact on you for the rest of your life. B, L, D.

Day 8 After lunch we head home or on to our next adventure. B, L.

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

You can book as an individual, but we need a minimum of 4 for the trip to proceed. The maximum size of the group on this trip is 8, unless special arrangements are made.

Cost in US$: 1780

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.

Participants Travel to Canada Independently

Post Services Include:

• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Nepal Kingdom Foundation & Muirs Tours's Mission Statement: The Nepal Kingdom Foundation was established in 1982 to develop community spirit and preserve the culture and traditions of the Nepalese people in the UK. In 1999 the objectives were extended to include development projects in Nepal to help the needy of one of the world's poorest countries. The not-for-profit tour operation - Muirs Tours was set up in July 1999 by the Nepal Kingdom Foundation as a means of raising funds for use in projects in Nepal and the Nepalese Community in the UK. From the outset Muirs Tours planned to provide trips to other places outside of Nepal and support to other charities. It currently supports the WWF, the John Muir Trust, Tourism Concern, Survival International, the Tibetan Government in exile, the American Indian Heritage Foundation as well as the Nepal Kingdom Foundation.

Year Founded: 1982 & 1999