Canadian Rockies // The Wapta Traverse

Starting at Bow Pass and working it’s way down to Peyto Lake then to the Peyto Glacier and onto the Wapta Icefield. The Wapta Traverse winds its way through the Waputik Mountains, onto and across several glaciers such as Vulture, Balfour and Niles. All together the travers covers 30 miles of Canadian scenic beauty with about 8000ft of climbing. We considered doing it in a day but I was unaware of the Canadian’s propensity for generosity and was worried we wouldn’t be able to hitch a ride back to our car in the dark. So we spent a very uncomfortable night at the Duncan hut with nothing but our hopes and dreams to keep us warm. When we did reach the road we were instantly picked up and quickly got 2 rides back to our car. Canada is awesome.

[@rodneyanderson8741]

SPECTACULAR, in my opinion, "thee" best documented adventure in all the years that I have enjoyed watching Mediocre Amateur

[@JamieMiles_southmainmuse]

I thought the same.

[@itwasanewdayyesterday2586]

@@JamieMiles_southmainmuse was here to say the same, one of the best

[@bushtruck]

Stay outta Canada ya bums! We like our mountains quiet, not overrun like yours! And quit promoting unprepared traverses! Other than that great video, love ya guys!

[@stanhumphreys9282]

With all the garbage there is on YT these days, why don't these guys have a million subscribers? It's a crime.

[@nathanjthompson]

I was thinking the same thing. Great work guys!

[@spelunkerd]

I did the Wapta traverse almost 40 years ago. Interestingly there was very little standing water, no river crossings at the beginning, and I don't remember the ice cave, either. The mountain peaks were distinctive and memorable. Heavy snow covered everything and we stayed in a quick snow cave one night. The most concerning part was the telemark descent through the trees at the end, where fatigue and tricky snow made us all worry about falling. Thanks for the memories!

[@sashanorman7975]

You guys do not understand how lucky you were with the weather I know some who have been up 4-5 times for multi day trips and never saw any blue, well done

[@MikeWindsor]

Just catching up on some of your videos that I’ve missed and wow. The adventures you guys go on and the quality of your videos are unreal. Seriously my favorite channel on KZbin, and way better than anything on network tv. Thank you for sharing and for the continued inspiration. Keep on crushing it.

[@bFow]

Great video, and an awesome adventure. Very fun to see some of the traverse with better vis than when I did it. A note please though is the huts are unheated - other than Bow - and are meant to be wild sheltered and only as warm as the number of people in them warming them up. Using the propane is intended for cooking only - it is flown up to the hut. Also the propane will crank up the moisture in the hut. Please don't lead people astray with that description of warming the hut as much as you can with the cook stove.

[@cooperpayne]

Why? Who built them?

[@bFow]

@@cooperpayne built by volunteers with fundraised money by the Alpine Club of Canada. They have to fly with a helicopter that fuel up there to use with the cooking stoves. Propane isn't constantly resupplied. Also when you burn propane you get a molecule of H2O for every molecule of propane burnt, really gets the hut humid and gear will not dry well.

[@ContentsMayDiffer]

Zero visibility on a glacier is nothing compared to the sheer terror of the conversations you might have to endure if you end up in the wrong person's truck.

[@alexadventures5620]

God bless the day that I came across this channel

[@woweezowee334]

7:36 is such an incredible shot

[@jimbauer10]

Love the new editing flair and the new music. As always the content itself is wonderful as well. Keep up the good work.

[@christinerolle3876]

Wifey is very much happy now that you both are very much safe and alive. Thanks sharing this epic and spectacular video.1🥰😍🤩💯❤

[@admiralcapn]

Love those super-wide shots of your friend in the distance. Really gives a better scope of the topography when there's a human in the shot.

[@solog116]

Even though this is only a few hours from my house (Edmonton) as I watch this...its a world away.

[@williampacey9194]

Beautiful area, a 77 year old man can only watch a great video. Damn beautiful!

[@nikorolfness1327]

keep up the awesome content you guys keep me hyped up to keep going out in the mountains and doing bigger and cooler things. Also, It's always great to sit down and watch one of your guys videos.

[@alex_prizzi]

Changing your mindset from intimidated to awe and appreciation is a powerful tool. Another great vid. I always love seeing what you guys are doing and adding it to my own list. Currently training for my own R2R2R bid. Hopefully I only puke half as much as Danny did.

[@joshf-o6696]

I know rim to rim is not uncommon, but I thought only masochistic Mediocre Amateurs do R2R2R (out and back). Hope it goes well. I'll be floating by Phantom Ranch in October and will have to stop in to get my lemonade and mail post cards.

[@AlexanderHalaszyn]

God, that was so hard to watch. The way he powered through that heat exhaustion was unreal. And kinda unsettling. Always inspiriting though.

[@lindsaynewell6319]

@@joshf-o6696 on the FB R2R2R group, there are multiple people doing it every week (maybe less in mid summer). I’ve been working up the courage - still feel undertrained but know that there will never be a perfect time so just have to pull the trigger and go do it, maybe in October/November.

