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On this Canadian Rockies tour, crunch across the surface of the Athabasca Glacier and cross the Continental Divide in vintage style as you hear local tales of brave buffalo runners centuries ago. Learn from experts about bears, glaciers, local cultures and tradition, and more in just 10 inspiring days.
On this Canadian Rockies tour, crunch across the surface of the Athabasca Glacier and cross the Continental Divide in vintage style as you hear local tales of brave buffalo runners centuries ago. Learn from experts about bears, glaciers, local cultures and tradition, and more in just 10 inspiring days.
Don your Stetson and buckle up those cowboy boots. You've arrived in Stampede country. Get settled into the ways of the Wild West before meeting your Travel Director and fellow explorers for a Welcome Reception.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Hilton Garden Inn
This morning, travel to the UNESCO-listed Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo Jump, where a Local Specialist explains how buffalo were driven off a cliff by buffalo runners centuries ago. Travel on to meet the majestic Rockies at the tranquil Waterton Lakes National Park. Beneath ice-capped peaks, indulge in a memorable dinner.
The Big Skies of Montana beckon this morning as you cross the international border and travel along the shore of Lower St. Mary Lake and enter Glacier National Park, touted as the Crown of the Continent. Then, continue in a restored 1930s vintage touring red “jammer”. You will head up into the cirques of the St. Mary Valley along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, and stop at the Continental Divide continuing over Logan Pass. Traverse one of the few remaining rainforests in Montana as you drive alongside the glacially carved valley. Finally, you will arrive at the Lake McDonald Lodge, situated on the shore of Lake McDonald.
Today, you will exit Glacier National Park through West Glacier and head north, back into Canada. Travel along the Banff-Windermere Highway, one of the most scenic drives in British Columbia. Then, enter Kootenay National Park and drive through Sinclair Canyon. Make the climb up to Vermilion Pass at the Continental Divide, reaching an elevation of 1,680 m (5,510 ft) and enter Alberta and Banff National Park. Descending into the Bow River Valley, you will arrive in Banff where you check in at your Stays With Stories, the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs, the 'Castle in the Rockies'.
Our day begins with a morning at leisure, choose to take this time to relax or join one of our optional experiences. Choose to view the alpine forest from above during an optional helicopter ride or explore from the ground with a guided hike. Later, spend the afternoon exploring the rugged beauty of Banff, from its postcard viewpoint of Surprise Corner to Bow Falls, with an optional gondola ride.
This trail begins in the Valley of the Ten Peaks at stunning Moraine Lake. The drive alone to this location is worth it in itself. We’ll spend our time hiking leisurely along a old growth forest trail to Consolation Lakes, where you’ll see the Fay Glacier atop Mount Babel. Upon our return, explore around Moraine Lake, including a trip to the top of the Rockpile. Due to bear restrictions this is a great trip to do in a guided group. Rated: Easy. Hiking Time: 3-4 hours. Return Distance: 5.8 kms (3.6 miles). Elevation Gain: 255m (837 ft). More spots may be available based on demand. Approx. duration: 4 hours
Adult Price: $127.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Royal Canadian Helicopter Tour (weather dependent)*
This journey will only enhance the Three Sisters Peaks Tour by exploring the Goat and Sundance Ranges of the Rocky Mountains. You will see mountain peaks, alpine meadows, waterfalls and untouched glacier lakes. Perhaps even a glimpse of some wildlife. It's an extraordinary adventure not to be missed. Approx. duration: 20 minutes.
