This nine-day journey through the Canadian Rockies and Montana’s Glacier National Park delivers wild western history, breathtaking scenery, incredible wildlife, and thrilling experiences. Travel aboard an iconic vintage Red Jammer, a massive Ice Explorer, and a glass-walled boat, soaking in stunning views of vast skies, bighorn sheep, and majestic bears. From rugged gold rush country to the sparkling turquoise waters of Banff and Jasper National Parks, this Canadian Rockies escorted vacation is packed with spectacular discoveries at every turn.
Why you’ll enjoy this trip to Glacier National Park and the Canadian Rockies:
♦ Be introduced to Canada’s western capital-Calgary. Home to delicious food, sustainable living and the Calgary Stampede.
♦ Cruise the vintage Red Jammer Bus to spot iconic animals like grizzly bears, moose, and bighorn sheep in Glacier National Park.
♦ Take in some of UNESCO’s most beautiful sites from the cultural to the natural.
♦ Soar to the top of the Canadian Rockies on the Banff Gondola in Banff, Alberta.
♦ Learn about everyday life of the native Ktunaxa people; their horsemanship, canoe-making traditions, and resourceful nature.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Calgary, Canada
Arrive in Calgary today and transfer the airport and check-in to your hotel*. After some down time, meet your Tour Director in the lobby for a meet & greet then get together for a wild west themed Welcome Dinner. (D)
*Please arrive by 3:00pm.
Day 2 - Calgary - Waterton Lakes National Park
Before departing Calgary this morning, we take a panoramic tour highlighting the city then travel south along Macleod Trail to Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, a local First Nations guide will share the site’s rich history and personal native stories. After, continue to the picturesque Waterton Lakes National Park, stopping for photos at the stunning Cameron Falls. Up on arrival, we check-in to our hotel where we have dinner. (B,D)
Day 3 - Waterton Lakes National Park - Glacier National Park, MT - Whitefish
After breakfast, we cross into Montana through Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you’ll be greeted by the awe-inspiring snow-capped peaks of Glacier National Park. We have time for lunch before embarking on a scenic journey aboard the iconic Red Jammer Bus along the spectacular Going-to-the-Sun Road. (B,D)
Day 4 - Whitefish - Banff, Canada
Today, we return to Canada with a stop at the Ktunaxa Interpretive Centre in British Columbia, where you’ll discover the rich history and culture of the Ktunaxa Nation. Then, we make our way into Alberta passing through the striking red cliffs of Sinclair Canyon and Kootenay National Park before arriving at Banff National Park, the crown jewel of the Canadian Rockies and Canada’s first national park. The evening is yours to spend at leisure exploring the village’s charming shops, galleries, and restaurants. (B,D)
Day 5 - Banff
Experience the best of Banff and Yoho National Park today with visits to Moraine and Emerald Lakes—each stunning in its own unique way. Take a scenic walk to the Lower Johnson Canyon Waterfall, a truly spectacular sight. The would not be complete without stopping at iconic Lake Louise, where you can stroll the paved shoreline path, relax on a bench, and soak in the serene beauty. Return to Banff by mid-afternoon, leaving the rest of the day free to explore at your own pace. (B)
Day 6 - Banff
This morning, embark on an unforgettable journey aboard the Banff Gondola as you glide above the treetops to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. At the top, prepare for breathtaking panoramic views and take in vistas spanning six mountain ranges and the town of Banff nestled below—be sure to have your camera ready! You’ll also have time to explore the interpretive center before enjoying a free afternoon to discover Banff on your own. (B)
Day 7 - Banff - Jasper
Depart Banff and travel along the scenic Icefields Parkway, keeping watch for wildlife. We then board a specially designed Ice Explorer for an extraordinary journey onto the Athabasca Glacier, where you’ll have the chance to step out and walk on ancient ice. As you continue along the Columbia Icefields Parkway, take in the dramatic landscape of snow-capped peaks, rushing rivers, and towering cliffs before arriving in Jasper to check into our hotel. (B)
Day 8 - Jasper
Spend your morning at leisure in spectacular Jasper National Park, Canada’s largets national park in the Rocky Mountains. Opportunities for hiking, canoeing, or exploring the charming town streets abound. Later, we travel to Maligne Lake for a narrated cruise across the glacial waters to Spirit Island. Afterward, savor a lakeside Farewell Dinner featuring incredible views and regional cuisine. (B,D)
Day 9 - Depart Jasper
This, morning, our trip comes to an end and we then make our to the Edmonton International Airport. (B)