Summary
Short description
Compare Alberta's urban charms with its Rocky Mountain national parks
Highlights
- See Calgary sprawled out before you from the top of its Sky Tower
- Drive the Icefields Parkway to explore Banff, Jasper and Lake Louise
- Discover the Rocky Mountains' glacial beauty on an included cruise and Ice Explorer tour
In Brief
- 2 Nights Calgary
- 2 Nights Edmonton
- 2 Nights Jasper
- 1 Night Lake Louise
- 2 Nights Banff
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
Lodges | Mountains | Natural world | Self-drive
With stays in Calgary and Edmonton, this tailor-made summer escape is the ideal introduction to Alberta's urban charms. But, as with much of Canada, the province's real highlights lie beyond its city limits in stunningly beautiful national parks home to pretty villages and abundant native wildlife. Following the Icefields Parkway – one of the North America's most spectacular self-drives – you'll soak up the snow-capped beauty of the Canadian Rockies as you travel between Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff. We've even included a number of exciting excursions along with entrance to some of the region's star attractions, helping you make the most of your stay.
Day by day itinerary
Days
1-2
Calgary
Arrive in Calgary make your way to your chosen hotel. The rest of your first day in Canada is free to explore at your leisure.
Spend the following day exploring Calgary. Begin with a ride to the top of Calgary Tower (included), where the observation deck, which is a staggering 160 metres above the ground, offers magnificent, 360º views of the city and its surrounds. Later today perhaps head to Heritage Park and experience the "old west" in this fully functioning historical town.
Stay: Hotel Le Germain Calgary (Superior)
Days
3-4
Edmonton
After collecting your rental car head for the city of Edmonton for a two-night stay. Spend the following days exploring some of Edmonton's highlights which include the Royal Alberta Museum, Fort Edmonton Park and the Muttart Conservatory. The vast West Edmonton Mall is worth a visit just for the sheer spectacle where, along with an extensive array of shops, you'll find the Vegas-style Palace Casino, Red's, Planet Hollywood, Jubilations dinner theatre and much more.
Stay: Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel, Edmonton (Superior)
Days
5-6
Jasper
Today's journey takes you through the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and into the Jasper National Park, explore its breathtaking beauty and fascinating history.
The next day you'll be introduced to Jasper with a short tour of the town before heading across the Athabasca River to Maligne Lake. A century after Mary Schaeffer's remarkable adventure, discover "World renowned" Maligne Lake for an interpretive boat cruise bound for Spirit Island.
Stay: Jasper Inn & Suites, Jasper (Superior)
Day
7
Lake Louise
This morning before leaving Jasper, join the longest and highest aerial tramway in the Rockies on a seven-minute ride to the top of Whistlers Mountain for breathtaking views. Then travel south along the Icefields Parkway, one of the most spectacular highways in North America, as you head towards Lake Louise. Stop along the way at the newly opened Glacier Skywalk and the magnificent Columbia Icefield and board a Brewster Ice Explorer for an unforgettable excursion onto the icy slopes of the Athabasca Glacier. Walk on the ancient ice and learn about glaciers and icefields. Stroll along a cliff-edged walkway that leads to the jaw-dropping glass floored Columbia Icefield Skywalk, separating you from the floor of the valley by a 918-foot drop. After the tour, spend some time at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre and visit the newly expanded Parks Canada Interpretative Centre.
Stay: Post Hotel & Spa, Lake Louise (Standard)
Days
8-9
Banff
Spend a morning at leisure before crossing the Great Divide into Yoho National Park via the scenic Kicking Horse Pass and the mysterious Spiral Tunnels. Visit Takakkaw Falls in the beautiful Yoho Valley before continuing to your hotel in Banff where you'll spend the next two nights.
The following day you'll enjoy a cruise on Lake Minnewanka, the largest lake in the Banff National Park, sitting below the towering peaks of Mount Aylmer and Mount Inglismaldie to Devil's Gap. Look out for wildlife, including big horn sheep, deer and eagles, before returning to Banff to explore the town's shops and museums at your leisure.
Stay: Royal Canadian Lodge, Banff (Superior)
Day
10
Departure
Enjoy a final morning at leisure to relax at the hotel or do some last minute shopping, before returning to the airport in time for your onward flight.
Map
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
10-day tailor-made self-drive
from £2,300 pp incl. flights
Superior
01 - 31 May
from £2,300 pp. incl. flights
01 Jun - 30 Sep
from £2,830 pp. incl. flights
Valid for travel: May to October*
Includes:
- Complimentary UK departure airport lounge access
- Return flights from UK to Calgary
- 9 nights hotel accommodation
- Calgary Tower excursion
- Jasper Town, Maligne Valley Sightseeing & Maligne Lake Cruise day tour
- Jasper Tramway & shuttle admission
- Ice Explorer Glacier Tour & Glacier Skywalk at the Columbia Icefields Glacier Discovery Centre
- Banff Gondola & Lake Minnewanka Cruise
- 8 days car rental including GPS
- Personalised driving package
* During Calgary Stampede (09-18 July 2024) accommodation in Calgary will be limited and supplements apply. Early booking is recommended.
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
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