Guided Multi-Day Backpacking Tours in Nelson, BC (All-Inclusive Hiking Trips)

Discover guided multi-day backpacking tours in the West Kootenays near Nelson, BC. Our ACMG-certified guides lead fully customized hiking adventures ranging from 1–4+ days, including meals, route planning, and transportation, so you can focus on the experience, not the logistics.

A Guided Semi-Catered Backpacking Experience

Experience the best hikes while reducing your time driving to locations; more time in the mountains equals more fun. Our guides are all locals who know the best routes for hikes, campsites, and waterfall viewing. In addition, we prepare breakfasts and dinners for you so you can relax at camp and enjoy the mountains. On this guided adventure, we aim to take you to whatever location best serves your goals and fitness level. Because your trip is private, you can choose how much hiking, time spent in camp, and wilderness exploration you wish to do!

What to Expect on a Multi-Day Backpacking Tour

Trip duration varies depending on your goals. We typically offer trips ranging from 1 to 7 days.
Daily hiking distance also depends on you and the terrain. In the mountains, distance is just one of many factors. A typical day ranges from 8 km to 25 km.
Elevation gain will vary with each hike. Around 1,000 m of elevation gain is common, but we can tailor days to be easier or more challenging.
Campsites & terrain. We enjoy camping in the wilderness and are strong advocates of the Leave No Trace philosophy. There are no flush toilets out here—but we promise unforgettable views.
Group size. We maintain a ratio of 1 ACMG guide for every 8 participants.

Popular Routes & Trip Ideas

The Valhallas Traverse (pretty challenging!)
A true wilderness route, the traverse through the Valhalla Provincial Park is as demanding as it is rewarding. Expect rugged alpine terrain, long days, and significant elevation gain as you move through remote basins, high ridgelines, and pristine lakes. This is a physically challenging trip best suited for experienced hikers looking for a real adventure. In return, you’ll experience some of the most dramatic and untouched mountain scenery in the region.

The Woodbury Traverse (Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park)
Located in the heart of Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park, the Woodbury Traverse offers a perfect mix of accessibility and alpine immersion. The route takes you through lush forests, wildflower meadows, and into glaciated landscapes with stunning views of Kokanee Glacier. It’s an excellent introduction to multi-day hiking in the area, with moderate difficulty and rewarding scenery every step of the way.

The Earl Grey Pass (Purcell Mountains)
Crossing the historic Earl Grey Pass in the Purcell Mountains, this route blends natural beauty with a touch of history. The trail winds through old-growth forests, alpine meadows, and dramatic mountain passes. It’s a diverse and scenic journey, ideal for hikers seeking a moderately challenging experience with varied terrain and a sense of traveling through a lesser-known corner of the Rockies’ western ranges.

Who These Trips Are For

Beginners wanting guided experience
Experienced hikers seeking remote routes
Groups / private adventures
Visitors to Nelson, BC

Pricing for Guided Backpacking Tours

From $694/day (2 people)

+$150 per additional guest

Minimum: 2 guests

Included in price

ACMG Certified Guide
Transportation (for up to 6 guests)
Pre-Trip Planning & Coordination
Breakfast & Dinner

Not included in price

Lunch & Snacks
Hiking Equipment
Overnight gear (but we can help you renting some)

FAQs

Pricing for Guided Backpacking Tours

$694 +tax for up to two people
$347 +tax for additional guests

Prices are based on per person per day (taxes not included)—minimum of two people in a group to book. We can provide transportation for up to 6 guests.

Included In Price:

ACMG Certified Guide
Transportation (for up to 6 guests)
Pre-Trip Planning & Coordination
Breakfast & Dinner

Not Included In Price:

Lunch & Snacks
Hiking Equipment
Venue Fees

How To Book

So you want to hire a guide to make your visit to the West Kootenay's/Nelson BC the best experience possible? We can do that and here is how. Please ensure you read through our booking process before reaching to ensure you have collected all the necessary information to make your booking.

Step 1:

Assign Group Leader

For bookings with two people or more people, you will need to assign a group leader. The purpose of the group leader is to act as the liaison between KBG and their group participants. The group leader helps streamline communications, meaning everyone is in the know. You can learn more about the group leader roles and responsibilities here
Step 2:

Date Options

At the time of your enquiring please provide us with at minimum two day/date options for your private guided tour. This will allow us to work with our guides to find availability. By providing us with a couple of options upfront, we can reduce the amount of back and forth, and hopefully be able to follow up with some options for you.
Step 3:

Fitness Level

This is extremely important. We work hard to ensure we can plan an epic day for our guests, and this is entirely based on your group's fitness level. Our ratings are unique, so be sure to review them. Your choices are snowshoe hare, flying squirrel, lynx, and wolverine. Read the full descriptions here
Step 4:

Collect Group Members Info

To help speed up the process with your booking please ensure you include the following in your reservation: Names (first, last), Phone Numbers, and Email Addresses. This allows us to get your group set up in our reservation system and distribute the required pre-trip questionnaire.
Step 5:

Enquire with Us

Complete the Booking Enquiry contact form with all the above information. Remember if you provide us with all the information upfront, we will be better equipped to help plan your backcountry tour
Step 6:

Deposit/Payment

Your tour is only confirmed once a deposit/payment has been made. As mentioned above, if you are booking for a group of two people or more the group leader will be paying the deposit/balance. We suggest that once the group leader has been quoted they collect the funds from each member. Kootenay Backcountry Guides will not accept payments from multiple people within one booking.
Step 7:
Get Ready!
After we have received your deposit/payment you will be provided with pre-trip instructions to prepare you for your day/days in the backcountry. This includes:
- Pre-Trip Questionnaire (extremely important and must be completed at the time of booking by all group members)
- Required Equipment List - go over your gear and ensure it meets our standards. If it does not, no worries we help you out with avalanche safety gear
- Purchase Trip Cancelation Insurance (review our cancelation policy here)
- Book your accommodation/transportation
- Stay healthy!
- Add Kootenay Backcountry Guides (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) to your email contact list to ensure you receive tour updates/important information

Before You Book...

View Waivers

Please ensure you have read and understood the waiver.

Your guide will go over the waivers on the morning of your tour or course, and you will sign in front of them so they can witness. If you are under the age of 19 you will need to have your parent or legal guardian sign for you.

VIEW WAIVER HERE

Booking & Cancelation Policy

PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD THE BOOKING & CANCELATION POLICY

Each guest must familiarize themselves with the terms and conditions and the information on our website. By submitting, deposit, or payment, you agree to be bound by the terms and conditions below:

Fitness Levels & Ski/Split Skills

Please ensure you have reviewed our fitness and ski skill descriptions

Having an appropriate fitness level for the trip or course you are joining is a critical component of mountain safety. Please rate yourself honestly and accurately.

Before you book