9 Day Canadian Rockies

All sightseeing and itinerary inclusions are subject to favorable weather conditions and seasonality. In those instances, and until the roads are available for travel, often unpredictable until the last moment, roads, routes and sites will be amended. DAY 1, Wednesday - Depart for Canada Depart on your flight to Calgary, Alberta's major city and gateway to the Canadian Rockies. Transfer to your hotel in this rising city that grew out of the Canadian West, balancing modern and traditional with a pioneer charm. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Drink and meet your Tour Manager, who will introduce you to the exciting tour of Canada that awaits you. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 7PM on the day of arrival. We recommend that you select flights which arrive in your destination no later than 5PM on Day 1 of the itinerary or earlier, if possible Overnight: Calgary DAY 2, Thursday - Waterton Lakes National Park Journey south this morning to Waterton Lakes National Park, where the "prairies meet the mountains". Travel through the famous ranching and farming area of southern Alberta. Later, you're surrounded by lakes as the Canadian Rockies fill the horizon in this area. Historians believe that the park has great historical significance based on archaeological finds proving that First Nations first populated the area over 11,000 years ago. Stop to enjoy the upper lake with its gorgeous mountain ranges towering over both sides. After lunch on your own, join the optional boat cruise on the lake with its amazing views of towering cliffs, unique geological formations, waterfalls, snow-clad peaks and rich wildlife. Tonight, a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travelers celebrates your arrival in Western Canada and quaint Waterton Optional: Shoreline Cruise on Waterton Lakes (PM) Overnight: Waterton Meals: Breakfast, Dinner DAY 3, Friday - Glacier National Park, Waterton Lakes Today, an extraordinary excursion to Glacier National Park in northwestern Montana, where the American and Canadian Rockies meet. In 1932, the U.S. and Canada joined these two national parks as a symbol of their longtime peace and friendship. In recognition of this historic agreement, the parks were officially designated as the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When possible, travel on the "Going-to-the-Sun" Road (road and weather permitting) into dramatic Glacier National Park along the sparkling lake's shore, continuing to the historic Many Glacier Hotel on crystal-clear Swiftcurrent Lake before returning to Waterton. An evening at leisure offers a choice of cafes and local restaurants featuring traditional English fare Overnight: Waterton Meals: Breakfast DAY 4, Saturday - Kananaskis Valley, Two Jack Lake, Lake Minnewanka, Banff National Park Travel northwest through the lush Kananaskis Valley (road permitting), a recreational playground and gateway to the national parks. After lunch on your own, continue on a scenic drive to Lake Minnewanka ("Water of the Spirits"), a gorgeous glacial lake in the eastern area of Banff. Then, view freshwater Two Jack Lake, a mecca for anglers from around the world, en route to cascading Bow Falls in a valley eroded by glacier activity. Keep your camera ready as you look for wandering wildlife. Return to Banff for leisure time to discover the delights of this charming village with its trendy shops and local delicacies. There's so much to do in this stunning alpine setting Overnight: Banff National Park Meals: Breakfast DAY 5, Sunday - Banff National Park, Gondola to Sulphur Mountain* Enjoy the unparalleled mountain scenery as you explore wondrous Banff National Park, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nestled in the very heart of the magnificent Canadian Rockies, the snow-capped mountains, glistening glaciers and sweeping panoramas are just one part of the allure of Banff. Here, ascend by gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain experiencing stunning views at every turn of six mountain ranges and the village below. Truly an exhilarating experience! Then, at your leisure, walk along the boardwalk to the Observation Deck (weather permitting). Afterwards, return to Banff for an afternoon at leisure, or participate in the optional Float Tour on the Bow River. The gentle raft float offers great views of a variety of wildlife and a chance to learn more about the area's natural history from expert guides. Tonight, perhaps explore the dining scene in Banff with a wide choice of western saloons, English pubs and international restaurants Optional: Float Tour on Bow River (PM) Overnight: Banff Meals: Breakfast DAY 6, Monday - Lake Louise, Icefield Parkway, Jasper National Park A day filled with unmatched beauty! Begin at crystal clear Moraine Lake with its indigo blue waters, surrounded by the Valley of the Ten Peaks beneath the third highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies, known to rival Lake Louise with its scenic grandeur. This glacially-fed lake reflects the remarkable beauty of one of the most photographed spots in all of Canada. Then, continue to extraordinary Lake Louise, symbolic of the quintessentially Canadian mountain scene. Known for its sparkling blue waters, and nestled at the base of impressive glacier-clad peaks, this area is one of the most astonishingly picturesque areas of Banff National Park. Listen to the history and fascinating geology of this area before driving along the iconic Icefield Parkway north to Jasper. Drive amidst stunning vistas of deep green forests, snow covered mountains and towering peaks to glorious Jasper National Park. The beauty of this area will leave you breathless! Tonight, after dinner at the hotel stroll the quaint streets of the town of Jasper Overnight: Jasper Meals: Breakfast, Dinner DAY 7, Tuesday - Jasper National Park, Spirit Island Explore Jasper today, the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. Begin at a section of the park known for its abundant flora and fauna. Drive up the valley to see "disappearing" Medicine Lake, which exists only during the summer months when melting glaciers bring water into the valley. Enjoy a cruise around world-famous Spirit Island on Maligne Lake, the heart of Jasper National Park. See the tranquil-blue color of this glacially formed and fed lake during this calming wilderness experience. Then, on to majestic Maligne Canyon to learn about the unique features of this underground system. Time to walk along the canyon's trails with breathtaking views of waterfalls and unusual rock formations. Return to Jasper, the turn-of-the-century railroad town, for the remainder of the day at leisure Overnight: Jasper Meals: Breakfast DAY 8, Wednesday - Columbia Ice Explorer Travel south on the Icefields Parkway - a highlight of the day. Pass more than 100 visible glaciers, ice fields and a cornucopia of mountains with astonishing views of rocky peaks, waterfalls and snowfields at every turn. Arrive at the remarkable Columbia Icefield where you travel on the specially designed Ice Explorer to the center of the massive Athabasca Glacier. On the journey, hear about the formation of glaciers and the interesting geological features of the area. You'll be able to step-out onto the surface of the powerful ancient ice, formed from snow falling as long as 200 years ago - an extraordinary experience for all. Stop at glacier-fed Peyto Lake (road and weather permitting) for your last and unforgettable photo opportunity before arriving in Calgary for your last night in Canada. Tonight at the festive Farewell Dinner share memories together of your astonishing tour through magnificent Western Canada Overnight: Calgary Meals: Breakfast, Dinner DAY 9, Thursday - Depart Canada Transfer to the airport for your departure flight Meals: Breakfast *Please note the Banff Gondola may have unexpected delays and limited services due to site renovations.