Wonders of the Canadian Rockies - 10 Days
10 Days
Calgary
Vancouver
**
Costsaver
‘Awe inspiring’, ‘picturesque’, ‘mind blowing’ - all of these words describe the beauty of the Canadian Rockies, and yet none of them do this phenomenal region justice. A range of Choice Experiences from food tours, guided hikes and white water rafting to a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Choice Experience Plant Medicine Walk in the Banff boreal forest with a First Nations Local Guide. The rugged, snowcapped peaks and shining, glacier fed emerald green lakes are in a league all of their own, all of which you’ll see on this 10-day nature extravaganza.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Calgary
Trendy restaurants, a lively nightlife scene and all the honky tonk fun you could ever want, fun loving Calgary is ready for you! After settling into your hotel, meet up with your Travel Director, then head out to discover the city for yourself. Need a good coffee to wake yourself up after a long flight? Then the neighbourhoods of Inglewood and Kensington should be high on your agenda on your Canadian Rocky Mountains value tour.
Day 2: Calgary - Banff
Fuel up with an Iconic Breakfast in Heritage Park Historical Village that includes before-hours entry to Gasoline Alley Museum, the world's largest public collection of antique vehicles and oil- and gas-related artifacts. You’ll even have a private guide for an overview of the museum’s vintage treasures and time for a look on your own. Then hit the road bound for Lake Louise watching the craggy, snow-capped peaks of the Rockies come into view. In Banff, take a sightseeing tour along Tunnel Mountain Drive ticking off Cascade Mountain, Mt. Rundle, Bow Falls and the surreal hoodoos.
Day 3: Banff National Park & Free Time
Rise and shine! Start the day with a selection of tempting helicopter flights (weather dependent). Spend the rest of the day your way. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience Plant Medicine Walk with a First Nations Local Specialist. Or, you can opt to end the evening with a Gondola ride and dinner with a view.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Morning - Mt. Assiniboine Helicopter Tour - $452 pp
Buckle up for a blockbuster helicopter ride to Mount Assiniboine, the Canadian Rockies' own "Matterhorn." Ready your camera for non-stop, jaw-dropping shots of this iconic peak soaring 11,870 feet along the Great Divide. Just when you think it can't get any better, the stunning views of Gloria and Assiniboine Glaciers will prove you wrong. This 35-minute flight is a whirlwind of epic scenery. Keep your eyes peeled and cameras ready!
Morning - Three Sisters Peaks Tour (25 min) - $336 pp
Brace yourself for a thrilling adventure you won't forget. Seize the chance to zoom past the iconic Three Sisters Peaks, getting an up-close view before darting into the Spray Valley. Here, marvel at the wild hues of the Spray Lakes. Your journey circles back along the Goat Range, then traces the crystal-clear Bow River all the way to Canmore.
Morning - Lake Moraine Sunrise - $278 pp
Witnessing a Moraine Lake sunrise is simply unmatched. Join a small group for access to this wonder, guided by a Local Guide to prime viewing spots. Watch the sun light up the glaciers and the breath-taking turquoise waters. Warm up with a hot chocolate, coffee, or tea as you set up for a spectacular sunrise photo op. Wander Moraine Lake's paths in peaceful solitude before others arrive. After soaking up the morning beauty, you'll venture through backroads to Lake Louise, eyes peeled for bears, moose, and elk.
Morning - Lake Moraine Sunrise with Breakfast - $299 pp
Be the first at Moraine Lake for a crowd-free sunrise. Snap the views, sip a hot drink, and enjoy a warm breakfast. With a Local Guide and early access, you’ll hit top photo spots, then head to Lake Louise via backroads—keep your eyes peeled for elk, moose or even bears.
Morning - Mahikan Medicine Walk in the Boreal Forest - $101 pp
Dive into the heart of nature with the Mahikan Trails Guided Medicine Walk, where plant medicine is unveiled through an Indigenous perspective. Begin with a sacred tobacco ceremony to honor the ancestors and seek their blessing to explore the "standing people" (plants). Your Local Guide will unravel the land's secrets, revealing the traditional medicines of the Boreal Forest and the survival techniques of Indigenous ancestors over thousands of years. By joining, you're not just gaining knowledge and supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reducing Inequalities and Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Evening - Banff Gondola and unique dining experience - $159 pp
Craving a view from the top? Jet off to Sulphur Mountain's summit to catch epic 360-degree scenes of six mountain ranges. Kickstart your journey with a quick eight-minute gondola ride, cosy in a modern, fully enclosed cabin for four. You'll hover over forests to a rocky peak, landing in a scene that'll steal your breath away. Then, settle in for a tasty dinner at a mountain-top restaurant, dished up with a generous helping of jaw-dropping views.
