Overview
Explore the Rockies' spectacular scenery on a guided heritage walk along the turquoise shores of Lake Louise, a cruise across Maligne Lake to Spirit Island, and an Ice Explorer journey read more onto the Athabasca Glacier at the Columbia Icefield. Along the way, discover glacier-fed lakes, rugged peaks, abundant wildlife, and some of Canada's most celebrated national parks before returning each evening to exceptional accommodations in unforgettable alpine settings.
PLUS, this tour includes your choice of excursions in Banff, giving you the freedom to personalize your experience in the Canadian Rockies.
Itinerary
Stetsons and Skyscrapers
Welcome to Calgary, where cowboys still ride tall in the saddle below the skyline of Alberta, affectionately known as “Cowtown.” At 6:00 p.m., meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.
City Slickers and Sapphire Shores
Take an orientation drive through cosmopolitan Calgary before heading to Lake Louise. Upon arrival, take a leisurely guided heritage walk along the legendary lakeshore. Free time this afternoon and evening at the exclusive Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
LOCAL FAVORITE - Explore the breathtaking shores of Lake Louise where its bright blue surface mirrors the sky between Banff's high peaks. Hear the storied history—from the early Stoney Nakoda First Nations people who named it “lake of the little fishes” to the bold railroad barons of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Learn fascinating stories of the First Nations people and frontiersmen whose lives and journeys are woven into the history of Lake Louise.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - Named for a Victorian princess, Lake Louise is the perfect setting for the architecture, amenities, and atmosphere of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise—designed to pamper the heartiest of alpine adventurers. Slip into the indoor pool and hot tub, soothe the soul at the fitness center and spa, hike in the lush green forest, canoe on Lake Louise's famous turquoise blue water, or enjoy horseback riding on a nearby trail. With attention to your comfort and enjoyment amid the rugged Rocky Mountains, you'll enjoy concierge service, gift shops, plus a variety of restaurants and activities.
Natural Wonders in the Rockies
Take a scenic drive through Banff's mountain cathedrals that tower above Natural Bridge, Kicking Horse River, and Emerald Lake. Continue north as the Icefields Parkway reveals spectacular vistas, including the picturesque Peyto Lake (weather permitting). Next stop, Jasper National Park, a Dark Sky Preserve and the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. Enjoy free time this afternoon.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - Nestled between the pines and peaks, see for yourself why Peyto Lake is one of the most photographed natural beauties in North America. This azure alpine lake strikes the pose as a model of perfection, delivering a visual feast you must see to believe!
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - Settle in for a cozy cabin-style 2-night retreat in superbly appointed guest rooms. The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge delivers all the comforts of home with a touch of luxury in the wilderness. Set deep in the Canadian Rockies, the lodge's rugged elegance makes it the embodiment of peace, tranquility, and natural beauty. Enjoy a wide variety of onsite amenities to welcome you home from a day of exploring views of surrounding mountains and Beauvert Lake.
The Wilderness Spirit
Enjoy a leisurely start to the day at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, ideally situated in the heart of Jasper National Park. From world-class hiking trails to crystal-clear glacier-fed lakes, you can choose relaxation or adventure. This afternoon, a scenic cruise on Maligne Lake to Spirit Island reveals the wild beauty of an alpine wonderland. Free time this evening in Jasper National Park.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - Between the silver and green glacial peaks, experience the views from the largest natural lake in Jasper National Park on a cruise across the waters of Maligne Lake. Glide on the water to Spirit Island, one of the most photographed spots on Earth. Keep your camera ready for further chances to capture a photo of deer, moose, eagles, or bears in this Rocky Mountain paradise.
Peak Perfection
Depart Jasper with a scenic drive on the Icefields Parkway en route to Columbia Icefield. Explore how landscapes are shaped with an epic ride aboard the mighty Columbia Ice Explorer all-terrain vehicle. Continue through Banff National Park to discover breathtaking beauty beyond imagination. Free time this evening in Banff.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - Be moved by an expedition across the Athabasca Glacier. Traverse this massive glacier aboard the all-terrain Columbia Ice Explorer and walk on the surface where the Earth's geology is changing beneath your feet. Feel the force of nature's strength on an ancient glacier that still carves the face of the Rocky Mountains today.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - For over a century, the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, has been the destination for luxury in the heart of Alberta's Canadian Rockies. The Scottish-style “Castle of the Rockies” welcomes guests to retire each night and enjoy delightful dining choices and lounges plus activities at the hotel. Walking history tours, glowing evening campfires, wilderness or twilight walks, and guided bike rides showcase the hotel grounds. In Scottish tradition, a 27-hole golf course is available, as well as a spa, tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pool, hot tub, horseback riding, gift shops, convenience store, and concierge service.
