Exploring Canada's wilderness in the Rockies

Calgary

Day 1: Touchdown in Calgary

Welcome to Calgary, a cosmopolitan and engaging city between the Rockies and the Canadian plains.

Once you've checked into your accommodation and freshened up, recover from your journey by stretching your legs with a stroll around the neighbourhood and soak up the atmosphere of this classic Western city. The dining scene here is excellent, so stop for a meal or drinks wherever takes your fancy.

Calgary - Banff

Day 2: Road to the Rockies

Spend this morning in the city, perhaps visiting the monumental Calgary panoramic tower for views across the city and beyond.

Later, pick up your rental car and set off for the Rocky Mountains. You’ll be heading for the alpine wilderness of Banff National Park and the road will reveal magnificent views of its famous peaks. The drive takes approximately 1.5 hours. Arrive in the town of Banff and check in at your hotel for an an evening at leisure.

Banff

Day 3: Free day in the mountains

Today it’s time to get out and about in the fresh air and experience the mountains. There are many ways to enjoy Banff’s great outdoors but we recommend choosing an optional guided excursion to learn from your local guide. It’s the best way to interact with the locals and get first-hand information on the area. You could take a horseriding excursion or book a guided bike tour. Whatever you choose, you’re sure to have a blast.

Later in the day, head back to your hotel for some relaxation or explore what Banff has to offer. 

Banff

Day 4: Wilderness adventures

You get to spend another full day in Banff today, so you might want to perhaps opt for an independent adventure. There are many beautiful hiking trails to discover with viewpoints where you can gaze out at the Canadian wilderness across lakes and mountain peaks.

After a full day on the trails, we recommend unwinding in the town’s hot springs in time for sunset. There are some great little restaurants in Banff, so after working up an appetite, get stuck in and savour the flavours of the mountains.

Banff - Lake Louise

Day 5: Deeper into the mountains

This morning, it's time to leave Banff and move on to the little town of Lake Louise, nestled between the mountains and a lake amid the Canadian wilderness. The journey by road is beautifully scenic and should take about an hour, excluding any stops to soak up the views. Upon arrival, check in at your new hotel and relax into the tranquil pace of this remote mountain village. Take a stroll to the lakeshore and admire its crystal clear waters surrounded by towering peaks.

Lake Louise

Day 6: Lakes of the Rockies

After breakfast at your hotel, this morning you'll set off on an excursion to explore the region with a local guide. You’ll be visiting two sublime lakes, both entries on the UNESCO World Heritage List – Lake Louise and Lake Moraine. Explore, admire and ask questions: your local guide will be a fount of knowledge on the area and you’ll enjoy some incredible views and the sublime serenity of the park.

Later in the day, head back to your hotel for an evening of relaxation.

Lake Louise - Jasper

Day 7: Driving the Icefields Parkway

After breakfast, set off on the next leg of your road trip, leaving Banff National Park and journeying to Jasper National Park. The journey time will be approximately three hours and you’ll be travelling along the famous Icefields Parkway, passing glaciers and lakes on this iconic mountain route. Arrive in Jasper and settle into your hotel after an incredible drive.

Jasper

Day 8: Cruising Lake Maligne

Take a stroll around the town of Jasper this morning, stopping for lunch at a café and checking out the local scene. Later, hit the road and wind your way to the beautiful Lake Maligne with its azure waters and pristine surroundings. Here, you’ll embark on a guided boat cruise to the famous Spirit Island, a scene pictured on many postcards. This boat trip is the perfect opportunity to get to know the history of the area and the formation of the glaciers that helped create this spellbinding landscape. Later, it's back your hotel where you have a free night to luxuriate among the amazing surroundings.

Jasper

Day 9: Exploring sublime nature

The Jasper National Park is famous for its numerous canyons and waterfalls. It’s a spectacular and very special place to spend time. Enjoy a day in the national park, hiking and exploring by road through forested canyons, alongside rushing glacial rivers and over mountain passes. Come the evening, set off by canoe on a guided paddle, gliding across the pristine glassy waters of the lake, a serene end to an unforgettable experience in nature.  

Jasper - Edmonton

Day 10: Homeward bound

After breakfast, it’s time to hit the road one last time, heading to the airport and dropping off your rental car. The journey time is around four hours, ready to catch your flight home.