CMH Summer Adventures
Biomimicry Workshop with Jamie Miller

Biomimicry Workshop

With Jamie Miller

Biomimicry Workshop with Jamie Miller

Biomimicry workshop with Jamie Miller

Journey to the iconic landscape of CMH Bugaboos for this unique opportunity to explore a new perspective of the natural world. Each day, you will fly into the best classroom on Earth for discussions from TEDx speaker Jamie Miller on how biomimicry can work for you. You will discover different ways of thinking and problem solving through understanding nature’s design secrets. Between topics, you’ll hike through this famed landscape, before returning to the comfort of the remote Bugaboo Lodge to dine and relax each evening.

Trip Dates:

Trip not offered in Summer 2023. 

Activity level:

All levels - beginner to advanced 

Watch: Explore Bugaboos 

Arrival Day

5:00 am

Depart via the CMH coach from Calgary, Banff or other pick-up locations and journey along the spectacular Yoho National Park on your way to the helipad. 

9:30 am

Arrive at helipad for heli-transfer to CMH Bugaboos Lodge 

10:30-11:00 am

Upon arrival, you’ll get acquainted with the lodge 

11:30 am

Lunch 

1:00 pm

After a helicopter safety briefing, enjoy your first afternoon of exploration and discussion from Jamie Miller. 

4:00-5:00 pm

Return to the lodge where you can enjoy après-adventure refreshments, a soak in the hot tub or a massage 

7:00 pm

Enjoy your first CMH gourmet family-style dinner – staff will join you for the meal each evening 

Exploration Days

7:30 am

Wake up with a dynamic warm-up class 

8:00 am

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast to start your day right. Pack your lunch for the day and get ready for your day of adventure. 

9:00 am

The first group will fly into the mountains. You will venture out to remote viewpoints with Jamie Miller and guides. 

12:00 pm

Lunch in the field 

4:00-6:00 pm

Return to the lodge, where you can enjoy après-adventure refreshments, a soak in the hot tub or a massage and additional conversation with Jamie. 

7:00 pm

Swap stories of your incredible adventures in the mountains as you enjoy family style dinner with your guides and lodge staff 

Departure Day

8:00 am

Enjoy a hearty lodge breakfast before departing the lodge with your final heli-transfer 

11:00 am

Private coach transfer from helipad to Banff, Lake Louise and Calgary International Airport 

2:00 pm

Estimated arrival time in Banff 

3:30 pm

Anticipated arrival at Calgary International Airport (YYC). We recommend guests do not book flights until after 6pm MT. 


*Please note: Hiking schedule and lunch times may vary

Questions?

If you have questions, our team is happy to assist.

Call us at 1-800-661-0252

 

 

Extend Your Stay

Arrive early or leave later by extending your CMH stay with additional adventures in Banff and surrounding area. Our CMH Vacation Planning team can help you with the details.

Learn more 

Accommodations
A double occupancy room in the hotel-style CMH Bugaboo Lodge for the duration of your stay, featuring a full range of inviting onsite amenities. 

 

Food & Beverage
Three meals per day – a chef-prepared breakfast and dinner plus packed lunches, après-hiking snacks and non-premium non-alcoholic refreshments. 

 

Heli-Assisted Guided Adventure
Professionally accredited guides will accompany you on your adventure, featuring heli flights up and down the mountains plus return flights to your lodge. Learn more about Heli-Hiking  

 

Ground Transportation
Transportation on the CMH coach from the Calgary International Airport (YYC), Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise or Golden to the CMH Bugaboos helipad, and return to Golden, Lake Louise, Banff, Canmore or the Calgary International Airport (YYC). 

 

Equipment
Use of CMH hiking equipment, including boots, rain jackets, wind pants, day packs and hiking poles. Some of our guests opt to use their own equipment – the choice is yours. 

 

What to pack 

  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Premium non-alcoholic beverages
  • Massages
  • Retail goods available for purchase
  • Airfare to and from your city of origin

Questions?

If you have questions, our team is happy to assist. 

Call us at 1-800-661-0252 

Message us 

 

Trip Information

If you’re thinking of a trip or have already booked and are looking for additional information, check out our Trip Information. 

Trip Information 

Bugaboo Lodge

A Classic CMH Icon

Welcome to your historical headquarters in the famed Bugaboos. Perched at 1,490m (4,888 ft), our 32-room log-hewn lodge at the base of Bugaboo Glacier is enshrined as the birthplace of the heli-skiing industry. With mind-blowing scenery that’s captivated mountaineers for over a century, history abounds here – and so do modern comforts.

Inspired cuisine, deluxe accommodations, full-service amenities and one of the best hot tub views on the planet make Bugaboo Lodge the perfect alpine escape. Soar into an incredible summer adventure at CMH Bugaboo Lodge.

 

Amenities

  • Rooftop hot tub
  • Stunning mountain views
  • CMH Museum
  • Gear & gift shop
  • Games room
  • Music room
  • Steam room and dry sauna
  • Massage
  • Indoor climbing wall
  • Swimming pond
  • Chef-prepared meals & snacks
  • Pastry chef
  • Full-service bar with extensive wine cellar
  • Wi-Fi
  • Complimentary laundry facilities

Each room includes

  • Hand & body wash
  • Bathrobe
  • Shampoo / conditioner
  • Hair dryer

Journey to the Bugaboos

There are a number of ways to travel to our lodges: you can ride in one of the private CMH coaches (from designated pick-up/drop-off locations) or drive yourself to the helipad. We also offer additional transport options if you’re looking for something more specialized – call us for details. 

