Spectacular Rockies and Glaciers of Alberta - Classic Group
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Spectacular Rockies and Glaciers of Alberta - Classic Group" tour and immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Canada's majestic landscapes. This adventure takes you through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, with highlights including the vibrant Moraine Lake, the scenic Icefields Parkway, and the serene Maligne Lake. Experience the rich culture and history of Banff with visits to the Fairmont Banff Springs and the Whyte Museum. Enjoy unique experiences like a guided walk with a First Nations Cree Iroquois Local Expert and an after-hours visit to the Glacier Skywalk. Stay in luxurious accommodations such as the Fairmont Banff Springs and Glacier View Lodge, and savor authentic dining experiences. Travel in comfort aboard a luxurious, air-conditioned coach, ensuring a relaxing journey through this stunning region. This tour promises an unforgettable exploration of Alberta's natural wonders and cultural treasures. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Banff
Location: Banff
Accommodation: Fairmont Banff Springs.
Accommodation Name: Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff National Park
Meals Included: Dinner
Your stay at a historic mountain resort in Banff awaits. After your arrival at Calgary airport, if you have purchased an airport transfer, your driver will transport you to the hotel. Built in the distinctive Canadian Château style, it is one of the earliest examples of the country’s grand railway hotels. Tonight, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for dinner.
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Day 2: Exploring Banff
Location: Banff
Accommodation: Fairmont Banff Springs.
Accommodation Name: Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
Connect with nature as you join a memorable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a First Nations Cree Iroquois Local Expert. Discover First Nations culture, such as how plants and animals like bears hold great significance. This authentic dive into the First Nations Cree community is not only enlightening but also helps assure the sustainability of the community and culture. Embark on a guided walk in the Boreal Forest and learn the Indigenous world of plant medicines as well as the historical and modern-day uses of plants and listen to fascinating stories about the First Nations. This afternoon, visit The Whyte Museum and enjoy artwork inspired by the local Rockies. Or, learn about the history of the Fairmont Banff Springs from a knowledgeable ambassador. Hear stories of events that took place around and at this hotel and receive a self-guided map of highlight locations for you to discover.
Day 3: A Trip to Lake Louise Relaxed Start
Location: Lake Louise, Banff
Accommodation: Fairmont Banff Springs.
Accommodation Name: Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
The Three Sisters Peak or Mt Assiniboine will impress on this morning’s optional helicopter flights (weather dependent). Make your way to Moraine Lake (seasonal) – the largest glacially fed lake in Canada – for a photo stop before a decadent lunch at Chateau Lake Louise. Marvel as you're surrounded by soaring peaks and the majesty of the Victoria Glacier. Capture a photo or two of the turquoise Lake Louise and rugged backdrop of one of the most famous mountain vistas in the world before returning to Banff and enjoying the rest of your day at leisure. This evening, opt for a scenic end to your day by taking the Banff Gondola ride.
Day 4: Lakes, Mountains and Glaciers
Location: Yoho National Park, Icefields Parkway, Columbia Icefield
Accommodation: Glacier View Lodge
Accommodation Name: Glacier View Lodge, Jasper National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
Glaciers, waterfalls and peaks of Yoho Park are revealed on this morning’s visit to Yoho National Park. Your journey includes photo opportunities at Emerald Lake (seasonal) before taking the Icefields Parkway, one of the most beautiful drives on the planet. Admire the dramatic scenery of the Rockies with plenty of photo opportunities. A warm welcome greets you at the country’s first and only glacier-view resort over a Champagne reception and nibbles. Before dinner, take advantage of the long daylight hours and set out for an after-hours visit to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, a glass-floored walkway above the Sunwapta Valley featuring waterfalls and wildlife. After your Skywalk visit, indulge in a delicious, Canadian inspired, locally sourced dinner, sip cocktails and marvel at the spectacular glacier views that wrap the restaurant.
Day 5: Glacier Adventure Relaxed Start
Location: Athabasca Glacier, Jasper National Park
Accommodation: Sawridge Inn Jasper
Accommodation Name: Forest Park Hotel, Jasper National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
Before other travelers arrive, venture onto the Athabasca Glacier in a massive Ice Explorer for your special, before-hours visit. Join your Local Expert and walk on the frozen flow of ice. Discover the beauty and immensity of the glacier as you learn about the history and geology of the region. Continue along the magnificent Icefields Parkway further into Jasper National Park with its soothing mineral hot springs, colorful meadows and majestic mountains.
Day 6: Exploring Jasper Relaxed Start
Location: Jasper National Park
Accommodation: Sawridge Inn Jasper
Accommodation Name: Forest Park Hotel, Jasper National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a relaxed start this morning or join the fun and experience an optional easy rafting, scenic float trip down the Athabasca River, a designated Canadian Heritage River. Later, join your Travel Director on an informative walk in Maligne Canyon, the deepest gorge in Jasper National Park. As you cruise across the crystal waters of magical Maligne Lake (seasonal), fed by the glaciers of Jasper National Park and glide past the jagged mountain peaks, you'll discover why it's been declared the "Best Boat Cruise in Canada.
