Canadian Heli-hiking Family Seminar July 7 to 15, 2021
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Canadian Heli-hiking Family Seminar
July 7 to 15, 2021
Imagine exploring an enchanted alpine realm firsthand in one of the last pristine wilderness areas of
North America, one that few humans have witnessed. Our Canadian heli-hiking adventure takes us to
terrain once achievable only by the hardiest mountaineers but now accessible to novice day hikers
thanks to our team of highly skilled mountain guides and world-class helicopter pilots. With faculty
leader Rob Dunbar, discover the grand landscapes of the Bugaboos in the Purcell Mountains as we walk
among remote peaks, majestic glaciers, alpine lakes and wildflower-carpeted meadows. It’s an awe-
inspiring experience not to be missed!
FACULTY LEADER
Rob Dunbar
Rob Dunbar, whose research interests span Earth science, climate change, oceanography, glaciology,
and conservation science, heads a Stanford research group that works on past, present and future
climate change as well as its impacts on oceanic environments and mountain belts around the globe. He
works regularly with the U.S. government and the United Nations to help develop and implement
solutions to environmental and resource problems.
Professor Dunbar led this program in 2001 and 2006, and he looks forward to returning and lecturing on
the fascinating geologic history of the Canadian Rockies as well as the changes that are underway during
our lifetimes, including dramatic warming, ecotone shifts and glacial melting. The “shake and bake”
processes that created the spectacular landforms we will hike through have also produced clear case
studies on how mountain belts—and their inhabitants—respond to environmental change. Our daily
hikes offer a real back-to-the-future adventure!
— At Stanford: William M. Keck Professor of Earth Sciences; Bass University Fellow in Undergraduate
Education; senior fellow at the Woods Institute for the Environment
— Recipient of the Richard W. Lyman Award for exceptional volunteer service to the university
— BS, geology, University of Texas at Austin
— PhD, oceanography, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego
ITINERARY
Wednesday, July 7
CALGARY, ALBERTA, CANADA / BANFF
Arrive on independent flights to Calgary and transfer by coach to Banff, nestled in the heart of Canada’s
first national park, Banff National Park. This evening enjoy a welcome reception at our legendary deluxe
château/hotel, which has breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. FAIRMONT BANFF SPRINGS
HOTEL
Thursday, July 8
BANFF
Start the morning with breakfast and a lecture, followed by a half-day guided tour of Lake Louise, known
as the crown jewel of the Canadian Rockies, and world-renowned Moraine Lake, both of which are part
STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY | (650) 725-1093 | TRAVELSTUDY@ALUMNI.STANFORD.EDU
FRANCES C. ARRILLAGA ALUMNI CENTER | 326 GALVEZ STREET | STANFORD, CA 94305Canadian Heli-hiking
July 7 to 15, 2021
of a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of their priceless natural beauty. You will have the
opportunity to wander the shoreline at Lake Louise and see the Victoria Glacier and the famous
Fairmont Château Lake Louise Hotel, then snap some shots of Moraine Lake in the beautiful Valley of
the Ten Peaks. Return to Banff and enjoy the afternoon at leisure exploring our hotel and its
surroundings or the town. FAIRMONT BANFF SPRINGS HOTEL (B)
Friday, July 9
BANFF / BOBBIE BURNS LODGE, BUGABOOS, BRITISH COLUMBIA
Depart Banff early this morning and travel westward along the shores of the Bow River, past the soaring
mountain citadels of Banff National Park, through Yoho National Park, to Golden, British Columbia. Drive
south through the Rocky Mountain Trench, with the Rockies to the east and the front ranges of the
Columbia Mountains to the west. Board our helicopter and enjoy a short, scenic flight to our first lodge,
where we are outfitted with all the equipment we’ll need for our hikes. Lunch is followed by a helicopter
ride to a mountaintop, where we begin hiking. Fly back to our lodge for a relaxing evening and dinner.
