8 DAY ESSENTIALS OF THE CANADIAN ROCKIES
TRIP DESCRIPTION
Come and explore the mighty Canadian Rockies. Depart from Calgary and head to Banff, Yoho and Jasper National Parks. See the iconic resort towns of Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper. Rumble over the Athabasca Glacier on a massive Ice Explorer, and soar to the top of Sulphur Mountain in a gondola.
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Start Location: Calgary
End Location: Edmonton
TOP HIGHLIGHTS
- Sulphur Mountain Gondola Banff
- UNESCO World Heritage Site Banff National Park
- Bow Valley Parkway and Bow Falls
- Minnewanka Lake
- Buffalo Museum
- Yoho National Park
- Lake Louise
- Ice Explorer Ride on Athabasca Glacier
- Icefields Parkway helicopter tour
- Jasper National Park
- Maligne Canyon & Maligne Lake
ITINERARY
Day 1: Calgary, AB
Welcome to Calgary, the largest city in the western province of Alberta. While you are here to experience the bucket list adventure experience of travelling through the breath-taking Canadian Rockies, take some time to explore the award-winning architectural masterpiece of Calgary’s Public Library, walk along the scenic Bow Valley River pathways or experience the buzz of downtown Stephen Avenue with its stores and restaurants. We suggest you take some time to visit the Calgary Tower, where you can ascend the 190.8-meter free-standing observation tower in the heart of Downtown Calgary. Our Tour Leader will join you for an evening pre-tour briefing and you will meet your fellow travellers. Calgary’s dining scene is incredibly diverse and the best in western Canada.
Overnight: Calgary
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Calgary to Banff
This morning, we embark on a tour of Calgary and discover the history, arts and culture that define the city. Explore unique communities including Eau Claire, Kensington, and Inglewood, named the best neighbourhood in Canada in 2014. Next, we will drive through the scenic town of Canmore and then to Banff, at the centre of Canada’s very first National Park. After checking-in to our hotel, there will be some free time to browse through Banff village centre before dinner with our travel companions.Nestled high in the Canadian Rockies, the town of Banff is located within the Banff National Park. Once “Siding 29” on the Canadian Pacific Railway, the town of Banff was intended to be a tourist town from its very inception. The park’s first superintendent, George Stewart, even oriented the town’s first street so that it offered the best possible view of Cascade Mountain. With easy access to pristine wilderness, outdoor adventures, jaw-dropping landscape, and vibrant history, there are many places to visit in Banff and Lake Louise.
Overnight: Banff
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: Banff
The town of Banff is a spirited place, and in every direction you are surrounded by strikingly beautiful and rugged mountains that seem to burst straight out of the ground. The town site of Banff covers almost 4 km2 and is at an elevation of 1,383 meters (4,537 feet), making it the highest town in Canada. Banff is flanked on all sides by towering mountains, including Mount Rundle, Sulphur Mountain, Mount Norquay, and Cascade Mountain. You may see a herd of elk wandering down the main street during your early morning walk. The lively streets of downtown are lined with top-class restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as a vibrant range of art galleries and museums. We will explore Banff on a sightseeing tour with stops at Cascade Gardens and beautiful Bow Falls, then ride the gondola up Sulphur Mountain for an unparalleled view of the mountains and valley below. Also, time is included at the Cave & Basin National Historic Site, which tells the story of the hot springs that drew visitors to Banff and led to the creation of the National Park. We will also visit the Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum to see the extraordinary heritage of the First Nations People of the Northern Plains and Canadian Rockies.
Overnight: Banff
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Banff to Lake Louise
This morning we drive along the famous Bow Valley Parkway, where wildlife sightings of caribou, elk, and occasionally, bears, are common so keep your cameras handy. We drive to Lake Minnewanka to see this pristine lake nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies before crossing the Continental Divide to the western slopes of the Rocky Mountain range into Yoho National Park in British Columbia. The awe-inspiring Emerald Lake, filled with glacial run-off water that makes it glisten with the blue-green hue of an emerald, is also one of our stops today. We drive back into Alberta and our destination of Lake Louise, a jewel of the Rockies surrounded by glistening glaciers and towering snow-capped mountain peaks. You may have seen photos of the lake, but you will not be prepared for the experience of rounding the corner, getting the first sight of the emerald, green waters and the rugged peaks as a backdrop. Late in the day, with the glowing sun dropping behind Mount Victoria, you have likely never seen anything so dramatically beautiful.
