Western Canada Amazing Alberta

13 days
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Small Group Tour
If it's vast tracks of nature and spectacular scenery you’re after, then this is the trip for you. Departing from Calgary, follow the Trans-Canada Highway and Icefields Parkway through Alberta’s wildest areas to Jasper, Banff and Waterton Lakes national parks. See where dinosaurs roamed 75 millions years ago, experience the spectacle of Columbia Glacier and h...

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Marvel at the fossils of dinosaurs 75 millions years old at Dinosaur Provincial Park
    • Enjoy the beautiful surrounds of Waterton Lake National Park
    • Hike or take to the water in Banff National Park
    • Journey along the breathtaking Icefields Parkway
    • Get active in Jasper National Park
    • Witness the splendour of Columbia Glacier

What's this trip about?

    If it's vast tracks of nature and spectacular scenery you’re after, then this is the trip for you. Departing from Calgary, follow the Trans-Canada Highway and Icefields Parkway through Alberta’s wildest areas to Jasper, Banff and Waterton Lakes national parks. See where dinosaurs roamed 75 millions years ago, experience the spectacle of Columbia Glacier and hike through pristine nature to experience Canada’s wilderness at its best. Get active on hikes or in a canoe, relax on a cruise over Lake Louise and soak in hot springs for the utmost in relaxation. Explore the region’s forests, badlands, mountainscapes and lakeside scenery and get up close to its endearing wildlife. Camp out under the stars and be awed by the vast artistry of Mother Nature in some of Canada’s most revered natural landscapes.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 13 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportRound trip airfare and all internal transport included
Start CityCalgary
End CityEdmonton

Travel Themes

  • High Adventure

Destinations

  • North America
  • Canada

Trip includes

    • Included activities are listed in the day-to-day itinerary
    • all other activities are optional and at your own expense
    • If you choose not to participate in the included activities on this itinerary
    • the cost will not be refunded

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Calgary

This city with a country heart is a good place to begin this adventure into Canada’s magnificent Alberta region. Meet your group this evening at a welcome meeting, then perhaps head out together to enjoy the burgeoning local food scene.

Day 2 Dinosaur Provincial Park

Follow the Trans-Canada Highway to Dinosaur Provincial Park, a World Heritage site famed for its dinosaur fossils that date back up to 75 million years. Join a palaeontologist to learn the history behind them and go on a hike to appreciate the park’s hoodoos and badlands topography. Tonight we camp among the rock formations under endless stars.

Day 3-4 Waterton Lakes National Park

Stop by the inelegantly but aptly named Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump and learn about the area from a native guide. Then it’s on to beautiful Waterton Lakes to enjoy time animal spotting, hiking, canoeing, cruising on the lake or swimming in the cold waters.

Day 5-7 Banff to Banff National Park

The long drive to Banff National Park is well worth it. There’s loads of free time here to soak up the beauty of this world-renowned national park. Glaciers, icefields, forests and alpine meadows contain a wealth of hiking, water-based activities and relaxing in nature, and Lake Louise is every photographer and nature-lover’s dream.

Day 8 Columbia Ice Fields

Get ready for one of the world’s most striking road journeys: the Icefields Parkway through the heart of the Rockies. With pristine mountain lakes to the left of you and sweeping valleys to the right, you won’t mind being stuck in the middle of this unparalleled arena...

Day 9-10 Jasper to Jasper National Park

Continue along the Icefields Parkway to Jasper, which is famous for its wildlife. Go hard or take it as easy as you like with options like hiking up Whistler’s Mountain, mountain biking in the Valley of Five Lakes, cruising on Maligne Lake or relaxing in the Miette Hot Springs. Make sure you keep an eye out for elk, coyotes and grizzlies!

Day 11 Elk Island

Make tracks to Elk Island, where wild bison, moose and elk all roam. Explore parts of the island, keeping careful watch for animals and soaking up the untamed natural scenery.

Day 12-13 Edmonton

Head to Edmonton, where there’s time to explore the city this afternoon and evening. Perhaps head to the Arts District, explore the boutiques and cafes of 4th Street Promenade or enjoy the architecture and galleries of 125 Street. Like all good things, this untamed adventure into Alberta’s wilderness comes to end after breakfast on Day 13.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,040
Price per day$157
Last Updated: 12/3/2021

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Intrepid Travel.

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.

