Canadian Rockies & Glacier National Park - 10 Days

Duration

10 Days

Difficulty
Balanced
Start

Calgary

End

Calgary

Rating

*****

Operator

Tauck

Explore five National Parks – from the inside, out... craggy peaks, buffalo jumps, stunt-riding cowboys and vintage "Jammer" buses set the tone throughout the timberlands of the Canadian Rockies and Montana's Glacier National Park... Kootenay's canyons and hot springs... alpine vistas and glaciers along the Icefields Parkway... a cruise on ice-blue mountain lakes... a ride in an Ice Explorer on Athabasca Glacier... luxury mountain resorts in Banff National Park, Jasper National Park and at Lake Louise... and so much more. 

Kick up your heels at a Wild West welcome dinner where cowboy stunt riders and Calgary fiddlers raise the bar in uplifting live entertainment. See the vertical drop that spelled doom for buffalo being hunted by the Blackfoot people for some 5,500 years and enjoy soul-stirring views of an alpine lake in Glacier National Park. Red "Jammers" have been the mode of choice for travelers "going-to-the-sun" since the 1930s, the timberlands lead the way to the mountains, canyons and hot springs of Kootenay, scenic landscapes provide a natural high on a drive along Icefields Parkway and wilderness resorts from Lake Louise to Jasper and Banff national parks ensure the "peak" of awe-inspiring discoveries.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Calgary

A transfer is included from Calgary Airport to The Fairmont Palliser. Meet your Tauck Director and travel companions tonight at a private, after-hours Wild West welcome reception and dinner at the Heritage Park Museum, featuring cowboy stunts and Calgary fiddlers.

Fairmont Palliser, Calgary
Dinner

Day 2: Waterton Lakes & Glacier National Park

Kick off your Canadian Rockies and Glacier National Park tour by traveling south to Canada's Waterton Lakes National Park, where the prairie abruptly hits the mountains. En route, visit Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, a prehistoric site used continuously by First Nations peoples for over 5,500 years, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site; visit its interpretive center. Continue to Waterton Lakes, where you'll have lunch at the celebrated Prince of Wales Hotel. Then cross the border to Montana's Glacier National Park, which in 1932 was joined with Waterton Lakes to form the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park – a world first; it's now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve, where you might see grizzly or black bears. Your rustic accommodations in a historic lakeside hotel built in 1915 are the best available within Glacier National Park.

Many Glacier Hotel, Browning
Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 3: Lake cruise & Going-to-the-Sun Road

Take a private morning lake cruise to admire the reflection of snow-capped peaks on the water's surface in an area that's been called the "Switzerland of North America." Conditions permitting, in Glacier National Park tour the Going-to-the-Sun Road aboard a restored 1930s-vintage red touring bus; the road, a 50-mile-long engineering marvel, skirts the shores of St. Mary's Lake, and crosses the Continental Divide over Logan Pass. View many of the park's mountains and glaciers on your way to Lake McDonald, the largest lake in Glacier National Park.

Lake McDonald Lodge, Weast Glacier
Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 4: Kootenay & Banff national parks

Conclude your Glacier National Park tour and head into the timberlands along the western slope of the Canadian Rockies to Kootenay National Park. See Radium Hot Springs, and Sinclair Canyon's red walls. Continue on to your world-famous chateau-style hotel on the edge of emerald Lake Louise overlooking Victoria Glacier on steep, sculpted mountains in Banff National Park, for a two-night stay; your room has a lakeside view.

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Lake Louise
Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 5: Moraine Lake & an afternoon at leisure

Join our naturalist guide today for an excursion (weather permitting) to lovely Moraine Lake, one of the most photographed spots in all of Canada, nestled in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. This glacially fed lake reflects the awe-inspiring beauty that prompted explorer Walter Wilcox, who named it Moraine Lake after the moraine, or rock pile, deposited by the Wenkchemna Glacier, to write "no scene had ever given me an equal impression of inspiring solitude and rugged grandeur." In fact, Wilcox felt that the time spent contemplating the view was the happiest half-hour of his life! Enjoy the area during an afternoon spent just as you please at Fairmont Château Lake Louise.