Overnight: Lake Louise
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5: Lake Louise to Icefield Parkway
Travelling through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, we drive along the famous Icefields Parkway which has been voted one of the most spectacular drives in the world. You will see for yourself why this mountain road that boasts a unique landscape rich in history and natural beauty second to none is so famous. A short distance later at The Crossing, one of a few stops along this spectacular highway, we take a short detour to the shores of Abraham Lake to experience the Rockies from a completely different perspective with a thrilling helicopter ride over the Rocky Mountains. We rejoin the parkway and later arrive at the famous Columbia Icefields whose waters feed three oceans; we visit the Interpretive Centre and have the experience of a lifetime - a ride on the Ice Explorer vehicle for a close look at the Athabasca Glacier. Finally, at the end of this exciting day, we see the powerful Athabasca Falls before driving to Jasper.
Overnight: Jasper
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Jasper
Originally a tiny railway town, Jasper's small-town charm is very different from the alpine resort-style glamour of Banff. Surrounded by towering mountains, crystal clear lakes, and abundant wildlife, Jasper town located within the Jasper National Park is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. A full day of sightseeing follows including a gentle walk down Maligne Canyon to see how the water has carved spectacular crevices out of the mountain. Our journey takes us through 45 km of the most spectacular scenery anywhere in the Canadian Rockies. The Maligne Valley is home to a wide range of flora and fauna and has geological features unique anywhere in the world. Our journey will be searching for abundant wildlife while explaining the history and natural wonders to be explored. As we continue into the Valley we will rise into the sub-alpine forests and view the expanding ranges of limestone rising out of Medicine Lake. This mysterious disappearing lake will change seasonally as the flow rates of melt waters fill and empty this basin. A stop is made to photograph this natural wonder and your guide will trace its history with you. From Medicine Lake, we continue up through a forest that is prime habitat for moose, and bears. Sightings are common but not guaranteed as we are trying to view these animals in their natural habitat.At world famous Maligne Lake you take in beautiful lake vistas on the famous Maligne Lake Boat Cruise. On the boat ride, the local guide will share some details on the ecology and history of this spectacularly beautiful location.
Overnight: Jasper
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7: Jasper to Edmonton
After an easy morning in Jasper, we head east through the towns of Hinton and Edson, to Edmonton, Alberta`s capital, and a popular Canadian city to visit. The evening is ours to explore at leisure. Summer and fall in Edmonton is the time to explore the city’s scenic riverfront pathways. Time permitting, we suggest you enjoy immersive experiences at the Royal Alberta Museum and the Art Gallery of Alberta, or embrace some fun (and shopping) at the famous West Edmonton Mall on your own. There is much to do in Edmonton. Edmonton’s culinary scene is also known across Canada and beyond.
Overnight: Edmonton
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8: Departing Edmonton
Our epic Rocky Mountain journey ends this morning as we head home with memories of the stunning landscapes that we have passed through and the hospitality of the people who call this home.
Meals: Breakfast
DATES & PRICES
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AVAILABILITY
START DATE
END DATE
PRICE
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
DEPOSIT
BOOK
(does not include 5% tax)
Note: Flights can arrive and depart at any time on the first and last day.
Note: Flights can arrive and depart at any time on the first and last day.
Applicable taxes vary depending on travel destination and are not included. Please ask your sales agent what extra taxes will be payable for your tour.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Transportation by comfortable coach
- Professional Tour Leader
- 7 nights of accommodation
- 13 meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 boxed lunch, 5 dinners
EXCLUSIONS
- 5% provincial tax on top of tour base rate
- Gratuities to driver (Recommend $3-$4 per person per day)
- Gratuities to guide (Recommend $5-$7 per person per day)
- Meals not listed
- Attractions not listed
- Credit card payment fees, where applicable
- Airfare — domestic and international (Unless Specified)
- Travel insurance (Strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
- Items of a personal nature
Why Take An Anderson Tour?
Seasoned Tour Guides
Get a deeper understanding with storytelling tailored to your interests.
Space To Breathe
We never max out buses even if we use the same size bus as the competition.
