Canadian Rockies & Northern Lights

11 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
View all 9 photos
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
93%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Small Group Tour
Experience the rugged mountains of Canada and go in search of the northern lights in the night skies of Alberta. Watch for moose, white-tailed deer and elk as you drive through the Canadian wilderness. Admire curtains of ice along a steel catwalk built into the rock walls of Johnston Canyon and be immersed in Indigenous Métis culture during a stay in Smoky La...
$5,139
From$4,178
See departure dates

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Spend time exploring Edmonton, Smoky Lake and Banff, stopping to admire the surrounding mountain ranges.
    • Navigate the frozen waterfalls, ice caves and ice formations of Johnston and Grotto Canyons on guided explorations among these sparkling landscapes.
    • Spend two nights at an Indigenous-owned lodge within a designated Dark Sky Preserve, where you’ll learn about Indigenous Métis culture by day and search for the Aurora Borealis by night.
    • Cruise from Jasper to Banff driving on the Icefields Parkway and enjoy the roadside views – made even more scenic when you’re not the one driving!
    • Discover the natural beauty of renowned Lake Louise, and perhaps join an optional sleigh ride around its snow-covered banks.

What's this trip about?

    Experience the rugged mountains of Canada and go in search of the northern lights in the night skies of Alberta. Watch for moose, white-tailed deer and elk as you drive through the Canadian wilderness. Admire curtains of ice along a steel catwalk built into the rock walls of Johnston Canyon and be immersed in Indigenous Métis culture during a stay in Smoky Lake. Hear about traditional stories from local Métis guides and see a herd of bison (including the rare white bison!). Meet and greet a team of canines before ticking dogsledding off your bucket list – this is one of the many optional activities on offer – or just wrap your hands around a mug of hot chocolate and lose yourself in the beauty of the Rockies. Packed with eye-popping views of snow-capped mountain ranges and frozen wonderlands, this 11-day adventure is the ultimate great white north escape.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - max of 12 people
Age range15 to 17 years
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityEdmonton
End CityCalgary

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • High Adventure

Destinations

Attractions

  • Alberta
  • Banff
  • Calgary
  • Canadian Rockies
  • Jasper
  • Johnston Canyon
  • Lake Louise

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic Sightseeing

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 12

Trip includes

    • Smoky Lake - Bonfire and Smore's
    • Edmonton - Telus Science Centre
    • Smoky Lake - Snowshoeing
    • Métis Crossing - Indigenous Knowledge & Wilderness Survival Course
    • Jasper National Park - Entrance Fee
    • Maligne Lake walk
    • Icefields Parkway - Hike to toe of Athabasca Glacier
    • Lake Louise - Snowshoeing
    • Lake Louise - All Canadian Lunch
    • Banff National Park
    • Banff - Johnston Canyon Icewalk
    • Banff - Guided snowshoe hike on Top of the World
    • Canmore - Grotto Canyon Guided Icewalk

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Edmonton

Welcome to beautiful Edmonton, Canada. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm today. If you arrive early, perhaps visit the biggest mall in North America: West Edmonton Mall, or instead, learn about Canadian living history at Fort Edmonton Park, visit the nearby Ukrainian Cultural Village, and explore the small theatres and diners of the University District.

Day 2 Métis Crossing, Smoky Lake

This morning, visit the Telus World of Science in Edmonton where you can explore a variety of exhibits and experiences, including the new Indigenous Traditional Room. Then, drive North to Metis Crossing, located near the town of Smoky Lake. After dinner you will head ...

Day 3 Métis Crossing, Smoky Lake

Get ready for a day of activities. Engage in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the beauty of heritage species with access to a wildlife park. After lunch, the group will participate in Tales from the Trapline: A Métis Traditional Experience. Build a shel...

Day 4 Jasper

Drive to Jasper National Park, arriving at your hotel in the late afternoon. Once settled in, go searching for wildlife such as moose, elk, deer, bears and coyotes. In the evening, perhaps take yourself out for dinner in Jasper, as there are a variety of restaurants to choose from. Ask your local leader for suggestions on where to go.

Day 5 Jasper

Today you’ll find out for yourself why Maligne Lake is featured on so many jigsaw puzzles. You'll be treated to stunning views of turquoise waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks as you enjoy a snowshoe along the shore or a hike through the surrounding landscape, taki...

Day 6 Lake Louise

Prepare yourself for an unforgettable drive as you set out on the Icefields Parkway. The world-renowned roadway between Jasper and Banff stretches 232 kilometres (144 miles) through a landscape of jagged mountaintops and past 100 ancient glaciers. At its heart is the ...