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Breakfast Dinner

Day 6: Along the Icefields Parkway

Today, drive along the spectacular Icefields Parkway as you make your way to Jasper National Park. Then put what you've learned into your pictures as you encounter jaw-dropping views of mountains, waterfalls, glaciers, and snowfields around every turn; watch for bears, elk, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats, especially in the spring and fall. Arrive at your lodge for a two-night stay in the heart of Jasper National Park.

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Jasper
Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 7: Jasper at leisure, a gallery reception & more

Your tour continues with a full day at leisure in your 900-acre resort within Jasper National Park. Optional activities at your resort (available at additional charge) include horseback riding, whitewater rafting, or fishing; renting a canoe or paddleboat; taking a guided nature walk; or playing a round of golf on a top-rated course. Prior to dinner at your leisure at your choice of the hotel's restaurants this evening, attend a wine and cheese reception hosted by a local artist in The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge's Mountain Galleries, during which you'll learn about the history of art in the Canadian Rockies.

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Jasper
Breakfast Dinner

Day 8: Ride across a glacier & on to Banff

View Athabasca Glacier on the Columbia Icefield, the largest icecap in the Canadian Rockies, then take a memorable ride across the glacier's surface on an Ice Explorer, a specially designed vehicle. Wind your way along the Icefields Parkway to Banff National Park, the first national park in Canada; your grand hotel was built more than a century ago by the Canadian Pacific Railway to resemble a Scottish baronial castle.

Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff
Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 9: Banff National Park as you please

Today is your day to spend the way you wish in and around Banff. There are many optional activities (available at additional cost) to choose from at your wilderness resort or in the town of Banff itself. You can ride the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain, take a guided nature walk, go horseback riding, mountain biking, or canoeing on the Bow River. Play a round of golf, perhaps book an alpine aromatherapy massage at the Willow Stream Spa, ranked among the top spas in Canada, or visit the chic alpine village of Banff on your own. Conclude your Canadian Rockies and Glacier National Park tour by joining us for a festive farewell reception and dinner tonight.

Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff
Breakfast Dinner

Day 10: Journey home

Return to Calgary (approximately 80 miles).  Allow a minimum of three hours for airport check-in.  You can, of course, extend your stay.

Breakfast

Includes

  • 9 nights in handpicked 4 & 5 star hotels
  • Comfortable coaches with bathroom facilities (w/c)
  • 24/7 personal service – knowledgeable Travel Director & expert driver
  • Porterage, plus tips and gratuities at hotels and restaurants are included
  • Meals as stated in the itinerary 

Excludes

  • Flights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book flights
  • Pre & post nights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book additional nights
  • Driver & Tour Director gratuities - these can be pre-paid, please ask your reservations agent when booking your tour

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Prices shown above are per person based on 2 adults sharing. For single, triple, quad and child prices please call us for a quote.

Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to check the latest up-to-date availability and to book your tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

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How much is the deposit to secure a tour and when is the balance due?

A deposit of 10% is required when making your booking.

The balance of the holiday cost must be received by us no less than 10 weeks prior to your date of departure. Bookings made within 10 weeks of departure require full payment at the time of booking.

For some tours or if there is a special "Early Booking offer", the balance maybe due sooner than 10 weeks before departure, in this case you will be advised at time of booking when the balance due date would be.

The balance payment date will be shown on your confirmation invoice. 

Payments can be made by debit card, credit card or bank transfers.

YOUR PAYMENTS TO US ARE FULLY FINANCIALLY SECURE FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND: Where your confirmed travel arrangements include a flight and you are resident in the UK (or EU) or the flight departs from, arrives in or transits the UK, this is financially protected through our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL) number 6874 managed by the Civil Aviation Authority, Gatwick Airport South, West Sussex, RH6 0YR, UK, telephone 0333 103 6350, email claims@caa. co.uk.

