Get ready for a picturesque drive to Banff, starting your day with a visit to Canada Olympic Park – the top of the tallest ski jump overlooking the city of Calgary. En route to Banff soak in vistas of expansive farm land and cattle ranching as the prairies turn to peaks. Nestled in the heart of the park, the town of Banff provides access to unspoiled wilderness and modern amenities. Explore the bustling downtown while you enjoy lunch on your own. You may choose to walk along the Bow River pathways and picnic with a resident elk. In the afternoon, catch the eight-minute Banff Gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain for an unsurpassed panoramic perspective. At an elevation of almost 7,500 feet, the mountain provides 360-degree views of the surrounding peaks, Lake Minnewanka and the Bow Valley. Later, soak in the sites as you explore Bow Falls, The Hoodoos and Surprise Corner. Tonight, depending on the day of the week as the tour does not operate every day, view the Cave and Basin World Heritage Site by lantern and learn how the Canadian National Parks system was founded. Your home is a beautiful mountain lodge. Enjoy dinner at the steakhouse, one of Alberta’s best. BANFF CARIBOU LODGE.

Wake up to spectacular views of Cascade Mountain as you tour Lake Minnewanka where elk, deer and big horn sheep make their daily rounds. Continue down the historic 1a highway to Johnston Canyon. Wander past waterfalls tumbling from sheer rock cliffs and experience some of the freshest air on Earth. Back in Banff, join a Historic Banff walk private guided tour. BANFF CARIBOU LODGE.

Nothing can prepare you for your first look at Lake Louise or its neighbor Moraine Lake. The turquoise waters of these lakes draw their color from “rock flour” comprised of fine particles of glacial sediment suspended in the water, reflecting blue and green wavelengths of light. Walk to the top of a rock pile at Moraine Lake to listen to the hush of the backcountry air. At Mt. Whitehorn, the site of the Lake Louise Ski hill, enjoy lunch in the Lodge of The Ten Peaks and a gondola ride up the mountain for a panoramic view. THE FAIRMONT CHATEAU LAKE LOUISE.

Travel along one of the 10 most scenic drives in the world, the Icefield Parkway, on your way to Jasper. Everywhere you look there are snow-covered mountain peaks and with over 100 glaciers to see along the roadway you will be amazed at the glacial formations that carved the valleys of Alberta. Stop at sights like Crowfoot Glacier, Bow and Peyto Lake as you make your way towards The Athabasca Glacier. Here, walk upon this 17,000-year-old glacier by embarking on the Ice Explorer bus. Sample ancient glacial water as it is expelled from the glacier and stand on ice that is as thick as the Eiffel Tower is tall. As you travel along the parkway search for bear, elk, moose and mountain goats amongst towering waterfalls and rock formations. Your exceptional hotel is located right in Jasper and offers all comforts and amenities. THE SAWRIDGE.

Discover the Maligne Valley as you drive past Medicine Lake, and enjoy a 90-minute interpreted boat cruise on Lake Maligne. The drive through Maligne Valley takes you to Maligne Canyon to marvel at the power of water as it carved its way through the limestone structures. Enjoy lunch on your own in the heart of Jasper town and explore this quaint mountain town where locals will make you feel like family. In the afternoon, a gentle float down the Athabasca River, guided by a local, is the best way to experience the river which is fed by the glacier you walked on only a day prior. Keep your eyes open for wildlife, especially Osprey hunting for their day’s meal. THE SAWRIDGE.

It’s sadly time to say goodbye to this stunning part of the world as you head to Edmonton to board your flight home.

Extend your adventure and discover why people rave about the Rocky Mountaineer, which puts you right in the middle of the awe-inspiring scenery of the Canadian Rockies as you enjoy gourmet meals prepared by the talented onboard chefs. A world-class travel experience, marvel at spectacular scenery with truly excellent on-board service. Spend a night at Kamloops in a hotel chosen by the Rocky Mountaineer. Next day, the route takes you through the lush green fields of the Fraser River Valley, through forests and the winding river canyons bordered by the peaks of the coast and the Cascade Mountains, as the train winds its way to Vancouver. Check into the WEDGEWOOD HOTEL and explore Vancouver for two more days. Plunge into a whale watching journey in search of orcas, or, depending on the time of year, humpback, minke, and grey whales, porpoises, seals or sea lions, eagles, and a variety of seabirds. Take a 4-hour tour on land and a 2.5 hour leisurely dinner cruise past the downtown skyline, the Mountains of the North Shore, Stanley Park and more, as you enjoy live music and delicious West Coast-themed cuisine. You’ll have the best spot in Vancouver to watch the sun slowly disappear into the Pacific Ocean.