Secrets of the Rockies & Glacier National Park
A rare and intimate encounter with the rugged Rocky Mountains, this Hidden Journey traverses undulating, unforgiving fields of ice, crosses the Continental Divide in exclusive vintage style, and follows the brave steps of the buffalo runners as they drove their prey over the edge of a cliff centuries ago.
Overview
A rare and intimate encounter with the rugged Rocky Mountains, this Hidden Journey traverses undulating, unforgiving fields of ice, crosses the Continental Divide in exclusive vintage style, and follows the brave steps of the buffalo runners as they drove their prey over the edge of a cliff centuries ago.
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Day 1: Arrive Calgary
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 at 6 p.m. for a Welcome Reception. -
Day 2: Calgary – Fort MacLeod – Waterton Lakes National Park
This morning, travel to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo Jump, where a Local Specialist explains how buffalo were driven off a cliff by buffalo runners centuries ago. Next, trace the journey of the North-West Mounted Police across western Canada, toward the glacial peaks of Waterton Lakes National Park, stopping en route to explore the home of the Mounties at Fort MacLeod with an expert Local Specialist. The route south, meets the majestic Rockies at the tranquil Waterton Lakes National Park. Beneath ice-capped peaks indulge in a memorable dinner. -
Day 3: Waterton Lakes National Park – Glacier National Park
The Big Skies of Montana beckon this morning as you cross the international border into Montana's famed Glacier National Park, a celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve. Skirt the slopes and cross the Continental Divide over Logan Pass in a restored 1930s vintage touring “jammer” along the magnificent Going-to-the-Sun Road. Later, passing the tranquil blue waters of St. Mary's Lake, head to Lake McDonald. -
Day 4: Glacier National Park – Lake Louise (2 Nights)
Continue through Glacier National Park heading north, back into Canada through the sheer red walls of Sinclair Canyon and scenic Kootenay National Park. Glacial peaks and turquoise waters of Banff National Park offer an ethereal setting arriving on the serene shores of Lake Louise, the "Jewel of the Canadian Rockies." -
Day 5: Lake Louise Sightseeing
This morning, enjoy the lake's tranquil waters, walking the Lakeshore Trail and learning about your surroundings. The next stop is the glacial Moraine Lake, one of the most photographed sites in all of Canada. Embark on a guided group stroll along its shoreline, as you ramble toward Rock Pile for inspiring views of the Valley of Ten Peaks.The afternoon is yours. -
Day 6: Lake Louise – Athabasca Glacier – Jasper (2 Nights)
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, on the vast and untamed Columbia Icefield. Boarding a specially designed Ice Explorer, enjoy a unique chance to ride across the glacier's surface. Later, head to your home in the heart of Jasper National Park. -
Day 7: Jasper Sightseeing
Embark on a picturesque walk admiring the sheer limestone cliffs of Maligne Canyon and learning about the underground river system that flows out to Medicine Lake. Cruise the waters of Maligne Lake, surrounded by a ring of mountains, and journey to Spirit Island, the heart and soul of Jasper National Park. Tonight's Regional Meal delights with views of the lake. -
Day 8: Jasper – Icefields Parkway – Banff National Park (2 Nights)
Admire the jaw-dropping scenery of the Icefields Parkway as we journey south towards the wild lands of Banff, stopping to admire the thunderous Athabasca Falls. Stepping out at Bow Summit, the highest point on the Columbia Icefield, enjoy the views over glacier-fed Peyto Lake. -
Day 9: Banff Sightseeing
After a free morning, spend the afternoon together uncovering the rugged beauty of Banff, from its postcard viewpoint of Surprise Corner, spectacular Bow Falls and the wind-shaped rock formations known as the hoodoos. This evening, the aroma of sizzling Alberta beef awaits as you join the Guinn family on their ranch for a special Be My Guest Farewell Dinner. This exclusive experience includes a horse-drawn wagon ride on a scenic trail surrounding the ranch and a private dance lesson. -
Day 10: Banff – Depart Calgary
A transfer is provided to Calgary International Airport or the Delta Calgary Downtown for guests extending their stay.
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
Price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement.
Single Room Supplement: from $1,375.
Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $107 per person.
Hidden Journey: itineraries have a maximum of 26 guests.
AARP Members are entitled to an exclusive Member Benefit Discount on all Grand European Travel vacations. Plus receive a free travel gift! Call Toll Free: 1-866-847-3858 for details.
