The Best of the Canadian Rockies

Welcome to one of North America’s most rugged and beautiful cities, Calgary. Known for its cowboys and spectacular beauty, Calgary was brought to the world’s attention during the 1988 Winter Olympics. Meet your Tour Manager in the hotel lobby at 6:00 p.m. for dining suggestions.

Depart Calgary for the historic Cowboy Trail, a narrow band of mixed forests and grasslands which is known for its moderate climate and diverse wildlife. Turn west toward the Rocky Mountains and experience the rugged mountain scenery and pristine wilderness of the Kananaskis Highway. Watch for wildlife, mountain vistas, and blue-green glacial lakes as you traverse the Highwood Pass. Stop at Boundary Ranch for an included “Burgers and Barns” Experience featuring a BBQ burger lunch and guided barn tour. Later, arrive in the mountain town of Banff, your home for the next two nights. Meals: B, L

This morning explore the many attractions of Banff. See Bow Falls and Tunnel Mountain before climbing aboard a gondola for a ride in enclosed cars to the top of Sulphur Mountain. Spectacular panoramic views of the village and valley below await. Then, take the short drive to Lake Minnewanka a beautiful man-made reservoir that flooded three historic glacial lakes. Enjoy a leisurely cruise with views of majestic Mt Girouard reflected in the vibrant blue waters. Back in Banff, explore this quaint village, full of wonderful shops and charming boutiques. Meals: B, D

Today, trade in your motorcoach for a “snocoach” and venture on to North America’s largest glacier, the Columbia Icefield’s Athabasca Glacier. You will travel in a specially designed vehicle to the middle of the glacier, as your driver points out interesting geological features. At the icefall below the glacier headwall, you will step out onto ice formed from snow which fell as long as 400 years ago. Then, take a walk on the incredible Glacier Skywalk, a glass-floored observation platform perched 918 feet above spectacular glacier-formed valleys and rushing waterfalls. Later, arrive in the mountain town of Jasper. Meals: B, D

Today enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Jasper National Park as you cruise Maligne Lake with its unparalleled vistas. Learn of the local history, geology, wildlife and glaciology of Maligne Lake and Jasper National Park as some of the most spectacular scenery in the Rockies drifts past your window. Watch moose lazily wander the shoreline and look for other wildlife that are native to the area. In the afternoon, return to Jasper in plenty of time for exploring. Meal: B

After breakfast, enjoy one of the most beautiful drives in the world, the Icefields Parkway, renowned for its stunning views of glaciers, waterfalls and mountain peaks. A stop is made at The Crossing for a delicious lunch and some shopping in the gift shop. Then you come to beautiful Lake Louise. Here, the majestic mountains soaring skyward are reflected in the vibrant blues of the glacier-fed Lake Louise. Later, continue to Calgary. Meals: B, L

After breakfast, embark on a panoramic sightseeing tour of Calgary. See the city’s many communities along with Stampede Park and Canada Olympic Park. Then, take a step back into Canada’s historic past at Heritage Park. Here you will learn about life as a 19th-century fur-trader or old-fashioned blacksmith. In the Gasoline Alley Museum, admire the collection of 1908 REO Autobuggies and 1912 Buicks, or stroll through Heritage Town Square and chat with the locals in their traditional clothing. From high atop the Calgary Tower, you will enjoy a panoramic view of Calgary. Then, sit down in the Sky 360 Restaurant for a fabulous farewell dinner making for a memorable ending to your adventure. Meals: B, D

Following breakfast, depart Calgary on a group transfer to the Calgary International Airport for flights out after 11:00 a.m. Meal: B