Spectacular Rockies and Glaciers of Alberta with Rocky Mountaineer Option, Classic Group
Spectacular Rockies and Glaciers of Alberta with Rocky Mountaineer Option, Classic Group
Spectacular Rockies and Glaciers of Alberta with Rocky Mountaineer Option, Classic Group
9 Days Starting in Calgary and ending in Vancouver (BC)
Visiting: Banff, Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Yoho National Park, Jasper National Park, Jasper National Park of Canada, Kananaskis, Kamloops, Vancouver
Tour operator:
Tour code:
AGVLGM19
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
20 - 40
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$7088 (USD)NB: Prices correct on 09-May-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
Take a spectacular guided tour to the Rocky Mountains and witness Alberta’s breath-taking wilderness. Discover the natural wonders of Banff National Park. Avoid the crowds as you explore the grand Columbia Icefield on an exclusive before-hours Columbia Icefield Adventure Tour, enjoy an after-hours visit to the Glacier Skywalk, and Discover Jasper National Park and all its beauty. With an overnight stay at Glacier View Lodge, you'll enjoy the Columbia Icefield in the best way possible. Your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience will take you on a Guided Medicine Walk where you'll take a journey through an Indigenous lens to learn how Indigenous ancestors survived off the land for millennia and about the historical medicines of the Boreal Forest. Glorious views, beautiful scenery, warm hospitality, and outstanding activities ensure a sensational trip to one of the most beautiful corners of the world.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Banff
Location: Banff
Accommodation: Fairmont Banff Springs.
Accommodation Name: Fairmont Banff Springs
Meals Included: Dinner with Wine
Your stay at a historic mountain resort in Banff awaits. After your arrival at Calgary Airport, if you have purchased an airport transfer, your driver will transport you to the hotel. Built in the distinctive Canadian Château style, it is one of the earliest examples of the country’s grand railway hotels. Tonight, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner.
Day 2: Exploring Banff
Location: Banff National Park
Accommodation: Fairmont Banff Springs.
Accommodation Name: Fairmont Banff Springs
Meals Included: Breakfast
Connect with nature as you join a memorable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a First Nations Cree Iroquois Local Expert. Discover First Nations culture, such as how plants and animals like bears hold great significance. This authentic dive into the First Nations Cree community is not only enlightening but also helps assure the sustainability of the community and culture. You'll embark on a guided walk in the Boreal Forest and learn the Indigenous world of plant medicines as well as the historical and modern-day uses of plants and listen to fascinating stories about the First Nations. This afternoon, choose to relax and unwind in Banff Hot Springs. Or, learn about the history of the Fairmont Banff Springs from knowledgeable ambassadors. Hear stories of events that took place around and at this hotel and receive a self-guided map of highlight locations for you to Discover.
Day 3: A Trip To Lake Louise Relaxed Start
Location: Lake Louise
Accommodation: Fairmont Banff Springs.
Accommodation Name: Fairmont Banff Springs
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch with Wine
The Three Sisters Peak or Mt Assiniboine will impress on this morning’s optional helicopter flights (weather dependent). Make your way to Moraine Lake – the largest glacially fed lake in Canada – for a photo stop before a decadent lunch at Louiza Restaurant at Chateau Lake Louise. Marvel as you're surrounded by soaring peaks and the majesty of the Victoria glacier. Capture a photo or two of the turquoise Lake Louise and rugged backdrop of one of the most famous mountain vistas in the world before returning to Banff and enjoying the rest of your day at leisure. Tonight, opt for a scenic end to your day by taking Banff Gondola ride.
