Sun, Aug 1: Fly to Calgary, Alberta, Canada and transfer to Banff National Park by motorcoach. Check in to a local hotel, ideally situated within the park near restaurants and shopping. Gather with the group this evening for a welcome dinner at the hotel. (Meal: Dinner)
Mon, Aug 2: A full-day tour takes you to see some of the most famous features in the Canadian Rockies. Stop at a photographer’s dream, Moraine Lake, located in the dramatic Valley of the Ten Peaks. Continue to Lake Louise, often known as the “Jewel of the Canadian Rockies,” where the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise proudly stands at one end and the Victoria Glacier reflects off the other. Enjoy an included lunch at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise while we take in the beauty of the Canadian Rockies. Head across the Great Divide with a stop at the Spiral Tunnels viewpoint, where three lines of railway are laid at different elevations to cross the Kicking Horse River on four bridges. Take in the majestic views at Emerald Lake and Takkakaw Falls before returning to the lodge this evening. (B,L)
Tue, Aug 3: Today you have the option to stay in town or take the optional excursion to the Athabasca Glacier, the most-visited glacier in North America and one of the six principal “toes” of the Columbia Icefield. Even the journey to the glacier on the Icefields Parkway is memorable as it passes through a vast wilderness of magnificent peaks, ancient glaciers, and pristine mountain lakes. Board a specially designed Ice Explorer for a guided tour on to the surface of the glacier. Visit the Glacier Skywalk, a glass platform that provides an awe-inspiring experience and features the only unobstructed, completely accessible glacier view in the world! Lunch is included as part of the optional tour. Return to Banff this evening and have dinner on your own. (B)
Wed, Aug 4: After a leisurely morning, depart for more spectacular views and take some stellar photos at Bow Falls, Hoodoo Lookout and Surprise Corner. Experience the thrill of the Banff Gondola as it whisks you to the top of Sulphur Mountain and bid a proper farewell to Banff as you marvel at the panoramic view of Bow Valley and the six surrounding mountain ranges. Top off the day with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
Thu, Aug 5: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before you transfer to Calgary airport and fly home. (B)