What is heli-hiking in the Canadian Rockies like?

If you think heli-hiking is for extreme adventurers only, think again. The adventure begins with where it takes you. Just beyond the Canadian Rockies, the Purcell Mountains rise across southeastern British Columbia, stretching north into Bugaboo Provincial Park, a spectacular wilderness renowned for its soaring granite spires, glaciers and vast alpine landscapes. There are no roads leading into much of this backcountry, no tour buses, and few signs of civilization. To reach these extraordinary places, you have to fly. That’s where the helicopter comes in. Rather than being simply part of the thrill, it’s your way into a mountain world otherwise difficult to reach, lifting you over rugged terrain and setting you down amid alpine meadows, glacier-carved valleys and dramatic peaks far from the usual hiking trails. And once you’re there, heli-hiking isn’t about pushing yourself to the extreme. It’s about experiencing this remarkable wilderness your way, with hikes tailored to your pace, fitness and comfort level. The helicopter gets you to the extraordinary. How you explore it is up to you. Want to take it slowly, stopping to photograph wildflowers? You can. Prefer to cover more ground...