The Trip

Enjoy the nature experience of your life during this eight-day journey through the three jewels of the Canadian Rockies: Banff, Jasper and Lake Louise. The low valleys of the Canadian Rockies (average 3000 feet) are several thousand feet lower than their American counterpart but the mountains are just as tall. This causes an optical illusion because the increased elevation in front of your eyes makes for a very majestic mountain range! Add Canadian friendless and world-renown cuisine and you have the makings of a very special trip. If you have met Rick and Alessandra, you know that you will have a great time.

Free roundtrip motorcoach transportation from Seattle to Calgary is available to anyone who asks for it!

Itinerary

Day 1 - July 2 - Arrive in Calgary, transfer to Calgary hotel
If you arrive early we'll make sure you take in Calgary's greatest sites including the Glen Bow, a spectacular museum dedicated to the history of the Plains Indians, and the Calgary Tower where you can get a bird’s eye view of this shiny oil town. Overnight in Calgari

Day 2 - July 3 - Day hike to Sunshine Meadows
Today we'll make our way up Trans Canada One to the great mountain town of Banff. We’ll check into a comfortable Banff hotel and then enjoy a warm-up hike into the spectacular Sundance Mountain Range. The trails are smooth and flat here so you can do as little or as much hiking as you want. Our trail guide will share the secrets of this vast and vibrant wilderness with you over a delicious picnic. Overnight in Banff

Day 3 - July 4 - Banff
You can opt to take a helicopter ride this morning over snow-clad peaks, alpine meadows of wild flowers and shimmering turquoise lakes to glacier-shrouded Mt. Assiniboine, the tallest mountain in this part of the Rockies. This is where we will enjoy an alpine hike. We will establish a base camp while those who really want to "get into the element" can do so with our licensed alpine guide. Overnight in Banff

Day 4 - July 5 - Icefields Parkway to Jasper
Today we will travel up one of the most spectacular roads on the entire planet stopping along the way to commune with nature. We will show you all of our favorite spots and indulge you with a very special M&G champagne picnic next to an out-of-the-way creek. Overnight in Jasper

Day 5 - July 6 - Jasper and Maligne Lake
Today we will travel up to Maligne Lake - the largest lake in the Canadian Rockies where you can take an unforgettable cruise on the lake. Overnight in Jasper

Day 6 - July 7 - Icefield's Parkway to Lake Louise
After a morning of leisure, we will travel southbound on the Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise where we will enjoy two nights of supreme luxury in the heart of the Canadian wilderness.
Overnight at the world-famous Chateau Lake Louise

Day 7 - July 8 - Lake Louise relaxation
You're on your own today but, if you're in the mood, you can hike with us up to one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Canadian Rockies - the Teahouse above Lake Louise. It's a lot of switchbacks but the fresh-baked scones and cookies served in the teahouse make the struggle to get there more than worth it. Other options include a day of shopping in the nearby bustling town of Banff or another hike on the Paradise trail to Moraine Lake.
Overnight at the Chateau Lake Louise

Day 8 - July 9 - Return home

After a delicious breakfast, make your way back to Calgary to catch your flight home (or continue by bus to Seattle with two stops en route).

8 days, 7 nights
$2,850 per person in double room

Itinerary details:
1 night Calgary
2 nights Banff
2 nights Jasper
2 nights Lake Louise