Mountain Goat Adventures

Jeff didn’t just find his calling—he followed it from the ocean’s edge to the top of the Rockies.

Raised beside the glassy lakes of Kejimkujik National Park in Nova Scotia, Jeff was shaped by wilderness from the very beginning. After studying outdoor recreation, he left the Maritimes behind and headed west in 2005, trading sea air for alpine trails. By 2007, he was guiding in the Bow Valley—and he hasn’t stopped moving since.

A certified ACMG Hiking Guide, Professional Interpretive Guide, and instructor in canoeing, Nordic skiing, and mountain biking, Jeff has spent decades making his passion his profession. He’s also the Past President of the Interpretive Guides Association, where he continues to mentor new guides and champion deeper connections between people and place.

Today, Jeff’s journey winds through almost every trail in Banff National Park. Whether trail running, fastpacking, or backcountry skiing (his winter obsession), he spends more than 250 days a year with a backpack on—living out his quiet motto: Life is better with a backpack.

But Jeff isn’t here to be the star of your story. He’s here to help you write yours. Through stillness, challenge, and awe-inspiring views, he’ll guide you back to something real—something elemental.

This in the shade, consistent uphill trail rewards us with fantastic views on Lake Minnewanka and of the eastern section of the Bow Valley.

25 minute drive from the Rimrock
10km (6m) distance
600m (2000’) elevation gain

For more information contact us at [email protected] 

This steep lolly-pop trail has rewarding views to our south as we ascend Cory Pass, looping around to the Northeast we get big views of Mt. Louis, returning through a dense forest beside a creek to our vehicles. This is the most convenient to get to big hike from Banff and a local’s favourite, as you’ll have the rest of our day to unwind on your own time.

25 minute drive from the Rimrock Hotel
13km (9m) distance
1150m (3800’) elevation gain

For more information contact us at [email protected] 

This out and back trail starting at the Sunshine Ski Resort parking lot is forested until nearly the pass, where we get rewarded with remarkable wildflowers (when in season) or the changing Larch trees in mid-September. On clear days we have spectacular views of the Monarch Ramparts all the way to Mt. Assiniboine.

A second option is to have a big day in the Alpine starting at Mt. Bourgeau Parking and linking to Healy Pass and down to the Sunshine Ski resort parking, this option is 28km (17m) with 1600m (5200’) of elevation through some of the most beautiful scenery in Banff National Park. It requires two vehicles for the start and finish area and a whole day, but for those with the fitness it’s hard to find a more rewarding hike.

35 minute minute drive from the Rimrock Hotel
18km (11m) distance
700m (2300’) elevation gain

For more information contact us at [email protected] 

This linking of the two most beautiful Lakes in the Park is an ultra classic that is rarely done. Starting at Moraine Lake we travel up to Sentinel Pass and down into Paradise Valley. From here we have a choice of wrapping around Saddle Mountain via the Paradise Connector or going up and over Saddleback Pass with both options leading us to Lake Louise.

1 hour drive from the Rimrock Hotel (transportation must be arranged)
19km (11m)
1400m (4600’) elevation gain via saddleback pass; 1000m (3300’) via Paradise connector.

For more information contact us at [email protected] 

This gem of the Lake Louise group starts with the popular Lake Agnes trail but leaves the crowds behind and rewards with of the best, easily obtainable summit views of the area. We can descend “Goats Pass” with some off trail travel to the back side of Lake Agnes, where too many options to list present themselves. Head down to the car, go up Big Beehive or Devils thumb, link up to the far end of Lake Louise or go over the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House. This series of trails can be added to or subtracted from on route and if you have one full day hike in Banff National Park, this is at the top of the list!

1 hour drive from the Rimrock Hotel
12km (7m) distance
900m (3000’) elevation gain

For more information contact us at [email protected] 

The classic summit hike in Banff National Park, although it is steep, the views are unforgettable.

1 hour drive from the Rimrock Hotel
14km (9m) distance
1000m (3300’) elevation gain

For more information contact us at [email protected] 

Jeff”s favourite Trail Run! Starting with bikes for 4km, we leave them behind on this loppy-pop trail network for views and a very runnable circuit and no crowds! Why hike when you can run?! If you can run a half marathon or more, this is perfect for you. In addition, we have so many trail running options, it’s impossible to write them all up!

For more information contact us at [email protected] 

Truly one of the top trails in the Rocky Mountain Park system. Steep to start, but with views for a lifetime of big peaks and the second highest waterfall in Canada (Takakkaw Falls) while strolling beside glaciers. With an option for a quicker return, or even to add on too, this committing hike never disappoints.

1 hour and 20 minute drive from the Rimrock Hotel
21km (13m) distance; optional 18km shortcut
920m (3000’) elevation gain; optional 800m with shortcut)

For more information contact us at [email protected] 

This off the beaten path classic is an out and back all locals rave about. Forested to start and finish we have views of some spectacular Grizzly Bear habitat, passing Helen lake and onto the Cirque Peak for some adventure (where you can see 11 lakes from its summit!). Helen Lake in and of itself is a spectacular destination for an easier day!

1 hour and 15 minute drive from the Rimrock Hotel
16km (10m) Cirque Peak distance; Helen Lake 12km (7.5m)
1200m (4000) Cirque Peak elevation gain; Helen Lake 420m (1400’)

For more information contact us at [email protected]