The Canadian Rocky Mountains represent some of the most pristine natural habitats in North America. This trip showcases how these natural wonders can be explored in a luxury fashion while maintaining authenticity.
Upon arrival in Calgary, pick up your rental car and head to your charming hotel for the night.
Overnight at Fairmont Palliser
In the morning, drive two hours into Banff National Park for self-guided exploration of the iconic sites such as Bow Falls, wherein several classic Hollywood films of the 1950’s famous movie stars including Marilyn Monroe, Robert Mitchum – even the Son of Lassie were swept over the Falls; The Banff Gondola, a scenic cableway ride to viewing decks & hiking trails at the summit of Sulphur Mountain where you can experience a breathtaking bird’s eye view of six Canadian Rockies mountain ranges; Surprise Corner where most of the famous pictures have been taken of the historic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and The Upper Hot Springs where you can soak in the steamy hot mineral water where travellers have come to ‘take the waters’ for over a hundred years.
Overnight at Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
How about some heli-hiking today? Get ready for an unforgettable hiking experience in the Canadian Rockies! Today you will meet your guide and pilot at a helipad in Canmore. After brief safety instruction, you will be able to sit back as a helicopter transports you through a scenic mountain valley, en-route to a remote alpine meadow for 2-3 hours of hiking. Enjoy incredible 360 views that surround you as you set off on a trek tailored to your fitness level. Enjoy the serenity of isolation of being deep in nature without the crowds seen on popular trails. Your guide will provide an interpretive tour of flora, wildlife and the unique, untouched geography that surrounds you. Your customized adventure can be curated to allow time to take photos, enjoy a picnic or to summit a mountain ridge.
Overnight at Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
In the morning, begin your 1-hour drive to Lake Louise. In the afternoon, stay close to the hotel and go on a hike or a canoe ride on the famous Lake! There are many other activities to choose from too including horseback riding, rock climbing, riding on the Lake Louise gondola, skydiving, paragliding and more!
Overnight at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Today visit some of the sights near Lake Louise such as Emerald Lake located in Yoho National Park, the largest of Yoho’s 61 lakes and ponds. During the summer months, canoe rentals are available. Due to its high altitude, the lake is frozen from November until June. The vivid turquoise colour of the water, caused by powdered limestone, is most spectacular in July as the snow melts from the surrounding mountains. Sculpted by the erosive forces of rushing water over what had once been a waterfall, the Natural Bridge is a powerful reminder of how much influence water has in shaping the landscape and Takakkaw Falls, Canada’s second-highest waterfall leaves every visitor humbled. Have a gourmet final meal at the Post Hotel one of the top restaurants in Alberta.
Overnight at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louis
This morning drive to Jasper National Park, stopping to admire the gorgeous sights you encounter along the way. On arrival, partake in a private, float trip down the scenic Athabasca River.
Overnight at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Today you will meet your guide for a glacial adventure on the Athabaskan Glacier where you will embark on a jaw-dropping adventure to learn everything from how the glaciers were formed to their impact on the environment. Explore the beauty of this natural wonder while savouring the taste of the purest water direct from the source. You will enjoy a multi-sensory experience during your time here as you enjoy expansive views and interpretive narrative. You will have the option to walk out to the Glacier Skywalk to experience the sensation of floating above the glaciers. Multiple layers of performance clothing are recommended as temperatures can be mild to extreme.
Overnight at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
In the morning, drive to Calgary Airport for your flight to Vancouver. Upon arrival, your driver-guide will pick you up and go on a driving tour of the city and enjoy a two-hour private sail in Vancouver Harbor at sunset with champagne.
Overnight at Fairmont Pacific Rim
Today, enjoy a scenic bike ride through Vancouver’s famous Stanley Park. Then, hop on a ferry to Granville Island to explore the market with a culinary guide to taste a selection of delicious bites. End your day with dinner at a top Vancouver restaurant.
Overnight at Fairmont Pacific Rim
Today, walk down to the seaplane dock and board your seaplane to Victoria. Upon arrival, your driver-guide will meet you and bring you on a fully guided tour of Victoria. Some of the highlights include: Craigdarroch Castle, the former home of coal baron Robert Dunsmuir, who was the richest and most important man in Western Canada until his death in 1889; Parliament, overlooking Victoria’s majestic Inner Harbour, the Parliament Buildings are open to the public year-round; Butchart Gardens, these gardens, which first began to take shape in 1904, are perhaps the finest you will ever see.
In the late afternoon return to the sea-plane dock and fly back to Vancouver. Have the evening at leisure in Vancouver. We recommend dinner at Hawksworth at the Rosewood Hotel.
Overnight at Fairmont Pacific Rim
After checking out of your hotel, head to the airport in time for your flight home.