Day 4: Lakes, Mountains And Glaciers
Location: Yoho National Park
Accommodation: Glacier View Lodge
Accommodation Name: Glacier View Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
The glaciers, waterfalls and peaks of Yoho Park are revealed on this morning’s visit to Yoho National Park. Your journey includes photo opportunities at Emerald Lake and Takakkaw Falls before taking the Icefields Parkway, one of the most beautiful drives on the planet. Admire the dramatic scenery of the Rockies with plenty of photo opportunities. A warm welcome greets you at the country’s first and only glacier-view resort over a Champagne reception and nibbles. Before dinner, take advantage of the long daylight hours and set out for an after-hours visit to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, a glass-floored walkway above the Sunwapta Valley featuring waterfalls and wildlife. After your Skywalk visit, indulge in a delicious, Canadian inspired, locally sourced dinner, sip cocktails and marvel at the spectacular glacier views that wrap the restaurant.
Day 5: Glacier Adventure Relaxed Start
Location: Jasper National Park
Accommodation: Sawridge Inn Jasper
Accommodation Name: Sawridge Inn Jasper
Meals Included: Breakfast
Before other travellers arrive, venture onto the Athabasca Glacier in a massive Ice Explorer for your special, before-hours visit. Join your Local Expert and walk on the frozen flow of ice. Discover the beauty and immensity of the glacier as you learn about the history and geology of the region. Continue along the magnificent Icefields Parkway and arrive at Jasper National Park with its soothing mineral hot springs, colourful meadows and majestic mountains.
Day 6: Exploring Jasper Relaxed Start
Location: Jasper National Park of Canada
Accommodation: Sawridge Inn Jasper
Accommodation Name: Sawridge Inn Jasper
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a relaxed start this morning or join the fun and experience an optional easy rafting, scenic float trip down the Athabasca River, a designated Canadian Heritage River. A National Park licensed guide will provide commentary on the human and natural history of Jasper while navigating you along the same route used by the “fur traders” over 2 centuries ago. Don’t worry the guides do all the rowing; you sit back and enjoy while exploring all the spectacular scenery. There is always a chance of seeing various wildlife including elk, deer, moose, coyotes, wolves, eagles, ospreys, mountain sheep and bears. Join your Travel Director on an informative walk on the Maligne Canyon, the deepest gorge in Jasper National Park. As you tour across the crystal waters of magical Maligne Lake, fed by the glaciers of Jasper National Park and glide past the jagged mountain peaks you'll discover why it's been declared the "Best Boat Cruise in Canada.”
Day 7: Relaxing In Kananaskis Relaxed Start
Location: Kananaskis
Accommodation: Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, Autograph Collection
Accommodation Name: Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, Autograph Collection
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
This morning, enjoy a scenic drive down to Kananaskis, often kept as a secret mountain sanctuary for locals, away from the masses that visit neighboring Banff National Park. Enjoy the afternoon to yourself to discover the local trails surrounding your upscale hotel nestled in the wilderness, or head to the Nordic Spa located steps away from the lodge. Tonight, come together with your fellow travellers for a festive Celebration Dinner and toast to your wonderful trip in the Canadian Rockies.
Day 8: Depart Calgary Or Board The Rocky Mountaineer
Location: Kamloops
Accommodation: Assigned by Rocky Mountaineer, Kamloops
Accommodation Name: Assigned by Rocky Mountaineer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning you will be transferred to Banff from Kananaskis to board the Rocky Mountaineer. Your journey starts Westward through the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. With more than three decades of fine tuning, Rocky Mountaineer has perfected the art of comfort and service. Whether you choose SilverLeaf Service or GoldLeaf Service, prepare for spectacular views and flavourful food—a celebration for the senses. Aboard Rocky Mountaineer, every element is carefully choreographed to create an effortless, unforgettable experience. You will see a spectacular array of scenery as you travel across ranchlands, along rocky lakeshores, over high mountain passes and through the remarkable tunnels that form part of the rich rail history of the Canadian Rockies. Today's highlights include Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, the climb over Rogers Pass, Kicking Horse Canyon, the Spiral Tunnels and, of course, the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Overnight in Kamloops.