All Inclusive
No hidden expenses along the way. Competitors offer activities as an extra - we don't
Our guide training manual is accredited by ACTA/CITC Canadian Educational Standard Inc. Now used as the standard in educational college programs.
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OR CALL
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Custom Trip Plans
You can see what you want, when you want, how you want.
Unique Experiences
Experiences that help you take in the region in a different way.
Freedom To Explore
Time to take in each place with only the tours you want to do.
Tour Questions
What is the maximum number of travellers in a group?
Anderson Vacations specializes in Small Group Fully Escorted tours. If the tour is classified as a ‘Classic Tour’ up to 24 persons may join the tour although tours commonly travel with anywhere between 18 to 24 travellers. If the tour is classified as a 'Tour of Distinction’ only up to 18 persons may join the tour and many 'Tours of Distinction' travel with 12 to 18 travellers.
What are Guaranteed Departures?
After dreaming about travel to an exciting destination, arranging for time off work, booking your flights the last thing you need is for your trip to be cancelled. Anderson vacation's pre-Guaranteed tours take the uncertainty away from planning your travel and give you peace of mind to book our tours. Pre-Guaranteed Tours are group tours that we have already confirmed as certain to travel on the specified date. All 'Guaranteed Tours' will travel except in the event of a natural disaster or a catastrophic event that is beyond our control. They may already have the minimum number of people booked or else are tours that are known to be popular. Only select departures of tours are 'pre-Guaranteed'.
What happens if I book on a tour that is not Guaranteed?
We pride ourselves on providing “a small shared group experience.” In the event that we have fewer than ten participants on a tour we will offer a “small-group surcharge” to ensure that the tour runs as scheduled. This fee, which is up to 15% of the “land” portion of the tour, will be offered to you as an option to continue with the trip. This fee will cover the costs associated with handling a smaller group.
What is the average age of passengers for this tour?
Our tours are suitable for all age demographics. The average age of travelers is typically 45+.
How physically demanding is this tour? Are you able to accommodate people with mobility restrictions/limitations?
Some tours are mainly coach based and may not be physically demanding while others may require walking inclines or on rough surfaces to access interesting locations. Please check with us and your booking agent carefully and discuss your mobility restrictions before completing any tour booking to ensure this style of travel is right for you.
Can you accommodate passengers with dietary restrictions (food allergies, vegan, vegetarian etc.)?
Yes, we do accommodate dietary restrictions (within reason) such as, food allergies, vegan, vegetarian, etc. There are many meals included on our fully escorted tours. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking so we can ensure there are alternative meal choices.
Booking & Flight Questions
Do you arrange airport transfers?
Yes, we can assist you with airport transfers for you in most locations at a reasonable extra cost. Several tours have airport transfers already included. Please contact us for more details.
Can you assist with booking additional accommodation?
Yes, we can certainly assist with booking additional nights of hotel accommodation for you before and after your fully escorted tour. This is available upon request and subject to availability. Please inquire for further information and prices.
How much luggage should I bring?
Each passenger may bring one large suitcase and one carry-on bag. The weight limit for baggage is 20 kilograms or about 40 pounds. Baggage handling is provided at the hotels in our tour packages but there may be places where you will be required to wheel in your bags for quicker access. Be sure to advise our reservations staff if you will be bringing additional items such as a cane, walker, or wheelchair. You may also bring one small soft-sided carry-on bag, which should easily fit into the overhead shelf of a coach. Each person is responsible for his/her own carryon luggage. Remember to check your airline baggage restrictions if you are flying, as they may differ from Anderson Vacations guidelines.
I am a solo traveller. Is there a single surcharge?
There are options for single travelers to join most tours. Solo travellers can choose to pay a Single Supplement and have their own room throughout the tour. For those willing to share with a co-traveller of the same gender, we have a Twin Share option that is offered for most tours where you share a hotel room with another same gender traveller. In this case, you will not be charged for Single Supplement.
Is it possible to book a triple share accommodation?
Yes, it is possible to book triple share accommodations on select trips. Please inquire or contact us regarding this option, as prices and availability vary from tour to tour.
Can we book this tour with our exclusive group?
Yes, you can! Anderson Vacations works with many private groups and helps to customize a tour to traveller’s needs. Please contact us for more details.
Are gratuities included in the tour cost?
