Day 1 - Arrive Calgary / Transfer to Lake Louise
Welcome to Calgary and the Province of Alberta! Once you have cleared the airport customs and immigration you will be met by your driver and shown to your private luxury motorcoach. Elegant and luxurious travel didn't go out with the Orient Express! In fact it is better and more accessible, with luxury motor coaches that have the capacities of accommodating up to 16-20 passengers. From the outside the coach demands attention for its unique design and appeal. On the inside you will find the very definition of elegance and excitement. From the fine wood cabinetry, leather seating, marble counter tops to the latest in communications and audio visual technology, you will relax in the knowledge that all your needs are looked after. The coach has a full kitchenette and bar with fridge and freezer as well as the most comfortable on board washrooms on the road.
Depart Calgary and in no time you will be traveling west through the foothills towards the Canadian Rockies. Soon they appear on the horizon, a looming and magnificent presence. The gates of Banff National Park herald your entrance. You will pass by the alpine resort of Banff and journey along the Bow Valley River until you reach the resort village of Lake Louise. Four km (2.5 mi) above the village is the lake itself, dominated by the majestic Victoria Glacier and the world famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, your accommodation for the night.
Luxury: Overnight Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise - Fairmont Gold Lakeview (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 2 - Mountains, Lakes & Waterfalls Private Tour / Dinner at the Post Hotel
This morning is at leisure to explore Lake. This afternoon, your driver will takes you across the Great Divide into Yoho National Park. In the scenic Yoho Valley visit the second highest waterfall in Canada - Takakkaw Falls, magical Lake O'Hara, the mysterious Natural Bridge, the historic Burgess Shale or the incredible Spiral Tunnels.
This evening transfer to the Post Hotel for a gourmet dining experience. Gourmet Magazine lists the Post Hotel as the 3rd Best Rustic Retreat in the World! The Post Hotel offers renowned fine dining and an award winning wine cellar. Among a setting of character rich Canadian pine and close to the warm glow of the grand fieldstone fireplace, you will savour the exquisite talents of the Post's international cooking team, led by European-trained Executive Chef Hans Sauter.
Luxury: Overnight Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise - Fairmont Gold Lakeview (includes deluxe continental breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres)
Day 3 - Lake Louise to Jasper Private Tour / Helicopter Tour with Deluxe Buffet BBQ Lunch
Today your driver will take you for a personal tour along the Columbia Icefields Parkway to Jasper. Along the way take a break and enjoy the unique and exhilarating helicopter sightseeing flight over the Wilson Icefield. This spectacular flight will allow you to discover not only 6 glaciers but also the Wilson Icefield where you will be able to see down into the many crevasses of the deep blue crowfoot at its base. From above the Wilson Icefield, at 10,500 feet, you will view glaciers and icefields as far as the eye can see! Your pilot will make a landing and you will have time to go for a leisurely walk with your pilot in the high alpine. A walk never to be forgotten! Enjoy a mountaintop BBQ Lunch in the high alpine.
The BBQ Lunch includes full table service including an appetizer, a tossed green salad, then an 8 oz Rib eye steak with baked potatoes, asparagus vegetable, corn-on-the-cob, and a bumbleberry fruit pie dessert with whipped cream. Picnic table will be prepared with white table cloths and cloth serviettes, the place settings will be all glassware and silverware. Nothing beats eating out in the fresh air complete with chef, tents and fixings to make your special occasion enjoyable. After your flight, your journey through this spectacular valley will continue northward to the resort town of Jasper. Tonight your accommodation in is the luxurious Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.
Luxury: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Lakefront Suite
Day 4 - Jasper & Area Private Tour including Maligne Lake Cruise
Your relaxing morning starts with some private touring of some of the most spectacular areas in Jasper National Park. Stop at Maligne Canyon where 10,000 years of erosion have created a 165-foot deep gorge. Here you will set off on a short walk to marvel at the Maligne River as it thunders through the canyon in a series of waterfalls. From the canyon, continue to the "mysteriously" disappearing Medicine Lake and then to spectacular Maligne Lake for a 90 minute interpretive boat cruise bound for the world renowned Spirit Island. Have your cameras ready as both areas are rich in wildlife and scenery. Next, travel past the rugged peaks of the Athabasca Valley towards Whistlers Mountain and the Jasper Tramway. This is the longest and highest aerial tramway in the Rockies and the ride up to the summit is breathtaking. Once at the upper terminal take in incredible panoramic views of Jasper National Park or enjoy a short hike on one of the alpine trails.
