Dave Henry Lodge

Heli-Backpacking

Pristine Rockies Wilderness Hiking

4 Day Guided Backcountry Hut Adventure, $1850.00 Per Person (Exclusive rental of the lodge and is fully catered, price includes Guiding, Permits, and Helicopter Flights To and From the Lodge. See Below For Details. Minimum of 3 guests and maximum of 8 guests.

Check Back This Fall For Summer 2025 Bookings

Nestled along the border of Mount Robson Provincial Park, Dave Henry Lodge offers a superb base for a backcountry hiking adventure.  The lodge is situated on the edge of an open meadow at 1800 m with great views of surrounding mountains and a pristine mountain lake.  Hiking options from the lodge vary from shorter strolls through meadows with wildflowers, lengthy ridge-walks with impressive mountain views, and several mountain summits.  Whether you are an avid hiker or new to the outdoors, there is plenty to see and do while based out of the lodge. 

The lodge itself is an oasis in the wilderness with a well-equipped kitchen, large sleeping area, and even a wood-heated sauna.  Reaching Dave Henry Lodge is itself a scenic trip, flying from Valemount, BC (a 15 minute flight).  Guests fly out of the lodge (or optionally hike out, contact us for details).

Basemap obtained from NRCAN NTS Series. Copyright: His Majesty the King in Right of Canada.

Pristine Rockies Wilderness Hiking

4 Day Guided Backcountry Hut Adventure, $1850.00 Per Person (Exclusive rental of the lodge and is fully catered, price includes Guiding, Permits, and Helicopter Flights To and From the Lodge. See Below For Details. Minimum of 3 guests and maximum of 8 guests.

Check Back This Fall For Summer 2025 Bookings

Nestled along the border of Mount Robson Provincial Park, Dave Henry Lodge offers a superb base for a backcountry hiking adventure.  The lodge is situated on the edge of an open meadow at 1800 m with great views of surrounding mountains and a pristine mountain lake.  Hiking options from the lodge vary from shorter strolls through meadows with wildflowers, lengthy ridge-walks with impressive mountain views, and several mountain summits.  Whether you are an avid hiker or new to the outdoors, there is plenty to see and do while based out of the lodge. 

The lodge itself is an oasis in the wilderness with a well-equipped kitchen, large sleeping area, and even a wood-heated sauna.  Reaching Dave Henry Lodge is itself a scenic trip, flying from Valemount, BC (a 15 minute flight).  Guests fly out of the lodge (or optionally hike out, contact us for details).

Basemap obtained from NRCAN NTS Series. Copyright: His Majesty the King in Right of Canada.

Daily Itinerary

  • Day 1: Our trip starts with a morning meeting in the community of Valemount BC (transportation may be available from Jasper, AB if needed. Please contact us for details). Your guide will meet with all guests to discuss safety, distribute group gear and food, and ensure all guests are using appropriate equipment. After the meeting we will drive to the heliport (approximately 10 minutes from Valemount) and start our journey flying into the lodge. After unloading our supplies we will get settled in, take in the scenery, and go for an afternoon stroll to become introduced to the landscape that will be our base for the next 3 days. [Distance: Variable km. Elevation Gain/Loss: Variable.)

  • Days 2-3: After a good night’s rest breathing in fresh mountain air we awake to a hearty breakfast and more great scenery. Options for day-trips on our two full days based out of the lodge are many. Each morning your guide will tailor a day-hike based on your interests, and weather conditions. On good weather days look forward to alpine ridgewalks catching views of nearby Mount Robson and innumerable other peaks in the Rockies and Columbia Mountain ranges. We will return to the lodge in the mid-afternoon and set up for an evening feast. [Distance: Variable km. Elevation Gain/Loss: Variable.)