CANCELLATIONS: Cancellations t&c's can differ from operator to operator, these will be confirmed to you with your booking confirmation. For our general Terms and conditions and general cancellation details please click here.

What does the tour cost include?

The per person price listed covers all hotel accommodations, taxes, all applicable sightseeing and admissions as per the itinerary, motor coach, cruise or rail transportation, services of a professional Travel Director, all meals as shown in the itinerary and luggage handling. All tips have been included for services on trip by dining-room staff, chambermaids and porters at hotels, airports, docks and train stations.

Can we book flights through you ?

Yes, we can offer competitive airfares with all the major airlines. When booking a package with us that includes flights and a tour, your package is then fully ATOL Bonded by the CAA for your full financial peace of mind.  You are of course are welcome to book flights independently but we are therefore not responsible should your flights be delayed and you miss any part of your tour or other arrangements booked with us.  

Can I add additional hotel nights before or after my tour?

Many of our clients choose to add extra hotel nights to spend a little more time in their chosen destination. You can reserve additional hotel nights before or after your tour.

Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your additional nights and assist with your requirements.   

Can i book twin beds or triple and quad rooms

Yes, We have options for twin (2 beds) and triple/quad room configurations.

If you a travelling in a party of three or four adult guests, please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.

For double rooms (2 guests), 1 Double/Queen or King bed is the normal, Twin beds can be requested at time of booking.

For triple rooms (3 guests) these will normally have 1 Queen/King bed and a fold out bed, or 2 Queen/King beds and a fold out bed.

For Quad rooms (4 Guests) these will normally have 2 Queen/King beds.

How much is the solo/single supplement?

Escorted tours are the perfect option if you're travelling solo, combining the camaraderie of a smaller group with the independence of a solo trip. Many tours offer solo room share options, or a competitive solo supplement. 

Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.

How many guests will be on this tour?

Tauck offer up to 3 different group sizes on some tours.

Classic group departures have an average of 35 - 44 Guests.

For small group departures these average 24 guest and then some tours also offer smaller group departures which average around 15 guests.

How much walking with be on this tour?

With your comfort in mind, Purely Escorted Tours assigns every tour an activity level. The activity level for your chosen tour is displayed in the tour introduction.

Leisurely: Tours will typically have minimal to 1-2 miles of walking per day on primarily flat surfaces and with some stairs. 

Balanced: Tours typically have up to 1-3 miles of walking per day, which may include some uneven surfaces such as cobblestones and stairs. 

Dynamic: These journeys can feature 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve some steep hills.   

Do the coaches have on-board Wi-Fi and bathroom facilities

Tauck coaches are modern, well-appointed buses with comfortable seating, large windows for viewing, and on-board amenities like Wi-Fi and bathrooms. 

While the specific coach model may vary by tour and region, guests can expect an upgrade from standard coaches, reflecting Tauck's commitment to luxury and an elevated travel experience. 

The coaches are equipped to provide a high level of comfort and convenience, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the scenery during their travels.

The coaches offer onboard Wi-Fi, bathroom facilities (w/c), charging unites, reclining seats, air conditioning, footrests, tray tables, drink holders and seat pockets 

Are gratuities included for the driver, tour director and at restaurants etc?

Gratuities are included at hotels and restaurants. And, you have the option to pre-pay your Travel Director and driver gratuities before you travel if you wish.  

Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for you to pre-pay driver and tour director gratuities.

Do you offer/include Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance is not included in your tour and we do not offer travel insurance.

Please procure Travel Insurance before travelling. This will protect you and will give you peace of mind before you travel and whilst on your tour.