End your day with a gentle raft/float trip on the Athabasca River for a unique perspective of Jasper National Park. The 16-kilometre, 2 ½ hour raft trip passes through many small sets of rapids and calm stretches, which allows your National Park licensed guide to point out the natural and human history of Jasper. The Athabasca River is the same route that was used by the fur traders many years ago. The specially designed rafts offer a safe, comfortable ride that any first time rafter will enjoy and each year safely carry thousands of rafters ranging in age from toddlers to senior citizens.
Luxury: Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Lakefront Suite
Day 5 - Jasper to Banff Private Tour / Dinner at Le Beaujolais
Another exhilarating day awaits! Your driver will return you to Banff via the Icefields Parkway, the heart of the Canadian Rockies. You will be inspired by rushing waterfalls, crystal-clear rivers, emerald lakes, alpine meadows and snow-capped peaks that create an ever-changing montage of mountain wilderness. Travel along the Icefields Parkway takes you through Jasper and Banff National Parks. Included in your package is the Ice Age Adventure, a tour onto the icy slopes of the Athabasca Glacier. You will travel in a specially designed Ice Explorer to the middle of the glacier, on a 5-kilometre round- trip journey. Your driver-guide will explain how glaciers are formed and point out interesting geological features as you travel in comfort and safety. The trip affords many opportunities to see mountain wildlife and photograph the spectacular views. From the Columbia Icefields, your journey continues southward until you reach the Trans Canada Highway 1 and journey eastwards to the resort town on Banff. Tonight the castle-like Fairmont Banff Springs hotel beckons you to stay.
This evening dine at Le Beaujolais, an impressive upscale restaurant located in the heart of Banff. An extraordinary restaurant, hailed as 'Simply the finest in Banff' by Bon Appetit magazine. Experience the 6-course Surprise Dinner. As the name suggests, six courses at their best created by our Chef-Owner, Albert Moser and his international culinary team. To compliment each course, the Maitre'd Steve Kett is pleased to offer you a wine pairing from wine regions around the world.
Luxury: Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - One Bedroom Suite
Day 6 - Banff & Area Private Tour / Evening Trail Ride & Steak Fry
A personal tour of the Banff area awaits you this morning. Visit the natural attractions of the wind-shaped hoodoos, Surprise Corner along Tunnel Mountain Drive and more. Visit the Banff Gondola, where you will take a spectacular 8-minute gondola ride (included) to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. From this vantage point at the summit, enjoy amazing panoramic views of Banff townsite and the surrounding peaks of the Bow Valley.
In the late afternoon, your driver will transfer you to Warner's Stables. Enjoy a leisurely one-hour trail ride, or covered wagon ride for those that do not want to ride horseback, to the BBQ site located near the Sundance Canyon trail. Try your hand at roping, challenge friends to a game of horseshoes or relax in the picnic area, while your cook prepares your steak to order. After a hearty meal you will ride back to Warner Stables for an hour along the banks of the Bow River.
Luxury: Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - One Bedroom Suite
Day 7 - Banff to Calgary
Your delightful journey in the Rocky Mountains comes to a close as your driver escorts you to the Calgary International Airport for your flight departure home.
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- 6 nights hotel accommodation, any mandatory service charges and room tax
- Exclusive 7-day use of an ultimate luxury motor coach
- Three $250 ($750 Total) In House credit for use at the Fairmont Rockies Hotels
- Dinner at the Post Hotel in Lake Louise including gratuities
- Wilson Icefield helicopter tour includes return helicopter flight, safety guide, BBQ meal, full table service, large tents and outhouse, glassware & glass plates, silverware, cloth table cloths and napkins and gratuities
- Maligne Lake Cruise
- Jasper Tramway ride
- Athabasca Gentle Raft/River Float
- Columbia Icefields 1 1/2 hour Ice Explorer ride
- Sulphur Mountain Gondola ride
- 6-course dinner & wine pairing at Le Beaujolais in Banff including gratuities
- Evening Trail Ride & Steak Fry (can also be done by covered wagon)
- National Park Entrance Fee
- Personalized documentation package
PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Meals not listed as included
- Activities not listed as included
- Transfers not listed as included
- Gratuities not listed as included
- Trip Cancellation Insurance (Insurance can be purchased from your Vacation Specialist, ask for more details)