BOBBIE BURNS LODGE (B,L,D)
Saturday & Sunday, July 10 & 11
BOBBIE BURNS LODGE
Enjoy two full days of hiking with our expert mountain guides, who lead us to different scenic spots each
day, depending on conditions and the interests of the group. One option today is to summit the
challenging Mount Nimbus, climbing up metal rungs over two spires, traversing a suspension bridge
2,000 feet above the valley floor and climbing up the most extensive via ferrata (a fixed-steel-cable
climbing route) in North America. Or opt to undertake the Conrad Glacier adventure hike, an ambitious
yet rewarding experience that includes zip lining, crossing rivers over cabled bridges, navigating wild
canyons, clipping into cables to maneuver around powerful waterfalls and ascending a colorful vertical
rock slab by way of a via ferrata. Or perhaps a more leisurely walk sounds more appealing. At the end of
today, we fly back to our warm, cozy lodge for beverages and snacks, followed by a delicious dinner with
fellow hikers and guides. BOBBIE BURNS LODGE (B,L,D—BOTH DAYS)
Monday, July 12
BOBBIE BURNS LODGE / BUGABOO LODGE
Following breakfast at our lodge, take a helicopter ride to Grizzly Ridge, where we begin our all-day hike
to the high country in the nearby Bugaboos Range, enjoying a picnic lunch along the way. Our luggage,
which will be transferred separately to the Bugaboo Lodge, will be awaiting us in our rooms upon arrival.
After dinner perhaps enjoy the warmth of the sauna, get vertical on the lodge’s climbing wall or get
horizontal curling up with a book on a couch by the fire. BUGABOO LODGE (B,L,D)
Tuesday & Wednesday, July 13 & 14
BUGABOO LODGE
Enjoy two full days of heli-hiking geared to our desired levels of activity. The aptly named Skyladder Via
Ferrata hike starts with a half-day vertical tour on a series of metal rungs permanently affixed to the
rock, with cables running alongside to which we are clipped as we climb. The afternoon is spent hiking
above deep valleys and gazing over dazzling blue-and-white glaciers. To get even closer to the glaciers, if
conditions permit, try a glacier trek through a labyrinth of snow and ice, using ropes, crampons, ice axes
and harnesses. Despite the somewhat intimidating equipment, no training is needed to access this
magical glacier world. Or opt for a more leisurely hike or walk, or remain at our comfortable lodge to
relax on the lawn and bask in the sun, enjoying magnificent views of the surrounding glacier-covered
peaks and the iconic Bugaboo spires. Whatever one’s level of ability or desired activity may be, an
STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY | (650) 725-1093 | TRAVELSTUDY@ALUMNI.STANFORD.EDU
FRANCES C. ARRILLAGA ALUMNI CENTER | 326 GALVEZ STREET | STANFORD, CA 94305Canadian Heli-hiking
July 7 to 15, 2021
appropriate option will be available. Both evenings we return to the lodge for drinks, snacks, dinner and
the opportunity to share tales from the day’s adventures. On Sunday enjoy a farewell reception and
dinner together at our lodge. BUGABOO LODGE (B,L,D—BOTH DAYS)
Thursday, July 15
BUGABOO LODGE / CALGARY, ALBERTA / U.S.
Following breakfast, take one last helicopter ride to meet our coach for the drive through Kootenay
region and Banff National Park back to Calgary. Arrive at the airport and board early-evening flights back
home. (B,L)
INFORMATION
Covid-19 and Travel
With travel requirements and local Covid-19 conditions changing weekly, travel protocols for specific
destinations will be shared with confirmed travelers closer to departure. To read more about
Travel/Study’s approach to ensuring traveler health and safety, visit our Covid-19 Travel page.