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Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel

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The Intrepid Travel Experience

If you’re looking for adventure, you’ve come to the right place. For the past 25 years, we’ve been taking small groups of travelers on unforgettable trips around the world. What makes them unforgettable? Take a look for yourself and discover the Intrepid experience.

Our travelers have three styles of tour to choose from: Basix, Original and Comfort. Each has a different level of inclusions and accommodation, but all have unforgettable real life experiences as part of the package. Travellers can also choose themed trips, such as Family, Sailing or Food, to suit their interests.

Our group size has an average of just ten travellers, which allows us to get off the beaten track, use local accommodation and transport, and really get to know the culture. It also ensures we are contributing to the local economy; by choosing local suppliers we were able to keep AUD 60 million in local economies in 2012. We’re also working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and were the first in our sector to introduce carbon offset trips. This, along with our many corporate sustainability activities, has meant we’re one of the travel industry’s leaders in responsible travel.

Why Intrepid?

  •   Small groups - average of 10 people per trip
  •   Sustainability - pioneers for the industry
  •   Local leaders - authentic perspectives
  •   Local transport - get close and personal
  •   Local accommodation - experience real living
  •   Intrepid travelers - like-minded companions 

History

Intrepid Travel has come a long way since its beginnings in 1989. From two university friends, a typewriter and a kitchen desk, it is now a proud member of The Intrepid Group, taking over 100,000 travelers every year.

Intrepid Travel is part of The Intrepid Group of companies, alongside leading small group adventure companies Peregrine, Urban Adventures and PEAK DMC.

Despite growing into a global business with over 1,000 staff based all over the world and over 800 different trips across every continent, we’ve remained devoted to the same grassroots values and responsible travel philosophies that we had at the very beginning.

 

Values

On every trip we operate and in every interaction we have with a client, supplier or local, we live our core values everyday:

  • Integrity – Doing the right thing
  • Responsible – Think global, act local
  • Growth – Stakeholders in our own success
  • Innovation – Thriving on new ideas and embracing change
  • Fun – It’s engrained into who we are and what we do
  • Passion – We are inspired by the work we do and the trips we offer

 

Why we love this operator
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
What they’re known for
Small group tours for active and adventurous travelers at a range of different price points and service levels.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Camping (with facilities) (10 nts), Ramada Hotel Downtown Calgary TWIN (1 nt), Courtyard Edmonton Downtown (1 nt),The campsites that we use are selected for either their scenic beauty, their convenient location to places of interest and/or the facilities available. We aim to offer you a selection of different types of campsites. If you've never camped before - no problem! We provide a complete set of camping and cooking equipment. This includes roomy easy-to-pitch tents, which are shared by only two people and are equipped with thin foam rubber mattresses and vinyl floors. Your leader will show you how to pitch a tent on the first day. On many trips we also spend a few nights in reasonably priced hotels / motels / hostels (as per the itinerary). For the group, we also provide two burner stoves, efficient camp kitchen equipment, dishes, coolers, food storage boxes, a water container, lamps and a sun and rain roof. Please take good care of all the equipment. You'll be assigned a specific tent so please look after it well. The equipment has to be returned clean, complete and in the same condition as you received it. Please keep in mind that sleeping bags are not provided and you'll need to bring your own. Please read the 'What to Take' section of these notes for more information on choosing a sleeping bag. Our high quality camping equipment (including tents) can be affected by bad weather conditions. This can result in some wet and cold conditions inside the tent. Your spirit of adventure and flexibility will help make your adventure trip an exciting and unforgettable experience. On nights where the group is camping and weather conditions are extreme (such as snow or heavy rain) there may be an opportunity for the group (if everyone agrees) to stay at an alternative location such as a nearby hostel or hotel. When this is the case the upgrade is at your own expense. You'll find the necessary facilities - toilets and in most cases showers, washing machines and driers - at many of our campsites. The showers at some campsites only have cold water available and some may require a payment (usually no more than US$1-$3 for a quick shower). This is payable locally and is generally a contribution to paying for a limited water supply. Please be aware that some campsites won't have any facilities, however it will rarely be for more than one night at a time. This is true of many campsites within Yosemite National Park, so if your trip is visiting this park, please prepare to go without a shower on this night, although it can often be arranged to stop and utilise facilities on our way out of the park. In all the campsites there are strict quiet hours, when absolutely no loud noise is allowed. This means that all music, singing and group gatherings have to stop. We request that all our travellers respect these campsite rules. For trips where there are lodges/cabins used, couples travelling together may be separated as our rooming arrangements are based on single gender.CAMPING OUTSIDE THE SUMMER MONTHS: Our trips extend beyond the traditional vacation months (June - September). This is because over the years we've recognised there's a demand from our travellers for trips outside this period. Many enjoy the experience of North America in the snow, or in the crisp and clear atmosphere of spring. We've operated successful trips throughout the year however some consideration must be taken when choosing a trip that travels in the colder months such as: - Have you got a suitable sleeping bag? - Do you have suitable warm clothing - fleece, waterproofs, thermals? - Are your walking and hiking boots waterproof and warm? You may also like to think about bringing your own camping mat for this period as the double layer provides extra warmth. In some locations it may be possible to upgrade from camping to cabins if it is cold. You will need to pay for, and arrange this locally and it is of course subject to availability. In some locations it may only be possible to upgrade if the whole group is willing to. If you come prepared and are willing to experience North America at this very special time of year, then you will be set for a great time.