  • Day 4: We awake on our last day at the Dave Henry Lodge and start to pack up our equipment after breakfast. We have time for a short hike in the morning to snap our last few pictures before tidying up the cabin and catching a flight back to Valemount. After returning to the heliport we say our goodbyes and start to look forward to our next mountain adventure. It is possible to hike out of the Dave Henry Lodge, contact us for details if interested in this option. [Distance: Variable km. Elevation Gain/Loss: Variable .]

Daily Itinerary

  • Day 1: Our trip starts with a morning meeting in the community of Valemount BC (transportation may be available from Jasper, AB if needed. Please contact us for details). Your guide will meet with all guests to discuss safety, distribute group gear and food, and ensure all guests are using appropriate equipment. After the meeting we will drive to the heliport (approximately 10 minutes from Valemount) and start our journey flying into the lodge. After unloading our supplies we will get settled in, take in the scenery, and go for an afternoon stroll to become introduced to the landscape that will be our base for the next 3 days. [Distance: Variable km. Elevation Gain/Loss: Variable.)

  • Days 2-3: After a good night’s rest breathing in fresh mountain air we awake to a hearty breakfast and more great scenery. Options for day-trips on our two full days based out of the lodge are many. Each morning your guide will tailor a day-hike based on your interests, and weather conditions. On good weather days look forward to alpine ridgewalks catching views of nearby Mount Robson and innumerable other peaks in the Rockies and Columbia Mountain ranges. We will return to the lodge in the mid-afternoon and set up for an evening feast. [Distance: Variable km. Elevation Gain/Loss: Variable.)

  • Day 4: We awake on our last day at the Dave Henry Lodge and start to pack up our equipment after breakfast. We have time for a short hike in the morning to snap our last few pictures before tidying up the cabin and catching a flight back to Valemount. After returning to the heliport we say our goodbyes and start to look forward to our next mountain adventure. It is possible to hike out of the Dave Henry Lodge, contact us for details if interested in this option. [Distance: Variable km. Elevation Gain/Loss: Variable .]

Why Go Backpacking With Us?

A guided backpacking adventure is a great way to start out or keep building your backcountry travel skills. Guests choose guided adventures for many reasons including:

  • Simplifying logistics (we supply group camping gear, food, and all relevant permits)

  • Safety (guides are skilled in managing backcountry hazards and certified in advanced wilderness first aid and emergency responses)

  • Learning about the landscape (gain local knowledge about natural history, wildlife, and plants)

  • Skill building (learn better backcountry travel, navigation, and self-sufficient wilderness expertise)

  • Less stressful travel (guides help carry food and equipment, setting up camp, and locating all the best viewpoints)

Why Go Backpacking With Us?

A guided backpacking adventure is a great way to start out or keep building your backcountry travel skills. Guests choose guided adventures for many reasons including:

  • Simplifying logistics (we supply group camping gear, food, and all relevant permits)

  • Safety (guides are skilled in managing backcountry hazards and certified in advanced wilderness first aid and emergency responses)

  • Learning about the landscape (gain local knowledge about natural history, wildlife, and plants)

  • Skill building (learn better backcountry travel, navigation, and self-sufficient wilderness expertise)

  • Less stressful travel (guides help carry food and equipment, setting up camp, and locating all the best viewpoints)

  • Remote Scenic Setting

  • Numerous Hiking Options

  • An Island of Civilization in the Wilderness

  • Remote Scenic Settings

  • Numerous Hiking Options

  • An Island of Civilization in the Wilderness

General Adventure Info

What is Included?

  • Guiding

  • Exclusive rental of the Lodge

  • Food During the Adventure (breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks)

  • Group Equipment (tents, sleeping pads, cooking gear, water treatment equipment, bear spray, tarps)

  • First Aid Equipment (carried by your guide)

  • Helicopter Transport To and From Valemount

What Does an Average Day at the Lodge Look Like?

