Discover the unique contrasts of Kootenay National Park, from icy mountain rivers to steamy hot springs, on this day trip from Calgary. Meet your guide at the centrally-located meeting point and travel to Marble Canyon. Along the way, stop at the Great Divide which marks the border between Kootenay National Park and Banff National Park for a photo and some incredible views. Upon arrival at the canyon, take the self-guided trail which leads along this ice-caved canyon and through the remains of a forest destroyed by wildfires in 2003. Next, continue to the Kootenay Valley View Point. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Mitchell and Vermillion mountain ranges and the Kootenay River far below. Watch the river wind through the mountain forest following an ancient route to the great Columbia River. If you feel like relaxing after all that walking, enjoy a dip in the naturally heated, mineral-rich hot pool of Radium Hot Springs. Finally, follow a scenic trail through the open Douglas-fir forest along the edge of Sinclair Canyon. Enjoy views of the Columbia Valley and verdant Sinclair Canyon falls before returning to Calgary in the evening.

This is an excellent trip for beginners as it covers mainly flat terrain with minimal elevation gain, and also suits anyone wanting a pleasant activity outdoors in the majestic Kootenay National Park. Your guide will pick you up from Banff in a modern minibus and take you along Highway 93 South, a scenic drive that takes you into Kootenay National Park. On arrival at the Marble Canyon trailhead, your guide will show you how to put on snowshoes over your winter boots, as well as give you an introduction on the art of snowshoeing. To start the tour, you'll hike along the bridges around Marble Canyon’s 40-meters deep gorge, worn away over centuries by the rushing waters of Tokumn Creek. Look down over the railings at the frozen falls below. Then, take a 3 kilometre winter walk along the nearby trails and search for snowshoe hare, moose and wolf tracks while exploring how the landscape is changing and animals are adapting. After this crisp winter walk, enjoy hot chocolate and a uniquely Canadian treat: hot maple taffy poured into snow to make a sweet frozen dessert. At the end of your  adventure, your guide will transport you back to Banff and drop you at the meeting point or your hotel.