Alberta Dinosaurs, Lakes & Glaciers

Day 1 - Fly to Calgary, transfer to Banff (115 km/72 mi)

Today arrive into Calgary, collect your car hire and make your way to your Banff Hotel. 

Day 2 - Banff Sightseeing

Today we have included Discover Banff & it's Widllife with Gonolda tour. This small group tour is the perfect introduction to Banff and includes some of Banff's most scenic and historically significant highlights such as the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Bow Falls, Surprise Corner Lookout, and Banff's largest lake, Lake Minnewanka. Plus, enjoy hot chocolate or fresh water (depending on the time of year) and maple cookies at one of the scenic stops.

You'll then be transported to the base of Sulphur Mountain and ride the Banff Gondola to the top at 7,486 feet. At the summit, marvel at the unsurpassed view of Banff, the Bow Valley and a 360-degree view of six scenic mountain ranges. You'll feel like you're on top of the world when you are standing on the spacious main level observation deck. After your download on the Banff Gondola, the guide will transport you back to your Banff hotel.

It's a great tour for seeing wildlife, so don't forget your camera!

Day 3 - Explore Banff

Day at leisure to explore and enjoy Banff, speak to your consultant if you wish to add on one of our Banff Experiences. 

Day 4 - Banff to Lake Louise (62 km/38 mi)

Depart Banff today and travel along the lovely Bow Valley Parkway for a casual drive. The Bow Valley Parkway between Banff and Lake Louise is a low-speed, two-lane undivided roadway with numerous scenic outlooks and pullouts. Be sure to stop for a quick nature walk at Johnston Canyon, where you can stand in the spray of a roaring mountain waterfall. Continue on to the “Jewel of the Rockies,” Lake Louise. Lake Louise is the most famous glacial lake in the Canadian Rockies, and one of the most beautiful in the Western Hemisphere.

Day 5 - Lake Louise to Jasper (208 km/129 mi)

Today, travel through the spine of the Canadian Rockies along the amazing Icefield Parkway. You’re sure to be enthralled by the scenery, wildlife, incredible blue lakes and sparkling waterfalls en route (Please note: Mountain lakes in this region will be frozen through to mid-June). A stop at Peyto Lake along the way is a must. Don’t miss the Columbia Icefield for a ride onto the Athabasca Glacier on board an Ice Explorer (included) before continuing your journey to Jasper.

Day 6 - Maligne Lake Guided Walk

This introduction to Jasper begins with a short tour of the town before heading across the Athabasca River to Maligne Lake. A century after Mary Schaeffer's remarkable adventure, come discover the world-renowned Maligne Lake for yourself! A short stop at the disappearing Medicine Lake, another one of Jasper's watery gems where you will learn about Karst topography of the area, and the mystery of why Medicine Lake disappears annually. Next we'll carry on to the pinnacle of our tour, breathtaking Maligne Lake! Enjoy a gentle walk along the shores of this pristine lake before heading back to Jasper.

Day 7 - Jasper to Edmonton (365 km/226 mi)

Journey through the beautiful landscapes of Jasper National Park, and into the golden prairies of Alberta. Arrive in the city of Edmonton, and spend the remainder of your day exploring. Don’t miss the walking trails and parks of the downtown River Valley, and the eclectic shops and cafes of Whyte Avenue.

Day 8 - Explore Edmonton

Spend a day exploring West Edmonton Mall, the largest shopping centre in North America. Complete with an expansive water park, amusement park, indoor skating rink, and mini golf park, and over 800 stores. For those looking to get outside, Elk Island National Park is less than an hour’s drive from the city, and offers great wildlife watching and hiking trails.

Day 9 - Edmonton to Drumheller (280 km/173 mi)

Depart Edmonton and head south towards the badlands of Alberta and the city of Drumheller. This fascinating destination is home to a unique landscape shaped by sandstone pillar hoodoos. Many dinosaur fossils have been excavated from this area, drawing palaeontologists from around the world. Visit the Royal Tyrrell Museum (included) and walk amongst the impressive array of dinosaur fossils.

Day 10 - Drumheller

Explore Drumheller and surrounding area.

Day 11 - Drumheller to Calgary for your overnight flight

Conclude this memorable holiday with a quick drive from Drumheller to Calgary and check-in for your return flight.