frequently asked questions

What's the distance between the Bugaboos and Bobbie Burns lodges?

After a heli-drop starting at 9:00 am from the Bobbie Burns lodge, you will hike all day along Grizzly Ridge. At the end of a full day of hiking, you will be picked up by helicopter and flown to the Bugaboos lodge.

Where do I go first?

You will spend your first 3 days at the Bobbie Burns lodge, and then you will hike to the Bugaboos lodge.

Do I have to carry my luggage the whole way?

No; your luggage will be driven over in a CMH vehicle, and will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your new lodge.

How fit do I need to be?

Our program accommodates all levels of fitness, so we leave this completely up to your discretion. Whether you’re up for hiking, walking, ambling or (conditions permitting) mountaineering, we tailor each Heli-Hiking day for all levels of fitness, experience and all ages. We split our groups as necessary so everyone can stay within their comfort level.

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 Lodge-to-Lodge 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

Are all your guides certified?

Most CMH guides have made a lifelong career of their passion. They are dedicated professionals, trained in the European guiding tradition, which emphasizes both respect for the mountains and concern for the well-being of guests. Our guides are fully trained and regularly re-trained in first aid, wilderness rescue, emergency procedures and prevention. Many of our Heli-Hiking guides are fully certified by the International Federation of Mountain Guides Association (IFMGA) - on average, a 10 year process. The rest are Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) - certified, also with rigorous standards. Each one of our guides is an experienced and knowledgeable interpreter of our mountains’ flora, fauna, geology and natural history, ensuring that your Heli-Hiking experience is both safe and enriching.

I have a history of health issues - what medical supplies do you have on site?

You shoud be prepared and bring your own medications, although we do have some basic medicine that can be purchased in our retail shop. Extensive first aid kits and resuscitation kits are part of the lodge emergency supplies.

Will we have any wildlife encounters?

In all of our trips, we strive to avoid any contact with wildlife. However, all of our guides are trained in safely dealing with wildlife encounters, should one occur