Day 9: Continue Your Rocky Mountaineer Journey
Location: Vancouver
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Depart Kamloops this morning and continue your journey on the Rocky Mountaineer to the coastal city of Vancouver, in the heart of British Columbia's interior. As you travel along you will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the British Columbia interior, the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley, and forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River. On arrival in Vancouver you will bid farewell to this incredible experience and make your way to the airport independently for your flight home, or alternatively choose to extend your stay in this exciting city. The train will arrive Vancouver between 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm.
What's Included
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Meals
Includes 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 3 dinners with wine.
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Accommodation
Stay at historic and iconic hotels in stunning locations, including the Fairmont Banff Springs and Glacier View Lodge.
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Transport
Luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom, onboard washroom, and complimentary Wi-Fi in hotels and coach.
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Experiences
Guided walks, Ice Explorer glacier tour, First Nations cultural experience, scenic drives along Icefields Parkway, and visits to Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper National Park, and more.
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Rocky Mountaineer Option
Option to board the Rocky Mountaineer for a scenic journey through the Canadian Rockies.
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Additional Services
Hotel and restaurant tips, taxes, porterage charges, luggage handling, and the services of a Travel Director and Local Experts.
What's Not Included
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Airfare
International and domestic flights are not included, allowing travelers to choose their preferred airline and routes.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended but not included, offering travelers peace of mind and protection.
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Some Meals
While many meals are included, some are left open for travelers to explore local cuisine on their own.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and personal expenses are not included, providing flexibility for travelers to customize their experience.
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Airport Transfers
Airport transfers are not included unless specified, giving travelers the choice of arranging their own transportation.
Mode of Transport
In the morning you will be transferred to Banff from Kananaskis to board the Rocky Mountaineer. Your journey starts Westward through the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. With more than three decades of fine tuning, Rocky Mountaineer has perfected the art of comfort and service. Whether you choose SilverLeaf Service or GoldLeaf Service, prepare for spectacular views and flavourful food—a celebration for the senses. Aboard Rocky Mountaineer, every element is carefully choreographed to create an effortless, unforgettable experience.
Accommodation
Your stay at a historic mountain resort in Banff awaits. After your arrival at Calgary Airport, if you have purchased an airport transfer, your driver will transport you to the hotel. Built in the distinctive Canadian Château style, it is one of the earliest examples of the country’s grand railway hotels.
Check out our Q&As
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What countries does this tour visit?
This tour visits Canada.
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Are there any meals included?
Yes, the tour includes 7 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch with Wine, and 3 Dinners with Wine.
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What is the primary tag of the tour?
The primary tag of the tour is Coach tours (worldwide).
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How many dinners with wine are included?
The tour includes 3 Dinners with Wine.
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Is there an option to learn about the history of the Fairmont Banff Springs?
Yes, there is an option to learn about the history of the Fairmont Banff Springs from a knowledgeable ambassador who will share stories of events that took place in and around the hotel.
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What are some of the highlights of the tour?
Some highlights include a visit to Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Jasper National Park, Moraine Lake, Icefields Parkway scenic drive, Maligne Lake, Sunwapta Falls, Athabasca Falls, Maligne Canyon, and an after-hours visit to the Glacier Skywalk.
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Is Wi-Fi available during the tour?
Yes, complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi is available (where available).
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What type of accommodations can be expected?
Accommodations include stays at historic mountain resorts such as the Fairmont Banff Springs and the Glacier View Lodge, among others.
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Is there a visit to a glacier included?
Yes, the tour includes a visit onto the Athabasca Glacier before other travellers arrive, where you can stroll on its icy surface and experience the glaciers up close.
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What is the transport description for the tour?
In the morning you will be transferred to Banff from Kananaskis to board the Rocky Mountaineer. Your journey starts Westward through the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta, offering spectacular views and flavourful food.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
Reviews of this operator
Dates & Availability
Wednesday - Thursday
Sep 18, 2024 - Sep 26, 2024Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
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Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
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