Secrets of the Rockies & Glacier National Park
From Glacier National Park to Lake Louise and legendary Banff—this in-depth trip reveals the natural beauty, secluded places and secret stories of the Canadian Rockies.
You'll enjoy Insider moments like… dining on local Alberta beef with all the trimmings in a cozy, country setting, deep in the hills of Banff. Listening to stories of the family's heritage in the Banff ranch home, where they have lived for 70 years.
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Arrive Calgary
Welcome to Calgary. Get settled in at your hotel, located in the heart of downtown. At 6 p.m., gather at the hotel with your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception. -
Calgary – Fort MacLeod – Waterton Lakes National Park
Start the morning with a tour of Calgary then head toward Canada's Waterton Lakes National Park. En route, stop at Fort MacLeod for a visit to the Fort Museum where you'll meet a Local Specialist and learn about the history of the North West Mounted Police. Next, visit Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. where you'll meet a native Local Specialist who describes the way of life at the very place where hunters drove buffalo over the cliff. Continue on to Waterton Lakes National Park, where you enjoy some of the most spectacular mountain scenery the Rocky Mountains have to offer aboard a delightful lake cruise. -
Waterton Lakes National Park – Glacier National Park
This morning, cross the International Border into Montana's Glacier National Park, both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve. As you enter Glacier National Park and the stunning Going-to-the-Sun Road, step aboard your private restored 1930s-vintage red touring "jammer" and set out along this 50-mile long engineering marvel, skirting the shores of St. Mary's Lake, crossing the Continental Divide and onto Lake McDonald to your overnight accommodations, superbly located right inside the park, along the lakeshore. -
Glacier National Park – Lake Louise (2 Nights)
Continue your journey through Glacier National Park before heading north back into Canada and the forested area of the western slopes of the Canadian Rockies. Pass through Fairmont and Radium Hot Springs, through the sheer red walls of Sinclair Canyon and scenic Kootenay National Park. Enter Banff National Park and arrive at your home for the next two nights, Lake Louise, the "Jewel of the Canadian Rockies". -
Lake Louise Sightseeing and Free Time
Start the morning with a talk by your Travel Director along Lakeshore Trail, taking in the magnificent scenery of snow-covered peaks, including Mount Victoria at the end of the Lake. Then head out to Moraine Lake, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the most photographed sites in all of Canada; discover why as you are taken on a guided stroll along the shoreline and enjoy the best views from Rock Pile. Back at Lake Louise, the afternoon is free. -
Lake Louise – Athabasca Glacier – Jasper (2 Nights)
Set out for a drive along the Icefields Parkway with jaw-dropping views. Stop at Athabasca Glacier on the Columbia Icefield and take a memorable ride across the glacier's surface on a specially designed Ice Explorer. Next, step on to Glacier Skywalk, the newest attraction in the Rockies, a thrilling glass-floored walkway, a full 920 feet (280 meters) above the Sunwapta Valley. Continue to your home for the next two nights, in the heart of Jasper National Park. -
Jasper Sightseeing and Free Time
The morning is yours to spend as you like. This afternoon, take part in an interpretive walk at Maligne Canyon, one of the most beautiful gorges in the Rockies. Learn about the underground river system. Then head to Maligne Lake for an interpretive lake cruise to Spirit Island, the heart and soul of Jasper National Park. Back ashore, enjoy a rustic dinner along the lakeshore and learn about Rocky Mountain wildlife during an interactive after-dinner presentation by a Local Specialist. -
Jasper – Icefields Parkway – Banff National Park (2 Nights)
Wind your way down the Icefields Parkway and stop at the thundering Athabasca Falls. Continuing on toward Banff, enjoy another peak experience as you step out at Bow Summit, the highest point on the Columbia Icefield, and marvel at the turquoise hue of glacier-fed Peyto Lake below. Arrive in the welcoming community of Banff. -
Banff Sightseeing and Free Time
This morning, perhaps enjoy an optional helicopter flight over the majestic Rockies. Later, immerse yourself in the glories of Banff, including the viewpoint of Surprise Corner, spectacular Bow Falls and the wind-shaped rock formations known as the hoodoos. After some free time, you'll be greeted by your hosts for the evening, the Guinn family, who welcome you to their ranch for a special Be My Guest Farewell Dinner. Hop-on a horse drawn hayride and set out on a scenic trail surrounding the ranch. Afterward, the aroma of a sizzling barbecue will whet your appetite as a delicious meal of Alberta beef is being prepared. After dinner, enjoy a private lesson in the traditional country western style of line-dancing. -
Banff – Depart Calgary
This morning, descend from the Canadian Rockies and arrive in Calgary. A transfer is provided to Calgary International Airport or the Delta Calgary Downtown for guests extending their stay.
