About Wilderness Escape Adventures
Wilderness Escape Adventures began with a simple realization. Alberta’s most iconic places were stunning, but the experience in busy parks like Banff often felt crowded, regulated, and commercial, far from the genuine wilderness connection people were looking for. When Jelmer arrived in Alberta five years ago, he was immediately struck by the Rocky Mountain landscape, yet Banff’s busy hiking trails and overbooked campgrounds made it hard to find the solitude he wanted.​
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That changed when he connected with the right locals. They introduced him to remote Crown land areas and hidden spots in Alberta’s backcountry, far beyond the usual tourist routes, and opened the door to the true Alberta wilderness. The sense of freedom and belonging he found there became the foundation for Wilderness Escape Adventures and the guided wilderness camping and hiking trips he runs today.​
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Jelmer noticed that many people wanted this deeper experience but did not know where to start. They were not sure which areas were safe, what gear they needed, or how to explore off the beaten path in Kananaskis and Alberta’s Rocky Mountains without stress. Wilderness Escape Adventures was created to bridge that gap with comfortable, small group and private wilderness trips that remove the guesswork while preserving the feeling of being deep in nature.​
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The business exists to give guests access to the real Alberta wilderness. Not the crowded version, but the quiet forests, open landscapes, and star filled nights on Crown land and in lesser known valleys that remind people why the wilderness matters in the first place and why guided wilderness camping tours in Alberta are worth the effort.
About Jelmer
I grew up in the north of the Netherlands and have lived in seven countries, including South Africa, Aruba, Curaçao, Australia, and New Zealand. I finally settled in Alberta, Canada. Every move pushed me into new terrain, new people, and new ways of seeing the world, but the outdoors was the one constant: hiking, camping, hunting, and disappearing into remote places became the baseline of my life.
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For sixteen years I worked in high-end restaurants and hotels as a sommelier, chef, and hospitality manager. That world taught me discipline, standards, and how to look after people properly, paying attention to details and making sure guests feel seen, not processed. I also guided hunters and guests in New Zealand, blending hospitality with backcountry work long before I ever thought about starting my own company.
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When I moved to Alberta, the wilderness took over fast. For the last four years I have spent most of my free time on foot in the Alberta Rockies, on crown land close to Kananaskis in the Livingstone and Ghost areas and in the mountains, forests, and river valleys most people only ever drive past. I know what it feels like to stare at a map not sure where to start, and I know the feeling of hitting the right valley on the right day and realizing you are exactly where you are supposed to be.
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To do this professionally, I ensured that the paperwork aligned with the reality on the ground.
I am Wilderness First Aid certified, trained in fire safety and bear safety, an IGA-certified hiking guide, and food handler safety certified. Alongside that, I have years of real hiking and camping experience in the same zones I guide in, so decisions around weather, route choice, and group ability come from experience, not guesswork.
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Wilderness Escape Adventures is the result of all of this coming together: international background, serious hospitality experience, and a genuine passion for wild places. I keep groups small, plans realistic, and the atmosphere relaxed and personal so people can experience real wilderness camping and guided hikes around Kananaskis and Alberta's crown land without feeling like they signed up for a bus tour in disguise.
What We Offer
Explore the Rockies in a way few tourist have ever been able to do
Our Wilderness Camping Setup
At Wilderness Escape Adventures, comfort doesn't get left behind on our guided camping trips. Guests stay in a spacious 16-foot bell tent, a warm and inviting shelter that feels surprisingly cozy in the middle of the Alberta wilderness. Inside, each guest sleeps on a thick 10-centimeter insulated sleeping pad that's 80 centimeters wide and two meters long. It's the kind of pad that makes several nights of wilderness camping feel effortless, even during the cooler edges of the season. Soft to the touch, cushioned, and warm from top to bottom, it sets the tone for real rest after a full day of hiking tours outside.
Sleeping bags are equally premium. Every guest is outfitted with a wide down sleeping bag rated to around minus nine degrees, so nights stay warm and comfortable even when the temperature drops. For taller guests, long bags are available that fit people up to two meters tall.
This is a comfortable wilderness camping
experience near Kananaskis on remote crown land, not a crowded campground. There are no showers or built toilets. We do things the traditional way, digging a proper hole for bathroom needs and bathing in the river when the weather allows. It's simple, refreshing, and part of the adventure. Around camp, guests can relax in comfortable chairs, enjoy the fire, and unwind under the stars.
The setup is designed to give people the best of both worlds on our camping tours Alberta: the peace and simplicity of the wild, paired with the comfort that makes the wilderness experience enjoyable from the moment you arrive.
Outdoor Activities
Immerse yourself in a variety of outdoor activities, including guided hikes to stunning viewpoints, wildlife spotting, survival skills workshops, and storytelling sessions around the campfire. Our carefully curated experiences ensure that every moment in the wilderness is filled with wonder and excitement.
​Arrival & Departure
Your wilderness escape begins in Calgary. We meet in the morning, usually between 9 and 11, and head out together toward the open prairies. The first stop is a small, authentic local coffee shop where we enjoy a good cup of coffee and go through a short briefing before heading deeper into the wilderness of the Rocky Mountains.
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Most guests drive their own car or RV, but if you’re coming from downtown Calgary and need a ride, you’re welcome to join me in the truck. There are up to five seats available. The drive to our destination takes roughly two and a half hours, including the final 30 to 40 minutes on a generally well-maintained gravel road. As with any remote travel in Canada, guests driving their own vehicle should leave Calgary with a full tank of fuel to ensure a smooth and stress-free trip.
Once we arrive in the region, we pick a beautiful spot, settle in, and set up camp together. It takes about 45 minutes and sets the tone for the adventure ahead.