Life in the backcountry can be a bit different than what some people are used to. On a typical day, your guide will have breakfast prepared by 0730 and we will start hiking around 0930. We travel as a group for comradery and safety at a comfortable pace, and aim to return to the lodge around 1600. Dinner and desert follows around 1700 with personal free time in the evenings for picture taking, star-gazing, and soaking up the tranquility of the landscape. During the day we take breaks and lunch stops at scenic sites. Day trips range in distance/elevation but we are generally travelling between 15-20 km per day (see the daily itinerary below for specific daily distances and elevations).

Required Personal Equipment:

  • Hiking Boots (previously used and well-fitted, waterproof boots are highly recommended)

  • Day Hiking Backpack (we recommend between 20-30 L capacity)

  • Duffel bag/storage sack for equipment in the helicopter (must be waterproof)

  • Sleeping Bag (for this adventure we recommend a 0C/32F rating, down sleeping bags are recommended over synthetic sleeping bags)

  • Pillow (a small dry-bag or commercially made backcountry pillow can enhance sleep and boosts overnight recovery)

  • Camera (there are an innumerably large number of excellent viewpoints along the route, and a camera with plenty of memory is highly recommended)

  • Sun Screen and Lip Balm (we recommend sun screen of 50 or higher SPF rating)

  • Headlamp (with new batteries)

  • Sunglasses (rated for UV protection)

  • Personal Medications and Blister Kit (any medications you take along with any personal blister products such as Moleskin)

  • Insect Repellent Spray

  • Personal Water Bottle/Bladder (1-2 L capacity is recommended, your guide will treat and carry any additional water as needed)

  • Hiking poles (must be collapsible)

How Should I Prepare?

How much training you need depends on many factors. Wherever you are starting from, it is a good plan to start walking and hiking several months before your adventure and gradually increase pack weight during your training. Walking up stairs with a weighted pack is a great way to get your legs ready to traverse scenic mountain passes. Look at the itinerary below for a day-by-day breakdown of this adventure.

Are There Any Risks?

Any travel in the mountains comes with some risks. All guests will be required to read, understand, and agree to our Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumptions of Risks and Indemnity Agreement which fully details risks associated with this adventure.

If you have any additional questions, please Contact Us.

Required Personal Clothing:

  • Waterproof Jacket (well-fitted to allow for movement and breathable)

  • Waterproof Pants (“rain pants” with full length zippers to allow for easy transitions are recommended)

  • Insulated Jacket (to be worn around camp on chilly mornings and evenings)

  • Insulated Pants (“long underwear” or a similar layer to cover legs while at camp or on the move)

  • Base Layers (top and bottom, breathable synthetic or wool material)

  • Hiking Shirt and Pants (for wearing while travelling, NO COTTON MATERIALS)

  • Socks (synthetic or wool, bring at least two well-fitted pairs)

  • Hat (baseball style cap for wearing while travelling)

  • Insulated Hat (synthetic or wool toque or cap for wearing at camp)

  • Hut Shoes (lightweight footwear to wear around camp or use during creek crossings)

  • Insulated Gloves (synthetic or wool, quick drying recommended)

What is Not Included?

  • Accommodation in Valemount

  • Food while in Valemount

  • Personal Equipment (see list on the right)

  • Gratuities

General Adventure Info

What is Included?

  • Guiding

  • Exclusive rental of the Lodge

  • Food During the Adventure (breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks)

  • Group Equipment (tents, sleeping pads, cooking gear, water treatment equipment, bear spray, tarps)

  • First Aid Equipment (carried by your guide)

  • Helicopter Transport To and From Valemount

What Does an Average Day at the Lodge Look Like?

Life in the backcountry can be a bit different than what some people are used to. On a typical day, your guide will have breakfast prepared by 0730 and we will start hiking around 0930. We travel as a group for comradery and safety at a comfortable pace, and aim to return to the lodge around 1600. Dinner and desert follows around 1700 with personal free time in the evenings for picture taking, star-gazing, and soaking up the tranquility of the landscape. During the day we take breaks and lunch stops at scenic sites. Day trips range in distance/elevation but we are generally travelling between 15-20 km per day (see the daily itinerary below for specific daily distances and elevations).

