Canadian Rockies Discovery Tour
days
starting from US $2,720per person
Get this trip plan customized to cover everything you want to see.
Learn which places to go and which areas are best during certain times of the year.
Explore Banff And Jasper National Parks
Discover the best of the Canadian Rockies National Parks on a week-long independent vacation. See Lake Louise, Banff and Jasper National Parks, whilst enjoying your choice of guided activities including rafting, biking, cave exploring and more. Everything is pre-planned, including your car rental, the best Canadian Rockies hotels, and unique tours. Choose from sightseeing, wildlife viewing, guided hikes, and more.
Trip at a glance
8 Days / 7 Nights
Arrive Calgary → 3 nights Banff → 3 nights Jasper → 1 night Calgary → Depart Calgary
What you'll love about this trip
Stunning glaciers, emerald lakes, and forests of the Canadian Rockies
Amazing photographic opportunities
Great choice of activities catered to your interests
Discover Canada’s National Parks
Common Questions
You'll be staying at various local three to five star hotels or lodges along your route, some of which are very iconic properties with great locations, views and history. All our accommodations are carefully selected by our Canadian Insiders. We'll make sure that wherever you stay, you get the best value and comfort based on the seasonal availability.
Typically we include and pre-book all your main trip components so you don't have to worry about your connections, places to stay, or activities on your trip. You'll receive your detailed digital travel documents, and our Canadian Insiders remain at your disposal throughout your trip to answer any questions.
Your trip can be as rich as you'd like, and completely arranged around your interests and needs. The greatest benefit of working with us is our local knowledge. You can request your personalized trip plan to decide what you'd like to see and do.
If your trip is a special occasion, we'll make sure it is unforgettable. Or if you're traveling with a group, we'll take care of the logistics so you can share time together stress-free.
Canada has a network of spectacular roadways, train routes, ferry crossings, and float planes. We can arrange for you to travel by car or to sit back and relax.
That depends on the destination and type. As a rule, the main feeding and migration seasons are best for wildlife experiences. Tell us which animals interest you and we'll make your trip coincide with the best viewing season.
With the exception of our guided wildlife trips, our vacations are not typically 'escorted.' We combine the best of both worlds – the reassurance of seamless connections, customer service support, and scheduled activities, plus the freedom of 'independent' travel. You are not tied into a specific group, or a rigid daily itinerary. This allows us to personalize your trip to suit your occasion, interests, and timeframe.
The temperature varies from mild to hot, depending on location. Northern Canada will range between 50°F to 64°F (10°C – 18°C) in summer. The interior of BC, prairies, Ontario and Quebec can reach temperatures around 95°F (35°C). Canada's west coast, mountain regions, and Maritimes enjoy milder summer temperatures. They range on average from 59°F to 77°F (15°C – 25°C).
All our trips can be customized to fit your schedule and budget. The price depends on travel season, train service, hotel level, and the sightseeing tours you choose. Request your personalized trip plan which will provide you with a detailed cost estimate.
This trip in pictures
Accommodations
Below you'll find examples of this trip's accommodations. Please call us for the full list and to personalize your experience.
The Banff Caribou Lodge And Spa
After a full day of skiing, hiking or sightseeing in the mountains it is wonderful to retreat to this quiet mountain lodge and relax in your comfortable room. Soak your muscles in the jetted whirlpool or get a massage at the Red Earth Spa. The hotel is also home to one of the most popular steakhouses in Canada, so treat yourself to a special meal while you watch the sunset over the mountains.
Sawridge Inn
Jasper’s Sawridge Inn is a favourite among travellers looking for understated luxury at affordable prices. Unwind in newly renovated rooms with marble bathrooms and take a dip in the large indoor pool.
Fairmont Banff Springs
Perched above the town of Banff and surrounded by lush forests and the rushing Bow River, the Banff Springs is a stately, beautiful hotel designed in the style of a Scottish Baronial Castle. From the expansive dining hall to the outdoor swimming pool to the fully equipped gym and the terrace with mountain views, staying at this hotel will make you feel like royalty. At the Banff Springs you can also enjoy many activities, including skiing, golf, spa treatments and much more.
Get your personalized trip plan organized and arranged for you
- Get a trip that covers everything you want to see.
- Know which places to go and which areas are best during certain times of the year.
- Have someone local who knows the area to suggest trains, hotels, dining, sightseeing, etc.
Sample Itinerary
Think of this itinerary as just a starting point. Our experienced Canadian Insiders will create a personalized experience for you that matches your schedule, travel style and budget.
Day 1 – Arrive in Calgary and Transfer to Banff
Welcome to Calgary! Upon arrival, pick up your car rental at Calgary International Airport and travel through the Canadian Rocky Mountains to your Banff accommodation.