Adult Price: $289.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
*Three Sisters Peaks Helicopter Tour (weather dependent)
The most action packed twelve minutes of your life. Get up close and personal with the world famous Three Sisters Peaks. Reach out and touch them as you whisk by before escaping into the Spray Valley where you will explore the extraordinary hues of the Spray Lakes. Your return flight travels along the Goat Range before following the pristine Bow River back to Canmore. Approx. duration 12 minutes
Adult Price: $210.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 6
Take In The Tranquility Of Lake Louise
An early rise today as we head for Moraine Lake. Take a walk on the Lakeshore Trail, or the Rockpile Trail for the best views of the Canadian Rockies with stunning Moraine Lake nestled in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. This afternoon we arrive at Lake Louise where your have Your Choice of activities: a stroll into the picture perfect image of Lake Louise, keeping an eye out for rock climbers, ground squirrels, marmots or even a mountain goat. Or perhaps the picture-perfect setting of Lake Louise will awaken the artist within you as you try your hand at plein air painting.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Lake Louise Inn
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 7
Traverse Across Athabasca Glacier
Blaze a trail through the heart of the Canadian Rockies—a journey through stunning wilderness, passing sparkling mountain lakes, tumbling glaciers and sweeping valleys en route to the Athabasca Glacier. Board a specially designed Ice Explorer, crunching over the white wonderland of the glacier's surface. Later, head to your home in the heart of Jasper National Park.
Embark on a leisurely walk admiring the sheer limestone cliffs of Maligne Canyon and learning about the underground river system that flows out to Medicine Lake. Surrounded by a ring of mountains, we will indulge in a delicious regional lunch with wine at the Lake Maligne Chalet with views of the lake, followed by a cruise of Maligne Lake to Spirit Island (seasonal).
Journey through the national parks of Jasper and Banff to arrive in the small resort town of Kananaskis. Connect With Locals and enjoy a Be My Guest experience with a short walk around the village rim trail, followed by a Farewell Dinner hosted by a backcountry guide that will share wild stories about life in the Rockies.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
Optional Experience
Mt. Assiniboine Helicopter Tour
You are in for something special as you are transported to Mount Assiniboine - "the Matterhorn" of the Canadian Rockies. Our most popular adventure has all the fantastic scenery of the previous tours plus a fly by over top of the glacier. This photogenic peak rises majestically to 3,611meters (11,870 feet) along the Great Divide. The Gloria and Assiniboine Glaciers will astound you. This is an experience you will never forget! Approx. duration: 30 minutes.
Adult Price: $347.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 10
To Calgary And Beyond
A transfer is provided to Calgary International Airport or the Hilton Garden Inn for guests extending their stay.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 5
Hike to Consolation Lakes (Tues)
This trail begins in the Valley of the Ten Peaks at stunning Moraine Lake. The drive alone to this location is worth it in itself. We’ll spend our time hiking leisurely along a old growth forest trail to Consolation Lakes, where you’ll see the Fay Glacier atop Mount Babel. Upon our return, explore around Moraine Lake, including a trip to the top of the Rockpile. Due to bear restrictions this is a great trip to do in a guided group. Rated: Easy. Hiking Time: 3-4 hours. Return Distance: 5.8 kms (3.6 miles). Elevation Gain: 255m (837 ft). More spots may be available based on demand. Approx. duration: 4 hours
Adult Price: $127.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 5
Royal Canadian Helicopter Tour (weather dependent)*
This journey will only enhance the Three Sisters Peaks Tour by exploring the Goat and Sundance Ranges of the Rocky Mountains. You will see mountain peaks, alpine meadows, waterfalls and untouched glacier lakes. Perhaps even a glimpse of some wildlife. It's an extraordinary adventure not to be missed. Approx. duration: 20 minutes.
Adult Price: $289.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 5
*Three Sisters Peaks Helicopter Tour (weather dependent)
The most action packed twelve minutes of your life. Get up close and personal with the world famous Three Sisters Peaks. Reach out and touch them as you whisk by before escaping into the Spray Valley where you will explore the extraordinary hues of the Spray Lakes. Your return flight travels along the Goat Range before following the pristine Bow River back to Canmore. Approx. duration 12 minutes
Adult Price: $210.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 9
Mt. Assiniboine Helicopter Tour
You are in for something special as you are transported to Mount Assiniboine - "the Matterhorn" of the Canadian Rockies. Our most popular adventure has all the fantastic scenery of the previous tours plus a fly by over top of the glacier. This photogenic peak rises majestically to 3,611meters (11,870 feet) along the Great Divide. The Gloria and Assiniboine Glaciers will astound you. This is an experience you will never forget! Approx. duration: 30 minutes.
