colossal glaciers roam by ancient ice
backcountry adventure for the whole family
legendary hikes experienced by few
Welcome to the high country
With some of the most impressive hiking terrain, glaciers and via ferrata in Canada, a summer trip to CMH Cariboos is the perfect lodge to let you explore this massive terrain with your guided group for the best summer of your life.
About the Lodge
After a day trekking among giant glaciers, you’ll return to a comfortable home-away-from-home nestled far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
- Remote location
- 27 rooms
- Outdoor hot tub
- Sauna
- Massage therapy
- Climbing wall
- Games room
- Swimming pond
- Music room
Trip Highlights
Remote locations are easy to get to when you've got a heli. Access some of the most stunning scenery in Canada via helicopter, with a highly-qualified guide as your lead, and a group of like-minded hikers as your companions.
- True wilderness adventures
- Zillmer Canyon Via Ferrata
- Encore Ridge & Virgin Bowl Hikes
- Colossal glacier views
- Zillmer Canyon Hike
- Off the grid luxury
Coming Summer 2019 to CMH Cariboos
Zillmer Canyon Via Ferrata
Ascend an exhilarating mountain route through a winding canyon, following the torrent waters of an ancient glacier while traversing zip-lines and wire bridges on this unforgettable half-day adventure.
This is a lifetime experience.
Feature Hike
Encore Ridge & Virgin Bowl
Our guides cherish every opportunity to share the mountains with beginners and experts alike. They’ll lead you through stunning locations such as Encore Ridge where you’ll overlook a sea of mountains, or on the Virgin Bowl hike that serves up diverse terrain in a dramatic setting..
Feature Hike
Zillmer Canyon
We bet you’ve never seen glaciers like this before. Here, you’ll fly into a breathtaking canyon where the frozen Zillmer Glacier pours off the mountains and into the valley below - this hike will leave you awe-struck for all the right reasons.
The World Famous Drive to the Cariboos
Getting here is part of the fun. The road trip from Calgary through Banff and the Icefield Parkway on your way to CMH Cariboos is frequently noted as one of the most scenic drives in the world. Peppered with iconic scenery and endless stopping points, you’ll want to make sure your camera is close by.
Just as Incredible in Winter
Ski the runs you can hike in summer and see the same massive glaciers covered in swathes of snow. CMH Cariboos offers some of the best (and biggest) skiable terrain in Canada. It’s called the ‘high-country’ for a reason.
Book Your Dream Trip
Classic Heli-Access Hiking + Via Ferrata
Take a 3- or 6-day trip through breathtaking scenery hardly anyone else has seen. You’ll catch a morning helicopter then spend the day exploring mountain ridges and meadows. As a group we’ll get so far off the beaten path that there aren’t any paths at all – then we’ll head back to civilization (and a very luxe lodge).
frequently asked questions
- How do I get to the Cariboo Lodge?
There are two ways for you to get to the Cariboo Lodge.
- Pick up by CMH - On the morning of your trip start date, we will pick you up from Banff, Lake Louise or Jasper in a private coach to drive you to the Cariboo helipad. Once there, you’ll take a short 10-minute flight before arriving at the lodge. On your departure day, you start with breakfast, a hike and lunch, before receiving a heli-transfer to meet your coach, which will then drive you back to Jasper, Lake Louise, Banff or Calgary.
- Self-drive - If you choose to self-drive to the Cariboo helipad, we ask you to arrive by 13:15 pm MT to ensure a proper introduction to the Cariboos program. If you arrive late, you may miss your flight to the lodge! If you want to drive yourself to the helipad, download our self-driving map via Kamloops or via Banff.
- Pick up by CMH - On the morning of your trip start date, we will pick you up from Banff, Lake Louise or Jasper in a private coach to drive you to the Cariboo helipad. Once there, you’ll take a short 10-minute flight before arriving at the lodge. On your departure day, you start with breakfast, a hike and lunch, before receiving a heli-transfer to meet your coach, which will then drive you back to Jasper, Lake Louise, Banff or Calgary.
- What's a typical day like? How much will I hike?
Morning offers choices: join the morning stretch or sleep a little longer. Breakfast is served at 8:00am and the first helicopter leaves at 9:00am.
Each group, with its own guide, spends the day roaming and hiking in the mountains. Over the course of the day, the helicopter may move each group to three or four different areas giving you a chance to experience a variety of settings. Lunch is picnic-style with food that you pack from a great selection set out at the lodge each morning.
In the late afternoon, we fly back to the lodge for tea, goodies and relaxation prior to a spectacular dinner and an evening of story-swapping. Just as our groups vary, our mileage varies from approximately one kilometre (1/2 mile) to 15 kilometres (9 miles) - guests hike as much or as little as they desire.- What's a typical trip itinerary?
The day you arrive at the lodge we will outfit you with boots, jackets, daypacks, rainpants, walking poles and a water bottle. Lunch will be served then you will head outside for a helicopter safety briefing. The next morning you can join the morning stretch or sleep a little longer. Breakfast is served at 8:00 am and the first helicopter leaves at 9:00 am.
Each group, with its own guide, spends the day roaming and hiking in the mountains. Over the course of the day the helicopter may move each group to three or four different areas giving you a chance to experience a variety of settings. Lunch is picnic-style that you pack from a scrumptious selection set out each morning. In the late afternoon we fly back to the lodge for tea goodies and relaxation prior to a spectacular dinner and an evening of story-swapping. Just as our groups vary, our mileage varies from a kilometre or so (1/2 mile) to 15 kilometres (9 miles). Our guests hike as much or as little as they desire.- 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 tempertaures, rain, wind and possibly snow.
Mountain weather can change with very little warning. Temperatures range from highs of 10 to 35 degrees C (50 - 95F) to lows of -1 to 15 degrees C (30 - 50F).- What's included in my trip? What should I pack?
All of CMH’s Summer adventures include accommodation at one of two spectacular lodges, food and non-alcoholic beverages, certified guides and helicopter pilots, safety training and the use of hiking equipment (boots, jackets, daypacks, rainpants, walking poles, and water bottles). Our What’s Included page will give you full details on everything that is included.
For our Heli-Assisted Hiking Trips, we recommend you pack the following:- Lightweight sweater/fleece/vest
- 2 long- and short-sleeved shirts or technical shirts
- Comfortable pants for hiking (jeans are not recommended)
- 2-3 pairs of socks (wool or synthetic; thick and thin pairs)
- Shorts (or zip-off combination long pants/shorts)
- Good-quality sunglasses
- Hat or ball cap
- Warm gloves (be prepared for all types of weather)
- Camera
- Water bottle
- Thin leather (or similar) gloves if you are participating in a Via Ferrata or Glacier Trek (you can also purchase these gloves in our lodge shop)
- Optional items: alarm clock, flashlight, trekking poles, binoculars, lunch container
- Do you have deals for groups?
We are always open to discuss options for large groups in our lodges - give us a call at 1-800-661-0252.