Transportation & Flights

Private vehicle,

Transportation & flights

Private vehicle
Guides
Your Intrepid group leader’s role involves organising the overall operation and smooth-running of the trip, managing trip logistics and camp responsibilities. They will work to make the trip as safe and enjoyable as possible for all travellers. Intrepid's North American trips are built around the co-operation and participation of all the group members under the supervision of the group leader. On our camping trips, your leader will show the group how to set up and use the camp equipment, and form work groups to take turns cooking, cleaning and shopping. Everyone is expected participate and carry their share of the workload, making camp chores easier. If the whole group participates it will be quicker, easier and more fun. 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.
Requirements
Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey. LEGAL DRINKING AGE: Please note that the legal drinking age in the US is 21 and in some parts of Canada it's 19.,Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and don't involve a compulsory single supplement. Single travellers share with people of the same gender in accommodation ranging from twin to multishare. Some of our itineraries have accommodation booked on a mixed gender share basis and where applicable this will be specified in our Trip Notes. On a selection of our trips, you have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure that you have your own accommodation (where available). Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour - pre-trip and post-trip accommodation will be booked on a single room basis.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. When travelling on a trip, you won't be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader. If you have credit card insurance your group leader 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 credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. Please go to our website for links to various travel insurance providers:
Visa requirements
Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. As a general rule most countries expect that you will have at least 6 months' validity on your passport. On arrival visitors may be asked to present return tickets and evidence of means to cover your intended stay. We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change - it's important that you check for yourself. Residents from other countries must consult the relevant embassies or your travel agent.
Health & Safety
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service 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 areas your itinerary covers. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trip. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable 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 leader will accompany you on all included activities, however during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your leader 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 Leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. For more details on the type of conditions and safety standards you can expect on your trip, please refer to Intrepid's operational safety policy on our website. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how well it's being implemented in the field: UNFENCED CAMP SITES: On some trips you will at times stay in unfenced camp sites within national parks. While this is a fantastic experience, there are a few safety rules to follow. While staying in national parks it's important that you listen to any advice given by your tour leader and the park rangers regarding responsible and safe behaviour. BEARS: Whilst travelling throughout North America it's not uncommon to encounter bears within campsites and national parks. Your group leader has been specifically trained for these situations and, if camping, will inform the group on how to 'bear proof' the camp in the evenings or when the site is unattended. There's absolutely no reason to be alarmed by this possibility as it is extremely rare for bears to attack humans. www.intrepidtravel.com/safety
Meals Included

Meals

No meals included

Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information

Style descriptions

The best value journeys on the planet! On a Basix trip you can expect amazing experiences, but none of the inclusions that you may not want. Which means budget (1-2 star) accommodation, plenty of free time, activities that are optional and the freedom to choose meals to suit your budget. On some trips you may be camping and required to set up your own tent. You'll also have access to a group leader to offer advice and help you uncover the region's hidden gems. On a Basix journey, the way you travel is all a part of the adventure. Depending on the destination and the itinerary, you could find yourself travelling on anything from a donkey to a bus or a private safari vehicle. These trips are ideal for first-time travellers seeking fun and independence with the support of a group leader. They're also ideal for independent travellers looking to make the most of their travel time with minimum hassle and maximum experiences.

Finish point

  • Courtyard by Marriott Edmonton Downtown
  • 1 Thornton Ct NW
  • Edmonton
  • T5J 2E7
  • CANADA
Trip ID
intrepid-SSRR

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