Exploring Alternative Active Travel Options

For four decades, national outdoor gear retail giant Recreational Equipment, Inc., commonly known as REI, has operated a travel division named REI Adventures, offering a variety of guided hiking, cycling, and multi-sport trips. In a testament to their popularity, around 40,000 customers participated in trips through the company in 2024 alone. However, for personal reasons, I had eagerly anticipated joining one of these adventures, having booked a cycling trip last fall in Canada’s stunning Banff and Jasper National Parks. Unfortunately, wildfires forced the cancellation of all local trips. Now it appears that my plans with REI Adventures are not merely paused; they are permanently halted.

In a recent announcement that echoed throughout the outdoor community, REI’s president and CEO Eric Artz confirmed the company’s departure from the travel sector. His letter to employees stated, “After a thorough review and careful consideration, I have made the difficult decision to exit the Experiences business altogether.” This decision marks a significant change in a landscape where guided outdoor adventures have become increasingly sought after.

For those who had already booked trips with REI Adventures, the company has committed to providing a full refund for all payments made. On January 9, customers were directed to an updated landing page with a comprehensive FAQ section addressing refund details and associated non-refundable expenses. Artz reassured customers that REI would make every effort to facilitate a smooth transition for those impacted by this decision.

The space of active travel has seen considerable growth in recent years, fueled by increased interest in health, fitness, and experiential travel—trends that intensified during the pandemic. Many Americans are more engaged in planning and booking active travel than ever before. While the loss of REI Adventures is significant, it does not mark the end of guided outdoor adventures. Numerous alternative operators are eager to cater to this burgeoning demand.

Those who found their plans disrupted have several options for rebooking. One viable route is to seek an alternative active travel operator covering the same destination and dates. While challenging, particularly given the demand for such trips, it is not impossible. If you secured airfare without opting for the rock-bottom fares, there’s a strong chance you can transfer your flight costs to a different trip or destination. From there, it’s time to explore the landscape of active travel companies that remain.

UPDATE (1/9/25): Following the announcement regarding REI Adventures, MT Sobek, a well-respected adventure travel company since 1969, stepped in to offer continuity for former REI customers by carrying over many of the REI itineraries on exactly the same dates.

What set REI Adventures apart from its competitors was its flexible trip offerings. Unlike many other active travel companies, which typically require longer bookings, REI provided shorter trips, including four-day itineraries, making them more accessible for busy travelers. Additionally, they accommodated a broad range of budgets, offering everything from camping to luxury lodging and a notable number of women-only departures—an area where REI stood out as a front-runner.

Geography also played a significant role in REI Adventures’ unique appeal. While many active travel companies operate on a global scale, REI focused primarily on North America, specifically on the vast array of National Parks. If someone sought a guided hiking trip in iconic locations like the Grand Canyon, Great Smoky Mountains, Acadia, or Zion, REI would be the go-to recommendation. This focus is exactly why I chose them for my inaugural trip to cycle through Canada’s oldest National Park.

For those now seeking alternatives, Backroads is a prominent contender that closely mirrors REI’s offerings. Established in 1979, Backroads is recognized as America’s oldest and largest active travel company, operated continuously by its founder, Tom Hale. Although Backroads leans more toward luxury travel, offering few rough and ready camping options, they excel in high-quality experiences.

Backroads is celebrated for a variety of reasons, including their commitment to shorter trips, women’s-only departures, and domestic destinations, particularly within National Parks. They offer a comprehensive range of hiking, cycling, and multi-sport trips, often including various options within the same parks. For instance, their cycling tour from Banff to Jasper provides multiple daily distance choices, accommodating different skill levels while staying at luxurious hotels in the area.

Another reputable option is G Adventures, which provides a wide range of active travel experiences, including camping adventures in many National Parks across the U.S. and Canada. While G Adventures combines active exploration with a touch of traditional tourism, they maintain a focus on providing unforgettable experiences in nature’s playgrounds, such as Denali National Park.

Finally, those on the lookout for hiking and biking options can consider sister companies Country Walkers and VBT Bicycling Vacations. Country Walkers offers guided hiking experiences in classic destinations such as Bryce and Zion National Parks, while VBT focuses on cycling trips across National Parks and majestic regions like Banff.

The active travel industry is brimming with opportunities. While REI Adventures may be closing its doors, the spirit of exploration and adventure remains very much alive through many other esteemed operators committed to delivering exceptional outdoor experiences. For hikers and cyclists, a wealth of options remains to explore the breathtaking landscapes of North America.