Required Personal Equipment:

  • Hiking Boots (previously used and well-fitted, waterproof boots are highly recommended)

  • Day Hiking Backpack (we recommend between 20-30 L capacity)

  • Duffel bag/storage sack for equipment in the helicopter (must be waterproof)

  • Sleeping Bag (for this adventure we recommend a 0C/32F rating, down sleeping bags are recommended over synthetic sleeping bags)

  • Pillow (a small dry-bag or commercially made backcountry pillow can enhance sleep and boosts overnight recovery)

  • Camera (there are an innumerably large number of excellent viewpoints along the route, and a camera with plenty of memory is highly recommended)

  • Sun Screen and Lip Balm (we recommend sun screen of 50 or higher SPF rating)

  • Headlamp (with new batteries)

  • Sunglasses (rated for UV protection)

  • Personal Medications and Blister Kit (any medications you take along with any personal blister products such as Moleskin)

  • Insect Repellent Spray

  • Personal Water Bottle/Bladder (1-2 L capacity is recommended, your guide will treat and carry any additional water as needed)

  • Hiking poles (collapsible)

How Should I Prepare?

How much training you need depends on many factors. Wherever you are starting from, it is a good plan to start walking and hiking several months before your adventure and gradually increase pack weight during your training. Walking up stairs with a weighted pack is a great way to get your legs ready to traverse scenic mountain passes. Look at the itinerary below for a day-by-day breakdown of this adventure.

Are There Any Risks?

Any travel in the mountains comes with some risks. All guests will be required to read, understand, and agree to our Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumptions of Risks and Indemnity Agreement which fully details risks associated with this adventure.

If you have any additional questions, please Contact Us.

Required Personal Clothing:

  • Waterproof Jacket (well-fitted to allow for movement and breathable)

  • Waterproof Pants (“rain pants” with full length zippers to allow for easy transitions are recommended)

  • Insulated Jacket (to be worn around camp on chilly mornings and evenings)

  • Insulated Pants (“long underwear” or a similar layer to cover legs while at camp or on the move)

  • Base Layers (top and bottom, breathable synthetic or wool material)

  • Hiking Shirt and Pants (for wearing while travelling, NO COTTON MATERIALS)

  • Socks (synthetic or wool, bring at least two well-fitted pairs)

  • Hat (baseball style cap for wearing while travelling)

  • Insulated Hat (synthetic or wool toque or cap for wearing at camp)

  • Hut Shoes (lightweight footwear to wear around camp or use during creek crossings)

  • Insulated Gloves (synthetic or wool, quick drying recommended)

What is Not Included?

  • Accommodation in Valemount

  • Food while in Valemount

  • Personal Equipment (see list on the right)

  • Gratuities

Price, Schedules, and Logistics

  • Be sure to read our Payment and Cancellation Policy below before confirming registration.

    All prices are listed in Canadian Dollars. Exchange from foreign currencies will be conducted by our PayPal (our Payment Processor).

    Starry Summit Mountain Adventures also accepts Bitcoin. If you are interested in paying for your adventure in Bitcoin please specify this on your booking request form below.

  • Each adventure has a minimum number of guests for it to run listed on the dates column in the left. Programs are assessed for enrollment 90 days before the departure date. If a given program is below the minimum threshold value enrolled guests will be given the option of paying an under-enrollment offset fee to continue with the adventure otherwise they will receive a full refund. See the link on the left for detailed policies.

  • This trip will start in Valemount with a morning meeting. Guests are advised to make arrangements to store any extra luggage or baggage with their hotel/lodging while they are away on their adventure.

  • If you are interested in this adventure, please fill out the form below. Starry Summit Mountain Adventures staff will be in touch and go over trip equipment, costs, and logistics. Full payment is due upon confirmation of trip enrollment.

    Cancellation Policy and Refunds: Guests are allowed to cancel their booking and receive a full refund up to 90 days before the start of an adventure. If guests cancel their booking with less than 90 days prior to the start of the adventure refunds diminish in a progressive manner. See the link on the left for details or your trip confirmation details received upon booking.

