Best of the Canadian Rockies Calgary to Edmonton

This morning, we drive through the heart of the city and see some of the highlights including the Stampede Park and Princess Park area of the riverfront before we make our way past Olympic Park and then through the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. We will drive through the scenic town of Canmore and then to Banff,
at the centre of Canada’s very first National Park.

Nestled high in the Canadian Rockies, the town of Banff is located within the Banff National Park. Once “Siding 29” on the Canadian Pacific Railway, the town of Banff was intended to be a tourist town from its very inception. The park’s first superintendent, George Stewart, even oriented the town’s first street so that it offered the best possible view of Cascade Mountain. With easy access to pristine wilderness,
outdoor adventures, jaw-dropping landscape, and a vibrant history, there are many places to visit in Banff and Lake Louise.

Upon arrival, we will explore Banff on a sightseeing tour with stops at Cascade Gardens, Hoodoos, beautiful Bow Falls, then visit the Cave & Basin National Historic Site, which tells the story of the hot springs that drew visitors to Banff and led to the creation of the National Park. Then we will take the
gondola up Sulphur Mountain, here we will enjoy a group dinner at the top with an unparalleled view of the mountains and valley below.

After dinner, we will check-in to our accommodation.

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and cross the Continental Divide to the western slopes of the Rocky Mountain range into Yoho National Park in British Columbia. The awe-inspiring Emerald Lake, filled with glacial run-off water that makes it glisten with the blue-green hue of an emerald, is also one of our stops today. We will view the Natural Bridge and enjoy a photo stop at the Spiral Tunnels.We drive back into Alberta and visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, two jewels of the Rockies surrounded by glistening glaciers and towering snow-capped mountain peaks. You may have seen photos of the lakes, but you will not be prepared for the experience of rounding the corner and getting your first sight of the emerald green waters and the rugged peaks as a backdrop. Late in the day, with the glowing sun dropping behind Mount Victoria, you have likely never seen anything so dramatically beautiful.

Travelling through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, we drive along the famous Icefields Parkway, which has been voted one of the most spectacular drives in the world. You will see for yourself why this mountain road, boasting a unique landscape rich in history and natural beauty, is so famous. This morning, we have some free time in Banff before heading to The Crossing, one of the few stops along this spectacular highway. We take a short detour to the shores of Abraham Lake for a boxed lunch. We rejoin the parkway and later arrive at the famous Columbia Icefields, whose waters feed three oceans; we visit the Interpretive Centre, then have the experience of a lifetime - a ride on the Ice Explorer vehicle for a close look at the Athabasca Glacier. Then we will go to the skywalk and experience standing on the glass floor above the valley below. Finally, at the end of this exciting day, we see the mighty Athabasca Falls before arriving at the charming town of Jasper, our home for the next two nights.

Originally a small railway town, Jasper's small-town charm is distinctly different from the alpine resort-style glamour of Banff. Surrounded by towering mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and abundant wildlife, Jasper Town, located within Jasper National Park, is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. We start the day with a ride up Whistler Mountain on the Jasper SkyTram. A full day of sightseeing follows, including a gentle walk down Maligne Canyon to see how the water has carved out spectacular crevices in the mountain. As we continue into the Valle, we will rise into the sub-alpine forests and view the expanding ranges of limestone rising out of Medicine Lake. This mysterious disappearing lake will change seasonally as the flow rates of melt waters fill and empty this basin. A scenic drive takes you to Maligne Lake, the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Here we will enjoy a leisurely 90-minute cruise ride on the lake with a stop at Spirit Island.

After a leisurely morning in Jasper, we head east through the towns of Hinton and Edson, to Edmonton, Alberta’s capital, and a popular Canadian city to visit. Summer and fall in Edmonton are the time to explore the city’s scenic riverfront pathways, enjoy immersive experiences at the Royal Alberta Museum and the Art Gallery of Alberta, or embrace some fun (and shopping) at the famous West Edmonton Mall. There is much to do in Edmonton. Edmonton’s culinary scene is known across Canada and beyond. The evening is ours to explore at leisure.

Our epic Rocky Mountain journey comes to a close this morning as we head home with memories of the stunning landscapes that we have passed through and the hospitality of the people who call this home.