Glacier National Park and the Canadian Rockies

Day 1 - Calgary, Alberta

Greetings from Calgary! Meet your tour guide and fellow travelers for a welcome drink at 6 o'clock.

Day 2 - Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump, Waterton Lakes National Park

We start the day with a city-tour of Calgary. Heading south via the Macleod Trail our tour will stop at the Head-Smashed-in-Buffalo Jump. Native Americans used a canyon ledge as a "buffalo jump" where herds of bison were stampeded over in order to efficiently slaughter them. Native Americans have made use of this limestone cliff for two thousand years. Continuing south, we will visit the Waterton Lakes National Park with a photo break at the Cameron Falls. Following a period of intense rain in the area, when light reflects off of agrolite sediment that has been dumped into the water, the river appears pink or red.

Day 3 -  Glacier National Park, Montana

View the magnificent snow-capped peaks of Glacier National Park as you enter Montana through the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ride the Red Jammer Bus through the beautiful Going-to-the-Sun Road for a breathtaking tour. You will reach a geographical marvel of alpine landscapes where jagged mountain peaks dominate the landscape after over the 6,664-foot-high Logan Pass. Enjoy a homemade slice of huckleberry pie or ice cream tasting before getting to your resort.

Day 4: Fort Steele, Kootenay National Park

Living in the American West This morning, re-enter Canada, stopping in British Columbia before entering Alberta. Visit the rebuilt Kootenay Gold Rush hamlet of Fort Steele to see where fortunes were earned. After that, take a journey through Kootenay National Park and Sinclair Canyon to reach Banff National Park, the center of the Canadian Rockies. You are welcome to spend the evening exploring the village's shops, galleries, and eateries.

Day 5 - Banff National Park

Today's excursion includes a visit to the stunning Bow Falls. Prepare yourself for a breathtaking experience as you discover Banff National Park, Canada's first national park, and its stunning Rocky Mountain peaks and blue glacial lakes. This beautiful natural wonder offers a breathtaking experience unlike any other on Earth, where towering peaks and azure lakes meet the heavens!The remaining hours of the day are free time. For unmatched vistas of the Rockies, you might elect to take a helicopter flightseeing experience. (Optional)

Day 6 - Lake Louise, Jasper, Alberta

Travel the beautiful Icefields Parkway to Jasper National Park. One of the highlights of your trip will be a stop at renowned Lake Louise. The turquoise lake in the vicinity of Victoria Glacier is surrounded by towering mountains and the luxurious Fairmont Chateau hotel. Once there, ascend to Sunwapta Pass to take in the breathtaking views of glaciers, waterfalls, and alpine meadows. Free time in the afternoon for an optional Tour down the storied Athabasca River.

Day 7 -  Jasper, Maligne Lake

Free time in the morning. In the afternoon, take a  narrated cruise on the Glacier Maligne Lake and a guided tour of Spirit Island. A visit to Spirit Island by boat on the clear waters of Maligne Lake is one of the region's most breathtaking sights. After that, savor a lakeside meal with stunning views and regional specialties like famed Alberta beef.

Day 8 - Columbia Icefield

Visit Athabasca Falls this morning, then take Icefields Parkway south to your starting point. Take an Ice Explorer ride at the Columbia Icefield for an unforgettable experience. The special farewell supper is hosted by your tour director in Calgary. A local cowboy poet will perform stories and songs about the area's Western heritage while you eat dessert, making for the ideal way to round off your trip.

Day 9 - Calgary

Until we next meet, be safe! With this morning's meal, your trip comes to an end.