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!

Good Morning! It’s your first day in the Canadian Rockies and today is going to be wonderful! Take some time and get acquainted with your surroundings. 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, it’s time for high tea at the Fairmont Banff Springs. The hotel has been serving Afternoon Tea for over 130 years as Anna, Duchess of Bedford, intended it to be when she first invited her guests for tea and scones. This activity is an enjoyable experience even for those non-tea drinkers. 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 we have an Iconic activity, the Lake Minnewanka boat cruise! You will head out on the turquoise water of Banff’s largest lake, Lake Minnewanka. Surrounded on all sides by enormous, towering mountain peaks, your boat tour will include an interpretive guide who will share the history, geology, animals, park policies and native involvement in the area. From the boat, you can discover deer, moose, big horn sheep, American bald eagles, ospreys, and even bears. Following the trip, enjoy the views a little longer by snagging a picnic table or grabbing a snack from the cafe and relax by the water. On the way back towards town, plan to take a short drive up Mt. Norquay road for terrific photo opportunity of Mt. Rundle across the valley. 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. The most spectacular images of Lake Louise are taken across the valley from the adjacent slopes. You will travel up to the Lake Louise ski resort and take a ride on the gondola that will give you a chance to capture your own brilliant images. A short walk away is Whitehorn lodge with a tasty bistro snack and a huge deck overlooking the valley and pristine vistas that surround you. It’s now time to descend and head to Moraine Lake for the views that adorned our $20 bill for years. Situated in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, the lakes has a very distinctive shade of azure blue which it receives its unique colour due to the refraction of light off the rock flour deposited in the lake on a continual basis by surrounding glaciers. Naturally, you will top off the day with a stop at the shore of Lake Louise itself. 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. Fill your water bottle with fresh water before heading to the Skywalk portion of the tour where you will stride boldly across a glass-floored lookout where giant glaciers perch above you and the spectacular Sunwapta Valley spreads out below. 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. Take a short drive up to Pyramid Lake to enjoy your morning coffee, or check out the Jasper townsite and visit the many local shops and eateries. 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 prepare to embark on an informative evening 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.

Rise and shine! 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 Edith Lake, Athabasca Falls, Maligne Lake or the 360 degree view of the towering mountains and valley below 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.