This leisurely driving tour explores the world-famous Canadian Rockies, Calgary – Banff – Jasper – Louise – Calgary, where you are soaked in nature beauty and the majestic splendor of the mountains.
7 days 6 nights
April – October
Calgary, AB
Pick up an arranged rental car at Calgary Airport upon arrival. You may first visit Heritage Park, go back to 1900s in a lively village that you can ride a train through town, visit the shops and world-class Gasoline Alley Museum. Discover how the introduction of the automobile changed our culture. Or you may decide to visit Calgary Zoo as well as its pre-historic park. Another option is to check out the outlet, CrossIron Mills, just 30 minutes north of Calgary. Over in Stampede Park, the fair is open till sun set in summer. At night, you may ride on Calgary Tower overlooking this fast develop city. You will stay in Calgary area tonight.
Today’s journey is heading to Canada’s 1st National Park — Banff. Along the way, you could spend some time ripping down the zip line or luge track at Canada Olympic Park. About 1.5 hours of driving, you will arrive in Banff. You may like to visit Lake Minnewaska before entering the town of Banff. You may then stop at the Visitor Centre to collect more information that you may need. Then simply just hang around on Banff Ave to shop and to feel the essence of the Rockies.
Banff is the 1st national park of Canada and world 3rd. At first, visit the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies and Banff Park Museum to learn more about the park. Then visit Cave and Basin and walk along the 0.4 km Discovery Boardwalk Trail above the bathing pavilion to see the cave vent. Heading to Surprise Corner for the view of Banff Springs Hotel and Bow Falls; you must explore this landmark — Banff Springs Hotel. Ride on the Banff Gondola for the stunning view of the whole town. There are lots walking trails in Banff town as well as Bow River which I am sure you will be thrilled by the nature beauty and wild life. Banff town is famous for multi -culture cuisines. At night, relax yourself at Banff Upper Hot Springs.
Going north of Banff, drive along the most beautiful highway — Icefield Parkway for Columbia Icefield. Along the way, you may stop by Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, then eventually you will arrive in Icefield Centre. Lunch break here before heading for massive Athabasca Glacier on Snow coach ride. The glacier is melting at rapid speed due to climate change, once in a life time chance to be up close and personal. Continue north on Hwy 93A for tonight’s destination, Jasper.
Jasper is the highest elevated town in Rockies. Ride the Jasper Tramway to view the summit of Whistler Mountain; visit Maligne Canyon where you get to see the longest underground drainage system in Canada. Or relax by the Lac Beauvert at Jasper Park Lodge. You may join the white water rafting to float over the Athabasca River; ride at the sidecar of the Harley to Patricia & Pyramid Lakes.
Today, you are heading to Lake Louise. You should stop at Mount Edith Cavell to view the Angel Glacier and Athabasca Falls, where get to view the thundering falls that never freeze in the cold winter. About a 3 hours drive after this, you will then experience yourself this “Diamond of Wilderness”— Lake Louise. Nearby Moraine Lake, nestled in the valley of the Ten Peaks, and it was once printed on the back of $20 bill.
Morning walk along the Lake Louise, enjoy this last minute of beauty. It takes about 2 1/2 hours driving for Calgary Airport and returning your rental car, end this unforgettable trip.
