Overview
Type
Full-Day Hike
Duration
5-6 hours
Distance
Up to 12 kms
Elevation
700m gain/loss
Difficulty
Moderate/Intermediate
Price
$239/adult, $199/youth (12-18)
STill HAVE Questions?
Before you book
Meadows to Moutaintops Itinerary
Note: This is a general outline of what your day could look like — the specific trail and pace could be customized for your group and the day’s conditions.
8:00 am
Meet guests at Esso parking lot, waiver signing, gear check, last chance for civilized bathrooms
9:15 am
Arrive at trailhead and engage in a quick safety briefing before we hit the trail.
9:30 am
Hike through a mix of spruce and fir trees looking for Grouse berries & strawberries.
10:30 am
Break at the “bench” offering our first views of Mount Aeneus.
11:30 am
Gain the Northeast ridge of the Mount Aeneus group. Take a break to soak in the views of the Kootenay River meandering below.
12:15 pm
Travel along the incredible ridge, with good weather views of the Royal Group, Assiniboine, and even Harrison near Elkford.
1:30 pm
Time for a late lunch in a stunning alpine meadow overlooking Mount Aeneus proper. With good luck and good eyes, the Pedley Pass goat heard may be seen.
2:30 pm
Make our way down to the Tarn on the hunt for fossils on the limestone slopes just below the Tarn (alpine lake).
3:30 pm
Descend toward the trailhead admiring the geological limestone features.
4:30 pm
Back at the truck for high 5’s and hangouts. A cold drink and feet in the creek to finish the day off.
Details
Is this hike for me?
This hike is perfect for those who are in good physical shape and have some hiking experience. The trail offers a moderate to intermediate challenge with a mix of terrain, including forest paths, ridgelines, and alpine meadows. You'll enjoy spectacular views and the chance to spot wildlife, but be prepared for some elevation gain and varied terrain. If you're looking to push yourself while enjoying a stunning, off-the-beaten-path adventure, this is the hike for you!
Hike Difficulty: Moderate Hike
What is included?
Professional ACMG Guide: Expert guidance for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Transportation to/from the Trailhead: We’ll meet at the Esso parking lot in Invermere and provide transportation to the trailhead.
Fresh Packed Lunch: A homemade sandwich (choose from 5 options), homemade granola bar, apple, and veggie sticks to refuel along the way.
Free Hiking Poles: Available for your comfort and convenience.
Emergency Equipment: First Aid Kit, Bear Spray, and emergency communication device for your safety.
What do I bring?
Hiking boots or sturdy shoes. Early season hikes may be wet and could even have snow in shaded locations
Small backpack (large enough to carry all the things)
Water (Minimum 1.5 Litres)
Lunches are included in all of our full day trips
An extra warm layer. It can be cool up high in the mountains and it's nice to have a layer for when we stop for a break or lunch
Camera, don’t forget this
Sunscreen
Hat/Toque (It can get cold in the alpine)
Sunglasses
How many people are in the group?
Group sizes are kept small and personal with up to 6 guests per trip. This ensures a more intimate experience, allows for better connection with your guide, and gives us the flexibility to adapt the day based on group interests and pace.
Are there age restrictions?
Most of our hikes are designed for ages 12 and up due to the duration and terrain. We welcome younger adventurers on private or custom tours. Just reach out to discuss the best fit for your group.
How do I sign up?
You can book your adventure online and we’ll handle the details from transportation to trail snacks, so all you need to do is show up with a sense of adventure (and some sturdy boots).
If you don’t see an available date for a hike you are interested in. Please contact us, as we may be able to arrange an alternative date for you.
Meadows to Mountaintops is one of those hikes that manages to pack in everything you could want from a day in the mountains. This moderate to intermediate trail begins with a peaceful walk through a shaded forest of spruce and fir. As the trail climbs, you’ll pop out onto open ridgelines with sweeping views of the Kootenay River Valley, Mt. Aeneas, and, on a clear day, a breathtaking panorama of distant giants like Mt. Assiniboine and the Royal Group.
Your guide will lead the way as you hike through alpine meadows filled with wildflowers, past shimmering tarns, and across ancient limestone slopes where you might just uncover a fossil or two. Keep your eyes peeled for mountain goats grazing nearby or soaring bald eagles circling overhead. Around midday, you’ll enjoy a fresh, homemade lunch in the alpine, where even your sandwich tastes better surrounded by peaks.
This is an experience tailored to those who want to go beyond the typical trail and immerse themselves in geology, ecology, and awe-inspiring scenery while feeling supported every step of the way. With small group sizes, transportation and lunch included, and everything taken care of, this hike offers the kind of wild and wonderful day that keeps you smiling long after the boots come off.
Meadows to Mountaintops
A classic hike in the Canadian Rockies. Trek through alpine meadows, fossil-filled ridgelines, and lush forests on this unforgettable journey through the Pedley Pass. With sweeping views of the Canadian Rocky Mountain peaks, Kootenay River Valley and the chance to spot mountain goats or ancient marine fossils, this moderate hike is a perfect blend of nature, geology, and adventure.
What the Playwest Adventurers Say
Testimonials
Rated 5 stars on Google
"A once-in-a-lifetime adventure.”
The Baffin Island Expedition with Playwest Mountain Experiences was honestly one of the most incredible things I’ve ever done. From the moment we landed in Pangnirtung to our final night back in the community, everything was so well organized and thoughtfully planned.
The landscape in Auyuittuq National Park is hard to describe — massive granite peaks, glaciers, and valleys that feel like another planet. It’s wild, remote, and unbelievably beautiful. The guides were amazing — professional, calm, made me feel safe and were a ton of fun to be around. You could tell they really love what they do and care deeply about the people and the place. The food blew me away (I never expected to eat this well on a trip like this), and the time we spent with the local Inuit community was something I’ll never forget. It gave the whole trip a sense of connection that went way beyond hiking.
This isn’t a “vacation” — it’s an experience that changes how you see the world and yourself. I came home tired, happy, and already thinking about where I could go next with Playwest.
Trevor
Google - 5 Stars
Chris led us through some stunning hikes around the Invermere area. I really appreciated all of the guidance and tips on how to navigate more challenging terrain, including steep slopes and icy paths. Chris is extremely knowledgeable about the area and its geology, flora and fauna, so we learned a lot on each hike. He is a fabulous guide and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Playwest!
Michelle K
Google - 5 Stars
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