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On departure day we start with breakfast and enjoy a relaxed morning. Depending on the group’s preference, we can fit in a short hike or simply unwind by the river before packing up the tent. After camp is broken down, we make the drive back toward Calgary, arriving in the city no later than 6 p.m.
Organized, comfortable, and straightforward from start to finish the way a wilderness trip should feel.
Food & Drink
At Wilderness Escape Adventures, good food isn't an afterthought on our guided wilderness camping tours. It's part of the camping experience. Quality meals keep you energized, satisfied, and ready to enjoy every hike, viewpoint, and moment in the Alberta wilderness. We focus on hearty, flavourful dishes cooked fresh over the campfire and enjoyed under the stars.​
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Breakfast sets the tone for the day on our camping trips. You can expect a warm omelet made with organic free-range eggs, bacon, peppers, onion, and potato, all served in a warm soft pita bread. It's filling, comforting, and exactly what you need before heading out on guided hikes. Freshly brewed coffee or tea is always ready to go.​
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On the first evening we keep things simple and relaxed. Depending on our timing and the group's preference, we roast our own hot dogs over the fire or make campfire pizzas. It's casual, fun, and a great way to ease into the wilderness camping experience.​
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The second night is where the feast happens. We cook over the fire and serve grilled vegetables, potatoes, and plenty of Alberta beef steaks. Alberta is known for producing some of the best beef in the world, and enjoying it outdoors under the open sky on our Kananaskis camping tours is something you don't want to miss.​
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Private camping trips can be customized, and reasonable requests are welcome. We also accommodate allergies as long as they are communicated at the time of booking.​
Because our days are spent out exploring on hiking tours, there is no prepared lunch at camp. Guests should bring their own daytime snacks such as jerky, nuts, or nutrition bars. If you like sports drinks like Gatorade, you're welcome to bring those as well. We provide plenty of clean drinking water, along with coffee and tea at camp.
FAQ
What to Expect
Expect a comfortable, small-group wilderness experience far away from crowded parks. You’ll sleep in a spacious bell tent on a thick insulated pad and enjoy hearty meals cooked over the fire. Days are spent hiking and exploring at a relaxed pace, and evenings settle into campfires, good food, and a sky full of stars.
This isn’t luxury glamping and it isn’t survival camping. It’s a balanced, genuine outdoor adventure with the right amount of comfort. No toilets or showers, no strict schedules , just real wilderness, fresh air, and an easygoing atmosphere where the essentials are taken care of for you.
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What should I bring or prepare?
Bring clothing and gear suited for the outdoors. Arrive prepared. What you will want to bring:
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A day-hike backpack (20–40 liters) for water, snacks, layers, and personal items
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Proper hiking boots that are already broken in
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Crocks/Flipflops/Water shoes for the river/ around camp is highly recommended
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Good wool hiking socks (like J.B. Fields Hiker GX)
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Any personal medication you need
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A warm jacket or sweater for cooler evenings
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Swim clothes and a towel for river dips
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Snacks for during the day (jerky, nuts, protein bars, etc.)
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Any preferred drinks like Gatorade or sports drinks
Arrive prepared, and the wilderness will take care of the rest.
Skill Level
Choosing Your Adventure: Skill Levels and Expectations
Experiencing Alberta’s wilderness is rewarding for hikers of all backgrounds, but if you’re used to hiking in areas without mountains, it’s important to know that mountain trails can feel much more demanding. As a rule of thumb: if you typically hike 20 km comfortably on flat ground, expect your comfortable distance in the mountains to be closer to 10 km, once elevation, terrain, and altitude are factored in.​
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Our Fitness & Skill Levels
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Beginner: Short, local walks or hikes under 5–8 km with minimal elevation gain, perfect for those new to hiking or getting back into outdoor adventures.
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Moderate: Regular hikes of 8–12 km, with up to 300–600 m elevation gain on maintained trails.
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Intermediate: Full-day hikes of 12–16 km with 600–900 m elevation gain and some uneven or rocky terrain.
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Advanced: Challenging days in the mountains—16–24 km, 1200–1800 m elevation gain, steep sections, and long 8–12 hour hiking days.
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Expert: For those with lots of experience, multi-day backcountry trips (3–7 days), 20+ km per day, 1000+ m of elevation gain, and a heavy multi-day pack (15+ kg).
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Fitness and Expectations
We design our hikes for guests with at least a moderate level of fitness. Most of our trips feature hikes in the moderate range, striking a balance between challenge and enjoyment. We love sharing Alberta’s stunning wilderness and always include opportunities to explore some of the province’s most scenic and secluded landscapes. Our aim is to offer adventures where you can truly immerse yourself in the feeling of being “alone in the wilderness,” far from the crowds.​
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Hiking is Always Optional
Your time in the wilderness is yours to shape. While our guided hikes are a highlight and a great way to explore Alberta’s spectacular scenery, it’s always your choice. You’re welcome to relax at camp, enjoy the peace and quiet, watch for wildlife, try out some photography, or simply unwind by the river. Whether you spend your days on the trail or savor tranquil moments at camp, your experience will be rich with wilderness immersion.
If you’re unsure which trip best suits your experience or interests, just reach out, we’re happy to help you choose the perfect adventure!
Cancellation Policy
• A 35% deposit confirms your reservation
• Full refund if cancelled 4+ weeks before trip.
• Within 4 weeks, deposits are non-refundable
• Exceptions can be made for emergencies at our discretion.
Group Size
• Group trips (max 5 guests per trip) Adults 25+ only Singles / Couples / Friends who don't mind sharing the experience with others.
• Private trips (max 8-10 guests per trip) Age 12+ (maximum of 2 children per guardian/adult)
Families / Friends who want to have a private experience