Tip your Stetson to Canada’s ‘Cowboy Country’, kick-starting your adventure through the inimitable Rockies in Calgary. This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception.
Embark on a spiritual encounter with the Canadian Rockies, admiring the ethereal beauty of Lake Louise, the surrounding summits and Victoria Glacier, before we continue along the Icefields Parkway. Skirt the craggy peaks, waterfalls and luminous glacial lakes keeping an eye out for bears, elk and mountain goats as you make your way through the wilderness to Jasper.
Soak up pristine natural surroundings enjoying a morning at leisure or joining an optional Jasper Float Trip. Next, enjoy a Be My Guest experience over lunch at Maligne Lake Chalet. Hear fascinating stories about Jasper and uncover local secrets with the entertaining Jasper Theater Productions. Then, take to the aqua waters of Maligne Lake (seasonal), admiring views of its three glaciers and Spirit Island, named by the Stoney Nation indigenous people for the experiences their ancestors had at this place centuries ago. While Spirit Island is only a tiny grove of trees separated from the mainland by an isthmus, it becomes a true island for a few short days during the summer. Later, enjoy dramatic views as you take a guided walk to Maligne Canyon.
Your adventure begins with a ride onto the Athabasca Glacier in an all-terrain Ice Explorer—a massive vehicle specially designed for glacier travel. On this thrilling trip, an experienced driver-guide will share local secrets about glaciers and their impact on our environment. Take a sip of ice-cold glacier water and admire the surrounding snowcapped panorama before continuing your journey to the alpine village of Banff.
Learn the art of playing the puck like a pro when you meet a real Canadian hockey player in Canmore. Dive Into Culture and embrace Canada’s national sport, learning the secrets and superstitions of hockey players as a professional coach walks you through a day in the life of a player. Go inside the players' dressing room and put on the full hockey gear with help of a real coach. Grab your stick and it's off onto the ice where you'll soon find out whether you are a lefty or righty and learn how to score the big goal. A sightseeing excursion around Banff reveals the exquisite natural beauty of the area. Admire the classic viewpoint of Surprise Corner, spectacular Bow Falls, and the hoodoo rock formations. You may also choose a breathtaking helicopter optional for views of the Canadian Rockies you won't soon forget or take a ride on the Banff Gondola, you’ll see more mountains in a moment than most see in a lifetime! Ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain to experience a bird’s eye view of six mountain ranges of the Canadian Rockies.
Join your Travel Director for an optional excursion in the morning to explore the jewels of the Rockies and head to Yoho National Park and Moraine Lake (seasonal) in the Valley of Ten Peaks. Straddle the continental divide at Kicking Horse Pass as you view the Spiral Tunnels, the famous railway built in the early 1900's. This evening, enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as we meet a Cree Guide who will share insight on how buffalo were so important to our survival, the interconnected relationship we have, the teachings of the Buffalo around the sacred contract we hold and how we may have become part of that sacred contract. Afterwards, toast to your travels and shared experiences with your fellow travellers over Dinner.
Descend from high above and bid farewell to the Canadian Rockies. Depart Calgary for your return flights home or make your way to the Westin Calgary if you are extending your stay.