About Us (Frequently Asked Questions)

• Gear rentals
• Campgrounds
• Shuttle services
• Accomodation
• Meals
• Instructors
• Age classifications
• Equipment
• Participant's equipment list

Gear rentals?

A variety of outdoor gear is available for rent including canoes, trailers, paddles, PFDs, and general camping gear.

Campgrounds?

HeLa has a campground offering 20 serviced sites, a camp kitchen, and group fire pit.

Shuttle services?

We offer shuttles from the North Saskatchewan River crossing (Highway 93) in Banff to Drayton Valley. Contact us for rates.

What type of accommodation do you provide?

The accommodation provided is dependent upon the group's objectives. Most of our programs are based from our field camp located 24 km west of Rocky Mountain House. Participants may choose to sleep in wall tents, teepees, one of our rustic cabins, or may choose to bring their own recreational vehicle or tent to park in one of the 20 electrically serviced campsites. A washhouse complete with warm showers is available for your convenience. A lodge serves as a dining and meeting hall, and a guesthouse serves as a participants' lounge. Accommodations for out trips may be in tents or survival shelters.

What about meals?

Most of the programs include a full meal service. Menus, designed and prepared by a home economist, are well balanced and reflect a healthy lifestyle. Special menus may be requested, and we do our best to accommodate special dietary considerations (including food allergies). All of the meals are homemade and served in a comfortable, informal atmosphere. Because most of our programs involve rather strenuous outdoor activities, a variety of healthy snacks are provided throughout the day.

Who are the instructors?

All of our programs are lead by highly qualified guides. The instructor to student ratio will vary depending on the type of activity. In any of our programs, safety is ALWAYS our first priority, and the quality of instruction/guiding reflects that mandate. Further details on the qualifications of the instructors/guides for your particular program will be provided upon registration. See the staff section for further details.

What are the age classifications for family programs?

Adult = 18+ years; charges vary dependent on program
Youth = 7-17 years; charges vary dependent on program
Child = 6 and under; no charge

Do you provide all the equipment?

Equipment required for most of our programs is provided. The bike touring programs require a bicycle rental fee. For some of the more specialized programs, or for extra optional equipment (such as wetsuits), an extra fee may be required. For most programs, participants are required to bring a helmet. Full details of required equipment and costs will be provided upon registration.

What do the participants need to bring?

To ensure your students enjoy their visit to our field camp, here is a participant's equipment list detailing what every student requires.

Participant's equipment list

As you pack, please remember that your clothing will get wet during paddling activities and, depending upon the weather, possibly all other activities. Please pack accordingly to ensure you have enough dry clothes for each day.

Personal

• Personal toiletries
• Sunglasses and sun screen
• Water bottle (you will need it on the first day so keep it handy)
• Whistle
• Flashlight
• 2 large garbage bags to transport wet gear from river (these are important!)
• Change of clothing for the trip home
• Logbook and pencil

Sleeping

• Sleeping bag (good to 0 C)
• Sleeping pad (thermo-rest, ensolite, foamy or air mattress)
• Dedicated clothes for sleeping (ensure a warm dry sleep!)
• Tent (optional)

Clothing

**A note on clothing: Attempt to eliminate cotton as much as possible during activities. Synthetic (i.e. fleece) is a much more effective option for outdoor activities.

• Toque and sun hat
• Wool or synthetic long underwear (2 pair)
• Light weight undershirt (2)
• Wool shirt, sweater and pants (multiple)
• Wool or thermal socks (minimum 4 pairs –socks may get wet each day)
• Extra shoes for camp use
• Bathing suit and towel for the sauna>

Outdoor Gear

• Wind shell
• Warm coat
• Good rain gear (jacket and pants - no ponchos, please)
• Gloves or mitts
• Old runners that will get wet during canoeing (must be closed-toed, fit securely, no crocs or sandals)
• Hiking boots (sturdy runners will suffice)
• Day pack
• If you are biking, bring an appropriate fitting bike helmet
• Helmet for the river (the bike helmet will do for this as well)
• Students must be prepared to bring or rent a wetsuit ($5.00/river day)

If you tend to be cold when outside for long periods of time, you may want to bring extra warm clothes. Remember that it is better to wear multiple layers for warmth, than to wear one heavy layer. Note: Clothes dryers are not available. Please ensure that you have dry clothes available for the duration of the program.

Please do not pack: iPods or phones - we are not responsible for them.