Canmore is a world-famous resort town in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, about an hour west of Calgary. This trip will revolve around visiting beautiful Canmore and its local geology. With mountain-sized outcrops of porous-permeable aquifers, a journey through a fold-and-thrust belt, and groundwater-producing facility, this field trip offers a unique analogue to geothermal sedimentary systems of the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin. It will place the participants ‘inside’ sedimentary and structural geology from resource play scale to wellbore scale. Much of the day will be viewing seismic-scale and outcrop-scale examples of carbonate reef and platform-interior deposits with varying types of pore systems. The highlight will be Grassi Lakes and the renowned outcrops of vuggy (large pore) dolostones of the Cairn and Southesk formations.  We will then hypothesize geothermal aquifer production strategies at a viewpoint of groundwater-producing petroleum wells and processing facilities.

Purpose and Objectives

A major challenge during geothermal exploration and development planning is accurately modelling subsurface hydrogeology in 3D, at play- and reservoir-scales, using widely-spaced and disparate datasets. The huge exposures of porous aquifers and fold-fault-fracture networks in the Rocky Mountains and Foothills of western Canada have been used to visualize and model subsurface geology and engineering strategies for decades.

This field trip will drive participants through sedimentary plays and aquifers, to stimulate group discussions and knowledge exchange about (a) carbonate geothermal aquifers and (b) geothermal exploration and production strategies within the magnificent settings of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains and Foothills. The purpose is to exchange knowledge and ideas between geothermal geoscientists, engineers, resource estimators, exploration managers and portfolio analysts, including:

1. Tectonic structures and lithostratigraphy of deep, sedimentary aquifers.
2. Modelling geothermal plays in 3D for kilometers of length.
3. Aquifer quality and water yield potential of limestone-dolostone at the scale of a geothermal field, e.g. the distribution of porosity and permeability.
4. The types of information and conversations needed to optimize predictions about geothermal: lithostratigraphy, thermal energy resource, wellbore locations, drilling geohazards, geological chance of success, geothermal energy yield.
5. Opportunities and risks of using existing water-petroleum infrastructure.

Participant Requirements

The hike to Grassi Lakes is a popular 45-60 minute hike along a marked trail but has uneven ground with moderate to steep elevation changes. Proper footwear (hiking boots, no open-toed shoes) and clothing for being outdoors in bear country for several hours are needed. Parts of the trail involve climbing stair-like rocks, therefore good mobility is required.

Lake Louise and Banff regions are world-renowned icons in the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site. This trip will revolve around visiting these breath-taking places and their geology. Aligned with the World Geothermal Congress 2026 in Calgary, this field trip takes you into basin-scale and play-scale sedimentary aquifers and structural geology of Canada’s Rocky Mountains. With mountain-sized outcrops of porous-permeable aquifers, a transect through a fold-and-thrust belt, and groundwater-producing facility, this field trip offers a unique analogue to geothermal sedimentary systems of the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin. It will place the participants ‘inside’ clastic sedimentary and structural geology from resource play scale to wellbore scale. Travelling from Calgary, participants will cross the Foothills fold-and-thrust belt to the Front Ranges of the Rocky Mountains. Much of the day will be viewing seismic-scale and outcrop-scale examples of siltstone and quartzite aquifers with matrix and fracture porosity. A highlight will be hiking along the world-famous Lake Louise and its renowned outcrops of fractured quartzites of the Gog Quartzite formation.  We will finish the day brainstorming geothermal aquifer production strategies at a viewpoint of groundwater-producing petroleum wells and processing facilities.

Purpose and Objectives

The purpose of this field trip is to stimulate group discussions and knowledge exchange about (a) clastic geothermal aquifers and (b) geothermal exploration and production strategies. These will occur whilst stood ‘inside’ the sedimentary and structural geology of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains and Foothills.

The target audience is geothermal geoscientists, engineers, regulators, resource estimators, exploration managers and portfolio analysts.

A major challenge during geothermal exploration and development planning is accurate modelling of subsurface hydrogeology in 3D, at province- to play- to reservoir-scales, using widely-spaced and disparate datasets. The play-scale exposures of porous aquifers and fold-fault-fracture networks in the Rocky Mountains and Foothills of western Canada have been used to visualize and model subsurface geology and engineering strategies for decades. This field trip will drive participants through sedimentary geothermal plays and aquifers.

1. Tectonic structures and lithostratigraphy of deep, sedimentary aquifers.
2. Modelling geothermal plays in 3D for kilometers of length.
3. Aquifer quality and water yield potential of limestone-dolostone at the scale of a geothermal field, e.g. the distribution of porosity and permeability.
4. The types of information and conversations needed to optimize predictions about geothermal: lithostratigraphy, thermal energy resource, wellbore locations, drilling geohazards, geological chance of success, geothermal energy yield.
5. Opportunities and risks of using existing water-petroleum infrastructure.

Participant Requirements

The hike along Lake Louise is a popular, 1.5 km hike along a marked trail and the path is relatively flat. One rise along the path is somewhat steeper and requires good mobility. Sturdy footwear with closed toes is recommended, and for those who wish to ascend the scree slope at the Lake to hunt for trace fossils, walking boots are a necessity. The other stops are also on level terrain but loose rubble may be encountered at the Sink Lake stop. The ever changing weather in Alberta requires a range of clothing including warm gear for cold conditions, a waterproof jacket and a sun hat.

