From scenic Badlands and big cities to mighty rivers and immense glaciers, Alberta’s Rocky Mountains welcome you. Travel the scenic Icefields Parkway through Jasper and Banff National Parks.
Day
1 Arrive in Calgary
Welcome to one of North America’s most rugged and beautiful cities, Calgary. Known for its cowboys
and spectacular beauty, Calgary was brought to the world’s
attention during the 1988 Winter Olympics. Meet your Tour
Manager in the hotel lobby at 6:00 p.m. for dining suggestions.
Day
2 Fort Calgary and Heritage Park
After breakfast,
embark on a panoramic sightseeing tour of Calgary. See
the city’s many communities along with Stampede Park and
Canada Olympic Park. Then, take a step back into Canada’s
historic past at Heritage Park. Here you will learn about life as
a 19th-century fur-trader or old-fashioned blacksmith.
In the
Gasoline Alley Museum, admire the collection of 1908 REO
Autobuggies and 1912 Buicks, or stroll through Heritage Town
Square and chat with the locals in their traditional clothing.
Later, travel the mountain town of Banff for a two-night stay.
Meals: B, D
Day
3 Banff Sightseeing and Lake Louise
This morning explore the many attractions of Banff. See Bow Falls and Tunnel
Mountain before climbing aboard a gondola for a ride in enclosed
cars to the top of Sulphur Mountain. Spectacular panoramic
views of the village and valley below await.
Then, take the short
drive to beautiful Lake Louise area where majestic mountains
soaring skyward are reflected in the vibrant blues of the glacierfed
Lake Louise. Back in Banff, explore this quaint village, full of
wonderful shops and charming boutiques.
Meal: B
Day
4 Athabasca Glacier Snocoach Ride and Glacier Skywalk
Today, trade in your motorcoach for a “snocoach”
and venture on to North America’s largest glacier, the Columbia
Icefield’s Athabasca Glacier. You will travel in a specially
designed vehicle to the middle of the glacier, as your driver
points out interesting geological features. At the icefall below
the glacier headwall, you will step out onto ice formed from
snow which fell as long as 400 years ago.
Then, take a walk
on the incredible Glacier Skywalk, a glass-floored observation
platform perched 918 feet above spectacular glacier-formed
valleys and rushing waterfalls. Later, arrive in the mountain
town of Jasper.
Meals: B, D
Day
5 Maligne Lake Cruise
Today enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Jasper National Park as you cruise Maligne Lake
with its unparalleled vistas. Learn of the local history, geology,
wildlife and glaciology of Maligne Lake and Jasper National
Park as some of the most spectacular scenery in the Rockies
drifts past your window. Watch moose lazily wander the
shoreline and look for other wildlife that are native to the area.
In the afternoon, return to Jasper in plenty of time for exploring.
Meal: B
Day
6 Fort Edmonton Park
Depart Jasper this morning and travel to Edmonton where you will visit Fort Edmonton Park
to learn the history of Edmonton and the importance of the fur trade. Originally consisting of fur trading posts of the Hudson’s
Bay Company from 1795 to 1914, today the park is a leader in cultural tourism.
Meals: B, D
Day
7 Prairie Gardens Experience & West Edmonton Mall
This morning you travel to Prairie Gardens, a countryside
working farm. Here you will enjoy a guided farm tour and
experience a farm-to-table lunch. This hands-on cooking
experience is led by a private chef and features locally grown
food.
Later, return to Edmonton to spend time at North America’s
largest shopping center, the West Edmonton Mall. With over
800 stores, nine world-class attractions, two hotels and over
100 dining venue, the West Edmonton Mall has something for
everyone.
Meals: B, L
Day
8 Farewell Dinner atop the Calgary Tower
Depart Edmonton today for the drive to Calgary. From high atop the
Calgary Tower, you will enjoy a panoramic view of Calgary. Then,
sit down in the Sky 360 Restaurant for a fabulous farewell dinner
making for a memorable ending to your adventure.
Meals: B, D
Day
9 Travel Home
Following breakfast, depart Calgary on
a group transfer to the Calgary Airport for flights home after
10:00 a.m.
Meal: B