Canadian Rockies Adventure

Arrive in Calgary and meet your A&K representative who will drive you to Banff National Park. Depending on your arrival time, explore the sites en route and then settle into your accommodation at Lake Louise. The iconic chateau sits on the shores of the turquoise lake, surrounded by mountain peaks, looking out over Victoria Glacier. If time allows, stretch your legs along the lakeshore.

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

This morning, journey to glacially fed Moraine Lake which snakes its way through the Valley of the Ten Peaks. This mountain-ringed turquoise gem is like something straight out of a fairytale. Stroll the lakeshore with your expert guide discovering pristine waterfalls and moraines, and basking in Mother Nature’s tranquillity.

Finish the day with a visit to Yoho National Park where glaciers and waterfalls cling to colossal peaks. Experience a quieter side of the Rockies at sites such as Takkakaw Falls and Emerald Lake. Your guide will find the perfect walk for your energy levels, and you’ll have the opportunity to spot bear, elk, moose and other wildlife as you go.

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise | Meals: BL

Experience one of the most iconic and stunning drives in the world: the Icefields Parkway. Lined with ridges, waterfalls, lakes and glaciers, this 230 km journey traverses the heart of the Canadian Rockies and has racked up a whole slew of accolades including ‘one of the top drives in the world’ by Condé Nast Traveller. Expect beauty on an epic scale as you wind your way through vast sweeping valleys, rocky gorges and breathtaking forests into the remote wilderness.

Stop at the Columbia Icefields en route and don a set of ice spikes to walk along the Athabasca Glacier with a professional mountain guide. Get up close to deep crevasses, cascading waterfalls and other glacial features, hang onto your camera and soak up the splendour.

Arrive at your luxury lodge in Jasper on the banks of the Athabasca River, where you can relax on the patio as the sun sets behind Lac Beauvert.

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge | Meals: BL

The chance to observe wild animals as they go about their lives is one of the most magical experiences of Jasper National Park. Set out early this morning with your private naturalist in jeep and on foot, in search of diverse wildlife, including bear, moose, mountain goat, wolverine, caribou, mountain lion, elk, bighorn sheep and more. The morning light provides a warm ambience to capture photos, and your guide will use their expertise to select the best route based on seasonal wildlife movements.

Continue to Maligne Canyon, where churning water, waterfalls, and underground stream outlets thunder below. Cross a series of bridges for the best vantage into the 50 m depths, and finish at Maligne Lake, the second largest glacially fed lake in the world, where you can stretch your legs and watch for wildlife foraging along the shores.

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge | Meals: BL

Set out on a private backcountry hike (moderate) up one of Jasper’s peaks with your local wilderness guide, identifying and picking edible plants and mushrooms as you go. Having worked up an appetite, enjoy an authentic backcountry cooking lesson, and then feast on your fare in a beautiful alpine setting.

This afternoon, explore the town of Jasper at your leisure. Stroll through quaint streets, wander into Indigenous art galleries, browse boutiques and hang out in comfy brew pubs.

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge | Meals: BL

Jump back onto the Icefield Parkway and head south. The return journey to Banff provides a whole new perspective. Stop along the way and explore more iconic sights such as the Athabasca River and the Athabasca Falls. Feel the spray on your skin as they plunge into the canyon 24 metres below.

Arrive at Banff town, nestled in the heart of the national park. The rest of your day is at leisure: ride the Banff Gondola for thrilling views of the area’s jewel-coloured lakes, mountains and rivers, then settle into your accommodation, locally known as Canada’s ‘Castle in the Rockies’.

Fairmont Banff Springs | Meals: BL

Set out on an inspiring First Nations Medicine Walk. Stroll through mountain meadows and Banff National Park with an Indigenous guide who points out key plants and trees traditionally used for healing, food or starting a fire. This experience invites you to open your heart to the landscape in a more conscious way, with an opportunity to appreciate the sophisticated, ancient knowledge of the area’s First Peoples.

Spend the rest of the day uncovering the highlights of Banff resort town with a local guide. Tailored to your interests, the tour may include the historic Cave and Basin, with its ranger-led biodiversity experience, the Whyte Museum, home to a million mountain stories, and more. There are several other galleries, heritage spaces and exhibits you can explore to learn more about the arts, culture and history of this enchanting town.

Fairmont Banff Springs | Meals: B

Trek through the alpine wilderness on a Canadian Rockies heli-hiking adventure. Join a certified mountain guide for a spectacular scenic helicopter ride into Cougar Canyon. Touch down in the mountains and embark on a hike tailored to your wishes. From a gentle meadow walk to a trek along an alpine ridge, your guide will lead the way and teach you all about the plants and animals that call the Rockies home.

This afternoon is yours to enjoy Banff in any way that suits you. Perhaps take time to appreciate the town setting and boutiques, wander the lively streets and soak in the views, sample the downtown food scene, or pamper yourself at the Fairmont Willow Stream Spa.

Fairmont Banff Springs | Meals: BL

Meet your A&K representative and transfer back to Calgary for your departing flight.

Meals: B