Calgary, Banff, Jasper, and Lake Louise

Day 1 - London to Calgary

14 June 2012
Depart from London for your flight to Calgary.  Upon arrival into Calgary, transfer (own cost) to the 3* Sandman Hotel.  Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight: Calgary

Day 2 - Calgary

15 June 2012 Explore Calgary’s legendary western roots and pioneering spirit on your included sightseeing tour that takes you to back in time to Heritage Park and Fort Calgary Heritage Park Historical Village has been recreated into Canada’s largest living museum, complete with costumed townsfolk who are keen to bring history to life. Admission to the world-class Gasoline Alley Museum is included in your tour package. Then immerse yourself in Calgary’s old west with a visit to Fort Calgary; the birthplace of the city. This National Historic Site features an interactive interpretive centre and museum that tells the story of how the North West Mounted Police and early Calgary citizens helped shaped the city into what it is today. Overnight: Calgary

Day 3 - Calgary

16 June 2012  - Overnight: Calgary

Day 4 - Calgary to Banff

17 June 2012 Calgary to Banff (115 km/72 mi)
Today, pick up your rental car and begin your Rockies adventure. Take the short (2-hour) drive from Calgary to Banff on either the Trans-Canada Highway or the more scenic 1A Highway. Once in Banff proceed to your selected hotel to check in and the remainder of the day is yours to explore at your own leisure. Overnight Banff

Day 5 - Banff Exploring

18 June 2012 Banff Exploring
A full day to explore Banff and area. In town you’ll find lots of excitement - shopping, cafés, nightlife, museums. Check out the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, Banff Gondola (included) where you will see a panoramic view of the Bow Valley, and then take a dip in the hot mineral pools at the Upper Hot Springs. Overnight Banff

Day 6 - Banff to Jasper

19 June 2012 Banff to Jasper (265 km/164 mi)
Take the short drive from Banff to Lake Louise. Choose the Bow Valley Parkway, beside the Bow River with an option for you to take a stop at Johnston Canyon and walk along the paved footway to either the lower or upper waterfalls before continuing to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. From Lake Louise your scenic drive takes you through the spine of the
Canadian Rockies. View a never-ending procession of mammoth mountains, jagged peaks, over 100 glaciers and pristine emerald colour lakes. Along the way see such sights as the Sarbach Glacier, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, with the Bow Glacier providing the backdrop, and Crowfoot Glacier before your arrival at the Columbia Icefield for an Ice Explorer ride out onto the glacier (included). Leaving the Athabasca Glacier, your camera should be ready to capture the majesty of the Athabasca Falls prior to your arrival into Jasper. Overnight Jasper

Day 7 - Jasper Exploring

20 June 2012 Jasper Exploring
Explore this charming mountain village close to many terrific scenic highlights. Take a tram ride up Whistlers mountain, or visit Maligne Lake, one of the most photographed lakes in the world, and enjoy a 90 minute cruise heading toward the south end of this postcard setting (Maligne Lake cruise not included). You will marvel at the magnificent shoreline with dense forest and glacial peaks rising abruptly from the water’s edge. Stopping at Spirit Island, you will have the opportunity to take your own version of the world famous photograph of the lake. Overnight Jasper

Day 8 - Jasper to Lake Louise

21 June 2012  Jasper to Lake Louise (208 km/129 mi)
Depart Jasper today and travel once more along the scenic Icefields Parkway to the “Jewel of the Rockies,” Lake Louise. Lake Louise is the most famous glacial lake in the Canadian Rockies, and one of the most beautiful in the Western Hemisphere. The lake, named for Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, daughter of Queen Victoria, is 1,730 metres (5,680 feet) above sea level. You may wish to enjoy a hike on one of the numerous trails or paddle a canoe on the lake. Overnight Lake Louise

Day 9 - Lake Louise Exploring

22 June 2012 Lake Louise Exploring
Today cross the Great Divide and enter Yoho National Park. The word Yoho is an aboriginal term for awe and wonder, as in Wow! Visit the scenic Yoho Valley and such sights as Takakkaw Falls (one of the highest in the world), Emerald Lake, Kicking Horse Pass, Spiral Tunnels and the Natural Rock Bridge that spans the Kicking Horse River. Return to Lake Louise. Overnight Lake Louise

Day 10 - Lake Louise to Calgary

23 June 2012 Lake Louise to Calgary (177 km/110 mi)
Departing Lake Louise, you will travel through the foothills of the Rockies to the city of Calgary. Your tour concludes with the return of your rental vehicle either to the Calgary International Airport.  Depart on your overnight flight back to London

Day 11 - Arrive London

24 June 2012 - Arrive London