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. If you ‘re hungry and looking to grab a hearty meal, then we recommend you visit the Saltlik Banff. This classic steakhouse has certified Angus Beef PRIME Steak that is graded the top 2% of all steaks in North America and has a menu that goes beyond that. From succulent seafood to rustic homemade pasta and season-inspired desserts, their team do it all, and they do it all well. Complete your experience with their sommelier-curated wine list and handcrafted cocktails.

This is your last day in the Rockies, so it can be anything that you want. Visit the sites of Peyto and Bow Lakes, the explore surrounding trails on foot or see the neighbouring town of Canmore. If you are making your way back to Calgary, consider taking a secondary route on Highway 1A along the Bow Valley Trail towards Cochrane. It’s a scenic road that runs parallel to the Trans Canada Highway with a slower speed limit, several points of interest and it offers opportunities to see wildlife in the Alberta foothills.