Welcome to Banff, the mountain playground of the world! The townsite of Banff, established in 1885, is the main commercial center in Banff National Park. In 1984, Banff was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for the mountain landscapes containing peaks, glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, canyons and limestone caves as well as ancient fossil beds. Enjoy your afternoon and evening exploring the town.
Feature Dinner in Banff
We want to make sure your trip gets off to a great start! Enjoy a delicious meal in a great setting that ensures you make memories as your trip begins.
Overnight in Banff.
Day 2 – Discover Banff National Park
Head out today and discover the beauty the Canadian Rocky Mountain parks offer.
You have 3 options to choose from today:
- Option 1: White Water Rafting Tour
A whitewater paddle awaits on a choice of two different rivers! Choose from the exciting white water rafting of class 1-4 rapids on the Kicking Horse River, or enjoy a more leisurely paddle for the whole family on Kananaskis River. All safety equipment and training are provided.
Activity rating: Easy-Moderate
- Option 2: Banff E-Bike Tour
Cycle the Banff and Bow Valley area with ease on an E-Bike tour. This adventure will journey through the best of Banff and the surrounding area adjusting to the interests of the group and the weather.
Activity rating: Easy–Moderate
- Option 3: Sundance Loop Horseback Ride
Horseback ride along the tranquil Bow River, an area home to wildlife in among the thick marshes and grassy meadows – and pass by the historic Cave and Basin, the birth place of Banff National Park. Enjoy fantastic scenery as you climb up Sulphur Mountain around the Windy Knoll viewpoint.
Activity rating: Easy
Overnight in Banff.
Day 3 – Exploring Banff
Fill your lungs with cool, fresh Rockies air and head out for a day of exploration.
You have 3 options to choose from today:
- Option 1: Explorer Cave Tour
Venture into an underground world in this introduction to caving. Spend approximately two hours underground, crawling past prehistoric bones and investigating ancient cave formations. This will be an unforgettable experience.
Activity rating: Moderate
- Option 2: Exploring Banff on Own, includes Banff Gondola
Enjoy a more leisurely day on own to explore the town of Banff on own. We have included admission for the Banff Gondola. Soar to the top of Sulphur Mountain for a bird’s-eye view of six mountain ranges. Stroll along the ridge-top boardwalk, explore the interpretive centre, and enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views.
Activity rating: Easy
- Option 3: Evening Nature Tour
As the sun sets behind the craggy peaks, your guide will lead a paved road bus tour to the hotspots where you are most likely to see Rocky Mountain creatures and take in the stunning scenery in the park. You’ll also learn about how the park protects these animals and their natural habitat from many threats to the ecosystem.
Activity rating: Easy
Overnight in Banff
Day 4 – The Icefields Parkway – Banff to Jasper
Today is spent in the majesty of Canada’s two most famous National Parks, Banff and Jasper, traveling along the world famous Icefield Parkway. Unlike any other, this stretch of road is dotted with more than 100 ancient glaciers, cascading waterfalls, dramatic rock spires, and emerald lakes set in sweeping valleys of thick pine and larch forests. The abundance of wildlife will have you anxiously awaiting the next curve in the road. Stop at the Columbia Icefield where you will venture onto the massive Athabasca Glacier in a specially designed snow coach and then head up for an amazing view on the Glacier Skywalk.
Or enjoy a bird’s eye view of remote valleys, glaciers, lakes and waterfalls, if you upgrade to a helicopter tour today. From the Icefields heliport, you’ll soar over the spectacular Cline Pass at 2900 m (9000 ft.).
Arrive in Jasper this evening for a relaxing stay in this small mountain town set in the largest park in the Canadian Rockies. Jasper offers visitors a more laid-back mountain experience – with equal options for adventure, discovery, and relaxation.
Overnight in Jasper.
Day 5 – Discover Jasper National Park
Spend the day exploring the jewel of the Canadian Rockies, Jasper.
You have 3 options to choose from today:
- Option 1: Pyramid Lake Guided Evening Canoe Paddle
An evening on a mountain lake is breathtaking – fish breaking the surface of the still water, the call of a loon, a beaver gliding though the water, or perhaps a moose grazing on the shore. Paddle with a guide across the lake, in a large canoe. What a peaceful way to end your day, with the sun setting behind the surrounding mountains.
Activity rating: Moderate
- Option 2: Jasper Downtown Food Tour
Enjoy a short guided walk where you will visit four restaurants and taste four carefully handpicked dishes, each paired with an alcoholic beverage. Along the way you will learn about Jasper’s history.
Activity rating: Easy
- Option 3: Best Hike of the Day
Enjoy a professionally guided hike in Jasper National Park. Hike at a leisurely pace to take in the incredible scenery. Depending on the day you may be strolling through wildflowers, gazing at the glaciers above, taking in the stunning colours of the mountain lakes and seeing wildlife! Enjoy a picnic lunch (bring your own) surrounded by spectacular views and crisp fresh mountain air.