Adult Price: $347.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Notepad Icon You must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to travel
Trip details
Trip details
What's included
Trip Summary Accomodation Icon
9 nights
Accommodation
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15 Meals
1 Be My Guest, 1 Lunch, 1 Regional Dinner, 1 Welcome Reception, 2 Dinners, 9 Breakfasts
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On-trip Transport
All transport shown
The Trafalgar difference
Connect With Locals
Take a walk around the village rim trail while learning about some local history. The walk ends at the dinner location at the Crosswaters Resort, where the group will toast to the last night of their Canadian vacation.
Stays With Stories
Stay at The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, located in the heart of Banff National Park. Modeled after a Scottish baronial castle, it is known as the 'Castle in the Rockies'
Sightseeing highlights
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Explore Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo Jump with a Local Specialist
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Scenic Cruise on Maligne Lake
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Scenic Drive along the Icefields Parkway, Red Jammers excursion along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, Banff-Windermere Highway, Sinclair Canyon
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Visit Waterton Lakes, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Athabasca Glacier
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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Optional Experiences and free time
Live, unedited & independent traveler reviews
Secrets of the Rockies and Glacier National Park trip reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
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Trip Rating
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4
Having traveled the world this would rank at the top for natural land beauty.
Our tour guide was excellent as well as the coach driver. A unexpected snow storm was dealt with by both very, very well. They didn't miss a beat and keep us intertained during the worst part. Real troopers.
Would have liked to have used a 4 1/2 stars. Only two things that could have been better. 1) Deer Lodge @ Lake Louise. They have a newer wing which is shown on their website. That is NOT where we had our rooms. We were all placed in the very old section, not the sort of rooms we would ever choose. Very disappointing. Trafalgar needs to request the new wing of the lodge. 2) Timing of the drop off on the last day. Didn't leave Banff till 11:00am, which put us @ the airport @ 1:00. That time worked for only 4 people on our tour. Everyone else would have missed their flight by only 1-2 hours, yet had to spend an extra night at Calgary. Every other morning we were out the door by 8:00am which would have worked, so why the late depart?
Donna Gieseke in Springfield,Donna Rae GiesekeMy Account Icon
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Magnificent Journey To The Canadian National Parks!
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5
Our itinerary was very complete and easy to follow. Especially with the help of a copy printed out each day and given out to us by Sheryl. The places we visited couldn't have be any more perfect experience than they were.
Our Travel Director Sheryl Galpin was absolutely amazing at her job, and knew everything about the areas we visited and made our experience at the Canadian Rockies, as well as the other National Parks more than an experience of a lifetime. Jonathan, or bus driver for the trip was also very helpful, helping the women on and off the bus, and Sheryl to get all of the luggage in and out of the bus at all times. He was very well rounded in his job and an excellent driver.
If you are looking even further ahead, this trip is available to book in 2023 (excluding cruises). Visit our website for dates and today’s best prices.
Maximum 35 guest per departure to ensure a more exclusive exploration
#TTSecretsofRockies
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA). Does not apply to trips operated by Inspiring Journeys & our Mini-stays.
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless traveling as part of a family group.
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange your flights to arrive on or before day 1.
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Your selected departure date will feature some seasonal itinerary changes to what is displayed. Click 'VIEW ITINERARY' below to see full details.
Active Trip Details
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What is an Active Trip? This is an "Active" lifestyle itinerary, with walks and hikes most days. Hikes will range from easy/moderate to strenuous. No technical climbing skills are required but a reasonable level of fitness is required to make the trip more enjoyable. Understanding that not all people want to hike at the same pace or even on the same trail we will, where possible, host map orientation and then let everyone disperse to enjoy the trails best suited to them. What to Pack Guests should bring lightweight hiking shoes or boots, broad brimmed sun hats, sunglasses, layered clothing, reusable water bottle(s), a hiking day pack and hiking poles (optional)
Weather & Altitude While the itinerary is laid out below, we are at the mercy of the weather and so reserve the right to adjust the program as necessary. Please keep in mind that the higher elevations and possible variations in weather and temperature can increase the perceived level of difficulty of our activities. Elevation ranges up to 9,000 feet for Utah’s Mighty Five and up to 11,000 feet for California High Country Adventure.
Everyone reacts differently to altitude and so if you do have any health issues you should check with your doctor that this trip is suitable for you.