[@alex_prizzi]

For me, it was about going with the right person. We're going to try to beat the heat by going in April. The main down side being that the north rim will still be closed. I'll try to film as much as I can after the wheels come off. Lol

[@alex_prizzi]

Just finished my video. We had pretty much perfect conditions on April 10. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aanNaKpsba6tgs0

[@lindsaynewell6319]

This was definitely one of your most ‘on brand’ adventures and one of the most awesome. Great camera work and editing.💪🙏

[@georgehaeh4856]

Wow! I hiked the Wapta in August 99, but there was 3' of fresh snow and we all put our feet in the guide's bootprints. We stopped at all the huts including a couple extra days for peak bagging. That was a week and you guys blitzed it to Duncan in a day! Lovely video; brings back memories. PS. Having the hut to yourselves, nobody would complain if you piled sleeping mats over yourselves.

[@sigean100]

Absolutely one of the best ever MA videos. Incredible scenery and videography. Wow.

[@adamk3591]

Always appreciate the commentary regarding risk assessment. Really helps fellow MAs

[@arminm8186]

The mountaineers equivalent of cardboards - LOL, I love it 😜

[@beautifulportland9592]

One of the Best Remote Wilderness Discovery Adventures on youtube . . . you really outdid yourself on this one . . . " A TRUE WILDERNESS CLASSIC" . . . .

[@ucbikecop]

One of your best, thank you

[@roymeetsworld1]

WOW!!!! That ice-cave was incredible !!

[@russschwartz2046]

I wondered if anyone was going to comment on the misuse of the hut propane. Otherwise, nicely done.

[@kylesnavely6165]

Absolutely incredible.

[@CorentinHarbelot]

Yes! New vidéo! Thanks ! Greets from France.

[@pagewhite8177]

Wow! What an adventure! That ice cave was amazing! Thanks for another great video.

[@nathanrodriguez7080]

This was amazing! So inspiring and honestly thank you!!! It's just a joy to watch these adventures. Can't say thank you enough!

[@Matt_________9]

Always makes my day to see a new MA video posted. Awesome trip. Cheers!!

[@david-pc6ko]

Awesome to see you guys came up here to Canada! You guys are massive inspiration for me in ski touring. Cheers, Stay safe!

[@panksdmz]

Thanks for sharing your wonderful adventures and motivating the rest of us to push our limits! 👏👏👏🙏✌️

[@softride12]

You guys are awesome! Fantastic scenery. Thanks for going places that mere mortals can only see in our fevered dreams!

[@Naafun]

You guys smashed it. Great Vid! Love the Rockies!

[@pei-huayen-roy1047]

Thank you for this AMAZING adventure. The views are spectacular!! I will never be able to do anything like what you do, but it makes me happy to watch your videos.

[@bhe317]

Absolutely beautiful, one of my favorites from you guys! Excellent job on the production!

[@naujesojzevachsopmac6377]

This Is MAGNIFICO , great experience hundread of likes

[@davidfantle6721]

Spectacular and inspiring. Being in such environments and conditions is what I live for, but am able to do so far too rarely. Thanks for taking us along.

[@coloradolivin27.52]

One of my favorite adventures. Stunning views!

[@ItaiGanor]

I love your videos!! amazing, the editing is great. and I got hyped every second in the video for the views and the remote place in the mountains, great job!!

[@DavidDTA]

A favorite video. I start my mornings with your adventures. You guys are super inspiring .

[@rugged9769]

These guys know how to live. Epic adventure and views

[@nothankyou90]

Definitely one of the best adventures so far. Would be awesome to see you guys tackle something difficult in the northeast like Mount Katahdin in winter. Thanks for all the inspiration material!

[@antonioloredo8800]

So wonderful way to show us the Rockies, amazing trip guys. Super well done as always...

[@christianthompson7155]

These last two are definitely your best in the last year!

[@gobikeyourself]

Every once in a while I run across one of your videos. Allways like them a lot, but this one blows me away! Awesome adventure, thanks for sharing!

[@ClimbSnipes]

Great video guys. Thanks for making these. I am from Utah & moved to Florida 2 years ago. These videos help when I’m missing the mountains

[@silverdesk72]

Great film. Beautiful scenery. Quite inspiring.

[@Ramenscooter]

Crazy good, thanks for taking us along.

[@bobbrown4212]

Once again an awesome video and you guys are awesome

[@bigadventuresonaveragetale1563]

Stunning! Nothing 'mediocre' about this trip though - but I won't quibble about the name and will just enjoy the awesomeness

[@robbie8825]

Dude this was absolutely rad! Well done and mad respect! I couldn’t even fathom what it must’ve been like to be there!

[@MostlyThoughtThisThrough]

I just love this channel so much. WTG boys!

[@2009buzybee]

Nice, thanks for sharing. I’m adding this to my list.

[@bidenadministrationischina5091]

There is one constant in each video. A guy who loves nature and loves traversing it.

