DAY 1 Calgary
Welcome to Calgary, in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies. We wish you a great vacation in the land of lakes and rivers!
DAY 2 Calgary to Waterton (256 km / 02h42)
And let your Canadian road trip adventure begin! Your first destination is Waterton Lakes National Park, where the Prairies meet the peaks of the Rocky Mountains. Discover some natural wonders, such as a canyon and cascades. Pay a visit to the lakeside village of Waterton, which will charm you with its quaint mountain village feel. Here you will find a historic hotel constructed in 1927 and the departure point for a variety of hiking trails and water activities.
DAY 3 Waterton
Spend an enjoyable day exploring this National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site with its magnificent scenery and abundant and diverse flora and fauna. No other national park in Canada protects so much wildlife within such a small area. Waterton Lakes National Park is home to more than 250 species of birds, 60 species of mammals, 24 species of fish and 10 species of reptiles and amphibians!
DAY 4 Waterton to Helena (427 km / 04h28)
Helena is a popular stopover for anyone wanting to visit Yellowstone and Glacier national parks. It is also the capital city of the state of Montana. Take a walk around downtown Helena and learn about the city’s fascinating gold rush history with the discovery of gold and gemstones during the 19th century. If you’d like to try your hand at panning for gold, you can do some prospecting along the Missouri River… but don’t be surprised if you end up with wet feet and empty hands! Or pay a visit to Spokane Bar Sapphire Mine, the city’s ultimate tourist destination.
DAY 5 Helena to Yellowstone (287 km / 03h01)
This morning you head south to the spectacular Yellowstone National Park. While this park is best known for its colourful hot springs, powerful geysers and impressive canyon, it is also an important wildlife reserve.
DAY 6 Yellowstone
Try to get up early to experience the dawn light over Yellowstone Lake: a truly magical moment! Yellowstone National Park abounds in wildlife, and sightings are extremely common, much to the delight of young and old alike. Keep your camera close at hand! Your day will be spent exploring Canyon Village. Upper Falls and Lower Falls are simply majestic. Be sure to visit Artist Point for some spectacular photos! The adventurous at heart will enjoy a hike up Mount Washburn. Its summit offers stunning panoramic views of the national park, all the way to the distant peaks of Grand Teton National Park. A former weather station lookout tower provides shelter from the wind.
DAY 7 Yellowstone
We’ve kept the best for last! The iconic symbol of this park is certainly the geyser, and with its regular eruptions, Old Faithful will not disappoint! Don’t miss Upper Geyser Basin and Biscuit Basin for the chance to see a range of different geysers of various sizes, shapes and colours. You can also take the short hike to Fairy Falls for a spectacular view of the Grand Prismatic Spring! On your way back to your accommodation near the West Entrance, you will have the chance to discover the Madison area with its lovely Gibbon River and Gibbon Falls.
DAY 8 Yellowstone to Missoula (431 km / 04h10)
Despite being considered a stopover, Missoula is a popular destination in and of itself with its vibrant cultural heritage and lovely natural setting. Discover the charm of this 19th-century town with its historic buildings and variety of shops, art galleries, museums and boutiques. Several enjoyable hikes are easily accessible from each of our accommodation options.
DAY 9 Missoula to Glacier (183 km / 02h11)
After a good night’s sleep, you set out to visit one last American national park before heading north of the border for more of the great Canadian outdoors. Glacier National Park is easily visited by car. One highlight not to be missed during your visit is Going-to-the-Sun Road. The best time to go is when the road is fully open, typically from mid-June to mid-September. It takes at least 2 hours to drive the 50 miles of this spectacular mountain road. The park has many hiking trails offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the park’s 25 glaciers. Trail of the Cedars is a short and easy hike for children and is wheelchair accessible. Hidden Lake Overlook trail (a 3-mile loop) provides opportunities for observing wild animals in their natural habitat.
DAY 10 Glacier to Banff (481 km / 05h20)
Your next destination is Banff. At an elevation of 1380 metres, this small resort town is known for its superb alpine setting. Don’t miss a relaxing visit to the Cave and Basin Hot Springs. After all, you are on holiday!
DAY 11 Banff
Today you will enjoy a hike on Sulphur Mountain. The mountain trails will take you up through picture-postcard landscapes, and the summit provides a stunning view across the entire region. A gondola also goes up to the summit. Do some shopping in the famous town of Banff, whose streets are lined with an assortment of interesting boutiques.
DAY 12 Banff to Jasper (292 km / 03h36)
This morning you set out for Jasper. Your first stop is the spectacular Lake Louise, whose shimmering turquoise green waters will leave you speechless. Next you tackle the Icefields Parkway, one of the most beautiful roads in the world. For families with children or visitors looking for a less strenuous activity, the Peyto Lake trail offers an easy 15-minute walk to spectacular vistas. Be sure to stop off at Athabasca Glacier. Before reaching the charming town of Jasper, the Sunwapta Falls and Canyon propose a typical example of the geological formation known as a ”hanging valley”.
DAY 13 Jasper
You have an entire day to spend in Jasper National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site. Visit its most beautiful attractions, including the picturesque Maligne Lake and Spirit Island, the most photographed island in the world. Take a hike along the spectacular trails of Maligne Canyon and Mount Edith Cavell. For families with children or visitors looking for a less strenuous activity, the Peyto Lake trail offers an easy 15-minute walk to spectacular vistas.
DAY 14 Jasper to Lake Louise (236 km / 03h01)
The adventure continues with Lake Louise, the “Jewel of Canada”. The spectacular scenery and icy blue green waters of this magnificent glacial lake will leave you speechless; it’s easy to see why this is one of the most famous sights in the Canadian Rockies!
DAY 15 Lake Louise to Calgary (189 km / 01h58)
Enjoy the last moments of your western Canada/USA vacation, before heading to the Calgary airport for your flight home. It’s time to say goodbye to the land of lakes and rivers, your hearts filled with beautiful memories that will last a lifetime!