ECOTOURISM

On the Goldrush Trail

This trail takes you past alpine lakes, natural hot springs and through country that once drew thousands of eager gold seekers in the mid-1800s.

At the end, there is the option of joining a three-day wilderness canoe venture down the Kootenay River, a spectacular opportunity that should not be missed by anyone with an interest in wilderness river paddling.

Tour Details

Not included in rates: Meals in Calgary, gratuities for the guides, alcoholic beverages, and 7% GST.

Itinerary:
Ft. Steele Ride

Day 1:
Guests will be met at the Calgary airport, transfer to Bragg Creek for reception and B&B accommodations. The evening is free to relax.

Day 2:
Drive to the staging area in Kananaskis Country, where you will be matched with your horse, kit loaded on pack-horses, and make the ride up the Spray River into Banff National Park.

Day 3:
Ride over Palliser Pass, crossing the continental divide into British Columbia and Height of the Rockies Provincial Park.

Day 4:
Continuing on a southerly heading, scale the treacherous but breathtaking Sylvan Pass and descend the White River on the far side.

Day 5:
Continuing the ride down the White River, stop before the Whiteswan Lake, perhaps take time to see if the fish are biting.

Day 6:
Passing Whiteswan, enter the valley of the Lussier River, beholding the scene of the enormous Ram Creek Forest fire some 20 years ago. The area is renown not only for its hotsprings, but Grizzlies. Days end should see you to Top-of-the-World Provincial Park.

Day 7:
Take a day to explore Top-of-the-World Provincial Park, one of BC’s little gems.

Day 8:
Cross an unnamed and rarely used pass leading into the valley of Wildhorse Creek. The name Wildhorse was on the lips of every gold-panner on the continent in 1863 when a large placer deposit was found there. In the years that followed, almost 40 tons of the yellow metal was washed sifted from the bed of Wildhorse Creek.

Day 9:
Ride past the ghost town of Fisherville to Ft. Steele, a historic village recreating the robust and sometimes dangerous frontier life of the Kootenays in the late 1800s, when detachment of the North West Mounted Police was dispatched hastily to deal with the imminent threat of an Indian war, and the famous Sam Steele brought law and order back.

Day 10:
Return to Calgary, or stay on for the canoe trip down the fast flowing Kootenay River.

Add-on:
Kootenay River – Wilderness Canoe Venture

Day 11:
For those who stay on, learn basic fast water canoeing techniques as you negotiate almost continual Class II rapids.

Day 12:
Continue down Kootenay, passing through amazing canyons and gorges.

Day 13:
Arrive at the mouth of the White River by the end of day, and revel in the accomplishments of the previous two weeks.

Day 14:
Return to Calgary.