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Day Hiking  Information


Welcome!

I would like to thank you for signing up for the day hike. It is going to be an adventure! I look forward to getting out with all of you. Everyone will be coming with their own unique experiences and fitness level and I feel confident that everyone will enjoy this trip. As a group adventure, whether private or one of our scheduled adventures, there will always be one person who is the fastest in the group and one who is the slowest. It's inevitable within a group, but our goal is to stay together and ask that the fastest person be kind and accomodate to the slowest pace. 

Although we cannot control the weather we are similar to mail delivery. We will head out in all weather unless it is unsafe to do so. Get ready for some exciting fun and keep your fingers crossed for good weather!

Meeting Your Guide

One week from the start of your day hike you will receive an email with more details. The email will include a google map link to the trailhead, confimation of the meeting time, the weather forecast, and other pertinent information. 

If you signed up for a Private Adventure your guide will meet you at the location agreed upon at the time of booking. At the meeting the guide will present a couple different options for the day. You will decide together, planning the best hike possible. 

Logistics

Accommodations

Looking for a comfortable place to stay while you spend time here in Canmore? Websites like booking.com are a great resource for finding suitable accommodation.  Also, check out our Resource page for recommended options.

Want to try something different? Ask us to put together a private backpacking trip for you. Sleep in a tent in the backcountry with the stars overhead. We take care of everything from the tents, food, and booking logistics. We even have affordable rentals for personal items like sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and backpacks. All you need to do is show up, we've got the rest!

Lunch

We've partnered with our favourite bakery in town. If you'd like to include lunch on your day hike let us know. For $16 you can place a custom order for a sandwich and cookie from JK Bakery. Your tastebuds won't be disappointed. 

JK Bakery can accomodate most food intolerances or preferences. 

Fill out this order form, after contacting Jenna, to place your custom order

Transportation

Transportation to and from the trailhead is not included in the price, unless otherwise arranged. As a result of COVID-19, all participants are expected to transport themselves to the trailhead. The guide will either meet you at the trailhead or convoy with you. 

Check out our resource page for advice on getting to Canmore 

Park Vehicle Pass

If your trip is taking place around Canmore in Banff National Park and you are driving please ensure you have a valid National Park vehicle pass. This covers you for rescue insurance while in the Park. You will be able to stop at the Banff National Park gate to pick up a pass when we drive to the start of our trip.

If we are heading into Kananaskis Country you will need a Kananaskis Country Conservation Pass

Waivers

Waivers will be handed out at the start of the adventure. If possible, please print, read, and sign a copy of the waiver and bring them with you.

Cancellation & Medical Insurance

Please consider trip cancellation insurance. It is also a good idea to have medical insurance if you are coming from out of country.

COVID-19

If you are feeling unwell please stay home. Be mindful that there is a chance someone could be contagious and not know it. The possibility of catching COVID-19 on this adventure does exist and we are doing everything we can to minimize this risk.

See the policies we've put in place to minimize the risk

Gratuities

Gratuities are a significant and important part of a guide’s pay. The industry recommended gratuity amount is 10% of the trip cost. Gratuities are always optional and based on level of satisfaction. Our guides are not permitted to solicit tips in any way other than doing their best to provide an exceptional trip for you, their guests.

Gear

We understand that when joining on a day hike you might not have all of the best gear. That's ok. We can work together to keep everyone warm, safe, and have fun out there. We've put together a list of "must haves" and "nice to haves" to help you best prepare. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about your clothing - we are here to help.  

If you require rental equipment, Jenna is happy to arrange this for you. Get Outside has a very affordable pool of rental gear.

"Must Haves"

  • For longer day hikes please leave cotton clothing and jeans at home. Cotton and Jeans are okay for our Discover the Mountains adventure

  • Durable hiking pants (quick dry or yoga pants work well). If partaking in a snowshoeing adventure hiking pants with long johns or yoga pants with rain pants over top are great combinations to keep you dry and warm

  • Synthetic or merino shirt (cotton shirt is okay for our Discover the Mountains adventure)

  • Gortex jacket (or equivalent rain jacket w/ hood)

  • Well fitting boots (sneakers with good tread will work in the summer on easy hikes. Boots are recommended for challenging hikes and are required in the winter)

  • Small backpack to carry water, snack, and extra clothing

  • From early September until mid June you'll need gloves or mitts (mitts are better for those who get cold hands), light jacket, warm puffy jacket, and a toque (yes, I am Canadian). The mountains are cold. It's better to have too much clothing than not enough. 

  • 1-2 Liters of water per person

  • Lunch for full day hikes and a snack for shorter hikes

"Recommended Items"

  • Pack cover (Just incase we get rained or snowed on. A plastic bag works well too)

  • Sunglasses

  • Sunscreen and lip protection with minimum SPF 30

  • Rain pants (If the weather forecast is poor or they are great with long johns underneth for snowshoeing adventures)
  • Hat for sun protection
  • Collapsible hiking poles

  • Hand sanitizer

Optional Items

  • Gem Trek Map of the area

  • Bear Spray - Your guide will carry their own

  • Camera

  • Bug Spray - can be useful during the spring months

Food

  • It's always good to bring a snack. Jenna can arrange lunch to be included on your adventure. Place your order

Some notes on equipment:

Jenna is here to help. If you have questions let her know. Also, check out the video we put together on layering for winter hiking. It might help you pick your layers for your adventure. 

Helpful Resources

One of the reasons why Jenna started Get Outside is because she likes to help people learn. If you you have a lot of questions about gear, clothing or trip planning no problem! Check out our "stories" section for an amazing collection of helpful tips and tricks. Or take a look at our resource section for ways to check the weather, suggestions on navigation apps, or even a stretching program.

Have a question that hasn't been answered, let us know and we will make a post specifically addressing your question. If you have a question,  inevitably other people will too!

Stories Section   Resources