Canadian Geographic Adventures
A one-of-a-kind classroom
Hike and learn with Canadian Geographic Ambassadors
Explore, hear stories, get inspired
We’ve partnered with Canadian Geographic for this unique opportunity to hike among the vast and varied Selkirk and Purcell mountain ranges in the company of featured Canadian Geographic ambassadors.
Receive invaluable instruction and one-on-one time with esteemed explorers and adventurers during this 4-day, small-group, heli-hiking travel experience. Experience some of BC’s wildest landscapes and feel transformed.
This is a classroom you won’t find anywhere else.
Trip Dates:
4-day trip at Bobbie Burns
Daisy Gilardini & David McEown - July 17– 20, 2025
Activity level:
All levels - beginner to advanced
Daisy Gilardini
Photography & Heli-Hiking
Daisy Gilardini is a conservation photographer specializing in polar regions, Antarctic wildlife and North American bears. She is a member of the International League of Conservation Photographers (ILCP) and the SeaLegacy Collective, a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and the Explorers Club, a Greenpeace Antarctic Ambassador and a Canadian Geographic Photographer-in-Residence. Her images have been published in leading magazines such as National Geographic, BBC Wildlife, Canadian Geographic, Nature’s Best and Outdoor Photography, among others.
David McEown
Painting & Heli-Hiking
David McEown has used watercolour for 30 years to explore and reflect many of Earth’s wild places. His paintings are represented in collections worldwide. A graduate of the Ontario College of Art and Design, he is also an elected member of the Canadian Society of Painters in Water Colour. He was awarded the prestigious A. J. Casson Medal in 2005 and 2018. David is a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society as well, and is a member of the Explorers Club. A sought-after teacher, David has presented and conducted workshops for art societies and museums worldwide.
Arrival Day
5:30 am
Depart via the CMH coach from Calgary, Banff or other pick-up locations and journey through the Canadian Rockies on your way to the helipad. Sit back and enjoy learning about this iconic Canadian route from an on-board interpretive guide, who will share with you the history and geography of this incredibly scenic drive.
9:15 am
Arrive at helipad for heli-transfer to CMH Bobbie Burns Lodge
10:30-11 am
Upon arrival, you’ll get acquainted with the lodge and be provided with any necessary gear
11:30 am
Lunch
1:00 pm
After a helicopter safety briefing enjoy your first hike exploring the mountains.
4-5 pm
Return back to the lodge where you can enjoy aprés-adventure refreshments, a soak in the hot tub or a massage
7:00 pm
Enjoy your first CMH Bobbie Burns gourmet family-style dinner – guides, staff, and your Can Geo Ambassador will join you for the meal each evening
Exploration Days
7:30 am
Wake up with a dynamic warm-up class
8:00 am
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast to start your day right. Pack your lunch for the day and get ready for your day of adventure.
9:00 am
First group will fly into the mountains. You will venture out to remote viewpoints with your Can Geo Ambassador.
12:00 pm
Lunch in the field
4:00-5:00 pm
Return to the lodge, where you can enjoy après-adventure refreshments, a soak in the hot tub or a massage and additional instruction from your Can Geo Ambassador if you require.
7:00 pm
Swap stories of your incredible adventures in the mountains as you enjoy a family-style dinner with your guides, lodge staff, and Can Geo Ambassador.
Departure Day
8:00 am
Enjoy a hearty lodge breakfast before heading out for your final morning hike
10:45 am
Private coach transfer from helipad to Lake Louise, Banff, Canmore and Calgary International Airport.
1:15 pm
Estimated arrival time in Banff
6:45 pm
Anticipated arrival at Calgary International Airport (YYC). We recommend guests do not book flights until after 5:45pm MT.
*Please note: Hiking schedule and lunch times may vary
Questions?
If you have questions, our team is happy to assist.
Call us at 1-800-661-0252
Extend Your Stay
Arrive early or leave later by extending your CMH stay with additional adventures in Banff and surrounding area. Our CMH Vacation Planning team can help you with the details.
Accommodations
A double occupancy room in the hotel-style CMH Bobbie Burns Lodge for the duration of your stay, featuring a full range of inviting onsite amenities.
Food & Beverage
Three meals per day – a chef-prepared breakfast and dinner plus packed lunches, après-hiking snacks and non-premium non-alcoholic refreshments.
Heli-Assisted Guided Adventure
Professionally accredited guides will accompany you on your adventure, featuring heli flights up and down the mountains plus return flights to your lodge. Learn more about Heli-Hiking
Ground Transportation
Transportation on the CMH coach from the Calgary International Airport (YYC), Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise or Golden to the CMH Bobbie Burns helipad, and return to Golden, Lake Louise, Banff, Canmore, and Calgary International Airport (YYC).