Day 4: Banff - Icefield Parkway - Jasper
The Rockies, ancient glaciers, mountain lakes and sweeping valleys… it could only be the iconic Icefields Parkway. Make your way up to the Columbia Icefield for a ride on the giant Ice Explorer across the Athabasca Glacier before trekking across the ice for your first sip of fresh glacial water. Visit Athabasca Falls and continue to Jasper, the perfect spot to get back to nature. Tonight, you could choose to see the "From Jasper With Love” energetic, live theatre performance.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Morning - From Jasper, With Love - $40 pp
Prepare to be charmed by Jasper in a lively, one-hour theatre show that’s all heart and humour. Your hosts will guide you through the highlights and hidden gems of this quaint mountain town with stories that’ll have you in stitches and sights you won’t want to miss. You’ll step out ready to dive deeper into Jasper’s wonders.
Day 5: Jasper National Park Free Time
As the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, explore exactly as you like with Choice Experiences. Spot wildlife as you float down the Athabasca River. Have your heart set on beautiful Maligne Lake? A boat cruise (seasonal) around the largest glacially fed lake in the Canadian Rockies could be perfect for you.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Morning - Maligne Lake Cruise - $101 pp
Dive into the blue! Maligne Lake isn't just any lake—it's the king of glacier-fed lakes in the Canadian Rockies, all wrapped up in a mountain hug. Hop on a cruise to Spirit Island, a spot so picture-perfect, it's practically famous. This isn't just a boat ride; it's your ticket to explore the stories, secrets, and rock-solid facts of this magical place.
Afternoon - Ultimate Jasper Guided Hike - $77 pp
Jasper National Park is your ultimate outdoor escape, offering everything from snow-topped mountains to lush alpine meadows. Embark on a guided nature hike through diverse terrains—hills, forests, meadows, and beyond, all while a Local Guide fills you in on the local flora and fauna. Each season brings a new palette, from vibrant wildflowers to the fiery hues of Larch and Aspen trees. No matter when you visit, it's a hike through nature's masterpiece.
Afternoon - Jasper Food Tour - $135 pp
Hey food fanatics, you're in for a treat with the Jasper Downtown Foodie Tour. Led by a local, this guided walk will feel like you're hopping from one food-loving friend's place to another. You'll stop at four spots to nibble on specially chosen dishes, each with a refreshing drink. As you wander, soak up stories about Jasper's past and get the lowdown on this mountain town. And the menu? That's a delicious mystery – part of the fun! Note: In line with Alberta's alcohol laws, you must be 18 or older to participate.
Afternoon - Jasper Float Trip - $97 pp
Get ready for a float trip on the Athabasca River. This isn't just any rafting trip; it's your backstage pass to spot wildlife wonders like elk, deer, moose, and bears. With a National Park Local Guide steering you down old fur trader routes, you'll learn all about Jasper's wild tales and landscapes. Don't worry about the paddling; your Local Guide's got that covered, easing you through gentle rapids and serene stretches. So, kick back, keep your eyes peeled for critters, and let the river's flow do the talking. This is your adventure, Canadian Heritage style.
Afternoon - Jasper E-Bike Tour - $199 pp
Ride through regenerating forest, and past white-sand beaches and glacial lakes—all with a Local Guide. Learn how wildfire shapes the landscape, get the lowdown on local ecology, and watch for wildlife like elk, bears and bighorn sheep. No emissions, no effort, all adventure!
Evening - Athbasca Dinner & Discovery Tour - $126 pp
Food lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, buckle up for an epic evening mash-up! Kick things off with a mouth-watering three-course dinner at Becker's Chalet, right by the flowing Athabasca River. Then, dive into the wild with a two-hour "Horns and Antlers" tour, led by a Local Guide. This adventure isn't open to just anyone, making you part of a special crew. With your stomachs and cameras full, you'll carry the memories of this standout night forever, especially knowing you're dining in the same spot Marilyn Monroe did while filming "The River of No Return."
Day 6: Jasper - Sun Peaks
Ahh, Jasper. Your time here isn’t over yet! Your journey through the park takes you past towering pines, surging rivers, waterfalls and alpine meadows. The crowning glory will no doubt be your first glimpse of Mount Robson, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most prominent mountain in the North American Rockies and the highest point in the Canadian range. Next up: Sun Peaks.
