Journey with Jeff. By Bike and By Foot.
Adventure doesn’t have to be uncomfortable.
If you know me well, you know I don’t like to suffer, even for the benefit of self-improvement. Cardio, diets, and “flash sales” are not my top priorities, whereas first class, fine wines, and spa treatments have my number on speed dial. While I try my best to integrate balance, sometimes a martini simply outweighs a trip to the gym. But then came Backroads, the leader in active travel since 1979. Pinned in over 50 countries on the map, Backroads sets the benchmark for active vacations. They grabbed my attention with trips that are never subcontracted, targeting a 55+ clientele that explores the world by bike and by foot. Adding to their checklist are professional guides, meticulous trip design, elegant hotels, and world-class dining. The latter two had me setting down my martini.
And so, in 2018, when I launched Travel Concierge, I knew Backroads had to be part of our tribe. One by one, I booked clients on dream trips across Norway, the San Juan Islands, Tuscany, and beyond. But as my wife tells me, a true leader practices what he preaches, and so, I too booked an adventure trip with Backroads.
British Columbia.
My destination was British Columbia and my mode of transportation was my own two feet. The thought of hiking the Canadian Rockies for six days was rather intimidating. But when I learned the trip included premier hotels and a “tap out” non-judgemental freedom, I was in for the long haul.
The itinerary promoted a level 2-4 intensity (trust me, there was no “level 1”) with a hiking route that ranged from two to seven miles per day. Our group comprised of just 11 people, which is fairly standard since Backroads trips are designed to be small enough for personalized support, yet large enough to keep the conversations flowing.
“My favorite part was the hand-holding, available for travelers who needed it (I clung to outstretched hands), loving the fact that I had multiple support vans at my beck and call.”
Already on Day 1, I discovered the beauty of the support team, as we made our way from Calgary to Kananaskis Country, with meandering trails along Ribbon Creek.
Day 3 was perhaps my favorite, as we ascended a forested path toward Yates Mountain, backdropped by Mount Baldy and Barrier Lake. Our destination was the majestic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Resembling a Scottish baronial castle, this exquisite property is set in the heart of Banff National Park and offers magnificent panoramic views, luxurious guest rooms, and an award-winning 35,000-square-foot spa which Travel + Leisure named the best of the best.
Yep, tested and approved by me. It was, in fact, remarkable, so much so that I called in “sick” to Day 4. The beauty of bailing out is that no one cared. The trail was mine for the taking (or not) and would exist just fine if I chose to head to the spa vs. bless it with the tread of my boots.
There was flexibility and ease with Backroads, and I loved that about them. The “choose your own adventure” spanned beyond my single trip, luring in the active traveler with biking tours that recently launched the company to the next level.
During my hiking trip, they sold me on their e-bike options that would allow me to tour the world on two wheels with minimal effort. Unrivaled in active travel, their custom bike fleet has more than 9,000 professionally maintained titanium bikes, including e-bikes, carbon pro bikes, and more.
Lake Louise.
But, that day would come. For now, I would climb my way through Kootenay National Park, peppered with waterfalls and wildflowers. Beyond Stanley Glacier was Moraine Lake and the shimmering waters of Lake Louise. After hiking the heart of Mount Lefroy, we celebrated our victory with lunch at the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse—a perfect end to our Canadian Rockies journey.
After breaking a sweat, I relaxed at the 50,000-square-foot Nordic spa, soaking my feet while patting myself on the back for completing the route. These were the moments I lived for, the reward after the journey from Spray Valley Provincial Park to Galatea Lakes.
Final nights were spent at the luxurious Moraine Lake Lodge, a rustic haven set on the shore of Moraine Lake in Banff National Park. It was there that I laid in bed, realizing that adventure didn’t have to be uncomfortable. In all my years of travel, this was perhaps my first adventure-focused travel experience.
What I discovered is that luxury is not always about thread count, but rather about the experience. Backroads taught me that, by introducing me to a whole new way of travel. Unlike a ship or river cruise, there was a motion, a movement, and an energy I had never felt before with exploration. In less than a week, I had inhaled authentic, on-the-ground experiences that unveiled luxury in the great outdoors—connecting me with nature in those isolated moments of the wind in my hair and the sound of bullfrogs, crickets, and pure silence.
Where does this leave me today?
I guess it’s safe to say I’m an adventure traveler now . . . with a very strong martini in hand.
In August 2024 I’m leading a Travel Concierge Hosted Biking Adventure with Backroads to the San Juan Islands. I’d be delighted if you’d consider joining me on this or other hosted experiences we have planned for 2024.