Equipment
Use of CMH hiking equipment, including boots, rain jackets, wind pants, day packs and hiking poles. Some of our guests opt to use their own equipment – the choice is yours.
- Alcoholic beverages
- Premium non-alcoholic beverages
- Massages
- Retail goods available for purchase
- Airfare to and from your city of origin
Questions?
If you have questions, our team is happy to assist.
Call us at 1-800-661-0252
Trip Information
If you’re thinking of a trip or have already booked and are looking for additional information, check out our Trip Information.
Bobbie Burns lodge
Elevate your expectations
Situated at 1,360m (4,462 ft), CMH Bobbie Burns Lodge was masterfully remodeled in 2019 and offers the height of wilderness hospitality. Inviting accommodations, lodge amenities and stellar cuisine all come together to create a perfectly luxurious retreat just a short drive from Calgary.
Featuring an outdoor hot tub, a games room a spa area with steam room, sauna and more, CMH Bobbie Burns Lodge brings mountain bliss into the spotlight. It also boasts the largest wine cellar in the CMH family of lodges. Coupled with a swimming pond and a babbling stream outside your door, CMH Bobbie Burns Lodge has all the ingredients for an unforgettable escape. Book your summer trip to Bobbie Burns today.
Amenities
- 32 guest rooms
- Outdoor hot tub
- Stunning mountain views
- Ropes course
- Full service bar
- Wine cellar extraordinaire
- Games room
- Music room
- Steam room and dry sauna
- Massage
- Indoor climbing wall
- Fitness room
- Swimming pond
- Chef-prepared meals & snacks
- Pastry chef
- Gear & gift shop
- Wi-Fi
- Complimentary laundry facilities
Each room includes
- Hand & body wash
- Bathrobe
- Shampoo / conditioner
- Hair dryer
Journey to Bobbie Burns
Your CMH Bobbie Burns trip begins with a private coach ride from Calgary, Banff and other select locations through Golden, BC, and onward to the helipad at Parson. Then you’ll enjoy a short heli ride to CMH Bobbie Burns Lodge – your home away from home, loaded with amenities and attractions.
Please note that a Parks Canada pass is required to park in Banff or drive to our helipads. If you’re self-driving and require a pass, you can avoid lineups at the park gate by buying a pass online.
Parking at the helipad is available at your own risk. CMH assumes no liability for vehicles parked at the helipad.
Self-Driving Directions (via Banff)
CMH Area Map
Calgary/Banff to Bobbie Burns helipad
2- 3.5 hrs
Enjoy private coach transportation from Calgary, Banff and other select locations along a corridor lined with Rocky Mountains and epic forests toward Golden, BC. From there, we’ll travel southwest to Parson, arriving at the Bobbie Burns helipad.
Bobbie Burns helipad to CMH Bobbie Burns lodge
10 mins
After disembarking your coach, you’ll get to meet your pilot and receive a full briefing on helicopter safety before your quick, exciting flight up to CMH Bobbie Burns Lodge. Time to lift off!
Custom Travel Options
Customize your travel details by contacting us
1-800-661-0252
What makes these trips different from your regular programs?
You’ll experience all CMH has to offer - and then some. Our Canadian Geographic Adventure trips include exceptional guided wilderness hiking, with the addition of a Can Geo Ambassador to enhance your experience. Pick their brain, listen to their stories, learn from them and wander the wilds with some of the most travelled people on the planet.
How much time do I get to spend with the Canadian Geographic Ambassadors?
You’ll have ample opportunity to connect with your Can Geo Ambassador. You’ll hike together during the day and enjoy dinner and drinks together in the evening as a group. You can also join a pre-trip virtual meet-and-greet with your Can Geo Ambassador.
Tell me more about Canadian Geographic Adventures.
We’ve partnered with Canadian Geographic to deliver these signature Canadian Geo Adventure trips – a curated offering of experiences that draw readers off the page and into the field. Guests who voyage with us on these specialty escapes are embraced by the fabric of their surroundings and the people within them. A portion of the fees from every Canadian Geographic Adventure booked is donated to the Royal Canadian Geographical Society to further its important programming.
What's the weather like?
Due to the high mountain environment, expect to experience various conditions. The weather can be sunny and warm, but be prepared for cooler temperatures, rain, wind and possibly snow.
Mountain weather can change with very little warning. Temperatures range from highs of 10˚C to 35˚C (50˚F-95˚F) and lows of 9˚C to -3˚C (48˚F to 26˚F).
I'm not a hiker - will I be able to keep up with the group?
Whether it’s a hike, walk or amble, each heli-hiking day is tailored to all levels of fitness, experience and age. We split the group as necessary, so that everyone can stay within their comfort level. The only requirement is a thirst for adventure.