[@JamieMiles_southmainmuse]

I’m later to comment- but after watching a lot of mediocrity, this has to be your breakthrough video. Seriously, this was amazing and I know nothing of sking or navigating life-threatening cold. That was some of the most beautiful landscape, I’ve ever seen. When you are old - even older than myself-- you can look at this with your grandkids and say, “I was one crazy MotherF’er.” 😂

[@zinexo]

Epic video. One of the best on the channel which already has an incredibly high bar set.

[@remingtonevert8451]

Magnificent! Another gem on the channel.

[@lukefromtexas]

Great content as always. Love the channel. Keep ‘‘em coming!

[@kennyd6388]

You guys live an awesome life!!!

[@whenopportunitycomes8718]

Woohoooh. Awesome. 👊👊 Amazing view. This episode is the motivation for the weekend.

[@RabbitCarrots]

The views! Amazing!!!

[@K2dot]

Thanks for a great video!

[@ConquerYou]

U guys are amazing.

[@wayphun72]

You two are a great duo, I really enjoyed this!

[@45coopaloop]

You guys are great! Keep coming up to Canada and doing these kinda adventures :)

[@john26razor340]

INCREDIBLE video. So well edited.

[@adibblefilms]

Love this stuff!

[@traviss8354]

Hats off to those friendly Canadians for giving you rides so quickly. The only time I've had to hitchhike back to my car was after doing a few days backpacking in the backcountry in Yellowstone. I took almost an hour and a half to get a ride and I was only going 15 miles.

[@farbeyonddriven8173]

Gonna need a ride in the Beartooths this summer. Hope for better luck!

[@MarcLacasse]

Great job guys! Amazing scenery and vlog skills!

[@mountainssea9642]

I absolutely love this channel. Started with Kraig Adams. Found my way here. You guys are phenomenal.

[@flukeofficial]

Such epic views in those Canadian Rockies.

[@AleksandarGospic]

Wow, fantastic adventure in mesmerizing scenery of Canadian Rockies! 😍😍Awesome video guys, that last sentence was perfect ending!

[@kevinw1129]

Wow, what a trip. Amazing scenery. Good job Amateurs!

[@dannymoranz1589]

We enjoyed Bow mountain hut in the summer of 1995. Beautiful area. Keep up the great adventures!

[@markjones3425]

Very nice to see the traverse and experience it again from newby's eyes..great video and ENERGY from you fellows, ....definitely your best mediocrity so far! Impressive effort ! Cheers!

[@skydetherfangirl]

what’s this about an avalanche? such a gloriously glamorous word for sure. Be careful! I love you danny💕

[@ericmenocal3768]

Great footage, guys. Just awesome!

[@shelleydiamond6468]

Beautiful !

[@1800marwin]

Incredible work as always. I love the new title cards.

[@deivclayton]

Wow! Such an awesome adventure!

[@ralphsadventures8901]

Great video !!! Thank you for showing this spectacular tour or traverse 💪👍🍀👏👏👏👏 kind greetings from Austria

[@shauntaylor5034]

Love that the last few uploads have been from my backyard!! You picked some good ones for when you were here.

[@kgsz]

Came here from the Xander's recommendation and OMG, where you've been all my life? Love your style, cinematography, background music, montage; everything. You're amazing. Happy to meet you!

[@GetTheMostWanted]

unreal landscapes

[@paddlefaster]

That ice cave was spectacular. Great adventure.

[@dustinwall1552]

Spectacular!

[@devonbailiff]

So good - keep up the good work guys!

[@BreakOutOfTheAlgorithm]

Sorry about that first comment. Y'all are my heroes and you make bushwacking and ice caves look like more fun than a day at Disneyland. 👍

[@dinobatchelor9404]

Superb! Thank you

[@zinger2967]

That ice cave was amazing! Hopefully you guys were able to go to Columbia Icefields during your time in the Rockies. It is the largest ice field in the Canadian Rockies and makes the Wapta seem small!

[@duncanbell315]

Glad you enjoyed my hut.

[@isaacjamesbaker]

Wow this was just incredible to watch, as someone who will never do this. Stoked for you dudes.

[@ZonDog]

What a paradise for ski mountaineering!

[@joshgonzalez2885]

Best edited video by far. Some shots looked like out of interstellar

[@BackyardHiker]

THAT ICE CAVE WAS KILLA!! Awesome Adventure!

[@ChrisMillerLite]

This was pretty badass being in the middle of nature at it's greatest

[@suzanne1116]

This was fantastic!

[@alehax27]

beyond gnarly, per usual

[@KarlDeckerPresents]

Totally awesome! Great footage. . . but OMG be careful, it may not always work out. . . I narrowly escaped a "bad ending" recently and only foolhardy luck and rock climbing skill got me out alive. I'm backing off a bit. It did look like you guys were in control on this one but darkness in a white out doing glacier travel in new terrain, yikes. . . incredible job!

[@bendyer1465]

I love the music!!

[@diostejastierras7898]

*I can't believe we missed this trailhead/scenic overlook between Jasper and Banff National Parks!* Thank you for sharing this, and giving us a little gem to find if we ever go up north again! *Take Care and Safe Travels! Stay midocre and keep being amateur Everyone!*