Canadian Rockies Active Escape

Meet and greet in Calgary by your guide at 8.00 am. We make a quick sightseeing visit in Calgary, home of the 1988 Winter Olympics and the world-famous Calgary Rodeo. We then push onto the Kananaskis country to Kananaskis Provincial Park. Kananaskis Country is a 4,000 sq. km multiple use area located in the foothills and mountains of the Canadian Rockies west of Calgary. It is a diverse landscape including outstanding scenery, snow caped mountains, abundant wildlife and the cowboy feel. We head to Chester lake trail in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park for an introductory hike in the Canadian Rockies. Chester Lake is nestled among towering peaks on the secluded side of Kananaskis - the Smith-Dorrien/Spray Lakes Road. We than make it into Banff at the end of the day. Check in at hotel in downtown Banff and free time to wonder around. Dinner in one of the many restaurants in Banff.

Transfer onto the celebrated Icefield Parkway to Jasper. Along the 300 km ride, a spectacle unfolds before our eyes: lush coniferous forests, immense mountains, turquoise lakes, high-falling cascades and humbling glaciers. Numerous stops will be planned along the way for photos, observation and wildlife encounters. Hike on Parker ridge trail or Bow Falls trail or valley of 5 lakes and enjoy a tasty lunch in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. We reach our destination later in the day. Welcome to Jasper! Free time in the village and group dinner in a local restaurant or pub. (Dinner not included)

In the morning we head up to pickup our bikes for the morning ride to Maligne Canyon. Maligne: pronounced "mah-leen" from the French "mal" to infer sick, or evil as in "malicious". The Maligne River system was considered by the French Canadian fur traders and their native guides as a bit mysterious – and mysterious it is: Winding canyon, roaring water and exciting scenery. We end our bike ride at the canyon and push onto Maligne Lake enjoying a Picnic overlooking the lake. Join the leader for the Bald Hills hike or choose from an optional canoe ride on the lake or the Spirit cruise. We head back to Jasper at end of day. We stop in Maligne valley for some wildlife observation. On good days we can observe: Elk, Moose, bears, and even the elusive wolf!

Back on the Icefield parkway we stop at Arthabaska Glacier and Columbia Icefield. Optional ice walk or snow coach tour. Our destination is Lake Louise. In Lake Louise we take time to savour the emerald bleu waters and breathtaking scenery. Tea anyone? Let’s walk to the Lake Agnès tea house. Those who want to continue walking can follow the leader on the Plain of Six glaciers hike. Others can walk down the easy trail to the lakes waterfront and decide to rent a canoe or relax on Chateau Lake Louise’s terrace. Overnight in Lake Louise.

Today we visit and hike in Yoho National Park. We first head to the famous Takakkaw Falls (the Cree word for “magnificent”) which are fed by the Daly Glacier and at 309 m (1,016 ft.) are the second highest falls in Canada. Next we discover the beautiful wilderness setting of Emerald Lake and its surroundings. A day of adventure, hiking and fun! In the evening we head back to the lodge.

Our last day in the Canadian Rockies. We start with a short walk at Morraine Lake and breathe in the scenery for a last time. We then head towards Banff. Stop in Johnston Canyon for a small hike. Lunch in Banff. Enjoy free time in Banff for some optional activities such as biking, canoeing, rafting and more. Drive back to Calgary where our adventure ends at approx 5pm..