Day 7 Lake Louise

Lake Louise is an iconic snapshot of Canada, and today you’ll experience one of its many beautiful moods. There are many options on how to spend the day, including an optional horse-drawn sleigh ride past the glacial lake. You’ll be able to take a snowshoe hike along ...

Day 8 Banff

Drive to nearby Banff, Canada’s most famous mountain resort town. While located inside a national park, Banff offers plenty of shops, restaurants and bars to distract you from the surrounding natural beauty. Gain a sense of Canadian Rockies culture at the Whyte Museum...

Day 9 Banff National Park

Enjoy a free morning in Banff before an included snowshoe hike with your group at Sunshine Village Ski Resort, about 20 minutes out of town. To start, head above the tree line, and then put on your snowshoes and trek across the white powder with a professional guide. Your backcountry hike will be made extra sweet with a stop for hot cocoa and cookies on top of the (Sunshine Village) world.

Day 10 Banff/Canmore

In the morning, take a short drive to Canmore, which is within the Kananaskis Country park system, and embark on an included ice walk at the Grotto Canyon, using special hiking crampons to grip the smooth frozen creek beds. Alternatively, you could book yourself a dog...

Day 11 Calgary

Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before a drive to Calgary. Your trip will end at Calgary International Airport, the arrival time depends on each group however If you decide to fly out this day, please don't book a flight before 3pm. Drop off in Calgary city can be arrang...

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $4,178
Price per day$380
Last Updated: 6/4/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
23 Nov 2025
03 Dec 2025
$6,080
12 spots left
07 Dec 2025
17 Dec 2025
$6,080
12 spots left
14 Dec 2025
24 Dec 2025
$6,320
12 spots left
21 Dec 2025
31 Dec 2025
$6,320
11 spots left
28 Dec 2025
07 Jan 2026
$6,320
12 spots left
04 Jan 2026
14 Jan 2026
$6,055
12 spots left
18 Jan 2026
28 Jan 2026
$5,850
12 spots left
01 Feb 2026
11 Feb 2026
$5,850
12 spots left
15 Feb 2026
25 Feb 2026
$5,850
12 spots left
01 Mar 2026
11 Mar 2026
$5,850
12 spots left

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Intrepid Travel Reviews & Ratings

4.5/5  Excellent
Excellent
3,470
Great
673
Average
155
Disappointing
86
Terrible
235
Write a Review

Other Intrepid Travel Reviews

C

Caitlin

Apr 2025

Written on

Great tour company from start to finish

I went on the Intrepid 15 day "Best of Morocco" tour in 2025 and had such an amazing time that I wasn't ready to leave by the time the trip finished! It exceeded my ...

M

Mr Mark Wiggin

Apr 2025

Written on

Egypt with Intrepid - an unmissable experience

Egypt with Intrepid is a seamless series of archeological, cultural and social events from one end of the country to the other. We travelled in style by minibus, tra...

S

Sarah Caitlin

Apr 2025

Written on

Extremely disappointing tour / substandard accommodation

I am writing to express my profound disappointment and dissatisfaction with the Intrepid Travel trip I undertook to Morocco earlier this year, specifically "Best of ...

Write a Review

Travelers also viewed

Tour Operator

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

Accommodation

Hotel (10 nights)

Transportation & Flights

Private vehicle,

Transportation & flights

Private vehicle
Guides
Your leader will provide basic information about the sights and cities you'll be visiting but please note that our leaders are not 'tour guides' in the traditional sense. They are adventure travel specialists and are there to organise your trip, arrange activities and help with questions or problems you may have while on your tour. Your leader will provide you with all the important information you need to embark on your own explorations. They are also responsible for driving the van and navigating across the country. The allowable driving times for drivers is strictly controlled in North America. This ensures our drivers are well rested and are not over-tired from too many hours on the roads. While your group will have a minivan for all included activities on the trip, please note that the services of the van and the driver may not be available for your use during free time, or after you have arrived for the day. If you need a special trip into town you may need to arrange transport or a taxi. We endeavour to provide the services of an experienced leader however, situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. It's strictly forbidden for non-qualified rangers to present any information about some National Parks in North America, therefore we adopt a system (as requested by the park rangers) where our leader will encourage travellers to visit the information centres in the National Parks for details about the site.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services
Visa requirements
PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements
Health & Safety
Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips. https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing.
Age Requirements
15 to 17 years
Additional Information
[object Object]
Trip ID
intrepid-SWKW

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save