Day 1
Fly to Calgary, transfer to Banff
After your arrival at Calgary airport and make your way independently to your iconic hotel – the Fairmont Banff Springs. For ease of travel we can pre-book your overseas airport transfers. Built in Canadian Chateau style, it is one of the earliest examples of the country’s grand railway hotels. This evening join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Dinner.
Overnight: Fairmont Banff Springs. Welcome dinner with wine included
Day 2
Banff National Park
A superb start to your truly Canadian adventure with unique authentic experience - a guided walk through the Boreal forest with a First Nations Cree Iroguois local expert. Discover the Indigenous world of plant medicines, learn about the historical and modern day uses of plants and hear fascinating stories about the First Nations culture. Then you can choose from a range of optional activities to enjoy in the rest of your day. You can take the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain, enjoy a horseback ride, play a round of golf or visit the Banff Springs spa.
Overnight: Fairmont Banff Springs. Breakfast included
Day 3
Banff – Lake Louise – Banff
Enjoy a trip to Lake Louise where you have a choice of activities such as taking the sightseeing gondola or joining your Travel Director for a relaxed stroll by the side of the lake. You will then enjoy a delicious lunch before returning to Banff for the afternoon. A lovely opportunity to take a stroll down Banff Avenue to browse the boutiques and enjoy relaxing in one of the many cafes.
Overnight: Fairmont Banff Springs. Breakfast and Lunch included
Day 4
Banff – Columbia Icefield Glacier
Today you will see the most beautiful colours and sights in this landscape of lakes and mountains and want to take advantage of all of the amazing photo opportunities. Start your day with a visit to the glacier-fed Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks - a stunning turquoise lake hidden among steep mountains and waterfalls. Your journey continues on the Icefields Parkway, one of the most beautiful drives in the world. Later, a warm welcome greets you at the country’s first and only glacier-view resort where you will savour a Canadian inspired, locally sourced dinner. After your meal take advantage of the long daylight hours and set out for a private visit to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, a glass-floored walkway above the Sunwapta Valley. Once night falls, step out on your hotel’s viewing deck and take your chances at stargazing undisturbed by light pollution.
Overnight: The Glacier View Lodge (situated by the Columbia Icefield Glacier). Breakfast and Dinner with wine included
Day 5
Columbia Icefield Glacier - Jasper
Before other visitors arrive, venture onto the Athabasca Glacier in a massive Ice Explorer for your special visit when you will join a local expert and walk on the frozen flow of ice. Discover the beauty and immensity of the glacier as you learn about the history and geology of the region. Continue along the magnificent Icefields Parkway and arrive at Jasper National Park with its mineral hot springs, colourful meadows and majestic mountains.
Overnight: Sawridge Inn Jasper. Breakfast included
Day 6
Jasper National Park
Join your Travel Director for an informative walk on the trails of Maligne Canyon which is the deepest gorge in the Jasper National Park. Embark on a narrated cruise across the serene waters of Maligne Lake (weather permitting) and stop at Spirit Island, one of the most photographed sites in the Canadian Rockies.
Overnight: Sawridge Inn Jasper. Breakfast included
Day 7
Jasper - Kananaskis
Enjoy your scenic drive to Kananaskis and arrive at your luxurious hotel nestled in the wilderness. Relax at the resort surrounded by mountainous beauty and modern comforts, enjoying the activities on offer. Tonight, come together with your fellow travellers for a festive Celebration Dinner and toast to your wonderful trip in the Canadian Rockies.
Overnight: Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, Autograph Collection. Breakfast and Dinner with wine included
Day 8
Kananaskis – Fly home from Calgary (optional Rocky Mountaineer trip)
After breakfast, take your transfer to Calgary International Airport where your adventure in Alberta comes to an end.
Alternatively you can board the world famous Rocky Mountaineer train for a spectacular two-day journey westbound through the Rockies to Vancouver. Please ask for details and prices.
Last day transfer will arrive at the airport at 12pm, please be aware when booking your flights that the departure flight should be no earlier than 3pm
Breakfast included
