Itinerary Details
Glacier National Park & The Canadian Rockies
Day 1: ARRIVE IN CALGARY, ALBERTA Welcome to Calgary! At 6:00 p.m., meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.
Day 2: CALGARY–HEAD-SMASHED-IN BUFFALO JUMP–WATERTON LAKES NATIONAL PARK Native Traditions Before departing Calgary, enjoy an orientation tour of the city’s highlights. Travel south along the Macleod Trail. Tour Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a local First Nations guide. Discover the longtime relationship between the First Nations culture and the vast herds of American bison that roamed the plains of southwest Alberta. Then on to scenic Waterton Lakes National Park with a photo stop at Cameron Falls. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Explore the remains of marked trails and an ancient burial mound where vast quantities of American bison skeletons can still be found at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump - evidence of a custom used by the Plains People. Using their excellent knowledge of the topography and of buffalo behavior, they skillfully chased the bison over a precipice to quickly kill their main source of sustenance, clothing, and products. As part of Globus family of brands Lighthouse Project, this historic site is one example of our commitment to supporting the people and places we share with you.
Day 3: WATERTON LAKES NATIONAL PARK–GLACIER NATIONAL PARK, MONTANA–GOING-TO-THE-SUN ROAD–WHITEFISH, MONTANA Peak Perfection Enter Montana through Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and behold the awesome snow-capped peaks of Glacier National Park in Montana. Next, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant featuring a seasonal [LF] huckleberry treat. Take a scenic ride on the Red Jammer Bus on spectacular Going-to-the-Sun Road. (B,L)
LOCAL FAVORITE
Each summer and fall, the aptly named Huckleberry Mountain bursts forth with a purple bounty of berries for which it is named. These huckleberries are a favorite of bears who live in Glacier National Park, but you can enjoy the sweet rewards of summer with a traditional huckleberry dessert with lunch at a local restaurant!
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
A highlight of your visit to Glacier National Park awaits you as you board the famous vintage Red Jammer bus that will take you along one of North America’s most spectacular highways: Going-to-the-Sun Road. After crossing the 6,646-foot-high Logan Pass, you’ll enter a geographical wonderland of alpine scenery where jagged mountain peaks dominate the landscape.
Day 4: WHITEFISH–KOOTENAY NATIONAL PARK, BRITISH COLUMBIA– BANFF, ALBERTALife in the Wild West Return to Canada this morning, with a stop in British Columbia before crossing into Alberta. Drive through the steep red cliffs of Sinclair Canyon and Kootenay National Park enroute to Banff National Park, the heart of the Canadian Rockies. The evening is free to enjoy the lively alpine village filled with restaurants, shops, galleries, and dramatic mountains in the scenic background. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Get ready for a spectacular adventure to explore the beauty of Rocky Mountain peaks and turquoise glacial lakes in Banff National Park, part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site. Established as Canada’s first national park in 1885, Banff traces its origins to the discovery of the Cave and Basin hot springs by Canadian Pacific Railway workers, an event that helped launch Canada's national park system plus Rocky Mountain tourism and conservation.
Day 5: BANFF NATIONAL PARKSpend Your Day Your Way in Banff This morning, sightseeing includes a stop at the beautiful Bow Falls.
Explore more of Banff with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions.
SADDLE UP!
Explore the Banff and Bow Valley area on horseback during a one-hour guided trail ride. Ride along the tranquil Bow River, where thick marshes and grassy meadows are home to a wealth of wildlife. Note: No riding experience necessary; closed-toe shoes and long pants are required to ride.
PEAK PERSPECTIVES
Soar to the summit of Sulpher Mountain aboard the Banff Gondola and take in breathtaking panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies. At the top, explore the interactive exhibits while taking in one of Banff's most scenic landscapes. This unforgettable experience offers the perfect blend of adventure, scenery, and alpine charm.
The balance of the day is at leisure. Consider an optional helicopter flightseeing trip for unsurpassed views of the Rockies, a visit to the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, cruise on Lake Minnewanka or wander in the downtown area for local shops and culinary delights. (B)
Day 6:
BANFF–LAKE LOUISE–JASPERRocky Mountain Majesty Follow breathtaking Icefields Parkway today and head for Jasper National Park. One highlight of your vacation: a visit to the famous Lake Louise. Then, climb to Sunwapta Pass to savor stunning vistas of alpine meadows, waterfalls, and glacier masses. There’s time this afternoon for an optional float trip down the historic Athabasca River or enjoy free time to explore Jasper National Park. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Lake Louise is world famous for its turquoise lake in the setting of Victoria Glacier, with a soaring mountain backdrop, palatial Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise hotel, and jaw-dropping sights in the Canadian Rockies. The spectacular beauty of Lake Louise is a rare treasure and bucket list experience!Day 7:
JASPER. EXCURSION TO MALIGNE LAKESpectacular Jasper Leisurely start today with free time this morning to discover Jasper National Park and explore the mountain-town charm of downtown Jasper. Consider a hike, canoe outing, or stroll downtown while admiring the rugged mountain peaks in the background. Later, journey to Maligne Lake for a [LF] narrated cruise of the glacial lake and Spirit Island. Enjoy a lakeside dinner with incredible views and local fare including famous Alberta beef. As night falls, Jasper’s pristine wilderness transforms into a spectacular celestial theatre. Far from city lights, gaze upward at a brilliant canopy of stars, an unforgettable way to experience the Canadian Rockies after sunset. (B,D)
LOCAL FAVORITE
A cruise to Spirit Island on the turquoise waters of Maligne Lake is a spectacular sight and one of the most photographed locations in the world. An open forest of lodgepole pine and spruce surrounds the north end of the lake, providing habitat for moose, Harlequin Ducks, and a diverse array of other wildlife.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Spanning nearly 4,250 square miles of spectacular natural beauty, Jasper is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. Its vast wilderness, majestic peaks, abundant wildlife, and remarkable panoramic sights are complemented by some of the finest stargazing opportunities in the Canadian Rockies.
Day 8:
JASPER–COLUMBIA ICEFIELD–CALGARYGeologic Gems This morning, visit Athabasca Falls and then retrace the route south along Icefields Parkway. Stop at the Columbia Icefield for a memorable ride aboard an Ice Explorer. Continue to Calgary, where your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner—a perfect ending to your vacation. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Travel across the Athabasca Glacier aboard the all-terrain Ice Explorer and walk on the surface where the Earth’s geology is changing beneath your feet. Visit the Glacier Discovery Centre and feel the force of nature’s strength on an ancient glacier that still carves the face of the Rocky Mountains today.
Day 9:
CALGARYHappy trails until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
