Day 1 - Arrive Calgary / Drive to Banff
Upon arrival at the Calgary International Airport you will pick-up your car rental and begin your journey to the Canadian Rockies. You will depart the Stampede City of Calgary and travel through the rolling foothills and through the Rocky Mountains to the mountain resort town of Banff.
Moderate: Overnight Banff Caribou Lodge
Superior: Overnight Buffalo Mountain Lodge - Deluxe King
Deluxe: Overnight Buffalo Mountain Lodge - Premier King Suite
Day 2 - Banff Exploring
Enjoy a full day to explore Banff. Your package includes admission to the Banff Gondola, where you will take a spectacular 8-minute gondola ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. From this vantage point at the summit, you will enjoy amazing panoramic views of Banff town site and the surrounding peaks of the Bow Valley. You may wish to take a drive along Tunnel Mountain Drive to view the beautiful town of Banff and visit the Cave and Basin National Historic Site where a natural hot springs led to the creation of Canada's first National Park in 1885. Or take a mid-morning stroll along Lake Minnewanka or explore the town site and visit the many museums, art galleries, & boutiques.
Moderate: Overnight Banff Caribou Lodge
Superior: Overnight Buffalo Mountain Lodge - Deluxe King
Deluxe: Overnight Buffalo Mountain Lodge - Premier King Suite
Day 3 - Banff to Lake Louise
This morning you will depart Banff and travel along the scenic Bow Valley Parkway to the resort village of Lake Louise. There is plenty to see and do today - walk or hike the trails at and around the Lake Louise and nearby Moraine Lake enjoy a relaxing canoe excursion or explore nearby Emerald Lake and Yoho National Park, with the spectacular Takakkaw Falls.
Note: The above areas have limited access until late May.
Moderate: Overnight Deer Lodge - Heritage King
Superior: Overnight Relais & Chateaux Post Hotel - King with Fireplace
Deluxe: Overnight Relais & Chateaux Post Hotel - Riverside Cabin
Day 4 - Lake Louise to Jasper
This morning you will depart Lake Louise and drive through the 'heart' of the Canadian Rockies to Jasper along the Icefields Parkway. You will be inspired by rushing waterfalls, crystal-clear rivers, emerald lakes, alpine meadows and snow-capped peaks create an ever-changing montage of mountain wilderness. You will travel through Jasper and Banff National Parks, be sure to stop at the Columbia Icefield. Included in your package is the 'Ice Age Adventure', a tour onto the icy slopes of the Athabasca Glacier. You will travel in a specially designed Brewster Ice Explorer to the middle of the glacier, on a 5-kilometre round- trip journey. Other points of interest en route include Peyto Lake and the Bow & Crowfoot Glaciers. Your journey affords many opportunities to see mountain wildlife and photograph the spectacular views. Arrive in Jasper in the late afternoon.
OPTIONAL TOUR:
Wilson Icefield Discovery Helicopter Tour (25 min) This spectacular flight will allow you to discover not only 6 glaciers but also the Wilson Icefield where you will be able to see down into the many crevasses of the deep blue crowfoot at its base. From above the Wilson Icefield, at 10,500 feet, you will view glaciers and icefields as far as the eye can see!
Special Treat Add-ons:
Landing with a stop - Go for a leisurely 30-60 minute walk with your pilot in the high alpine. A walk never to be forgotten!
Gourmet Picnic - Enjoy a mountaintop picnic in the high alpine. The picnic includes a deluxe sandwich (meat eater or vegetarian - let us know) along with an appetizer tray and dessert. It is beautifully packaged in a wicker picnic basket. Wine and champagne are available.
Note: Ice Age Adventure operates from April 15 - October 15, weather permitting. When the Snocoach is not running, it will be removed from your package.
