Day 1 Calgary to Canmore | 115 km/71 mi
Departing Calgary, your journey west unveils Alberta’s breathtaking transition from cityscape to wilderness. Stop in Cochrane to explore the Cochrane Ranch Historic Site and grab a scoop of MacKay’s legendary ice cream. Continue through Bow Valley Provincial Park, where forested trails and mountain views welcome you. You’ll know as Canmore nears when the iconic Three Sisters peaks appear on the horizon — known individually as Big Sister, Middle Sister, and Little Sister — and signify the arrival of the Canadian Rockies.
Day 2 Canmore or Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 8 Excursions
Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of four excursions.
Option 1. Banff Gondola
Maximize your views of Banff National Park with minimal effort on a round-trip gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain.
Option 2. Lake Minnewanka Cruise
Admire views of the Canadian Rockies by boat as you cruise across the turquoise-hued Lake Minnewanka and over to Devil’s Gap.
Option 3. Banff River Explorer Canoe Tour
Enjoy the serenity of the Bow River and marvel at the surroundings. A fun & interactive way with your guide to explore the waterways of Banff National Park. Perfect for families. No paddling experience necessary.
Option 4. Canmore E-Bike Highlights Tour
Explore Canmore’s history and landscapes on this guided e-bike tour. As you go, learn about landmarks like the Engine Bridge and Northwest Mounted Police Barracks while enjoying beautiful views of the Three Sisters mountains and peaceful riverside pathways.
Option 5. Banff E-Bike Highlights Tour
Glide effortlessly through Banff’s scenic townsite and surrounding trails on a guided e-bike tour. Discover historic landmarks, forested paths, and stunning mountain vistas while learning about the region’s wildlife and heritage. Ideal for active explorers seeking a fun and eco-friendly way to experience the beauty of Banff.
Option 6. Upgrade Option: Bow River Horseback Adventure
Saddle up for a journey through the celebrated landscape of Banff National Park on this guided horseback riding adventure.
Option 7. Upgrade Option: Canmore Cave Explorer Tour
Explore Canmore’s stunning caves on a thrilling adventure tour. Venture through underground tunnels, gaping caverns, and ancient formations to discover the natural wonders below the mountains.
Option 8. Upgrade Option: Mt. Assiniboine Tour - Shared Helicopter Tour
The Mt. Assiniboine & Glacier Tour takes you on an unforgettable journey past the iconic Three Sisters Peaks and deep into the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Your flight will bring you face-to-face with Mount Assiniboine, often called the “Matterhorn of the Canadian Rockies” which stands at an impressive 3,611 meters (11,870 feet) along the British Columbia - Alberta border.
Day 3 Canmore | Free Day to Explore
Discover the charm of Canmore with a day at your own pace. Stroll through the quaint downtown, where local cafés, boutiques, and galleries invite you in. Enjoy a leisurely walk or bike ride along the Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk for views of the Three Sisters, Ha Ling, and Mount Rundle peaks. Or, venture out of town on a short hike like Grassi Lakes for incredible views of the surrounding wilderness. For something more relaxed, unwind at the nearby Kananaskis Nordic Spa. End the day by sampling locally brewed craft beer or savoring farm-to-table cuisine at one of Canmore’s top restaurants.
Day 4 Canmore to Columbia Icefield | Columbia Icefield Skywalk | 210 km/130 mi
Set off from Canmore and journey west into the spectacular alpine landscape. Continue past Banff to drive alongside the Vermilion Lakes, where calm waters mirror the surrounding peaks—perfect for wildlife viewing and tranquil photo moments. As you go, pass by Castle Mountain, a towering wall of rock lining the road, and follow the Bow River as it winds through the valley. Take a moment at iconic Morant’s Curve, hoping to spot a train wind along the river for a postcard-worthy picture. Arriving at Lake Louise, immerse yourself in its turquoise serenity on foot or by canoe. Then, turn onto the Icefields Parkway — one of the most beautiful drives on Earth. Here, sweeping views of towering mountains, vibrant blue lakes, and ancient glaciers surround you. Pass Bow Lake, stopping to marvel at its glacial backdrop, and Peyto Lake, taking the time for the short paved hike to its lookout point. These are both unforgettable highlights of the Canadian Rockies.
As you continue on, nearing the Columbia Icefield, the landscape ascends, ushering you into a realm dominated by ice and snow. The Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre marks a pivotal point in the journey, acting as a gateway to one of the most significant ice fields below the Arctic. The centre offers insights into the region’s history, tours onto the Athabasca glacier, and the Glacier Skywalk, a thrilling glass-floored platform offering views from 280 meters above the Sunwapta Valley. (Dinner is included today)
Day 5 Columbia Icefield to Emerald Lake Lodge | Ice Explorer | 160 km/99 mi
After your morning guided Glacier Tour return down the Icefields Parkway, travelers are treated to more of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the Canadian Rockies. Passing by the enormity lining the route, be sure to stop at any points you missed yesterday. Crossing Kicking Horse Pass into British Columbia, visitors enter Yoho National Park, home to the mighty Takakkaw Falls and serene Emerald Lake. This is an unforgettable finale to a journey through alpine splendor. (Breakfast is included today)
Day 6 Yoho National Park | Emerald Lake Day at Leisure
Discover the serenity of Emerald Lake, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the mountains. Spend a relaxed day surrounded by crystal-clear waters, lush pine, and majestic peaks. Wander forest and mountain trails, rent a canoe to glide across the water’s surface, or simply relax lakeside with a picnic and soak in the serenity. The vibrant turquoise waters, rich in natural minerals, create a luxurious setting ideal for unwinding surrounded by the peace of nature.
Day 7 Emerald Lake Lodge to Calgary | 62 km/38 mi
Departing Emerald Lake, the journey slowly transitions from the crisp mountain air and grand views of the Rockies to the bustling cityscape of Calgary. Along the way, witness the engineering marvel of the Spiral Tunnels, where you can spot trains entering their climb of the spiral-shaped track inside the mountains before emerging at the Kicking Horse Path. Take time to visit the turquoise waters of Lake Louise and hike the lakeside trails or venture onto the water in a canoe for one last iconic Canadian Rockies experience. As the mountains give way to the wide-open plains, reflect on your time among them before arriving in Calgary, where urban life meets the spirit of the West.
