CustomizedPrivate

Private Larch Day Hike

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Jacob D, Safety-Focused Guide in Banff
Guided by Jacob D
I’m an ACMG-certified Hiking Guide and Wilderness First Responder based in the Bow Valley. I’ve spent years exploring and guiding in mountain environments, incl…
Hiking Guide Top Rope Climbing InstructorBasic Knowledge Course For BanffWilderness First ResponderEnglish
From$800 CAD/group
Includes tax and other fees. Prices are estimates, and your guide confirms the final price.
Price may change depending on the selected trail and any optional services or add-ons requested, such as transportation to and from the trailhead.

Request information

This guide isn’t accepting bookings yet.

Deposit – $240 CAD (30% of total) required at booking

Reserve Now and Pay Later – Card auto-charged 3 months before travel.

0.5% Carbon removal contribution – VELO contributes 0.5% of all profit through Stripe Climate, so booking here helps fund it.

Overview

Duration
1 day
Hours range
Min 4 hr – Max 8 hrs
Best for
Friends or Small Groups, Families with Teens, Couples
Language
English
Experience type
Private
Group size
Min 1 · Max 8 guests

Choose your areas

Your guide can shape this experience around any of these areas. Let them know which you’d like to focus on, and you’ll plan the details together.

  • Banff
  • Lake Louise
  • Kananaskis
  • Canmore

Availability

Available Sep – Oct

Available during the fall larch season, typically from September through October. Exact timing varies each year depending on weather and mountain conditions, and specific trail options may change based on current conditions and accessibility.

Why you’ll love it

Benefits
  • Tailored Hike
  • Flexible Pacing
What makes it unique
  • Led by a Certified Hiking Guide
  • Flexible Route Selection

Special notes & disclaimer

  • I can recommend Larch routes such as Chester Lake, Ptarmigan Cirque, Prairie View, Rummel Lake, Arethusa Cirque, Burstall Pass and Buller Pass. We’ll choose the best route together based on your interests, hiking ability, preferred pace and difficulty, current trail conditions, and where the larches are at their best. If you have another route in mind, we can discuss that too.
  • Transportation note: Transportation to and from the trailhead can be arranged for an additional fee. Please discuss transportation needs with your guide when booking.
  • Start time will be confirmed with me based on your selected trail, current conditions, and trip arrangements.

What can be customized

Where you go
Shape the route and which spots you spend time at.
How long it runs
Adjust the length and how the day is paced out.
What you focus on
Steer what the experience is built around.

How customizing works

1
How far in advance should I book?
At least 1 weekAt least 2 weeksAt least 1 month
2
How does the customized planning process work?
Pay reservation fee
A reservation fee is required upfront so the guide can begin planning your customized experience.
Itinerary is discussed
You'll connect with your guide via message to go over your interests, must-see spots, and any special requests before locking in the route.
Final itinerary is confirmed
Once you're happy with the plan, your guide will finalize the itinerary.
Pay remaining balance
Once the itinerary is confirmed, you have 72 hours to complete payment for the remaining balance. If no payment is made within that window, the booking is automatically cancelled.
3
How long does it take to design the itinerary?
Within 24 hours
4
When is the itinerary finalized?
The itinerary will be finalized once guests are happy with the plan, at least 3 days before the experience date.
5
How many revisions are allowed?
Unlimited revisions are included at no extra cost.
6
Can I request changes after confirmation?
Yes, changes before the final paymentLimited changes may be allowedChanges may affect pricing or availabilityNo change after confirmation

Transportation

Not includedYou’ll arrange your own transport to and from the experience.
Meeting point · The meeting point will depend on your selected trail and transportation arrangements. I will confirm the meeting location before your hike.

What's included

Guide service
  • Guide accompanies you throughout the experience
Equipment
  • Group hiking gear (including trekking poles or microspikes when conditions require them)
  • First-aid equipment
Food & Drink
  • Fresh local trail lunches
  • Snacks
Entry tickets
  • National Park Entry Fee

What to bring

  • Sturdy Hiking Footwear
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Comfortable Daypack

Good to know

  • Weather conditions may change quickly
  • Wildfire smoke or fire restrictions may affect the experience
  • Larch timing varies depending on seasonal conditions

Warranty

  • No-show guarantee: Full tour refund* if your guide does not show up on the tour date
  • Weather flexibility guarantee: 100% refund if I will modify the route or itinerary to prioritize guest safety. For private day hikes, if the hike must be cancelled for unsafe conditions, guests receive a full refund or the option to reschedule

*Excludes non-refundable 3% service fee.

Insurance

General Liability Insurance
Covers guest injury or property damage arising from this guide's business activities
Auto Insurance Coverage
Covers guests during transportation provided by this guide

Deposit

Deposit is non-refundable

The deposit is retained once the booking is placed, even if the experience is later cancelled.

Cancellation & Refund

70% refund

60 days+ before experience

48-Hour Grace Period Bookings made more than 60 days before departure may be cancelled within 48 hours of booking for a refund, less any non-recoverable credit card processing or merchant fees. After the 48-Hour Grace Period 90–61 days before departure: The 30% deposit is non-refundable. Any payments exceeding the deposit are refundable, less any non-recoverable credit card processing or merchant fees. 60 days or fewer before departure: All payments are non-refundable.

Guide-initiated cancellations or no-show guarantee include a full refund of tour price and taxes (excluding the 3% service fee).

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Price may change depending on the selected trail and any optional services or add-ons requested, such as transportation to and from the trailhead.

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