Upgrade to the deluxe hotels below, for an additional £339
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge 5*
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise 5*
Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel 5*
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Calgary
On arrival at Calgary Airport make your own way to the hotel for an overnight stay. Afternoon at leisure to explore Calgary's popular attractions. Overnight stay at The Sandman Calgary 3*.
Day 2: Calgary to Banff (115 km/72 mi)
Today you collect your hire car and begin your Rockies adventure. Take the short (2-hour) drive from Calgary to Banff on either the Trans-Canada Highway or the more scenic 1A Highway. Once in Banff proceed to your selected hotel to check in and the remainder of the day is yours to explore at your own leisure. Overnight at Spruce Grove Inn 3*.
Day 3: Banff Exploring
A full day to explore Banff and area. In town you’ll find lots of excitement - shopping, cafés, nightlife, museums. Check out the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, Banff Gondola (included) where you will see a panoramic view of the Bow Valley, and then take a dip in the hot mineral pools at the Upper Hot Springs. Overnight at Spruce Grove Inn 3*.
Day 4: Banff to Jasper (265 km/164 mi)
Take the short drive from Banff to Lake Louise. Choose the Bow Valley Parkway, beside the Bow River with an option for you to take a stop at Johnston Canyon and walk along the paved footway to either the lower or upper waterfalls before continuing to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. From Lake Louise your scenic drive takes you through the spine of the Canadian Rockies. View a never-ending procession of mammoth mountains, jagged peaks, over 100 glaciers and pristine emerald colour lakes. Along the way see such sights as the Sarbach Glacier, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, with the Bow Glacier providing the backdrop, and Crowfoot Glacier before your arrival at the Columbia Icefield for an Ice Explorer ride out onto the glacier (included). Leaving the Athabasca Glacier, your camera should be ready to capture the majesty of the Athabasca Falls prior to your arrival into Jasper. Overnight at the Lobstick Lodge 3*.
Day 5: Jasper exploring
Explore this charming mountain village close to many terrific scenic highlights. Take a tram ride up Whistlers mountain, or visit Maligne Lake, one of the most photographed lakes in the world, and enjoy a 90 minute cruise heading toward the south end of this postcard setting (Maligne Lake cruise not included). You will marvel at the magnificent shoreline with dense forest and glacial peaks rising abruptly from the water’s edge. Stopping at Spirit Island, you will have the opportunity to take your own version of the world famous photograph of the lake. Overnight at the Lobstick Lodge 3*.
Optional Add-On:
Jasper - Rafting (Duration 3 hrs). Enjoy a gentle rafting tour on the Athabasca River for a unique perspective of Jasper National Park. The 16 kilometre, 2½ hour round trip passes through many small sets of rapids and calm stretches, which allows your National Park Licensed guide to point out the natural and human history of Jasper. Specially designed rafts offer a safe, comfortable ride that any first time rafter will enjoy. This trip is for everyone from toddlers to seniors.
Day 6: Jasper to Lake Louise (208 km/129 mi)
Depart Jasper today and travel once more along the scenic Icefields Parkway to the “Jewel of the Rockies,” Lake Louise. Lake Louise is the most famous glacial lake in the Canadian Rockies, and one of the most beautiful in the Western Hemisphere. The lake, named for Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, daughter of Queen Victoria, is 1,730 metres (5,680 feet) above sea level. You may wish to enjoy a hike on one of the numerous trails or paddle a canoe on the lake. Overnight Lake Louise Inn 3*.
Day 7: Lake Louise Exploring
Today cross the Great Divide and enter Yoho National Park. The word Yoho is an aboriginal term for awe and wonder, as in Wow! Visit the scenic Yoho Valley and such sights as Takakkaw Falls (one of the highest in the world), Emerald Lake, Kicking Horse Pass, Spiral Tunnels and the Natural Rock Bridge that spans the Kicking Horse River. Return to Lake Louise. Overnight Lake Louise Inn 3*.
Day 8: Lake Louise to Calgary (177 km/110 mi)
Departing Lake Louise, you will travel through the foothills of the Rockies to the city of Calgary. Your tour concludes with the return of your hire car to Calgary International Airport.
Offer Includes:
- Flights with Thomas Cook Airlines from London Gatwick
- Airport taxes
- 7 nights accommodation on room only basis
- Admission to either Banff Upper Hot Springs or Miette Hot Springs Jasper
- Complimentary Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier
- Complimentary Sulphur Mountain Gondola Ride
- Car Kit which includes personalised maps, guides, itinerary and driving directions
- Car hire with insurance
