9 day Explore Canada's National Parks & Lake Louise - including flights!

Please note that the itinerary may change depending on departure day.

All sightseeing and itinerary inclusions are subject to favourable weather conditions and seasonality. In those instances, and until the roads are available for travel, often unpredictable until the last moment, roads, routes and sites will be amended.

DAY 1, Sunday - Depart for Canada

Arrive in Edmonton, the capital of Canada's Alberta Province that originated as a fur trading post, and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city’s museums, visit the famous Farmer's Market in Old Strathcona and discover the city’s trendy restaurant scene. Time to settle in before tonight’s orientation meeting by your Tour Manager on the adventure in the Canada that lies ahead, followed by a Welcome Drink together. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 7 pm on the day of arrival. We recommend that you select flights which arrive at your destination no later than 5 pm on Day 1 of the itinerary or earlier, if possible

Overnight: Edmonton

DAY 2, Monday - Elk Island National Park

Begin the day at Elk Island National Park, founded in 1906 as a wildlife refuge for preservation of elk herds in the area and influential in re-establishing the bison population in Western Canada and the U.S. Today, the park is a sanctuary for bison, moose, elk, beaver and other small animals and home to over 250 species of birds. Afterwards, enjoy lunch with the group at a local restaurant. In the evening, enjoy a drink with your fellow travellers and Tour Manager

Overnight: Edmonton

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 3, Tuesday - Depart for Jasper

This morning, depart Alberta’s provincial capital. The beautiful North Saskatchewan River Valley meanders through the city, providing a scenic backdrop for a network of iconic landmarks and numerous parks. Travel along the picturesque roads to Jasper, a laid-back alpine community with stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and sparking blue lakes. Spend leisure time and have lunch on your own in the downtown Jasper area before a drive to the Pyramid Lakes area of Jasper National Park to see Pyramid Mountain, one of Jasper's most photogenic sights. Tonight, savour dinner together

Overnight: Jasper

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 4, Wednesday - Jasper National Park, Spirit Island Cruise, Maligne Canyon

Drive amidst stunning vistas of deep green forests, snow covered mountains and towering peaks to glorious Jasper National Park, known for its abundant wildlife. Arrive at Maligne Lake, nestled in a ring of towering mountains, the largest glacier fed lake in the Canadian Rockies. Here, board a boat to magical Spirit Island, the iconic crown jewel of Jasper National Park. At pine tree covered Spirit Island, a chance to take photos before returning to shore. Then, on to majestic Maligne Canyon to learn about the unique features of this underground water system. Time to walk along the canyon's trails with breathtaking views of waterfalls and unusual rock formations. Return to Jasper for an afternoon at leisure, or, participate in the optional Athabasca River Raft Trip that retraces the route of the early explorers along the Athabasca River

Optional: Athabasca River Raft Trip

Overnight: Jasper

Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Thursday - Athabasca Falls, Glacier Skywalk & Adventure, Lake Louise

Travelling on the dramatic Icefields Parkway, admire astonishing views of glaciers, rocky peaks, waterfalls and snowfields at every turn. Arrive at Athabasca Falls flowing from the Columbia Icefields, the most photogenic waterfall in Canada. Continue to the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre for lunch on your own, with time to view informative exhibits about glaciers and the striking geological features of this area. Afterwards, get ready for an extraordinary experience -- walk on the magnificent cliff-edge Glacier Skywalk viewing exquisite panoramas from a clear glass platform nearly 900 feet high. Looking down, see hints of life from thousands of years ago along with rushing waterfalls and glacier vistas. Next, a thrilling excursion on the Ice Explorer onto the surface of the massive Athabasca Glacier. In this breathtaking mountain setting, stop along the glacier and walk on the ice. Continue on to Lake Louise located in historic Banff National Park. Evening is at leisure

Overnight: Lake Louise

Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6, Friday - Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, Travel to Banff, Cave & Basin National Historic Site

A day filled with unmatched beauty as you travel to Moraine Lake with its indigo blue waters surrounded by the Valley of the Ten Peaks. This glacier fed lake, reflects the remarkable beauty of one of the most photographed spots in all of Canada. Continue to crystal-clear Lake Louise. Linger and enjoy the serenity before continuing to the town of Banff at the base of the rugged peak of Mount Rundle, in the heart of Banff National Park. This afternoon, depart to Cave & Basin National Historic Site, the geographical birthplace of Canada’s National Park System. Spend time exploring the naturally-occurring, warm mineral springs that can be found inside the cave, and outside in an emerald coloured basin. Spend leisure time to wander along the main streets. Tonight, independently discover Banff’s diverse dining scene

Overnight: Banff

Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7, Saturday - Banff National Park

Begin the day at leisure or join the optional Banff Gondola Ride and enjoy spectacular bird’s-eye views of six mountain ranges. Later this morning depart for Johnston Canyon. Take some time to see the waterfalls before continuing on the Bow Valley Parkway to wondrous Banff National Park. Nestled in the heart of the magnificent Canadian Rockies, the snow-capped vistas, crystal glaciers and sweeping panoramas are just one part of the astonishing allure of Banff. Continue along the shores of Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka, "Water of the Spirits", a gorgeous glacial lake in the eastern area of Banff where First Nations people inhabited the area around 10,000 years ago

Optional: Banff Gondola Ride

Overnight: Banff

Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8, Sunday - Travel to Calgary

This morning, continue to Calgary, a sophisticated city set between prairies and peaks that grew out of the Canadian West. Arrive at Canada's largest living history museum, Heritage Historical Village, to discover "How the West was Once". A Farewell Dinner tonight caps your amazing journey through Western Canada with your newfound friends

Overnight: Calgary

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 9, Monday - Depart Canada

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight

Meals: Breakfast

Advertised pricing based on 11 Jun 2020 tour with return airfares from Sydney. Please note prices may vary and are subject to availability at time of booking. Multiple departure dates available throughout 2020.

Land only prices are available on request.

Freecall our local travel team on 1300 414 198 for more details or to book your tour.

Please note accommodation is subject to change depending on day of departure. Hotels include:

• Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel by APA, Edmonton
• Chateau Jasper, Jasper or Sawridge Inn & Conference Centre, Jasper or The Crimson Jasper, Jasper or Tonquin Inn, Jasper
• Mountaineer Lodge, Lake Louise
• Elk + Avenue Hotel, Banff
• Delta Calgary Airport Hotel, Calgary

Is This Trip Right for You?

This moderately active program covers a good amount of ground each day. Expect from two to three hours walking every touring day. The pace is moderate, and you will encounter some uneven or wet surfaces, steps and slopes. The altitude in the National Parks varies and may be a consideration for those who have heart conditions or are otherwise affected by height. Hotels in National Parks provide limited amenities. Some hotels in Banff and Jasper are built in the traditional local style and have no air-conditioning. During heat waves, these hotels can become uncomfortable, even at higher elevations. This is a Classic program.

Passports and Visas

It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel and a visa if required.

Climate & Clothing

Canada - The weather in Canada varies according to geographical area. The hottest period is from July to August and the coolest from November to March. Bring comfortable walking shoes, clothes you can layer, and an all-weather jacket. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are also recommended.