30 Day Refund Guarantee
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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 full breakfasts, 6 dinners.
Included Highlights
Hidden Treasure
- Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure.
Be My Guest
- Enjoy a Farewell Dinner barbecue with line dancing on a Banff Ranch.
Authentic Accommodations
- Stay at Deer Lake Lodge and The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.
Local Specialist
- hearing about the North West Mounted Police, learning about buffalo hunting and at a wildlife interactive presentation in Jasper.
Sightseeing Highlights
- City tour in Calgary
- Visit Waterton Lakes, Lake Louise and Moraine Lake and the Glacier Skywalk over the Sunwapta Valley
- Cruise upon Waterton and Maligne Lake
- Scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway and Red Jammers excursion along the Going-to-the-Sun Highway
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Definite Departure
| Depart Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 Jun 18 | 23 Jun 18 |
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$3,675$3,308pp | Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 21 Jun 18 | 30 Jun 18 |
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$3,675$3,308pp | Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 28 Jun 18 | 7 Jul 18 |
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$3,675$3,308pp | Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 26 Jul 18 | 4 Aug 18 |
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$3,595$3,236pp | Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 2 Aug 18 | 11 Aug 18 |
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$3,595$3,236pp | Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 9 Aug 18 | 18 Aug 18 |
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$3,595$3,236pp | Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 16 Aug 18 | 25 Aug 18 | $3,595$3,236pp | Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 6 Sep 18 | 15 Sep 18 |
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$3,595$3,236pp | Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 18 Sep 18 | 27 Sep 18 |
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$3,595$3,236pp | Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 19 Sep 18 | 28 Sep 18 | $3,595$3,236pp | Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 | Call 1-877-622-9109 | |||
| 20 Sep 18 | 29 Sep 18 | $3,595pp | Request Quote Book Now |
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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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 48 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.
Reviews
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.
Banff
Explore the Rockies Tour 20 min
Adult Price: $195.00 | Child Price: $195.00
Blades humming, the helicopter from Rockies Heli Canada rises up from the Kananaskis Base and soars away over the valley, crossing snow-capped mountains, rivers, and lakes. Rising to 9,500 feet, gaze upon all of these breathtaking panoramic views as you glide smoothly by on the Explore the Rockies tour. The tour is long enough to get beyond the face of the Rockies and “behind” the peaks. This exciting option typically will provide the excitement of flying through or over a mountain pass with frequent sightings of Big Horn Sheep and occasionally herds of Elk. Subject to weather permitting.
Banff
Grand Rockies Tour 30 mins
Adult Price: $325.00 | Child Price: $325.00
The thrill of flight and the breathtaking scenery of the Canadian Rockies as seen from an eagle's perspective - the Grand Rocky Mountain Tour is Rockie Heli's most popular flight from our RHT-K base, the tour will introduce you to the spectacular scenery of the Spray Lakes Valley, the Iconic Three Sisters Mountains of Canmore as well as stunning Lake Minnewanka in Banff National Park. Subject to weather permitting.
Banff
Summit Helicopter Tour, 12 mins
Adult Price: $135.00 | Child Price: $135.00
The Summit Tour will provide you with you first glimpse into the spectacular Rocky Mountains. Flying up to 7,000 ft. (2,300 m) above sea level, this tour will give you a taste of beautiful Kananaskis Country and the glorious peaks of the Rocky Mountains. Subject to weather condition.
Jasper
Jasper Float Trip
Adult Price: $73.00 | Child Price: $30.00
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, 7 meter / 25 foot 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.
Banff
Brewster Banff Gondola
Adult Price: $49.00 | Child Price: $25.00
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.
