Description:

Experience the rugged beauty of Banff's lakes and mountains, peer into Jasper's gorges, and go for a unique Ice Explorer ride on Athabasca Glacier.

Highlights:

# Calgary
# Jasper
# Banff National Park
# Miette
# Lake Louise
# Icefields Parkway
# Athabasca River

Day 1 - Arrive Calgary (2 nights)
Welcome to Calgary! A complimentary transfer is provided to the tour hotel. Your Tour Director is available at the hotel this afternoon to greet you and answer your questions. Join us at 6:00pm for a Welcome Drink at the hotel.

Hotel: International Hotel Suites Calgary

Day 2 - Calgary Stampede
We’re off to the Calgary Stampede, the world’s largest rodeo. Our all-day tickets include reserved seating at rodeo events and admission to the Stampede Park. Besides the exciting rodeo, view agricultural exhibits and listen to live bands. Tonight we watch the Stampede’s amazing Chuckwagon Races. End the day with the Grandstand Show, a dancing, singing and music extravaganza, complete with fireworks! (Full breakfast)

Day 3 - Calgary – Icefields Parkway – Columbia Icefield – Jasper ( 2 nights)
Here in the Canadian Rockies, you may never hear “Are we there yet?” again, because everyone will be too busy gawking at the scenery as you travel along the stunningly beautiful Icefields Parkway. This is definitely a case of getting there is half – or more – the fun. One of the most stupendous highlights of the journey is the Columbia Icefield, the largest reservoir of ice and snow in the Rocky Mountains. Here, we’ve arranged for you to board an Ice Explorer – a huge vehicle specially designed to negotiate glacial terrain – for a thrilling ride on the massive ice sheet. Then it’s on to Jasper National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but not before your Tour Director reveals a Hidden Treasure of the Canadian Rockies! After dinner, enjoy a fun and informative presentation on the park’s unique fauna with a local wildlife expert. (Full breakfast / Buffet dinner)

Hotel: Chateau Jasper

Day 4 - Jasper National Park sightseeing & at leisure
Before you get started today, take a quick vote: Do you and your family want to get wet on a rip-roaring white water rafting adventure on the mighty Athabasca River, or would you prefer a gentle float on calmer waters? Whichever river experience you choose, you’ll marvel at the magnificent landscapes of Jasper National Park. The choice is yours this afternoon too, as you’ll enjoy time to spend as you please. Optional activities include a cruise on the pristine Maligne Lake or a guided alpine walk amid the beauty of Mount Edith Cavell. This evening, keep an eye out for bear, bull elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, deer, coyotes, beaver, moose and birds, as you make your way to Miette Hot Springs on a guided wildlife search. There’s hardly a better way to conclude your evening than with a relaxing soak in the wonderful hot springs, home to not only the hottest waters in the Rockies, but also some of the world’s most magnificent views. (Full breakfast)

Day 5 - Jasper - Lake Louise - Moraine Lake - Banff National Park (3 nights)
You’ve seen those pictures of gorgeous lakes in the foreground, snowcapped mountains in the background, and wished you were there... Well, you’re about to actually be there as you travel to Banff National Park and Lake Louise. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park and its surroundings are studded with the jewels of the Rockies – hanging glaciers, pounding waterfalls, surging rivers and fantastic lakes framed by soaring, snowcapped peaks. The best seat in the house has been reserved just for you as you savor a picnic lunch on the shores of Lake Louise. Afterward, step into a canoe and glide along the lake or join a guided hike along the shore. Then discover the “other lake,” Moraine Lake. This little lake may often play second fiddle to Lake Louise, but you’ll soon see that Moraine is every bit as beautiful as Louise, boasting sapphire waters and a gorgeous mountainous backdrop. This is your chance to take your own pictures from the crest of the Rockpile Trail, a spot showcasing picture-postcard views of the lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks. (Full Breakfast / Lunch)

Hotel: Banff Park Lodge

Day 6 - Banff sightseeing & at leisure
Today, a mix of guided sightseeing and independent exploration makes for a perfect day. The guided portion of your adventures introduces you to the beautiful Bow Falls, majestic Tunnel Mountain Drive and the viewpoint of Surprise Corner, where you’ll delight in the views of the Banff Springs Hotel, the “Castle in the Rockies,” with Sulphur Mountain in the background. Play a game of “what shape is it” as you spy the whimsical hoodoos that overlook Bow Valley. A surprise guest is also on the roster for today! Then strike out on your own with an optional helicopter flight over Mount Assiniboine or a guided hike through Sunshine Meadows. Tonight, put on your cowboy boots and Stetsons and saddle up for a horseback ride along the Sundance Canyon trail. Then try your hand at roping or challenge friends and family to a game of horseshoes! Rustle up some grub at an Outdoor Cowboy Barbecue - an evening you won’t soon forget! If you prefer an alternative ride, a Conestoga wagon is also available. (Full breakfast / Highlight dinner)

Day 7 - Banff sightseeing & at leisure
This morning, you’ll be treated to astounding views of six mountain ranges with your ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain aboard the Banff Gondola. The deep recesses of the mountains have stories to tell too, which you and your family will discover with an investigation of the Cave and Basin National Historic Site of Canada, a cave-and-water wonderland with interactive displays. Another tribute to Canada’s Rocky Mountain history is the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, housing seven early Banff Heritage Homes. Later, join the gang at a Farewell Dinner pizza party with a rousing game of bowling celebrating this high-scoring, not-to-beforgotten family experience. (Full Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)

Day 8 - Banff – Depart Calgary
Descend from the glorious Canadian Rockies and stop at Calgary’s Canada Olympic Park, site of the 1988 Winter Olympics. Browse the interesting Olympic Hall of Fame and Museum, and enjoy a discussion with one of the young athletes in training. A complimentary transfer to Calgary International Airport is provided and to the tour hotel in Calgary for passengers extending their stay. (Full breakfast)

Please do not schedule any flights before 3:00pm

Please Note:
This departure features two nights in Calgary at the International Hotel Suites Calgary with entry to the Calgary Stampede.

• Coach tour as shown in itinerary
• Sightseeing as shown in itinerary
• Meals (if applicable) are shown in itinerary

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