9 Days • 8 Nights
Canadian Rockies Highlights: Banff, Lake Louise & Jasper
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Iconic turquoise Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
- Charming mountain town of Banff and its hot springs
- The legendary Icefields Parkway drive
- The Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier
- Wild, uncrowded Jasper National Park
- Elk, bighorn sheep and bears in the wild
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 9-day journey.
Welcome to Canada. You are met at Calgary airport and transferred west into the mountains to Banff, a charming alpine town within a national park. Settle in and enjoy a welcome dinner beneath the peaks.
A day exploring Banff, riding the gondola up Sulphur Mountain for panoramic views, cruising Lake Minnewanka, and soaking in the natural hot springs, watching for elk in town.
A day amid the Bow Valley's beauty, from the Hoodoos and Bow Falls to Johnston Canyon's waterfalls, with time to enjoy Banff's shops and mountain restaurants.
You travel to Lake Louise, the jewel of the Rockies, its turquoise water framed by glaciers. Canoe on the lake and visit nearby Moraine Lake, set against the majestic Valley of the Ten Peaks.
A day exploring Lake Louise and neighbouring Yoho National Park, with its Emerald Lake, the Natural Bridge and the towering Takakkaw Falls, amid superb mountain scenery.
You drive the legendary Icefields Parkway, one of the world's most beautiful roads, past glaciers, waterfalls and Peyto Lake to the Columbia Icefield, where you ride onto the Athabasca Glacier, before reaching Jasper.
A day in wild, uncrowded Jasper, cruising Maligne Lake to famous Spirit Island, walking Maligne Canyon, and watching for moose, elk and bears in this vast wilderness.
A free day to enjoy Jasper, a tramway ride up Whistlers Mountain, a raft trip, a wildlife drive, or the Jasper SkyWalk, ending with a farewell dinner.
After breakfast you transfer to Calgary or Edmonton for your onward flight, full of Rocky Mountain wonders.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 8 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and an Icefields Parkway lunch
- Airport transfers
- Touring, sightseeing and activities as per itinerary with expert guides
- Ground transport, rail or car hire as specified
- National park and attraction entry fees as per itinerary
- a self-drive vehicle or private touring, gondola rides, a lake cruise and a Columbia Icefield glacier experience
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Fuel and parking for self-drive
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & eTA: Visa-exempt travellers arriving by air (including UK, EU, Australian and many others) need an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before flying; other nationalities need a visitor visa. A passport valid for the duration of your stay is required, and we advise you based on your nationality
- Currency & cards: The currency is the Canadian Dollar and cards are accepted almost everywhere; carry a little cash for tips and small vendors. Sales taxes are usually added at the register rather than shown on the shelf
- Tipping: Tipping is customary in Canada; budget around 15 to 20 percent in restaurants, and tips for guides, drivers and hotel staff, which are not included unless stated
- Vast distances: Canada is enormous, so itineraries combine domestic flights, scenic rail and self-drive; if driving, Canadians drive on the right, and roads are excellent though mountain passes can see snow outside summer
- Best time to visit: Summer (June to September) is ideal for the Rockies, the coasts and the cities, autumn brings spectacular colour to the east, and winter offers skiing, festivals and the Northern Lights in the north
- Weather & layers: Weather varies hugely by region and season, from warm summers to very cold winters; bring layers, and for the Rockies and the north, warm and waterproof clothing even in summer evenings
- Wildlife: Canada is superb for wildlife, from bears, elk and moose in the Rockies to whales on the coasts; keep a safe distance, never feed animals, and follow your guide's advice, especially in bear country
- Health & power: No vaccinations are required, but comprehensive travel insurance is recommended as healthcare is costly for visitors. Power is 120V with type A and B plugs, so bring an adapter if needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a self-drive or guided tour?
It is designed as a self-drive, the ideal way to enjoy the Rockies and the Icefields Parkway at your own pace, with comfortable lodges booked for you. We can also arrange a private driver-guide throughout if you prefer not to drive.
When is the best time for the Rockies?
Summer (June to September) offers the warmest weather, open roads and the most vivid lake colours, and is ideal. Late spring and early autumn are quieter and beautiful; some attractions and the glacier experience are seasonal.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included on most nights, along with any meals named in the itinerary such as a welcome dinner or a rail-journey lunch. Canada's dining, from Pacific seafood to Quebecois cuisine, is a highlight, so most lunches and dinners are left free with our recommendations.
How do we cover Canada's vast distances?
We combine the best options for your route, domestic flights for long hops, iconic scenic rail such as the Rocky Mountaineer, and self-drive or private coach for touring. Everything is arranged and built into your itinerary.
Do I need an eTA or visa for Canada?
Visa-exempt travellers arriving by air need an approved eTA before flying; other nationalities need a visitor visa. We confirm exactly what you need for your nationality when you book.
When is the best time to visit Canada?
Summer (June to September) is best for the Rockies, coasts and cities; autumn dazzles in the east with colour; and winter brings skiing, festivals and the Northern Lights. We advise on timing for your chosen route.
Will we see wildlife?
Very likely — Canada is one of the world's great wildlife destinations, with bears, elk, moose and bighorn sheep in the Rockies and whales on the coasts. Our guides know where to look, though sightings can never be guaranteed.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the cities, parks and regions, mix rail, flights and self-drive, add the Northern Lights or the Maritimes, and tailor hotels to your interests and budget.
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