Edmonton to the Rockies

Day 1 - Arrive Edmonton

Upon arrival at the Edmonton International Airport, transfer independently to your hotel, the balance of the day is at leisure

Day 2 - Explore Edmonton

Experience one of Canada’s most popular urban regions and the Capital City of Alberta. A four season destination, Edmonton has a variety of attractions and natural areas to explore year round. If you feel the need for shopping, experience West Edmonton Mall. This Edmonton icon houses 800 stores and services, 110 eating establishments, nine themed attractions, spas, a dinner theatre, fantastic nightclubs and a full-scale casino – all under one roof.

Day 3 - Edmonton to Jasper

Leaving Edmonton this afternoon and travelling east, you will notice the dramatic change in landscape as you leave the open prairie and head onto the Rockies to the mountain village of Jasper.

Day 4 - Explore Jasper

Today is free to explore Jasper.

Day 5 - Maligne Canyon Ice Walk

Experience the wonders of the Maligne Canyon from the ground up! The canyon has withstood 10,000 years of erosion and has created a 50m gorge. Certified guides will lead groups of no more than 12 along the frozen canyon floor and its ice-clad limestone walls. Super soles and winter boots will keep guests warm and secure as they explore this wonderland of rock and ice.

Day 6 - Jasper to Lake Louise

Travel southward along the Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise. Massive snow covered mountains, frozen waterfalls and broad reaching valleys are the highlight of this spectacular drive through glacier country. Included this evening is a wonderful 40 minute sleigh ride that takes place beside the lake.

Day 7 - Discover Lake Louise

Today is free for you to enjoy the many winter activities surrounding Lake Louise.

Day 8 - Lake Louise to Banff

Depart Lake Louise mid-morning for a short drive to Banff via the scenic Bow Valley, arriving midday. This afternoon is free to enjoy Banff.

Day 9 - Snowshoeing to Paint Pots

Duration: 4 hours

Snowshoe on an easy trail along a bridge across the frozen Vermilion River and and along the snowy path winding through a forest of pine trees to the Paint Pots, a cultural treasure within the National Park. Learn about the history of the fur trade as you explore the fascinating Paint Pots, which are mineral deposits once used by First Nations people for rock painting. Along the way you will hear stories of Banff's indigenous people, explorers and fur traders who lived in and traveled through the Rockies. After this crisp winter walk, enjoy a uniquely Canadian treat: hot maple taffy poured into snow to make a sweet frozen dessert. Plus try a crazy carpet slide down the hill while it's being made - kids and adults alike love this part of the tour! This is an excellent trip for beginners as it covers a mainly flat terrain with minimal elevation gain, and also suits anyone wanting a pleasant activity outdoors in the majesty of Kootenay National Park.

Your tour includes: - Light snack & refreshment - Snowshoes & hiking poles - Hands on interpretive tools - Professional certified guide

Day 10 - Banff to Calgary

This morning is free to explore Banff, before your scheduled coach to Calgary. Following the Trans-Canada Highway, depart the Rocky Mountains to the Great Central Plains that roll to the east for 2000 kilometres and extend as far south as Mexico. This is ‘cattle ranching country’ and Canada’s breadbasket.