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Iconic Banff

Tour Description

Duration

Date

Price per Adult

Start Building

Inclusions

  • Entrance to Wolfdog Sanctuary
  • High Tea at Banff Springs Hotel
  • Banff Gondola ride
  • Lake Minnewanka Boat Cruise
  • Various sightseeing opportunities
  • 4 nights accommodation in Banff
  • All Taxes

Top Sites

  • Townsites: Banff
  • Lakes: Minnewanka, Louise, Moraine
  • Mountains: Sulphur, Norquay, Rundle, Louise
  • Johnston Canyon
  • Bow Valley
  • Cave and Basin

Accommodation

  • Canalta Lodge Banff

Postcard Views

Suggested Itinerary

  • Day 1: Travel to Banff

    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!
    Enjoy a delicious meal at the award-winning Park Distillery in Banff. Their water originates at six glaciers high in the Rocky Mountains and gains minerality as it travels across rich limestone deposits.

    (additional charge)

    Upgrade your Wolfdog experience to the Interactive Tour of the Sanctuary and come face to face with the animals. Or you can upgrade your accommodations at the Canalta Lodge in Banff to include a king size bed or a room with a balcony. Optional: If you arrived in Calgary, add a night or two in Alberta’s largest city before or after your trip. You can visit Calgary Olympic Park, Calgary Tower, the Calgary Zoo or go in search of the many outdoor art installations. If you have time, you can enjoy 17th Ave and the many interesting restaurants, pubs and local shopping sites. Option to include accommodations in Calgary the night before.
    Yamnuska-Wolfdog-Sanctuary
  • Day 2: Wake Up in Banff

    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.
    If you’re up for it, hike beyond Johnston Canyon’s upper falls for another 3.1km to the Ink Pots – seven cold mineral springs bubbling to the surface in the open meadows that can be slightly different colours depending on the time of year.

    (additional charge)

    Want to so some sightseeing in style? Climb on board a vintage-inspired vehicle that has the look and feel of the 1930s—including a fully-open roof and a guide in period costume.
  • Day 3: Cruise the Mountains

    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.
    If you’re driving up to Lake Minnewanka, please arrive at least two hours prior to your cruise time to ensure you find a parking spot and have time to explore the area from the shore.

    (additional charge)

    Visit the Cave and Basin National Historic Site of Canada. This is the site of natural thermal mineral springs around which Canada’s first national park (Banff National Park) was established. View the natural hot spring cave which was first explored in 1883 and the exhibits which share its interesting past.
    Lake Minnewanka-Banff-boat cruise
  • Day 4: Pure Canadiana, Lake Louise & Moraine Lake

    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.
    In the warmer months, these places tend to get busy with tourists. Parking at these destinations is often full by early morning and remains full throughout the day in peak season. Park your car and ride Roam Transit to Lake Louise, or reserve a seat in advance on a Parks Canada shuttle and leave your car at the at the Park and Ride.

    (additional charge)

    While at Lake Louise or Moraine Lake, venture out onto the water to enjoy a peaceful canoe/kayak experience on your choice of one of the lakes.
    Moraine Lake-Banff-Canoeing
  • Day 5: Head Home

    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.
    Wherever you travel, stop along the way to enjoy the view.

    (additional charge)

    There are numerous add on’s that you can partake in on your last day: Take a dip in the Upper Hot Springs, rent a mountain bike for trail riding, go golfing, canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding, caving, visit a Nordic Spa or participate in a food tour. Optional: If you leaving out of Calgary you can stop by Calgary Olympic Park to see whats happening there. If you have time, you can enjoy 17th Ave and the many interesting restaurants, pubs and local shopping sites. Option to include accommodations in Calgary.
    Travel Alberta-Roadtrip-Drive-Alberta Rockies

Book Now!

Start your booking below to secure your trip at this rate! You will be able choose from available options at the time of booking.

Have Questions?

Still unsure of something? Give us a call or visit our FAQ’s page for a list of common questions. You can always email us too!

Price Details

Prices are per person, based on double occupancy (assuming 2 adults in the room)

The inclusions are listed above.

Our prices include hotel taxes and GST!

What else you Might need

Below is a list of common things you might need to purchase for your tour at an extra cost. (not included)

  • National Park Entry Fees
  • Meals & Gratuity
  • Transportation / Flights
  • Parking Fees
  • Travel Insurance

Cancellation Terms

We understand that plans can change. If you need to make an adjustment, you can do so without any change fees up to three days prior to the departure date (based on availability). With our flexible cancellation policy, you can cancel your tour 72 hours prior to the travel day. See our full Terms & Conditions page for details.

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Something Not Perfect?

That’s ok. We can customize any part of this tour so that it suits you perfectly.

Leisure

Leisure activities are the least physically demanding and are accessible to almost everyone. You should be able to stand and walk in short bursts. Examples: Sightseeing, nature walks, golfing, food tours. 

Active

A step up from easy. For those looking to do something more exciting and get their heart rate elevated. Examples: Skiing, hiking, canoeing, skating. 

Challenging

Difficult yet rewarding activities. You should be in great physical shape to participate in these activities. Examples: Rock climbing, heli-skiing, whitewater rafting, diving.