For convenience, gratuities for local guides and meals that are specified in the itinerary are included in the tour price. For meals not included in your tour package please remember that it is customary to tip your server 10-20% in North America. Gratuities for your Coach Driver (where appropriate) and Tour Director are entirely at your discretion. We recommend about CDN $5.00 per person, per day, for your Driver and CDN$7.00 per person, per day for your Tour Leader.
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Ready? Have More Questions?
Over 25 years offering custom trips and small group tours.
INQUIRE ABOUT THIS TRIP
OR CALL
1.866.814.7378
Seasoned Tour Guides
Get a deeper understanding with storytelling tailored to your interests.
Space To Breathe
We never max out buses even if we use the same size bus as the competition.
All Inclusive
No hidden expenses along the way. Competitors offer activities as an extra - we don't
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Tour Code
ECRM
8 Day Essentials of the Canadian Rockies
8 days
Created On: 09 Jun 2023
Highlights
- Sulphur Mountain Gondola Banff
- UNESCO World Heritage Site Banff National Park
- Bow Valley Parkway and Bow Falls
- Minnewanka Lake
- Buffalo Museum
- Yoho National Park
- Lake Louise
- Ice Explorer Ride on Athabasca Glacier
- Icefields Parkway helicopter tour
- Jasper National Park
- Maligne Canyon & Maligne Lake
Inclusions
- Transportation by comfortable coach
- Professional Tour Leader
- 7 nights of accommodation
- 13 meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 boxed lunch, 5 dinners
Exclusions
- 5% provincial tax on top of tour base rate
- Gratuities to driver (Recommend $3-$4 per person per day)
- Gratuities to guide (Recommend $5-$7 per person per day)
- Meals not listed
- Attractions not listed
- Credit card payment fees, where applicable
- Airfare — domestic and international (Unless Specified)
- Travel insurance (Strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
- Items of a personal nature
Dates & Prices
AVAILABILITY
START DATE
END DATE
PRICE
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
DEPOSIT
AVAILABLE
Sun, 20 Aug 2023
Sun, 27 Aug 2023
$3,630 USD
$1,220 USD
$500 USD
Itinerary
Day 1: Calgary, AB
Welcome to Calgary, the largest city in the western province of Alberta. While you are here to experience the bucket list adventure experience of travelling through the breath-taking Canadian Rockies, take some time to explore the award-winning architectural masterpiece of Calgary’s Public Library, walk along the scenic Bow Valley River pathways or experience the buzz of downtown Stephen Avenue with its stores and restaurants. We suggest you take some time to visit the Calgary Tower, where you can ascend the 190.8-meter free-standing observation tower in the heart of Downtown Calgary. Our Tour Leader will join you for an evening pre-tour briefing and you will meet your fellow travellers. Calgary’s dining scene is incredibly diverse and the best in western Canada.
Overnight: Calgary
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Calgary to Banff
This morning, we embark on a tour of Calgary and discover the history, arts and culture that define the city. Explore unique communities including Eau Claire, Kensington, and Inglewood, named the best neighbourhood in Canada in 2014. Next, we will drive through the scenic town of Canmore and then to Banff, at the centre of Canada’s very first National Park. After checking-in to our hotel, there will be some free time to browse through Banff village centre before dinner with our travel companions.Nestled high in the Canadian Rockies, the town of Banff is located within the Banff National Park. Once “Siding 29” on the Canadian Pacific Railway, the town of Banff was intended to be a tourist town from its very inception. The park’s first superintendent, George Stewart, even oriented the town’s first street so that it offered the best possible view of Cascade Mountain. With easy access to pristine wilderness, outdoor adventures, jaw-dropping landscape, and vibrant history, there are many places to visit in Banff and Lake Louise.
Overnight: Banff
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: Banff
The town of Banff is a spirited place, and in every direction you are surrounded by strikingly beautiful and rugged mountains that seem to burst straight out of the ground. The town site of Banff covers almost 4 km2 and is at an elevation of 1,383 meters (4,537 feet), making it the highest town in Canada. Banff is flanked on all sides by towering mountains, including Mount Rundle, Sulphur Mountain, Mount Norquay, and Cascade Mountain. You may see a herd of elk wandering down the main street during your early morning walk. The lively streets of downtown are lined with top-class restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as a vibrant range of art galleries and museums. We will explore Banff on a sightseeing tour with stops at Cascade Gardens and beautiful Bow Falls, then ride the gondola up Sulphur Mountain for an unparalleled view of the mountains and valley below. Also, time is included at the Cave & Basin National Historic Site, which tells the story of the hot springs that drew visitors to Banff and led to the creation of the National Park. We will also visit the Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum to see the extraordinary heritage of the First Nations People of the Northern Plains and Canadian Rockies.
