9-Day Canadian Rockies with Waterton Lakes
Canada
A 9-day journey through the Canadian Rockies from Calgary to Waterton Lakes, Glacier National Park, Banff, Jasper and Lake Louise, with national park lodges, glacier excursions and mountain scenery.
- Dates
- 25 May – 3 June 2025
- Length
- 8 nights
- Walking
- Short scenic walks and boardwalks in national parks; some uneven terrain; coach available at every stop; optional river cruise and raft trip
Highlights
- Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Waterton Lakes National Park with optional shoreline cruise
- Glacier National Park in Montana
- Banff National Park and Sulphur Mountain gondola
- Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier Ice Explorer
- Jasper National Park and Maligne Lake cruise to Spirit Island
- Turquoise waters of Lake Louise
Day by day
Day 1
Depart for Canada
Depart on your flight to Calgary, Alberta's major city and gateway to the Canadian Rockies. Arrive and transfer independently to your hotel. Your tour begins with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM followed by dinner. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 4 PM.
Day 2
Waterton Lakes National Park
Journey south this morning through the prairies of Alberta where the first homesteaders built their homes. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump and learn about the cultural significance this famous cliff had to the people of the Northern Plains. Experience the pioneer way of life at Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village and enjoy a western hospitality lunch. Afterwards, arrive in Waterton Lakes National Park and stop to admire the upper lake with its mountain ranges towering over both sides. Enjoy the rest of the day on your own, or perhaps join the optional Shoreline Cruise on Waterton Lakes.
Day 3
Glacier National Park, Waterton Lakes
Today, cross the border into the US and travel to Glacier National Park in northwestern Montana, where the American and Canadian Rockies meet. The two countries joined these national parks as a symbol of their longtime peace and friendship, officially designated as the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to the hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure in Waterton. Please note: Glacier National Park may be inaccessible in early May and late September due to weather conditions.
Day 4
Kananaskis Valley, Banff National Park
Travel northwest through the Kananaskis Valley, the gateway to the national parks. Stop at the Bar U Ranch National Historic Site to hear about the ranches throughout the foothills of the Rockies, listen to the stories of the ranchers and take time to explore on your own. Continue to Banff for time at leisure.
Day 5
Two Jack Lake, Lake Minnewanka, Gondola to Sulphur Mountain
Explore Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ascend by gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, experiencing panoramic views of six mountain ranges and the village below, then meander along the boardwalk to the observation deck. Continue on a scenic drive to Lake Minnewanka, a glacial lake in the eastern area of Banff, and view freshwater Two Jack Lake en route to cascading Bow Falls. Afterward, return to Banff townsite for an afternoon at leisure.
Day 6
Columbia Ice Explorer
Depart north on the Icefields Parkway and make a stop at glacier-fed Peyto Lake before arriving at the Columbia Icefield Centre. Here, travel on the specially designed Ice Explorer to the centre of Athabasca Glacier and hear about the formation of glaciers and the geological features of the area. You'll be able to step out onto the surface of the powerful ancient ice. Tonight, after dinner, stroll the quaint streets of the town of Jasper.
Day 7
Jasper National Park, Spirit Island
Explore Jasper today, the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. Drive up the valley to see Medicine Lake, which exists only during the summer months when melting glaciers bring water into the valley. Take a cruise around world-famous Spirit Island on Maligne Lake, the heart of Jasper National Park, and see the tranquil blue colour of this glacier-formed lake. Then visit majestic Maligne Canyon to learn about the unique features of this underground system, with time to walk along the canyon's trail and take in breathtaking views of waterfalls and unusual rock formations. In the afternoon, you may join the optional Athabasca River Raft Trip. Please note: due to seasonal and local weather conditions, the order of the itinerary is subject to change and the cruise may be unable to operate at the beginning of the season.
Day 8
Icefield Parkway, Lake Louise
Head south through Jasper National Park and listen to the history and geology of this area as you drive along the iconic Icefield Parkway. Stop for a visit to Lake Louise, known for its sparkling blue waters nestled at the base of glacier-clad peaks. Travel to Calgary for your last night in Canada. Tonight, at dinner, bid farewell to your Tour Manager.
Day 9
Depart Canada
Transfer independently to the airport for your departure flight.