Spend Your Day Your Way in Banff
Explore Banff National Park with a scenic drive around Tunnel Mountain and witness the wonder of Bow River Falls with views of the peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Later, take advantage of an optional helicopter flightseeing trip with dramatic aerial views of the Rocky Mountains and Banff, visit the Banff Gondola at Sulphur Mountain, or stroll the town's colorful streets.
Discover more of Banff with your choice of included Globus Choice Excursions.
- SADDLE UP! - Explore the Banff and Bow Valley area on horseback during a one-hour guided trail ride. Ride along the tranquil Bow River, where thick marshes and grassy meadows are home to a wealth of wildlife. Note: No riding experience necessary; closed-toe shoes and long pants are required to ride.
- PEAK PERSPECTIVES - Soar to the summit of Sulphur Mountain aboard the Banff Gondola and take in breathtaking panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies. At the top, explore the interactive exhibits while taking in one of Banff's most scenic landscapes. This unforgettable experience offers the perfect blend of adventure, scenery, and alpine charm.
Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening and meet an officer of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to hear tales in true Mounties tradition.
LOCAL FAVORITE - As the song goes, Canadian Mounties “always get their man.” Since the early days of the Northwest Territory, the brave members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police have patrolled the mountains of Alberta and beyond with dignified duty. While visiting Banff, meet a Canadian Mountie and hear stories of life in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, including the history behind the famous red jackets, regulation jodhpurs, and signature wide-brimmed hat.
Back in the Saddle
Depart Banff with a morning drive to Calgary. Your vacation ends at Calgary International Airport or the hotel in Calgary for those with post-nights. Schedule flights to depart from Calgary International Airport after 2 pm.
Trip Inclusions
- Orientation tour of Calgary, home of the world-famous Calgary Stampede
- Guided [LF] heritage walk along the lakeshore at Lake Louise, exploring the history, culture, and natural beauty of this iconic mountain destination
- Visit to Peyto Lake, Natural Bridge, Kicking Horse River, and Emerald Lake, some of the Canadian Rockies' most celebrated natural landmarks
- Guided sightseeing in Jasper National Park, renowned for its glaciers, wildlife, and alpine scenery
- Cruise Maligne Lake to Spirit Island, one of the most photographed locations in the Canadian Rockies, with opportunities to spot wildlife along the shoreline
- Guided sightseeing in Banff National Park, Canada's first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Globus Choice Excursions in Banff – enjoy your choice between a guided horseback ride through mountain landscapes or a docent-led visit to the Whyte Museum followed by a scenic cruise on Lake Minnewanka
- Meet a [LF] Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer in Banff to hear firsthand stories, traditions, and the history of Canada's iconic national police force
- Premium accommodations at Fairmont Banff Springs, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, and Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, each offering luxury amenities in spectacular Rocky Mountain settings
- Breakfast daily, 3 dinners
- Calgary: Westin Calgary (Moderate Deluxe):
The Westin Calgary Hotel has just completed a 4 year $35 million renovation. This gorgeous updated Westin is steps from first-class dining and arts, and offers several restaurants, cafes, and lounges to relax in. - Lake Louise: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (Deluxe):
The Chateau has an indoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, spa, game room, horseback riding stables, concierge service, gift shops, business center, several restaurants, lounge, room service, and Afternoon Tea. - Jasper National Park: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (Moderate Deluxe):
The Lodge has an outdoor pool, hot tub, tennis courts, fitness center, spa, golf course, fishing, bicycling, jogging trails, game room, concierge service, business center, gift shops, several restaurants, lounges, and room service. - Banff National Park: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel (Moderate Deluxe):
For over a century, "The Castle in the Rockies" has been providing luxury in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. This historic hotel is located in Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hotel offers several restaurant choices as well as relaxing lounges, Afternoon Tea, and room service. The property has a 27-hole golf course, spa, tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pool, hot tub, horseback riding, business center, gift shops, convenience store, and concierge service.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- Visiting and participating in activities in this region may be subject to favorable weather conditions.
- Maximum elevation on tour is 7,500 ft (2,286 m).
- Enjoy additional time in Calgary to see the Calgary Stampede with exciting rodeo action, chuckwagon races, and more. Available on the CDX July 5 & 8 departures.
- For the guided horseback ride choice excursion in Banff: maximum rider weight is 230 lbs (104 kg).
Globus includes all must-see sites, with special VIP access that lets you skip to the front of the queue. Read more
Globus has the recipe for a great holiday. Savour the flavours of Canada & Alaska through its regional cuisine. Read more
Travel with expert Tour Directors and Local Guides who share their vast knowledge of Canada & Alaska. Read more
Globus' selection of hotels in unforgettable places ensure you stay right in the heart of each destination. Read more
Globus' coaches offer one of the most comfortable, stress-free and eco-friendly ways to travel. Read more
Do as the locals do and enjoy unique experiences that you wouldn't find touring on your own. Read more
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Dates & Pricing
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Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Globus. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
