Discover the Canadian Rockies: Banff to Jasper

Located within the vast and beautiful Banff National Park, the charming town of Banff is surrounded by snow-capped peaks including Mount Rundle and Mount Cascade. It has a charming alpine atmosphere and is the perfect base from which to begin our exploration of the Canadian Rockies.



A welcome meeting is held at 6pm at the Banff hotel, where you meet your tour guide and fellow travellers.



Accommodation: Charltons Banff or High Country Inn (or similar)

In the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park was established in 1885 and is the oldest national park in Canada. Its mountainous terrain encompasses coniferous forests, alpine meadows, icefields and glaciers.



This morning, our leader will guide us on a hike to take in the awe-inspiring scenery surrounding Banff. There is a range of hikes available, from an easy 1.7mi (2.7km) loop along the Bow Falls Trail to a more strenuous 6.7mi (10.8km) hike to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. The leader can recommend the best option based on the group's preference and ability, but you can be sure that every hike in Banff National Park is a beauty!



Afterwards, there is time for optional activities or independent exploration of Banff.



Accommodation: Charltons Banff or Banff Rocky Mountain Resorts (or similar)

The morning is free to explore Banff and perhaps enjoy one of the many optional activities available. Take a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain or opt to view the scenic grandeur from a helicopter. Outstanding hikes are available and, with an abundance of wildlife around, there's always a chance of spotting something special so keep your camera at the ready.



In the afternoon, we head to the Sulphur Mountain Hot Springs above Banff for a soak in the thermal pool, surrounded by the jagged peaks of Rundle and Cascade Mountains.



Optional activities:



Aerial gondola/tramway: 78 dollars (US$57)

Scenic glacier flight (20-45 minutes): 290-490 dollars (US$213-US$361)

Horse riding (1-2 hour ride): 90-170 dollars (US$66-US$125)

Canoe rental: 55 dollars (US$40) per hour

Bike rental: 60-110 dollars (US$43-80) per day



Accommodation: Charltons Banff or Banff Rocky Mountain Resorts (or similar)

Cameras at the ready as we head to two of the most photographed locations in the Rockies. With snow-capped peaks, ancient pine forests and aquamarine waters, Lake Louise is known as the Gem of the Canadian Rockies, while Moraine Lake lies in the Valley of the Ten Peaks and is arguably the most picturesque lake in the region. We spend time at both and there’s the opportunity to join the tour leader for a guided hike (the duration and difficulty is determined by the tour leader based on the group’s ability). Your next three nights are spent in the nearby town of Golden.



Optional activities:



Canoeing: 145 dollars (US$107) for one hour



The order to visit the two lakes and where we hike will be decided based on visitor numbers and local conditions.



Accommodation: Prestige Inn Golden (or similar)

Yoho National Park is considered the hidden treasure of the Canadian national park system and you have a full day to explore. It's a photographer's dream with several hiking opportunities that showcase the mountains, lakes and waterfalls of this pristine alpine landscape. In the morning, there is time for optional activities including an exhilarating half-day white-water rafting excursion on Kicking Horse River, or hire a mountain bike to explore the area on two wheels.



In the afternoon, our tour leader will accompany us on a walk to the impressive Takakkaw Falls, one of the most powerful waterfalls in British Columbia, set amidst towering mountainous scenery, and then to magnificent Emerald Lake. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the vibrant colour of Emerald Lake lends it its name. We hike along a trail through the surrounding forest, passing colourful flowers and surprisingly jungle-like plants that thrive in this climate, enjoying views of the lake all the way round. We make the most of this spectacular national park before returning to Golden in the early evening.



Optional activities:



White-water rafting: 125-183 dollars (US$92-US$135)

Via Ferrata: 95 dollars (US$69)

Grizzly bear refuge: 36 dollars (US$26)

Mountain bike rental (from 70 dollars/day (US$50)



Accommodation: Prestige Inn Golden (or similar)

The Icefields Parkway, cutting through the heart of the Rockies, is recognised as being one of the most scenic drives in the world, travelling 140mi (230km) past hanging glaciers, sheer rock walls and broad sweeping valleys. You have a chance to traverse a portion of the imposing Athabasca Glacier on an optional guided glacier hike and be amazed by the turquoise tones of Peyto Lake. End your day in Jasper.



Optional activities:



Guided glacier walk: 112 dollars (US$83) or 67 dollars (US$49) for under 17s



Accommodation: Becker's Chalets (or similar)

Today we begin our discovery of Jasper National Park. There are several options on offer in Jasper, including the SkyTram cable car to Whistler's Peak for a bird's-eye view of this splendid park. There's also ample opportunity for hiking or mountain biking amid glorious lakeside scenery.



Optional activities:



SkyTram cable car: 60 dollars (US$44)

Mountain biking: 30 dollars (US$22) per hour



Accommodation: Becker’s Chalets (or similar)

Waterfalls, fossils, underground streams, nests of ravens and rare black swifts, unexpectedly lush plant life and the startling effects of frost: these are just some of the wonders of Maligne Canyon. Swirling, churning water has worn the canyon, only two metres across at some points, to a depth of more than 50 metres. Maligne Canyon is carved into the Palliser Formation, a layer of limestone deposited in a shallow tropical sea by lime-secreting plankton about 365-million years ago. Some geologists speculate that parts of the canyon were originally deep caves that have since been uncovered by glacial scraping and water erosion.



Our leader takes us on an easy trail along the canyon, stopping along the way to share the geological history of the area. There are four bridges across the gorge, each with its own special view. A short hiking loop tours the upper reaches of the canyon, while a longer trail follows the gorge and exits at a fifth and sixth bridge lower down - you may choose the short or longer route.



Accommodation: Becker’s Chalets (or similar)

We begin the drive back to Calgary (approximately 5 hours, not including stops). Part of our journey will be back along the spectacular Icefields Parkway, so there will be time to appreciate views in the opposite direction to those we previously saw. We'll make a few stops along the way to stretch our legs and visit the charming town of Canmore, often referred to as the gateway to the Rockies.



Sandwiched between the Rocky Mountains and the winding Bow River, Calgary is at the epicentre of Alberta’s oil industry. The high-rise buildings and urban parklands create a balanced modern city.



Accommodation: Ramada Plaza Calgary Downtown (or similar)

The adventure ends this morning and we make our return journeys home. Land-only clients may join the group transfer to the airport if timings coincide. Speak to your sales representative if you'd like to join this transfer or, alternatively, extend your stay in Calgary.