Moderate: Overnight Maligne Lodge
Superior: Overnight Jasper Park Lodge- Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Jasper Park Lodge- Lake view Junior Suite
Day 5 - Jasper Exploring
Today is at leisure to explore the charming town of Jasper and some of its most scenic landmarks. Drive past the rugged peaks of the Athabasca Valley towards Whistlers Mountain and take the Jasper Tramway (included) to the top. This is the longest and highest aerial tramway in the Rockies and the ride up to the summit is breathtaking. Once at the upper terminal take in incredible panoramic views of Jasper national Park or enjoy a short hike on one of the alpine trails. Next, visit Maligne Lake and take a 90 minute scenic boat cruise (included). This is one of the most photographed locations in the Canadian Rockies. Some optional activities available for you include canoeing, rafting, hiking, golfing, and trail riding.
Note: Maligne Lake Cruise operates from Mid May to Early October and Jasper Tramway operates from Mid April to Early October. If traveling outside these dates, the admissions will be removed from your package.
Moderate: Overnight Maligne Lodge
Superior: Overnight Jasper Park Lodge- Fairmont room
Deluxe: Overnight Jasper Park Lodge- Lake view Junior Suite
Day 6 - Jasper to Sun Peaks
Leaving Jasper National Park, travel the Yellowhead route past the sprawling grandeur of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Beyond Mount Robson Provincial Park, the highway follows the Thompson River through the snowy peaks of the Monashee and Caribou Mountains to the resort village of Sun Peaks where you will enjoy a night's stay.
Moderate: Overnight Coast Sundance Lodge
Superior: Overnight Delta Sun Peaks Resort - Delta room
Deluxe: Overnight Delta Sun Peaks Resort – One Bedroom Suite
Day 7 - Sun Peaks to Vancouver
Today you will depart Sun Peaks and drive through the ranch lands of the South Thompson River and the whitewater rapids of the Fraser Canyon, you will be amazed at the surging waters of Hell's Gate gorge. Discovered by intrepid explorers during the gold rush, Hell's Gate is where towering rock walls of the Fraser River plunge toward each other, forcing the waters through a passage only 110ft wide. Admiring the spectacle is considerably easier than in pioneering days. You may decide to take the aerial tramway that takes you on a gentle descent from the highway to river level. After this breathtaking 500ft journey, observation decks and a suspension bridge allow you to get close to the torrent and observe the International Fish ways. Continue through the lush valleys of the Lower Mountain region, to your final destination of Vancouver, home of the 2010 Winter Olympic games
Moderate: Overnight Residence Inn by Marriott Vancouver Downtown (Buffet Breakfast included in room rate)
Superior: Overnight Hotel Le Soleil - 1 Bedroom Suite
Deluxe: Overnight Hotel Le Soleil - 1 Bedroom Corner Suite
Day 8 - Depart Vancouver
Spend a relaxing morning at your hotel then travel to Vancouver International Airport to drop off your car rental and catch your flight home.
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- 7 nights accommodation, including any mandatory service charges and room tax
- 8 day Full size rental car including unlimited mileage LDW, GST, personal accident insurance, personal effects coverage, provincial tax, PVRT, additional authorized operator fee
- Columbia Icefield Ice Explorer ride (SUBSTITUTIONS: If Ice Explorer is not operating it will be removed from your package)
- Sulphur Mountain Gondola
- Maligne Lake Cruise (SUBSTITUTIONS: Operates from Mid May to Early October, if not operating it will be removed from your package)
- Jasper Tramway ride (SUBSTITUTIONS: Operates from Mid April to Early October, if not operating it will be removed from your package)
- National Park Entrance Fee
- Personalized documentation package
PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Car Rental: Drop fee between Calgary & Jasper, refueling service charge, baby seats, toll highway charges, additional driver taxes, and credit card security deposit
- Customer Facility Charge for pick-ups at the Calgary Airport (approximately $4 per day)
- Meals not listed as included
- Activities not listed as included
- Transfer not listed as included
- Gratuities not listed as included
- Trip Cancellation Insurance (Insurance can be purchased from your Vacation Specialist, ask for more details)