Has anyone gone heli-hiking in BC?
Am interested in doing this- single-
would appreciate any info

Sunbum--That is something my dh and I have wanted to do as well. One place that I have heard about that may be a good place to start is the Mount Assiniboine Lodge. Hopefully others on here will have more information for you.

Posted same question earlier. Other than Assiniboine response, I've only heard of outfit called Canadian Mountain Holiday (CMH. They have string of lodges and do heli-sking and heli-hiking packages that include helo flights, lodging, food, guides.

Not my scene but I googled "British Columbia Heli-hiking Tours" and there were many results, one of them being, for example, www.westcanadatours.com/hiking/index.shtml

Its "menu" showed 14 different offerings, two of them heli-hiking.

Good luck with your choice.

I went heli hiking with CMH in 2005 and stayed at the Bugaboo Lodge - they have several lodges to choose from. CMH is owned by Alpine Helicopters which is owned by Intrawest. Very well run and amazing scenery.
They provide all the equipment, including boots. If you are not experienced, this is hiking for dummies. If you want more, they will deliver depending on ability and desire.
We hiked about 7 or 8 hours a day, moving around by helicopter to various areas.
Food and wine at dinner are provided family style at common tables. Rooms vary from simple to deluxe but were more than anticipated. Costs were about $5-700 a day. The fresh air, exercise and scenery were things I will always appreciate and I would highly recommend CMH who are probably better known for heli-skiing.
Let me know if oyu have specific questions and I will try to answer.

BowenLinda - thanks for idea and the lead.

6069Holland - thanks for the input on your trip. Did you pick Bugaboo Lodge for a reason over the other lodges? How many days did you go for? I was thinking of a shorter stay (3-4 days) in order to tie it in with other activities in Alberta. But I'm concernced that may be just a tease and I'll wish I was there for a week. I'm a pretty avid hiker so I wouldn't be "over it" it a day or so, but was more concerned that the hikes would be in a limited area around the lodge so the scenery would get very familiar quickly. Or do they go pretty far afield by using the helos? How many people typically would be in a group hiking? Were you allowed/encouraged to go off on your own at all or were they strict about sticking with a guide even if hiking out from the lodge itself? Thanks in advance for your time.

Sunbum, we are avid hikers and love the Canadian Rockies. The only thing which has kept us from a heli hiking adventure is cost. They are pricey. We love Lake O'Hara and Mt. Engadine Lodges, both of which are more affordable though hardly cheap. At any rate, here is a website with a listing of BC's backcountry lodges. Purcell has always appealed to me.
http://www.backcountrylodgesofbc.com/map.html

Did you pick Bugaboo Lodge for a reason over the other lodges?
Probably the closest one to Banff so that is why we picked it. They are all pretty similar in ammenities.


How many days did you go for? I was thinking of a shorter stay (3-4 days) in order to tie it in with other activities in Alberta. But I'm concernced that may be just a tease and I'll wish I was there for a week.

Interestingly enough, I went for only 4 days and wished it was a bit longer.


I'm a pretty avid hiker so I wouldn't be "over it" it a day or so, but was more concerned that the hikes would be in a limited area around the lodge so the scenery would get very familiar quickly. Or do they go pretty far afield by using the helos?

The scenery and terain is varied and you go afar from the lodge for sure. If you are avid, they will match the day with your ability. Can be as challenging (including rock climbing) as you wish.

How many people typically would be in a group hiking?

Depending on the ability of the hikers at the lodge, could be a few as 4 or as many as 10.

Were you allowed/encouraged to go off on your own at all or were they strict about sticking with a guide even if hiking out from the lodge itself?

I never thought about hiking out from the lodge, but believe that you are best to go out with the guides. They are great people and will accommodate you in any way. Most have been there for 10+ years and are passionate about their job. I bet it you wanted to go with one person only for a short hike, they would find a way yo make it happen.
Occassionally, you can get fogged in but it generally lifts in an hour or three.

I think it sounds wonderful and hope to do the heli hiking trip one of these days. Since I am a solo traveller, the group thing is appealing to me.

Thanks for all the info

6069Holland - thanks for your input. Really helps. I think I'm convinced it's a "must do".

I have an helpfull link for you, if you are looking for lodges offering helihiking. Some of the lodges are closed during the summer, but others offer intresting summer trips.

http://www.backcountrylodgesofbc.com/map.html

It does work out well for singles - I went as one and you meet some great people from literally all over.

Couple of tips - use their equipment, incl;uding the boots. I was hesitant wearing used boots but they were best quality and comfortable. Everyone commented on that.
Work out a bit before you go to get the best out of the experience. I made a point of pushing myself and surprised myself, which made it satisfying.
Meals are a cool time as you cover off your day. The staff is really amazing and have some great stories.
I grew up in the mountains but this really had me in awe.
Take a ton of pictures.