Activity rating: Moderate
Overnight in Jasper.
Day 6 – Explore Jasper
Spend another day exploring Jasper National Park. Today you have admission to the Jasper Skytram, the longest and highest aerial tramway in the Canadian Rockies.
You have 3 options to choose from today:
- Option 1: Sidecar Motorcycle Tour
Head out for a thrilling tour in the sidecar of a Harley Davidson motorcycle. Visit your choice of Athabasca Falls, Maligne Canyon and Medicine Lake or Mount Edith Cavell. Enjoy the sights as you cruise along winding roads, rivers, and beautiful forests.
Activity rating: Easy
- Option 2: Maligne Lake Tour with Cruise
Enjoy a tour to Maligne Canyon to see thundering waterfalls, unique rock formations, and mysterious disappearing Medicine Lake. Afterwards, enjoy a boat cruise on stunning Maligne Lake to the famous Spirit Island.
Activity rating: Easy
- Option 3: Athabasca River Scenic Rafting Float
Take a guided scenic raft trip on the Athabasca River, navigating through small sets of rapids and stretches of calm waters. Sit back and let your guide do the rowing while you take in the magnificent scenery! Tour leaves from the Jasper train station in town.
Activity rating: Easy
Overnight in Jasper.
Day 7 – Transfer from Jasper to Calgary Airport
This afternoon, you will drive back along the Icefields Parkway from Jasper to Calgary Airport. Each turn reveals sparkling blue-green rivers and lakes, glaciers, mountain ranges and wildlife, so have your camera ready! Spend the evening at a Calgary Airport hotel.
Overnight at Calgary Airport hotel.
Insider tip: If you have flights departing Calgary in the later afternoon tomorrow, ask about moving your hotel from the Calgary Airport to downtown Calgary. Alternatively, ask about ending your trip in Edmonton rather than Calgary.
Day 8 – Departure from Calgary
Depart Calgary today on your flight home, with fond memories made of your Canadian Rocky Mountain vacation.
Available until Jul 17th
2021 Is Booking Fast
Make your reservation with a $100 deposit and receive free add-on experiences
Available until Jul 17th
Canadian Resident Special Offer
Explore Canada this summer and receive $500 in travel credits to support local communities
Get your personalized trip plan organized and arranged for you
- Get a trip that covers everything you want to see.
- Know which places to go and which areas are best during certain times of the year.
- Have someone local who knows the area to suggest trains, hotels, dining, sightseeing, etc.
What's Included In Our Prices
These are the places and experiences to look forward to on this trip.
Accommodations:
• 7 nights of hotel accommodation
Banff Experiences:
Day 1 – Choose 1 of 3:
1. Rafting Tour on either Kicking Horse or Kananaskis River
2. Banff E-Bike Tour
3. Sundance Loop Horseback Ride
Day 2 – Choose 1 of 3:
1. Explorer Cave Tour
2. Free Day in Banff, with Banff Gondola Admission
3. Evening Nature Tour
Icefields Parkway Experiences (between Banff and Jasper):
• Ice Explorer on the Athabasca Glacier
• Glacier Skywalk at the Athabasca Glacier
OR
• Upgrade to a Glacier Helicopter Tour (additional cost)
Jasper Experiences:
• Jasper Skytram Admission and Shuttle
PLUS
Day 1 – Choose 1 of 3:
1. Pyramid Lake Guided Evening Canoe Paddle
2. Jasper Downtown Food Tour
3. Best Hike of the Day
Day 2 – Choose 1 of 3:
1. Sidecar Motorcycle Tour
2. Maligne Lake Tour with Cruise
3. Athabasca River Scenic Rafting Float
Meal Inclusions:
• Feature Dinner in Banff
Transportation Included:
• Intermediate sized car rental including GPS, Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), airport surcharges, unlimited kilometres, Third Party Liability Insurance Coverage (up to $1 Million), fee for additional driver, and vehicle licensing fee.
Other Inclusions:
• National Parks Pass (valid for National Parks, National Marine Conservation and National Historic Sites)
• Digital Travel Documents
• Gratuities for some private tours and transfers
• Fresh Tracks Canada customer service – from the time you book, you will have your own personal Vacation Coordinator whom you can reach out to with any questions or requests.
Important Schedule and Trip Notes:
• All tours and activities are subject to availability. Some tours run on certain days of the week, or may run seasonally. For more information, please speak to your Vacation Advisor.