We suggest that your insurance covers the following:

  • Cancellation or curtailment of your vacation due to medical or other reasons
  • Loss or damage to your property and baggage
  • Loss of cash, credit cards etc
  • Medical costs and personal accidents

Certain countries require visitors to have valid medical insurance on entry and in Europe, you may find that doctor's surgeries, dentists and hospitals often require payment in cash prior to providing services. Whilst rare, medical evacuation can be exceptionally expensive. 

Do remember to bring a copy of your policy, contact phone numbers and details of how to claim when you travel. 

Should you choose to travel on Purely Escorted Tour without the required travel insurance, you will have full responsibility for all expenses (trip interruption, trip delay, medical expenses, quarantine expenses and emergency evacuation/repatriation) that may arise while travelling with us.

What does a guaranteed departure mean?

A guaranteed departure has reached the minimum number of guests for the tour to operate or will depart no matter how many people are booked to travel. 

In the slim case that a guaranteed departure has to be withdrawn that you are booked on due to a unforeseen circumstances, you are entitled to a full refund on the funds already paid or if flexible with your time, we can move you onto another departure that suits you.

What do I need to know about border crossings, visas, entry requirements and passports?

Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks and so it is strongly advised that you consult your local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.

Note: Purely Escorted Tours is not responsible for obtaining any necessary visas required on your tour.

Information about border crossings and visas, entry requirements varies by destination. Please check the destination you're visiting below for more information:

Europe trips:

Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. Multiple-entry visas may be required if you are entering a country more than once on your holiday.

Guests are advised that only the countries you plan to visit can provide up-to-date information about their specific visa requirements. Guests should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the countries they plan to visit well in advance of travel. Please check your itinerary carefully. Remember that requirements vary based on a passport's place of issue and that the process can take time.

Check that multi-entry visas have the correct entry dates and destinations before you travel. Please be aware that with some itineraries, you may travel through a country without making an overnight stop. If this happens on your itinerary, you will still need a visa to enter/exit the country for example an ETA when transiting through UK & Ireland.

Please ensure that you carry proper identification with you at all times, as border crossings will need to see your entry documents and passports. Usually crossing borders is a very straightforward process that is managed by your Travel Director. However, be advised that you may be required to open your luggage and answer simple questions about the length of your stay, purpose of travel, etc. 

United Kingdom and Northern Ireland trips incl transiting travellers:

From January 8, 2025 UK law requires travelers both entering and transiting through the UK and Northern Ireland to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) which must be obtained in advance of travel. 

UK eTA applications can be made at the UK Governments official website.   

USA trips incl transiting travellers: 

US law requires travellers both entering and transiting through the United States are required to obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.

ESTA applications can be made at the U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection website. 

Canada trips:

Canadian law requires travellers both entering and transiting through Canada to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.   

eTA applications can be made at the Government of Canada's website.

Rest of the World trips:

Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas before the departure of your guided holiday. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks before your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult the local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting well in advance to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them. 

What if I have mobility issues?

Please notify us of any disability requiring special assistance prior to travelling. We will try our best to accommodate you throughout the tour and will inform the hotels.

What if I have food allergies?

Please advise us of any dietary requirements. We will make arrangements with our suppliers where possible.

You will also need to talk to your Travel Director at the beginning of your tour and they will do their utmost to arrange an alternative menu at the hotels and restaurants.

How much luggage can I bring?

Travelling on a Purely Escorted Tour entitles each guest to travel with one suitcase not exceeding 23kg (50lbs) in weight, with dimensions not exceeding 77.5cm (30.5in) x 56cm (22in) x 32cm (12.5in). Guests may also bring one item of hand luggage that is small and light enough to be carried onto the coach and fit underneath the seat, or in the small overhead compartment above. (Luggage with adjustable handles and wheels will not fit).

Please test the weight of your baggage prior to travel. You should be able to lift and comfortably transport it for short distances.

Baggage allowances vary from airline to airline and you should check with your chosen carrier for details prior to travel.  

GBP £6,829.00 / Adult
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