This one-day trip will travel through the Canadian Rocky Mountains to examine the fault control on deep groundwater circulation and manifestation of thermal and mineral springs. We will travel through Banff and Kootenay national parks, as well as cross over the Great Divide and travel along the height of the Rockies into British Columbia.

The trip will be suitable for average fitness levels, requiring walks through the forest of up to 20 minutes including stair climbs and walking on unpaved trails and wooden boardwalks that may be slippery. We will be in bear country and suitable precautions will be taken.

Visit Saskatchewan, Alberta’s eastern neighbour to experience the vast prairie landscape of the southern half of the province. We will fly to Regina, Saskatchewan’s capital city before embarking on short road trips to Estevan, to visit SaskPower’s Boundary Dam thermal power plant carbon dioxide capture project and Aquistore’s carbon dioxide injection / storage site.

Once back in Regina, the Petroleum Technology Research Centre (PTRC) will present additional information on the geology and technology of the Estevan-area projects that we have visited. We will learn about the City of Regina’s new civic aquatic center complex that will use geothermal energy as its direct heat supply, and the long history of the Temple Gardens natural warm mineral water spa in nearby Moose Jaw. We will then travel to the Regina geothermal construction site, then to Moose Jaw to experience the spa and other Moose Jaw attractions.

Enroute back to Regina for the return flight to Calgary, we will drive by and learn about Mosaic’s Belle Plaine potash solution-mining operations of one of the world’s largest potash reserves.

Embark on an unforgettable journey to experience the emerging geothermal opportunities in the northern Yukon Territory with this exclusive field trip, designed to complement your experience at the World Geothermal Conference. Over five action-packed days (including a full day to visit historic Whitehorse), explore the ways Indigenous communities in the Yukon are evaluating the potential of geothermal energy and ground-source heat pumps (geoexchange) through immersive tours and experiences.

Start with a visit to Atlin, where you’ll see the groundbreaking Taku River Tlingit First Nation ground-source heat pump project installed in their administrative building and coupled with a warm spring-fed lake and be welcomed to this small and charming mountain community. Continue your adventure with a visit to the Kluane Lake Research Centre in the breathtaking Kluane National Park, where you’ll gain insights into the region’s unique fault systems and heat flow, followed by a thrilling hike through the stunning landscape. We will also explore a local geothermal project on the Denali fault system in Burwash Landing and their wind energy project learning more about how First Nations are leading the way in renewable energy systems. Delve into indigenous wisdom at Long Ago People Place, learning how ancient cultures harnessed the thermal storage properties of rocks, before finishing with a rejuvenating soak in the Eclipse Hot Springs.

This field trip is a perfect blend of cultural immersion, natural beauty, and geothermal experiences—truly an adventure you won’t want to miss!

The Kootenay Hot Springs field trip offers an immersive experience through the natural beauty and geothermal wonders of British Columbia. The journey will take us through the Rocky, Purcell, Selkirk, and Monashee Mountain Ranges, exploring the region’s geological history and diverse ecosystems, from cascading waterfalls and ancient cave systems to towering old growth forests.

Following the iconic Hot Springs Circle Route, the adventure leads to five natural hot springs, nestled in the mountains, known for their therapeutic qualities. Each stop reveals a profound connection between land and water shaped over centuries. Among them are the sacred Nupika wu’u, “Spirit Waters,” whose cultural significance remains deeply rooted in the traditions of the Indigenous communities who have long cherished them.

Amidst this beauty lies a hidden source of energy. Through visiting the historic mining town of Riondel, you will learn about the Kootenay Lake Project and its efforts to evaluate the region’s untapped geothermal energy potential to provide accessible energy to local communities.

With scenic ferry crossings, soaking in mineral-rich hot springs waters, locally inspired cuisine, and Indigenous history, this journey offers a unique opportunity to experience the intersection of geoscience, sustainability, and community resilience, all set within the breathtaking mountain landscapes of British Columbia.

This Tu-Deh-Kah Geothermal Excursion offers a rich convergence of science, sustainability, Indigenous culture, and outdoor exploration, a truly transformative experience for the World Geothermal Congress 2026 delegates. Embark on an extraordinary five-day journey blending geothermal learning, Indigenous knowledge sharing, and immersive outdoor experiences in the Northern Rockies.

This curated cultural and educational field trip, aligned with the World Geothermal Congress 2026 in Calgary, invites participants to explore renewable energy development, Dene cultural practices, and the breathtaking landscapes of northeastern British Columbia.

Trip Highlights

• Community-led learning on the land
• Geothermal education and site visit at Tu-Deh-Kah Geothermal
• Hands-on Dene cultural teachings and workshops
• Indigenous Engagement & Consultation session
• Outdoor adventures and wellness activities
• Wildlife viewing opportunities
• Abundant and diverse photography opportunities

Add – Ons: (Optional)

• Fly-in Fishing excursion & accommodation upgrade Northern Rockies Lodge lakeside chalets: CAD $2,000 per person
• Bush Pilot Adventure (2-4 hours): CAD $500 per person
• Backcountry ATV Adventure (day trip): CAD $750 per person