Saying you’re going on a “heli-hiking” adventure might sound pretty intense, but it doesn’t have to be about pushing your limits — you can leave the experience feeling grounded, peaceful and relaxed.
Heli-hiking allows you to skip some of the boring parts of hiking and get straight to the incredible views in remote areas. Essentially, a helicopter scoops you up and brings you to remote areas in the back country to take in amazing alpine views and explore the outdoors in a new way.
And, when you go heli-hiking with CMH, it truly is an experience.
CMH offers four- and seven-day tours, and nearly everything is included in the package including accommodations, food and beverages, equipment and transportation right from the Calgary airport or one of the designated pick-up points along the route to the heli-pad about 20 minutes past Golden, B.C. From there, you’ll take your first 10-minute helicopter ride to the Bobbie Burns Lodge.
Once you arrive at the lodge, the stage for ease is set right away: you’re put into groups (usually six to eight people) based on the type of hikes you’d like to do. Each group is accompanied by one to two guides who will be with you the whole time, teaching you hiking skills, identifying flowers, helping you take Instagram-worthy photos and ensuring safety as you get on and off the helicopter for each hike.
Heli-hikers spend each night in the historic Bobbie Burns Lodge; a cozy but modern retreat that was remodelled in 2019. After your hike, jump in the shower (equipped with Alberta-made bath products), then throw on your robe and take a short walk through the lodge to the spa where you can enjoy an outdoor hot tub, a sauna and a massage. Keep exploring and you’ll find a fitness facility, outdoor swimming pond and relaxing games you can play before or after dinner.
Each dinner is prepared by talented local chefs and served in courses with an optional wine pairing or suggestions from the in-house bartender.
After a long day of hiking and a drool-worthy dinner, there’s no doubt you’ll sleep well. But, if you still have some energy, cozy up by the fire in the main lodge area to share your adventures with other guests, or head out onto the expansive patio to experience the stars without light pollution. The next morning, have a hearty breakfast and an optional stretching class before you do it all again!
Did you know?
CMH, originally Canadian Mountain Holidays, is a pioneering heli-skiing and heli-hiking company that has been delivering life-changing mountain experiences for over 55 years. One of CMH’s premier destinations, the fly-in backcountry Bobbie Burns Lodge is nestled at an elevation of 1,360 metres (4,462 feet) in the Purcell Mountains. The lodge underwent an $8.4-million renovation in 2019, enhancing its accommodations with a new guest wing and amenities such as a rooftop hot tub, games room, steam room, dry sauna, indoor climbing wall and a swimming pond.