Day 7: Sun Peaks - Victoria
Whether you are a history buff or an Anglophile, you’ll love exploring Victoria on your Canadian Rocky Mountains value tour. Your journey begins with a ferry to Vancouver Island before making the short drive into Victoria. No doubt struck by the English influence of the city, tick off the sights on an orientation tour along the waterfront district and into downtown. Pass the grand Parliament Buildings, Government Street and through Beacon Hill Park. Keen to explore even further? Victoria has more cycle routes than any other Canadian city, so the best way to get around is undoubtedly on two wheels.
Day 8: Victoria Free Time
The blooms and blossoms of world-famous Butchart Gardens is a gardener’s paradise. Stroll through this 55-acre showcase of gardens to see why it has been named a national historic site of Canada. The rest of the day is yours to explore Victoria your way. Take in the Olympic Mountains, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, James and Sydney Islands and the Saanich Peninsula on the Victoria Panorama seaplane tour. Or, wildlife fans will want to join a Victoria Whale Watching cruise keeping an eye out for the “locals.”
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Afternoon - Victoria Whale Watching Excursion - $171 pp
Set sail on a breath-taking three-hour whale-watching cruise off the coast of Victoria, a haven for marine wildlife. Prime viewing seasons are spring and summer when the waters are bustling with Bigg’s killer whales, humpback whales, South Resident orcas, Minke, and grey whales. But the spectacle lasts all year with the chance to spot bald eagles, porpoises, and seals frolicking in the waters.
Day 9: Victoria - Vancouver
Framed by thrilling vistas on all sides, Vancouver is known as a nature haven and adventure hub. It’s the type of place where residents (and visitors) can ski in the morning and then go for a swim in the ocean in the afternoon. Arriving by ferry, kick off your stay with a tour of historic Gastown, vibrant Chinatown and the green jewel in the city's crown, Stanley Park.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Afternoon - Farewell Dinner - $129 pp
Before bidding farewell to your newfound friends, enjoy one final meal at Moxie's, an establishment known for their handcrafted dishes and signature cocktails.
Day 10: Depart Vancouver
No doubt leaving with happy memories of warm Canadian hospitality and glorious glacier fed lakes, your trip will come to an end today. Depart at leisure today and bid a fond Canadian Farewell.
Includes
- 9 nights in handpicked 3 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
Choose Your Departure Date
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
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 i 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.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for any flight requirements.
You are, of course, 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.
Tell me more about a Costsaver tour
Costsaver tours are escorted tours but a bit more "unpackaged" than other more expensive tours, they combine the convenience and essentials of a group tour with the flexibility and freedom of independent travel, allowing travellers to customize their experience by choosing from a variety of local experiences for a budget-friendly, personalised holiday. These tours include key elements like hotel accommodations, transportation, some meals, and city orientation tours, while also providing free time for travellers to explore at their own pace and select optional excursions.
Can i book twin beds or triple/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?
Trafalgar welcomes guests from all over the world to have an amazing, shared travel experience. While we can’t share details of who you’ll be travelling with and how many people are on your tour in advance of your tour, you can see our average group sizes below. You’ll meet your group at your tour welcome when you start your trip.
Europe trips: An average of 40 to 45 guests and a maximum of 53
United States and Canada trips: A maximum of 52 guests
Australia and New Zealand trips: A maximum of 50 guests
Asia trips (except Sri Lanka): A maximum of 32 guests
Sri Lanka trips: A maximum of 48 guests
Africa trips: A maximum of 36 guests
Latin America trips: A maximum of 40 to 45 guests
How much walking will 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 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 your coaches have on-board wifi and bathroom faclilites?
Regardless of where in the world your tour visits, we do our best to ensure your coach is as comfortable as it can be. However, there can be differences depending on where in the world you're visiting:
Europe, North & South America, Australia & New Zealand trips:-
We pride ourselves on having the best-in-class fleet of fuel-efficient coaches. The high vantage point from your coach’s window means you can take in all the glorious scenery, whether it’s a vast rural landscape or an urban city centre. Facilities you’ll enjoy are:
- Reclining seats
- An on-board restroom
- Charging points (please note that these are power points, and not USBs)
- WiFi
- Air-conditioning
Africa & Asia trips:-
Africa and Asia tour vehicles do not have Wi-Fi. On Asia trips, there are no onboard rest rooms, but we always ensure there are regular rest stops.
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 means the tour will operate no matter how many people are booked to travel on that departure.
In the slim case that a guaranteed departure you are booked on has to be withdrawn due to 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).
In addition 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.