Please note that a Parks Canada pass is required to park in Banff or drive to our helipads. If you’re self-driving and require a pass, you can avoid lineups at the park gate by buying a pass online. 

Parking at the helipad is available at your own risk. CMH assumes no liability for vehicles parked at the helipad. 

Arrival/departure schedule  

Self-Driving Directions (via Banff)  

CMH Area Map  

Purchase a Parks Canada Pass 

Map route from Calgary to CMH Bugaboos Lodge

Calgary/Banff to Bugaboos helipad

2-3.5 hrs

Enjoy private coach transportation from Calgary, Banff and other select locations and takes you along the spectacularly scenic Trans-Canada Highway then winds along a corridor lined with Rocky Mountains and epic forests toward Golden, BC. From there, we'll travel southwest until arriving at the Bugaboos helipad. 

Bugaboos helipad to CMH Bugaboos lodge

10 mins

It’s time to lift off on your first CMH heli flight. After watching a safety video, you’ll disembark your coach for your short, scenic flight up to the fabled Bugaboo Lodge. 

Custom Travel Options

Customize your travel details by contacting us 

1-800-661-0252 

Message us 

What's the weather like?

Due to the high mountain environment, expect to experience various conditions. The weather can be sunny and warm, but be prepared for cooler temperatures, rain, wind and possibly snow. 

Mountain weather can change with very little warning. Temperatures range from highs of 10˚C to 35˚C (50˚F-95˚F) and lows of 9˚C to -3˚C (48˚F to 26˚F). 

I'm not a hiker - will I be able to keep up with the group?

Whether it’s a hike, walk or amble, each heli-hiking day is tailored to all levels of fitness, experience and age. We split the group as necessary so everyone can stay within their comfort level. The only requirement is a thirst for adventure. 

I'm an avid hiker - will I be challenged?

Absolutely! Our guides share a passion for exploring all the Columbia Mountains have to offer. If you’re seeking a challenge, they’ll deliver a great workout. 

Are all of your guides certified?

Yes. Most CMH guides have made a lifelong career out of their passion. They are dedicated professionals trained in the European guiding tradition, which emphasizes both respect for the mountains and a deep concern for the well-being of every guest. Our guides are fully trained and re-trained regularly in first aid, wilderness rescue, emergency procedure and prevention. Many of our guides are fully certified by the International Federation of Mountain Guides Association (IFMGA) – a ten-year process on average. The rest of our guides are certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG), also to rigorous standards. Every guide is an experienced, knowledgeable interpreter of our mountains’ flora, fauna, geology and natural history, ensuring that your heli-hiking experience is both safe and enriching. 

What happens when nature calls and we’re on the trail?

We hike and explore remote areas where there are no conventional washrooms. Mother Nature provides trees and rocks for privacy. We recommend bringing toilet paper and a ziplock bag. Paper used in the field can be disposed of back at the lodge. 

Are gratuities included?

The CMH team is committed to ensuring that you enjoy the trip of a lifetime. While gratuities are not included in your trip fees – nor are they mandatory – they may be offered on a voluntary basis. Gratuities are divided among all of the lodge staff and your pilot. 

How do I arrange a private group booking?

Private bookings are a great way to share the magic of a summer heli-hiking adventure with a group. Call our planning experts to arrange the details of all-to-yourself bookings for privately guided trips. 

How much will I get to hike on this trip?

Weather permitting, all topic discussions will be held in the field. Each morning, you will board the heli in your exclusive workshop group and land within the stunning remote landscape for each lesson. 

Is there any recommended reading I can do before this trip?

If you are looking for reading before joining us (not mandatory), we recommend the following books. 

  • A Shark’s Paintbrush by Jay Harman
  • Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature by Janine Benyus
  • Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

View Discussion Topics 

Will we encounter wildlife?

In all of our trips, we strive to avoid any contact with wildlife. However, our guides are trained in safely dealing with wildlife encounters, should one occur. 

How many helicopter trips will I have to take?

In addition to your heli trips to and from the lodge, each day offers the chance to heli to new adventures – with unprecedented access. On average, you can expect two or three helicopter trips per day, depending on your preference and weather conditions. 

Read all FAQs 

Your Trip Highlights

Each morning, from the comfort of the Bugaboo Lodge, you’ll fly to different locations with your guide to immerse yourself in the beauty of these iconic mountains. It’s here where Jamie Miller will hold daily engaging discussions on biomimicry topics before you collectively explore and hike through this incredible landscape. At the end of each day, you’ll return to the lodge to relax and enjoy a gourmet dinner with your group. 

Meet your instructor, Jamie Miller

Photo of Jaimie Miller

Jamie is a TEDx speaker, outdoor enthusiast and innovator of bold sustainable ideas. He is the founder of Biomimicry Frontiers - a design consultancy in Canada that draws creativity and innovation from the natural world. Jamie has been building biomimicry through his consulting, lectures, high-end excursions and workshops since 2007. When he’s not in the field, he’s presenting at events such as the Eco Summit and the Institute for Sustainable Labs. 

Questions about this trip?

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1-800-661-0252

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