Day 7: Journey to Kananaskis
Location: Kananaskis
Accommodation: Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, Autograph Collection
Accommodation Name: Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, Autograph Collection
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, enjoy a scenic drive down to Kananaskis, often kept as a secret mountain sanctuary for locals, away from the masses that visit neighbouring Banff National Park. Enjoy the late afternoon to yourself to discover the local trails surrounding your upscale hotel nestled in the wilderness, or head to the Nordic Spa located steps away from the lodge. Tonight, come together with your fellow travelers for a festive dinner and toast to your wonderful trip in the Canadian Rockies.
Day 8: Farewell Canada
Location: Calgary
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, you are transferred to Calgary Airport where your journey comes to an end. Arrival time at airport is approximately 12:00 pm.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay at historic and luxurious hotels such as Fairmont Banff Springs, Glacier View Lodge, and Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge.
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Guided Tours
Join guided tours including a walk in the Boreal Forest with a First Nations Cree Iroquois Local Expert and a guided walk in Maligne Canyon.
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Transportation
Travel in comfort with Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
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Unique Experiences
Experience an after-hours visit to the Glacier Skywalk and a special before-hours visit to the Athabasca Glacier.
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Cruise
Enjoy a narrated cruise on Maligne Lake, gliding past jagged mountain peaks to Spirit Island.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as helicopter flights over the Three Sisters Peak or Mt Assiniboine and the Banff Gondola ride are not included.
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Airport Transfers
Airport transfers are not included unless purchased separately.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as spa treatments, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 7 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Insight Experiences
- Icefields Parkway: Enjoy an after-hours visit to the amazing Glacier Skywalk. Step onto the cliff-edged, glass-floored walkway rising 918 ft (280 meters) above the Sunwapta Valley offering sweeping views of the valley and Columbia Icefield.
- Icefields Parkway: After a delicious dinner, step out onto the viewing deck and stargaze. As you marvel at the dark night sky, relax with a drink in the library or hang out inside the Moraine Lounge with games and live entertainment. The perfect way to end any night.
- Icefields Parkway: Take a seat in a specially designed Ice Explorer for a visit onto the Athabasca Glacier before other travellers arrive. Follow your Local Expert as you stroll on its icy surface and experience the enormous glaciers up close.
Summary
- Visit Banff National Park • Lake Louise • Jasper National Park • Moraine Lake • Icefields Parkway scenic drive • Maligne Lake • Sunwapta Falls • Athabasca Falls • Maligne Canyon.
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort aboard Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. The coach is sanitized before the tour and maintained to high standards, ensuring a safe and relaxing journey through the Canadian Rockies.
Accommodation
Experience the grandeur of the Fairmont Banff Springs, Glacier View Lodge, and Forest Park Hotel, offering luxurious stays amidst the stunning landscapes of Banff and Jasper National Parks. Enjoy upscale amenities and breathtaking views at these iconic Canadian accommodations.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a First Nations Cree Iroquois Local Expert, where you will learn about First Nations culture, including the significance of plants and animals, and the historical and modern-day uses of plants. Additionally, you will visit the Whyte Museum to enjoy artwork inspired by the local Rockies and learn about the history of the Fairmont Banff Springs. ...more ...less
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What kind of dining experiences can I expect on this tour?
You will enjoy a variety of dining experiences including dinner at the historic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, an evening reception at the Glacier View Lodge with options to stargaze or enjoy live entertainment, and a celebratory dinner at the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge. The tour also includes 3 dinners with wine, 7 breakfasts, and 1 lunch. ...more ...less
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What are some of the scenic highlights of the tour?
The tour features several scenic highlights including a stop at the vibrant turquoise Moraine Lake, a drive along the Icefields Parkway, and a narrated cruise on Maligne Lake to Spirit Island. You will also visit the Columbia Icefield Skywalk and have an after-hours visit to the Athabasca Glacier. ...more ...less
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
Accommodation is provided at historic and luxurious hotels such as the Fairmont Banff Springs, Glacier View Lodge, and Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge. These accommodations offer upscale amenities and breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, optional activities include helicopter flights over the Three Sisters Peak or Mt Assiniboine and a scenic Banff Gondola ride. Additionally, there is an option for an easy rafting, scenic float trip down the Athabasca River.
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What transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. The coach is sanitized before the tour and maintained to high standards for a safe and relaxing journey.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Enquire for Extra Savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.
Spectacular Rockies and Glaciers of Alberta - Classic Group
8 Days Starting and ending in Calgary, Canada
Visiting: Banff, Lake Louise, Yoho National Park, Icefields Parkway, Columbia Icefield, Athabasca Glacier, Jasper National Park, Kananaskis, Calgary ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
AGVLZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided