Canadian Rockies & Glacier National Park

Get ready for an adventure that brings together the beautiful expanse of the prairies, the soaring majesty of the Canadian Rockies, and the brilliance of Montana’s Glacier National Park. Arrive today in the province of Alberta. Tonight, gather for a welcome briefing.

This morning journey south to the prairie lands while enjoying the distant views of the spectacular Rockies. Visit Head-Smashed-in-Buffalo Jump, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s oldest, best preserved buffalo jumps. Head-Smashed-In, in the foothills of the Rockies, has been used continuously by Aboriginal people for over 5,500 years. A Blackfoot guide brings to life the culture of the Plains people, the Buffalo Hunt, and the many secrets uncovered in the archaeological digs. Continue traveling south to Waterton Lakes National Park. En route, pass through quaint villages and travel along roads sometimes traversed by grizzly bears, black bears, mountain goats, cougars, wolves, moose, and elk. You’ll even get to view and photograph the famous Prince of Wales Hotel. Tonight, enjoy dinner overlooking Waterton Lake. (B,D)

Today, experience Glacier National Park, a naturalist's paradise. Glacier preserves over one million acres of forests, Alpine meadows, and lakes, and is home to over 70 species of mammals and 270 species of birds. Enjoy a ride aboard one of its famous Jammer cars – built in the 1930s – along one of the most breathtaking roads in North America. Going-to-the-Sun Road stretches across the Continental Divide and offers incredible views of the valley and Glacier National Park. Please note this is an allday excursion and lunch is not included, but there will be time for a break and lunch may be purchased during one of the stops. (B)

Relax during your journey to Banff and soak in a backdrop of wonderful wildlife and the majestic Canadian Rockies. This afternoon, arrive in Banff and enjoy stops at the powerful Bow Falls and Surprise Corner, known for its picture-perfect panoramic views. (B, D)

Set out along the unforgettable Icefields Parkway and behold lofty waterfalls, rushing rivers, glacial peaks, imposing cliffs, and snowcapped mountain ranges. Stop at the Athabasca Glacier where it’s your choice! Choose a fun ride** across this mass of glacial ice nearly 1,000 feet thick, the largest accumulation of ice south of the Arctic Circle -OR- take a walk onto a glass-bottom platform at the Columbia Icefield Skywalk to experience the breathtaking views of the Sunwapta Valley and witness the dramatic landscape. This afternoon, stop at stunning Peyto Lake, a glacier-fed lake that evokes pure serenity. Be on the lookout for bears and stately elk on your return to Banff. (B) ** Glacier Experience is weather permitting throughout the travel season.

The famous glacierfed, turquoise waters of Lake Louise are yours for admiring this morning. Perhaps you will choose to hike along the lakeshore or simply relax in the majesty of your surroundings. Enjoy lunch at the Ski Lake Louise Lodge before boarding the gondola, which ascends the mountain in fourteen minutes to a height of 6,850 feet above sea level. Later, enjoy the views of the prairies while en route to Calgary. Join your fellow travelers at Heritage Park for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of a memorable trip. (B,L,D)

Your adventure comes to a close today, leaving you with a wealth of memories from your outstanding journey to two of the world’s most beautiful areas: the incomparable Canadian Rockies and Glacier National Park. (B)