Past Travelers: Save an additional 5% off the Land Only price of the vacation.
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Professional Travel Director
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Sightseeing with Local Experts
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VIP Access
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WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
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Cultural Enrichment
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Expertly Selected Hotels
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Hotel Tips
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Most Meals
Meal Summary
9 nights, 9 full breakfasts, 6 dinners, On-trip transport, .Included Highlights
Hidden Treasure
- Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure
Be My Guest
- The Guinn Family are your welcoming hosts on this authentic Canadian ranch experience during which you'll enjoy a wagon tour and traditional ranch-style Farewell Dinner
Authentic Accommodations
- Stay at Deer Lodge near Lake Louise and The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, located in the heart of Banff National Park
Local Specialist
- Learn about buffalo hunting and hear about the North-West Mounted Police
Sightseeing Highlights
- City tour in Calgary
- Visit Waterton Lakes, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Athabasca Glacier
- Cruise upon Maligne Lake
- Scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway, Red Jammers excursion along the Going-to-the-Sun Road
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
Reviews
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Packing
We suggest bringing a variety of lightweight clothing items that can be layered to save space in your suitcase and give you more options for how to dress. For more helpful information please refer to our Packing Tips & Packing List.
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Gratuity
At the end of your guided vacation, it’s customary to offer your motor coach driver and Travel Director a gratuity. We recommend $4-5 per person/per day for your driver and $6-7 per person/per day for your Travel Director. Recommended gratuity for a Local Host and Local Specialist is 1-2 dollars per person, paid at the conclusion of each guided visit. A convenient option is to prepay your tips before your departure.
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Baggage
Baggage on our trips is restricted to one large suitcase per person with dimensions not exceeding 30x19x10 inches and a maximum weight of 50 pounds. You are also permitted one piece of hand luggage, which should be small enough to fit under your coach seat or on the small overhead shelf compartment. Please note that luggage with an adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartment of the coach. Hotel porterage is included in your vacation.
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Health and Fitness
You will need to be comfortable on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours in various weather conditions. All of our vacations involve walking, often on cobblestone and uneven surfaces in historic city centers. In order to get the most out of your vacation you need to be able to comfortably walk 1-3 miles unassisted in one day, be in good condition and be able to keep pace with the group.
If you need any medications, it is important that you bring enough to last you the whole trip and keep them in your carry-on bag while you travel.
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Insurance
We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before departure. The plan also includes trip interruption, baggage loss or delay, and medical and emergency assistance. Click here for a summary of coverage details, terms and conditions.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
JASPER
*Jasper Float Trip
Adult Price: 73.00
Join the fun and experience an easy rafting / scenic float trip down the Athabasca River, a designated Canadian Heritage River. A National Park licensed guide will provide commentary on the human and natural history of Jasper while navigating you along the same route used by the “fur traders” over 2 centuries ago. Lifejackets and the specially designed, 25 foot (7 meter) long, oar powered rafts; offer a safe and comfortable ride through several small, easy sets of rapids and calm stretches that any first time rafter will enjoy. Don’t worry the guides do all the rowing; you sit back and enjoy while exploring all the spectacular scenery drifting down a route that was used by fur traders many years ago. There is always a chance of seeing various wildlife including elk, deer, moose, coyotes, wolves, eagles, ospreys, mountain sheep and bears. Tours will operate rain or shine, and a poncho will be provided when required. Approx. duration: 50-90 minutes
BANFF
Royal Canadian 25 mins
Adult Price: 262.00
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.
Brewster Banff Gondola
Adult Price: 59.00
At the Banff Gondola, you’ll see more mountains in a moment than most see in a lifetime! Ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain to experience a bird’s eye view of six mountain ranges of the Canadian Rockies. Begin with an eight-minute journey to the summit in a fully enclosed four-passenger gondola cabin. The views become increasingly spectacular as you climb to an elevation of 7,486 feet ( 2,281 meters) to the Summit Upper Terminal. Witness the breathtaking views in every direction or go to the restaurant area to enjoy the views inside or from its upper deck. You can also take the Banff Skywalk for a short self-guided interpretive walkway along the summit ridge leading to the Cosmic Ray Station National Historic Site of Canada. Subject to weather conditions. Approx. duration: 2.5 hours.
Mt. Assiniboine Tour 30 mins
Adult Price: 331.00
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.
Royal Canadian Tour 25 mins
Adult Price: 273.00
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.
Three Sisters Peak Tour 12 min
Adult Price: 136.00
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.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
