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 - Discover Jasper & its Wildlife

This morning we have include a Discover Jasper & its Wildlife Tour. 

As you travel through Jasper and the surrounding area in one of our comfortable sightseeing vehicles, not only will you be amazed at some of the beautiful scenery on this journey, you will also learn about the ways the wildlife in the area contribute to the rich diversity of the National Park. Our knowledgeable guides are trained to seek out all of the park's most iconic creatures. Big or small, Jasper National Park provides a great opportunity to view animals in their natural habitat. Have your camera ready to capture some amazing photos of the highlights of this informative and entertaining "Discovery Tour".

The Wildlife Discovery Tour is a driving tour with minimal walking. Photos of wildlife are usually taken from the inside the vehicle or on the ground at a safe distance from the animals. While the natural habitat around Jasper is conducive to animal sightings, animal viewing is not guaranteed and depends largely on the season, the time of day, and the weather.

The afternoon is at your leisure.

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 - Discover Banff & Snowshoeing to Paint Pots

This morning we have included the 3 hour Discover Banff & its Wildlife Tour. Build a connection to our World Heritage Site as you visit Banff's landmarks and view wildlife in their natural winter habitat. Hear how the history of the Bow Valley changed when three railway workers rediscovered a hidden treasure. See and learn about wildlife behaviour, habitat, and their winter survival adaptations. This is Banff's best tour for viewing wildlife which are seen on 95% of the tours. This afternoon you will embark on the Snowshoeing to Paint Pots Tour. 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 Snowshoe 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.