Spectacular Rockies and Glaciers of Alberta with Rocky Mountaineer Option, Classic Group

After your arrival at Calgary Airport, your stay at a historic mountain resort in Banff awaits. Built in the distinctive Canadian Château style, it is one of the earliest examples of the country’s grand railway hotels. Tonight, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner.

Connect with nature as you join this memorable MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a First Nations Cree Iroquois Local Expert. Here you'll discover First Nations culture, such as how plants and animals like bears hold great significance. This authentic dive into the First Nations Cree community is not only enlightening but also helps assure the sustainability of the community and culture. Later, embark on a guided walk in the Boreal Forest and discover the Indigenous world of plant medicines. Learn about the historical and modern day uses of plants and listen to fascinating stories about the First Nations. The afternoon is yours to explore Banff at your leisure or book into an enjoyable optional experience.

Explore Lake Louise with Insight Choice. Choose a journey on the sightseeing gondola and look out for local wildlife as you enjoy a self-guided hike surrounded by panoramic views. Alternatively, join your Travel Director for a relaxed stroll along iconic Lake Louise and put paint to canvas to create your own masterpiece. Indulge in a delicious lunch at Chateau Lake Louise, a national treasure and historical landmark before returning to Banff and enjoying the rest of your day at leisure.

Start your day with a visit to the glacier-fed Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Take a moment to absorb the view of the stunning turquoise lake hidden among steep mountains, waterfalls, and rock piles. Your journey continues through the Icefields Parkway, one of the most beautiful drives on the planet. Admire the dramatic scenery of the Rockies with plenty of photo opportunities. Later, a warm welcome greets you at the country’s first and only glacier-view resort. Before dinner, take advantage of the long daylight hours and set out for a private, after-hours visit to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, a glass-floored walkway above the Sunwapta Valley. After your exclusive Skywalk visit, indulge in a delicious, Canadian inspired, locally sourced dinner, sip cocktails and marvel at the spectacular glacier views that wrap the restaurant. Once night falls, step out on your hotels viewing deck and take the opportunity to stargaze undisturbed by light pollution or relax with a drink at the library, or hang out inside the Moraine Lounge with games and live entertainment.

Before other travellers arrive, venture onto the Athabasca Glacier in a massive Ice Explorer for your special, before-hours visit. Join your Local Expert and walk on the frozen flow of ice. Discover the beauty and immensity of the glacier as you learn about the history and geology of the region. Continue along the magnificent Icefields Parkway and arrive at Jasper National Park with its soothing mineral hot springs, colourful meadows and majestic mountains.

Enjoy a relaxed start this morning or join the fun and experience an optional 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. Don’t worry the guides do all the rowing; you sit back and enjoy while exploring all the spectacular scenery. There is always a chance of seeing various wildlife including elk, deer, moose, coyotes, wolves, eagles, ospreys, mountain sheep and bears. For a more heart-pumping morning, join an optional Class II rapids trip. Join your Travel Director on an informative walk on the Maligne Canyon, the deepest gorge in Jasper National Park. As you tour across the crystal waters of magical Maligne Lake, fed by the glaciers of Jasper National Park and glide past the jagged mountain peaks you'll discover why it's been declared the "Best Boat Cruise in Canada.”

Enjoy a relaxed start this morning followed by a scenic drive down to Kananaskis, often kept as a secret mountain sanctuary for locals, away from the masses that visit neighboring Banff National Park. Enjoy the afternoon to yourself to discover the local trails surrounding your upscale hotel nestled in the wilderness, or head to the Nordic Spa located steps away from the lodge.Tonight, come together with your fellow travellers for a festive Celebration Dinner and toast to your wonderful trip in the Canadian Rockies.

In the morning you will be transferred to Banff from Kananaskis to board the Rocky Mountaineer. Your journey starts Westward through the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. With more than three decades of fine tuning, Rocky Mountaineer has perfected the art of comfort and service. Whether you choose SilverLeaf Service or GoldLeaf Service, prepare for spectacular views and flavourful food—a celebration for the senses. Aboard Rocky Mountaineer, every element is carefully choreographed to create an effortless, unforgettable experience.  You will see a spectacular array of scenery as you travel across ranchlands, along rocky lakeshores, over high mountain passes and through the remarkable tunnels that form part of the rich rail history of the Canadian Rockies. Today's highlights include Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, the climb over Rogers Pass, Kicking Horse Canyon, the Spiral Tunnels and, of course, the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Overnight in Kamloops.

Depart Kamloops this morning and continue your journey on the Rocky Mountaineer to the coastal city of Vancouver, in the heart of British Columbia's interior. As you travel along you will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the British Columbia interior, the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley, and forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River. On arrival in Vancouver you will bid farewell to this incredible experience and make your way to the airport independently for your flight home, or alternatively choose to extend your stay in this exciting city. The train will arrive Vancouver between 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm.