Tour starts: Calgary
Tour ends: Calgary
All tours are tailored to the client’s desired standard and specifications but all include:
Hotel accommodation and motorcoach transportation. Admissions to attractions, local guides and meals (incl all taxes and fees) as detailed in the itinerary.
Flights (unless specified for domestic connections), driver, guide and tour escort gratuities
The Canadian Rockies – Imposing ragged peaks, endless coniferous forests, stunning mountain vistas, vibrant glacial lakes and big game such as Moose, Elk, Grizzlies and Black Bears – sometimes you need to remember to breathe while you take it all in. It’s no surprise that this is one of the most popular destinations of the world, resulting in crowds and high prices. This tour overnights outside the major hotspots, yet still visits all the spectacular highlights, giving you great value for money and the opportunity to discover hidden treasures.
Escape the crowds and connect with nature amongst the striking peaks of Kananaskis Country. With the same stunning Rocky Mountain scenery as neighboring Banff without the masses of tourists – Kananaskis is the locals best kept secret.
The crown jewel of the Canadian Rockies – stand in awe of Lake Louise’s world renowned vibrant turquoise color with the beautiful backdrop and thunderous sound of the calving Victoria Glacier.
One of the most impressive views in the Canada, moraine lake boasts 10 staggering peaks surrounding a vibrant blue alpine lake.
The Icefields Parkway is a 232 Km road that connects Lake Louise with Jasper. Along this route you will find some of the most picturesque mountain vistas to be seen in Canada. It’s also a fantastic place to see local wildlife such as Grizzly and Black Bears, Elk, and Deer.
Step out on to ice that is thousands of years old. Today you will walk on the Athabasca Glacier which is part of the Columbia Icefield. Perched atop North Americas continental divide, the Columbia Icefield is the largest icefield south of the arctic circle and its waters drain into three oceans.
Enjoy a boat cruise along the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies. Take in the open vistas and the towering peaks that border Maligne Lake as you make your way to world famous Spirit Island.
Take the flight of a lifetime and experience the true ruggedness and vast wilderness that is the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Soar among mammoth peaks as you enjoy an epic helicopter tour over crevasses, glaciers and waterfalls.
Calgary
Day 1-6
Kananaskis
Day 1
Banff
Day 2-5
Yoho National Park
Day 2
Jasper
Day 3 – 4
After your arrival at Calgary airport, a short drive takes you into the striking peaks of Kananaskis Country. Only about 40 minutes from Banff, Kananaskis is the locals best kept secret.
Tonight, you will be treated to a warm Alberta welcome with a cowboy cookout at an authentic Canadian ranch. Those who wish can saddle up for a trail ride amongst glacial rivers, wooded hillsides and jagged mountain peaks (optional add on).
Less humans means more animals so in the evening twilight keep an eye out for the plethora of wildlife that frequent this area such as Moose, Bear, Elk and Deer.
We start the day off with a wildlife viewing tour along the Bow Valley Parkway. This lesser traveled road runs through major wildlife corridors and is a great spot to spot classic North American big game such as Elk, Black Bear and Grizzly Bears. Stop for a peaceful walk through the winding cliffs of Johnston Canyon and witness the power of water on one of Banff National Park’s most popular trails.
Next stop is Yoho National Park. Named by one of Canada’s First Nations, the Cree People, Yoho means “Awe and Wonder”. With 28 peaks over 3000 meters, the thunderous Takakkaw falls (one of Canada’s highest) and the brilliant color of Emerald Lake you will soon understand where the park got its name. Take in the turquoise glacial lake and surrounding peaks while enjoying western classics on the patio at Emerald Lake Lodge.
In the afternoon we head to the town of Banff. After some afternoon shopping in the boutiques on Banff Avenue, you can take in the impressive Mount Rundle and other surrounding peaks from the top of the Banff Gondola (optional add on). After dinner in town, take in the classic views of Bow Falls in the Rocky Mountain twilight before heading back to the serenity of Kananaskis.
Today we drive along what National Geographic describes as one of the world’s most scenic mountain drives. The Icefields parkway is a 232 Km road that connects Lake Louise with Jasper. Along this route you will find some of the most picturesque mountain vistas to be seen in Canada. En Route to the Columbia Icefield (the largest icefield south of the arctic circle) take in postcard views at the Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake and Peyto Lake. Swap your coach for an all-terrain glacier bus and ride out onto the Athabasca Glacier to walk on ice that is thousands of years old.
Here you can add an optional visit of the Glacier Skywalk to the itinerary: Step out on a cliff-edge, 1-kilometre walkway that leads to a platform where glass is all that separates you from a 280 m drop (optional addon at additional cost).Following a hearty meal at the icefields center, Visit Athabasca Falls en route to the mountain town of Hinton where you will overnight.
Today we explore Jasper National Park, the largest National Park in Canada. Wind through the limestone walls of Maligne Canyon and witness the power of water and how its carved the deepest Canyon in in the park. Next, we continue to the mysterious Medicine Lake, which disappears into one of the most extensive underground water systems in the world. Today’s highlight is at Maligne Lake. Enjoy “the best boat cruise in Canada” and take a snapshot of one of Canadas most photographed lakes from the world-famous Spirit Island.
Following the cruise, we head into town. Keep an eye out for big horn sheep and caribou that frequent the roadside en route back to Jasper. Although it is very popular with tourists, the town of Jasper has the authentic feeling of a sleepy rocky mountain town. Enjoy some free time exploring the townsite before dinner.
On our way back to Hinton (about 1 hr.) we stop to soak in views of the Fiddle River Valley and bath in the mineral rich waters of the Miette Hot Springs – The perfect way to relax following a busy day of exploring.
Heading back south down the Icefields Parkway provides a second opportunity to take in this stunning scenery from another angle. An early start will allow ample opportunity to spot Elk in the first part of our journey. Stop and enjoy the morning calm as you explore Sunwapta Falls. We stop for lunch near the Saskatchewan River Crossing a fabled river crossing along the fur trade routes of the 19th century.
For an optional add on you can take a slight detour to Cline River for today’s highlight. There is no better way to take in the vast wilderness of the Canadian Rockies than in the air. Soar among mammoth peaks as you enjoy an epic helicopter tour over crevasses, glaciers and waterfalls.
We end the day with the crown jewel of the Canadian Rockies – Lake Louise. Soak up the famous turquoise color against the impressive backdrop of the Victoria Glacier. Take a stroll on the lakeside to see the full perspective or take in a piece of Canadian history at the Chateau Lake Louise. Overnight near the banks of the Bow River in the village of Lake Louise.
(For itineraries traveling prior to mid May or after Mid October this overnight will be back in Kananaskis as access to Moraine Lake is restricted at this time)
We start today with a morning visit to Moraine Lake one of the most impressive views in Canada. With 10 staggering peaks and a colorful glacial lake that rivals Lake Louise, this is must have addition to your Canadian photo collection.
Say goodbye to the wilderness of the Canadian Rockies as we head east to Calgary for lunch. Calgary is the perfect place to stock up on western goods. Before we leave, we stop at the airport outlet malls for some of the best shopping in Canada. Alberta has the lowest taxes in Canada which adds up to substantial savings.
Depending on your flight connections an overnight in the Calgary airport area may be necessary extending this tour to 7 days.