  • All guests will be required to sign a “Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumptions of Risks and Indemnity Agreement” commonly referred to as the “waiver” before starting an adventure. Waivers are available for download (ZZZ) and will be provided to you upon confirmation of booking. Paper waivers will also be signed on the first day of each SSMA adventure. If any guest is unwilling to sign the waiver they will not be able to participate in the adventure. Any guests not of the age of majority (18 in Alberta) will require a guardian to sign on their behalf.

  • New for the Summer 2025 hiking season we are starting a rewards program for returning clients!

    The more distance you have hiked on our guided trips in the previous year, the more rewards you receive this year. If you are a returning client we'll crunch the numbers (distance values are calculated from the values given in the trip itineraries) and let you what discount you can receive. 

    See this link for details (https://www.starrysummit.ca/rewards).

Adventure Dates (Summer 2024, Minimum 3 Guests, Maximum 8 Guests):

Send Us A Message Below To Inquire About Custom Dates For This Trip.

Payment is processed in Canadian Dollars. We also accept Bitcoin (inquire for details).

Price, Schedules, and Logistics

  • Be sure to read our Payment and Cancellation Policy below before confirming registration.

    All prices are listed in Canadian Dollars. Exchange from foreign currencies will be conducted by our PayPal (our Payment Processor).

    Starry Summit Mountain Adventures also accepts Bitcoin. If you are interested in paying for your adventure in Bitcoin please specify this on your booking request form below.

  • Each adventure has a minimum number of guests for it to run listed on the dates column in the left. Programs are assessed for enrollment 90 days before the departure date. If a given program is below the minimum threshold value enrolled guests will be given the option of paying an under-enrollment offset fee to continue with the adventure otherwise they will receive a full refund. See the link on the left for detailed policies.

  • This trip will start in Valemount with a morning meeting. Guests are advised to make arrangements to store any extra luggage or baggage with their hotel/lodging while they are away on their adventure.

  • If you are interested in this adventure, please fill out the form below. Starry Summit Mountain Adventures staff will be in touch and go over trip equipment, costs, and logistics. Full payment is due upon confirmation of trip enrollment.

    Cancellation Policy and Refunds: Guests are allowed to cancel their booking and receive a full refund up to 90 days before the start of an adventure. If guests cancel their booking with less than 90 days prior to the start of the adventure refunds diminish in a progressive manner. See the link on the left for details or your trip confirmation details received upon booking.

  • All guests will be required to sign a “Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumptions of Risks and Indemnity Agreement” commonly referred to as the “waiver” before starting an adventure. Waivers are available for download (ZZZ) and will be provided to you upon confirmation of booking. Paper waivers will also be signed on the first day of each SSMA adventure. If any guest is unwilling to sign the waiver they will not be able to participate in the adventure. Any guests not of the age of majority (18 in Alberta) will require a guardian to sign on their behalf.

  • New for the Summer 2025 hiking season we are starting a rewards program for returning clients!

    The more distance you have hiked on our guided trips in the previous year, the more rewards you receive this year. If you are a returning client we'll crunch the numbers (distance values are calculated from the values given in the trip itineraries) and let you what discount you can receive. 

    See this link for details (https://www.starrysummit.ca/rewards).

Adventure Dates (Summer 2024, Minimum 3 Guests, Maximum 8 Guests):

Send Us A Message Below To Inquire About Custom Dates For This Trip.

Payment in Canadian Dollars. We also accept Bitcoin (inquire for details).

 

Book Today

Drop us a line commitment-free to see if this adventure is right for you. Please see our Payment and Cancellation Policy, Waiver, and Minimum Enrollment Policy above.

 

Book Today

Drop us a line commitment-free to see if this adventure is right for you. Please see our Payment and Cancellation Policy, Waiver, and Minimum Enrollment Policy above.