Not Included
• Car rental extras: Fuel & refuelling fees, Personal Accident Insurance (PAI), Personal Effects Coverage (PEC), LDW deductible of up to $500 depending on car type, fee for drivers under the age of 25
• Meals, other than those mentioned
• Airfare
• Gratuities for hotels and scheduled tours
• Trip Cancellation and Travel Medical Insurance (highly recommended)
• Canadian Sales Taxes
Ideas to customize this trip
Think of this trip as just a starting point. These are some of the experiences you can add-on to personalize your trip.
• Add additional time to explore the city of Calgary, home of the Stampede
• Add-on an unforgettable helicopter tour in the Canadian Rockies
• Add-on a night at the famous Chateau Lake Louise
Get your personalized trip plan organized and arranged for you
- Get a trip that covers everything you want to see.
- Know which places to go and which areas are best during certain times of the year.
- Have someone local who knows the area to suggest trains, hotels, dining, sightseeing, etc.
Available until Jul 17th
2021 Is Booking Fast
Make your reservation with a $100 deposit and receive free add-on experiences
Available until Jul 17th
Canadian Resident Special Offer
Explore Canada this summer and receive $500 in travel credits to support local communities
Trip Start Dates
2020 – Calgary Start Dates
Daily
July 1 to Oct 6
Pricing For This Trip
Our prices vary by departure date, hotel class, train service and degree of personalization. Please speak with one of our Canadian Insiders to get your personalized quote, or hit the button below.
Our Comfort Level vacations include our favorite 3 star hotels, in great locations. Combined with our unique sightseeing tours and personalized service, you’ll receive exceptional value, a step above what you might expect anywhere else.
Our Superior Level provides amazing value for clients wanting something more upscale but not at the price of a top-end 5 star resort. Superior level hotels are some of our favorites because of the character and unique charm that you won't find at the average chain hotel. Unique tours and seamless transfers complete your itinerary.
On our Deluxe Level vacation, it's likely you'll be staying at one of the iconic Canadian Fairmont Hotels in a room with a view. Built for the Canadian Pacific Railway in the early 20th century, these hotels are luxurious and full of history – ensuring an experience you'll never forget. Enjoy unique sightseeing experiences and the insider detail that only Fresh Tracks Canada can provide.
Get your personalized trip plan organized and arranged for you
- Get a trip that covers everything you want to see.
- Know which places to go and which areas are best during certain times of the year.
- Have someone local who knows the area to suggest trains, hotels, dining, sightseeing, etc.
Why book your trip with us?
- We make planning a trip to Canada really easy!
- We are experts in creating personalized itineraries.
- Our itineraries are built around your specific needs, interests and budget.
- We promise friendly and personal service every step of the way.
- Consider us your personal contact in Canada before and during your trip.
- We're based in Vancouver with first-hand ‘insider’ knowledge of Canada.
- Over the past 20 years, we have personalized more than 15,000 Canadian vacations.
Fresh Tracks Canada Vs. Others
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Independent Travel
Flexibility and freedom of a personalized tour to suit your travel goals. |
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Personalized itineraries
Carefully crafted to your budget and needs. |
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Insider Knowledge
Plan your trip with help from our Canadian Insiders who live and travel in Canada. You'll know when to come, where to stay, which train to take, and lots more... |
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Local Support
Someone in Canada you can call before and during your trip, seven days a week. |
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No-one can be trusted more
You'll feel confident when booking your vacation with our accreditation and consumer protection through the following organizations. 
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Pre-packaged TripsOne-size-fits-all approach. |
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Group ToursCheapest type of travel with rigid itineraries and crowds. |
No one can be trusted more
You'll feel confident when booking your vacation with our accreditation and consumer protection through the following organizations.
Consumer Protection BC
- License Number: 31202
- The Travel Assurance Fund (TAF) provides a possible source of compensation when consumers do not receive the travel services they purchased through a BC licensed travel agent.
ABTA
- Membership Number: Y6176
- Our UK clients have the benefit of ABTA's assistance and Code of Conduct which means that all package holidays sold by Fresh Tracks Canada in the UK are covered by a full financial protection in the event of the company failure.
- We're one of the only agencies in Canada offering this protection.
BBB
- A BBB Accredited Business since 08/02/2008
- Highest rating: A+
- BBB has determined that Fresh Tracks (Canada) Inc meets BBB accreditation standards, which include a commitment to make a good faith effort to resolve any consumer complaints. BBB Accredited Businesses pay a fee for accreditation review/monitoring and for support of BBB services to the public.
IATA
- Fresh Tracks Canada is an IATA Accredited Agent.
- Full accreditation authorizes travel agents to sell international and/or domestic tickets on behalf of IATA member airlines. It also allows access to IATA's Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP), an efficient interface for invoicing and payment between the agent, airlines and transport providers.
Get your personalized trip plan organized and arranged for you
- Get a trip that covers everything you want to see.
- Know which places to go and which areas are best during certain times of the year.
- Have someone local who knows the area to suggest trains, hotels, dining, sightseeing, etc.
