Canadian Rockies Tour

If you booked your flight with YMT, you will be met by a representative at the airport and transferred to the hotel.

Start your journey in the iconic Elk Island National Park, a sanctuary of rolling woodlands and meadows dotted with lakes, bogs, and ponds. It was originally established as a fenced-in reserve in 1906 to save some of Western Canada’s most iconic species, including the then critically endangered elk. Over the decades, the elk population recovered, and the reserve grew into the stunning Elk Island National Park. You’ll enjoy a tour of the park, learn its history, and see its boisterous bison herd.

After lunch on your own, visit Royal Alberta Museum, a world-class institution devoted to the research and preservation of Alberta’s human and natural history. The largest museum in western Canada, and one of the top tourist attractions in the province, the Royal Alberta’s collection includes over two million objects. Its pieces range from natural history specimens and cultural artifacts to fine artwork. (B)

Today you’ll experience Jasper National Park, the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. Its landscape covers an expansive region of rugged backcountry and mountainous terrain across numerous protected ecosystems, including the world-renowned Columbia Icefield.

Arrive in Jasper in the late morning, just in time for a short tour of this charming little town in the heart of the mountains. (B)

Jasper is surrounded by majestic mountains, pristine lakes, and stunning glaciers, making it a dream destination for nature lovers. You are free to go into the national park, but you can’t go wrong by staying local, either. The town of Jasper is small but bustling, with a range of shops, restaurants, and accommodations. Its downtown area is particularly charming, with a mix of historic and modern buildings, and a pedestrian-friendly design. It also offers several tourist attractions, such as the Jasper SkyTram, the Jasper Yellowhead Museum, and the Jasper Planetarium. (B)

This morning, travel along the Icefields Parkway en route to stunning Banff. Stop at Athabasca Falls, a beautiful and powerful waterfall located in Jasper National Park. It is one of Jasper’s most popular tourist attractions due to its sheer beauty and easy accessibility. Continue to Sunwapta Falls located a short drive from Athabasca Falls. The name Sunwapta comes from the Stoney language, and means “turbulent water”.

Next, experience the Athabasca Glacier. Nestled at the bottom of the Columbia Icefield, it is the most visited glacier in North America. Enjoy an included lunch, and experience the full magnitude of this enormous icefield as you take in the view and feel the glacier underfoot.

Your next stop is Peyto Lake, where significant amounts of glacial rock flour were deposited into the water from the nearby Peyto Glacier. These suspended rock particles, sometimes called glacial milk, give the lake a bright blue-green color.

Finally, see Canada’s “Diamond in the Wilderness,” Lake Louise. Known for its glacier fed turquoise waters, the lake’s tranquil surface mirrors the magnificent peaks and lush forest rising up on all sides. The impossibly pretty Lake Louise is the perfect location to take a picture worth much more than a thousand words. (B, L)

Spend the day absorbing the beauty of Banff National Park! An hour-long tour of Banff is a great way to experience its most famous landmarks. As you pass through Banff, your tour guide will explain the history of the park, including its establishment as Canada’s first national park in 1885. The guide will also share stories about the indigenous people who have lived in the area for thousands of years, and their connection to the land. Enjoy a short stop (and perfect photo op!) at Bow Falls.

Next, enjoy a scenic ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain on the Banff Gondola. At Sulphur’s peak, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Banff and the surrounding Rockies from an observation deck that offers 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Spend your final full day in Calgary, known as one of the friendliest cities in all of Canada. Your city tour includes several stops and highlights such as the Glenbow Museum, the Calgary Stampede grounds, and the Olympic Park. Learn about the city’s downtown core, historic districts, and unique neighborhoods.

Enjoy a farewell dinner at Calgary Tower. The 600-foot-tall tower offers visitors a 360-degree view of Calgary. (B, D)