From Calgary, head west to the one and only Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary. This tour takes you inside their Engadine enclosure into a viewing platform with one of their guides. Enjoy the opportunity to learn all about the Sanctuary and get an introduction to what wolfdogs are all about through their 30-minute presentation. This is a great way to photograph one of their packs of wolfdogs as well as having full access to your very own wolfdog expert. Depart the Sanctuary and make the scenic 90 minute drive to Banff. Overnight at the Canalta Lodge, your majestic back-country home for the next few nights!

Rise and shine! Get out early to embark on a 2.8km hike to the very popular Johnston Canyon’s Upper Falls. Here you can take a light hike through a deep mountain canyon with many beautiful waterfalls along the way. In the afternoon, venture around the legendary mountain town of Banff and check out the shops, boutiques and restaurants. This evening, you will take the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain for an extraordinary sunset dinner. Experience a world of beauty at the summit with epic views of six stunning mountain ranges and the sweep of the Bow Valley.

Today, you get to explore the stunning wilderness on a two-hour horseback journey. As you pass natural hot springs and wildlife, you will be surrounded by the beautiful Rocky Mountain scenery while trekking along the Bow River. Experienced lead and tail guides will provide you with basic instruction on how to manage your friendly companion, and teach you a few tricks along the way. Then lace up your shoes and take a light hike along the Cave and Basin Trails. This 3.4 kilometer moderately trafficked loop leads visitors to the site where the Cave and Basin steam vent was originally found. Beyond the vent, you can follow the boardwalk along a river and to two smaller springs bubbling from the mountainside.

Postcard views await you today as you take a drive to see two of Canada’s most iconic Lakes. Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are must-sees when you are in Banff. They are beautifully vibrant and encircled by vast mountains. Be sure to pack a lunch using local goodies and take your time to enjoy the pristine vistas that surround you. Picture Perfect! If you are feeling up for a hike, then take the trail up to the Lake Agnes Tea House 3.6km from the Fairmont Chateau Hotel. Recharge with some specialty tea and homemade baking before heading back.

Say goodbye to Banff as you head north on the scenic Icefields Parkway that parallels the Continental Divide, traversing the rugged landscape of the Canadian Rockies. There are two more iconic Canadian Lakes to be seen. Peyto and Bow Lakes are vibrant, glacially-fed, turquoise beauties easily accessible from the highway. Snap some postcard pics and keep on rolling; the next stop is breathtaking. About an hour later, you’ll arrive at the foot of the extraordinary Athabasca Glacier. Here you will delve far into unique ice formations on a 4-hour guided hike and view some spectacular ice carved landscapes and other alpine glaciers. Depart the glacier and make your way to the town of Jasper to overnight at the Chateau Jasper.

Today you have time to leisurely explore the beautiful town of Jasper. The Rocky Mountains are home to some spectacularly diverse wildlife and while in Jasper, you are bound to see lots of it. Charge your camera batteries or your phone and get ready to embark on an informative wildlife tour to seek out the regions furry original inhabitants. Bear, moose, elk, deer, mountain goats, and big horned sheep are just a sample of the many animals that roam this area. In the evening, make the short drive up to Pyramid Lake for some golden hour sunset photos.

Back at it with more thrilling adventures today! The day begins with an exhilarating Class 2 whitewater rafting experience. (Class 3 available if you’re ambitious). Fun splashes and scenic vistas along the Athabasca River will be an hour you’ll never forget. Next up, Maligne Canyon. This afternoon you hike through the Rockies deepest Canyon; complete with spectacular rock formations and flowing waterfalls. Whether you’re a bird spotter, plant seeker or waterfall watcher, the canyon is rich with diversity to catch the eye of any nature lover. It’s a must-see and only a short drive from town.

This is your last full day in the Rockies, so it can be anything that you want. Visit the sites of Pyramid Lake, Athabasca Falls, Maligne Lake or the view from Old Fort Point. If you are making your way back to Calgary, consider heading back down Hwy 93 taking in all the favourites again, or stopping to take in the spots missed on the way up. Overnight options can be in Jasper, Banff or Edmonton.

If you stayed in the mountains for the night, its time to pack up the vehicle and depart. If you are heading towards Edmonton or Calgary, enjoy the drive and stop off at some of the small towns along the way to explore the little places on route to Alberta’s biggest cities.