About Family Seminars
Family Seminars are designed specifically for families traveling with adult children who have graduated
from high school; these trips offer a unique balance of touring, family time, educational opportunities
and access to Stanford faculty and scholars. Unlike our Family Adventures which feature a Young
Explorer program for children, Family Seminars invite young adults to participate in lectures and other
educational enrichment opportunities alongside their parents and grandparents. Families explore
together, and young adults experience the camaraderie of traveling with their peers. Travelers of all
generations gain a greater understanding of, and far deeper appreciation for, this destination and its
people.
Size
This trip is limited to 23 participants. Travel/Study is committed to providing a low-density experience
on all programs and will implement protocols to do so, including social distancing on transportation as
well as during lectures, meals and excursions. Single accommodations are limited—please call for
availability.
Cost*
$9,695 per person, double occupancy
$10,995 per person, single occupancy
*Stanford Alumni Association nonmembers add $300 per person
Included
● 2 nights of deluxe hotel accommodations at Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
● 6 nights of comfortable accommodations at our heli-hiking lodges
● 5½ days of helicopter-assisted walking, hiking and climbing adventures
● 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 6 dinners (light snack on drive from Banff to Bobbie Burns Lodge on
7/9; box lunches on heli-hiking excursions and on our transfer to Calgary on 7/15)
● Casual welcome and farewell receptions
STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY | (650) 725-1093 | TRAVELSTUDY@ALUMNI.STANFORD.EDU
FRANCES C. ARRILLAGA ALUMNI CENTER | 326 GALVEZ STREET | STANFORD, CA 94305Canadian Heli-hiking
July 7 to 15, 2021
● Drinking water on hiking excursions (Note: Reusable water bottles and lunch boxes will be
available for all guests to use.)
● Half-day tour of Lake Louise
● Gratuities to guides, drivers and pilots for all group activities
● All tours and excursions as described in the itinerary
● Use of hiking equipment: boots, insulated jackets, rain jackets, wind pants, daypacks and water
bottles
● Transfers and baggage handling on program arrival and departure days
● Minimal medical, accident and evacuation insurance
● Educational program with lecture series and predeparture materials, including an education
resource list and travel information
● Services of our professional tour manager to assist you throughout the program
Not Included
● Your personal flights to and from the program
● Passport and visa fees
● Immunization costs
● Meals and beverages other than those specified as included
● Independent and private transfers
● Trip-cancellation/interruption and baggage insurance
● Excess-baggage charges
● Personal items such as internet access, telephone calls, laundry and gratuities for nongroup
services
Air Arrangements
You are responsible for booking and purchasing airfare to the start location and from the end location of
the program. These air purchases are NOT included in the program cost. To assist you in making these
independent arrangements, we will send you details with your confirmation materials on when to arrive
and depart.
What to Expect
Our lodges are located in some of the most pristine wilderness of Canada’s western mountains, with
breathtaking scenery and access to prime hiking terrain. A typical day at the lodges begins with a 30-
minute optional stretch session, followed by a hearty breakfast. Top-quality hiking equipment, including
boots, rain gear, walking sticks and daypacks, is provided by the lodges. After breakfast we gather our
gear and a packed lunch and join our guides in preparation for the morning’s helicopter flight. A team of
highly experienced, fully qualified mountaineering and wilderness guides leads all our hikes, which take
place at altitudes from 6,000 to 9,000 feet. The terrain covers a whole spectrum of mountain
landscapes, including wildflower-carpeted meadows, icy glaciers, clear azure lakes and alpine forests.
Hikers are divided into groups of approximately 10 to 11 people, according to interests and fitness
levels, and the day is as leisurely or as strenuous as each group decides. We can accommodate all levels
of interest and aptitude. We return to our lodges in the late afternoon for relaxation, a hearty snack,
dinner and, on most nights, an evening lecture.
Both lodges feature comfortable accommodations with private bathrooms. Public facilities include a hot
tub, sauna, pond, spacious lounge, well-stocked bar and dining area where hearty, delicious meals are
STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY | (650) 725-1093 | TRAVELSTUDY@ALUMNI.STANFORD.EDU
FRANCES C. ARRILLAGA ALUMNI CENTER | 326 GALVEZ STREET | STANFORD, CA 94305Canadian Heli-hiking
July 7 to 15, 2021
served family-style so guests and guides can gather around the table and share stories from the day’s
adventures.
Anyone may participate in the easier walks and strolls. In order to participate in the more intense hiking
and climbing adventures, you should be able to jog a mile, walk four miles, ride a bike for eight miles or
complete a similarly strenuous workout. The via ferratas (a corruption of the Italian for “iron roads”) are
vertical pathways featuring permanently fixed cables that provide safety and metal-rung ladders that
make climbing easy. The via ferratas require no special skill or prior experience; if you are physically fit
and can climb a ladder, you can do it.
Ecologically sensitive practices and safety are top priorities during heli-hiking. Our Bell 212 helicopters
seat 11 passengers and are flown by pilots with extensive experience (often more than 20 years) and
outstanding safety records. Landing sites have been scouted over numerous seasons and are chosen for
their safety and access to beautiful areas. All guests are given a full helicopter safety briefing before our
first flight. You must be able, active and physically fit to participate in this program. We welcome
children 10 years of age and older on this program.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Deposit and Final Payment
A $1,000-per-person deposit is required to reserve space on this program. Final payment is due 90 days
prior to departure. As a condition of participation, all confirmed participants are required to sign an
Assumption of Risk.
Cancellations and Refunds
Deposits and any payments are fully refundable until 90 days prior to departure. After that date, refunds
can be made only if the program is sold out and your place is resold, in which case a $1,000-per-person
cancellation fee will apply.
Insurance
Stanford Travel/Study provides all travelers who are U.S. or Canadian citizens with minimal medical,
accident and evacuation coverage under our group-travel insurance policy. Our group policy is intended
to provide minimal levels of protection while you are traveling on this program. You may choose to
subscribe to optional trip-cancellation and baggage insurance. Information offering such insurance will
be mailed with your confirmation materials. The product offered includes special benefits if you
postmark your insurance payment within 14 days of the date your welcome was sent.
Eligibility
We encourage membership in the Stanford Alumni Association, as the program cost for nonmembers is
$300 more than the members' price. A person traveling as a guest paid for by a current member will not
be charged the nonmember fee. To purchase a membership, call (650) 725-0692 or visit
alumni.stanford.edu/goto/membership.
STANFORD TRAVEL/STUDY | (650) 725-1093 | TRAVELSTUDY@ALUMNI.STANFORD.EDU
FRANCES C. ARRILLAGA ALUMNI CENTER | 326 GALVEZ STREET | STANFORD, CA 94305Canadian Heli-hiking
July 7 to 15, 2021
Responsibility
The Stanford Alumni Association, Stanford University and our operators act only as agents for the
passenger with respect to transportation and exercise every care possible in doing so. However, we can
assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity in connection with the service
of any automobile, motor coach, launch or any other conveyance used in carrying out this program or
for the acts or defaults of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger or in carrying out
the arrangements of the program. We cannot accept any responsibility for losses or additional expenses
due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine, force majeure
or other causes beyond our control. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger,
as tour rates include arrangements only for the time stated. We reserve the right to make such
alterations to this published itinerary as may be deemed necessary. We reserve the right to cancel any
program prior to departure, in which case the entire payment will be refunded without further
obligation on our part. We also reserve the right to decline to accept or retain any person as a member
of the program. No refund will be made for an unused portion of any tour unless arrangements are
made in sufficient time to avoid penalties. Baggage is carried at the owner's risk entirely. The airlines
concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are
not on board their plane or conveyance. Neither the Stanford Alumni Association nor Stanford
University nor our operators accept liability for any carrier's cancellation penalty incurred by the
purchase of a nonrefundable ticket in connection with the tour. Program price is based on rates in effect
at the time the brochure is published and is subject to change without notice to reflect fluctuations in
exchange rates, tariffs or fuel charges.
California Seller of Travel Program Registration #2048 523-50
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