Overnight: Banff
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Banff to Lake Louise
This morning we drive along the famous Bow Valley Parkway, where wildlife sightings of caribou, elk, and occasionally, bears, are common so keep your cameras handy. We drive to Lake Minnewanka to see this pristine lake nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies before crossing the Continental Divide to the western slopes of the Rocky Mountain range into Yoho National Park in British Columbia. The awe-inspiring Emerald Lake, filled with glacial run-off water that makes it glisten with the blue-green hue of an emerald, is also one of our stops today. We drive back into Alberta and our destination of Lake Louise, a jewel of the Rockies surrounded by glistening glaciers and towering snow-capped mountain peaks. You may have seen photos of the lake, but you will not be prepared for the experience of rounding the corner, getting the first sight of the emerald, green waters and the rugged peaks as a backdrop. Late in the day, with the glowing sun dropping behind Mount Victoria, you have likely never seen anything so dramatically beautiful.
Overnight: Lake Louise
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5: Lake Louise to Icefield Parkway
Travelling through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, we drive along the famous Icefields Parkway which has been voted one of the most spectacular drives in the world. You will see for yourself why this mountain road that boasts a unique landscape rich in history and natural beauty second to none is so famous. A short distance later at The Crossing, one of a few stops along this spectacular highway, we take a short detour to the shores of Abraham Lake to experience the Rockies from a completely different perspective with a thrilling helicopter ride over the Rocky Mountains. We rejoin the parkway and later arrive at the famous Columbia Icefields whose waters feed three oceans; we visit the Interpretive Centre and have the experience of a lifetime - a ride on the Ice Explorer vehicle for a close look at the Athabasca Glacier. Finally, at the end of this exciting day, we see the powerful Athabasca Falls before driving to Jasper.
Overnight: Jasper
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Jasper
Originally a tiny railway town, Jasper's small-town charm is very different from the alpine resort-style glamour of Banff. Surrounded by towering mountains, crystal clear lakes, and abundant wildlife, Jasper town located within the Jasper National Park is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. A full day of sightseeing follows including a gentle walk down Maligne Canyon to see how the water has carved spectacular crevices out of the mountain. Our journey takes us through 45 km of the most spectacular scenery anywhere in the Canadian Rockies. The Maligne Valley is home to a wide range of flora and fauna and has geological features unique anywhere in the world. Our journey will be searching for abundant wildlife while explaining the history and natural wonders to be explored. As we continue into the Valley we will rise into the sub-alpine forests and view the expanding ranges of limestone rising out of Medicine Lake. This mysterious disappearing lake will change seasonally as the flow rates of melt waters fill and empty this basin. A stop is made to photograph this natural wonder and your guide will trace its history with you. From Medicine Lake, we continue up through a forest that is prime habitat for moose, and bears. Sightings are common but not guaranteed as we are trying to view these animals in their natural habitat.At world famous Maligne Lake you take in beautiful lake vistas on the famous Maligne Lake Boat Cruise. On the boat ride, the local guide will share some details on the ecology and history of this spectacularly beautiful location.
Overnight: Jasper
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7: Jasper to Edmonton
After an easy morning in Jasper, we head east through the towns of Hinton and Edson, to Edmonton, Alberta`s capital, and a popular Canadian city to visit. The evening is ours to explore at leisure. Summer and fall in Edmonton is the time to explore the city’s scenic riverfront pathways. Time permitting, we suggest you enjoy immersive experiences at the Royal Alberta Museum and the Art Gallery of Alberta, or embrace some fun (and shopping) at the famous West Edmonton Mall on your own. There is much to do in Edmonton. Edmonton’s culinary scene is also known across Canada and beyond.
Overnight: Edmonton
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8: Departing Edmonton
Our epic Rocky Mountain journey ends this morning as we head home with memories of the stunning landscapes that we have passed through and the hospitality of the people who call this home.
Meals: Breakfast
