Fairmont Vacation | 5-Day Western Canada Special Tour - Calgary to Vancouver (Airport Transfer Included)

• Calgary City Tour (3 hours; Optional$$)
  A guided tour takes you to explore the city; from the historic site to the newest modern building. (Includes guide service, transportation, and admission)
  
• Heritage Park with Transportation/ Admission (3 hours; Optional$$)
  Explore Canada's second largest living history museum in Calgary. See and feel the past as it comes to life in front of your eyes.
  
• CrossIron Mill Outlet Shopping Tour (4 hours; Optional$$)
  Discover the biggest one-level shopping centre in Alberta.
  
• Calgary Zoo with Public Transportation Ticket/ Admission (Optional$$)
  The Calgary Zoo takes you to see almost 900 animals from around the world, including popular gorilla, hippos, grizzly bear, penguins, endangered red pandas and amur tigers, and more for you to explore.

A Journey to Famous Canadian Rockies - Banff National Park
Today, we dive into Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You have the option to ride the famous Sulphur Mountain Gondola for unparalleled 360-degree panoramic views of the Rockies. Afterward, explore the geological beauty of Johnston Canyon or Marble Canyon (with complimentary crampons provided seasonally) and visit the powerful Bow Falls. The day concludes with free time for shopping and dining in the charming Banff Town, after capturing the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel from Surprise Corner.

• Banff National Park:Canada's first national park, located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies in Alberta. Established in 1885, it is renowned for its stunning mountain scenery, crystal-clear lakes, and diverse wildlife. The park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as hiking, skiing, and wildlife viewing throughout the year.
  
• Johnston Canyon: One of the most popular hiking trails in the area. The canyon is renowned for its stunning waterfalls and rugged rock walls. In winter, the canyon transforms into a magical ice wonderland, with frozen waterfalls and ice sculptures creating a captivating scene. The paths lead visitors deep into the canyon to explore the scenic beauty, making it an ideal spot for nature exploration. (Approx. 60min. stop)
  ** If closed, it will be replaced by Marble Canyon (Approx. 30min. stop).
  
• Banff Sulphur Mt Gondola (Optional$$):The Banff Gondola offers a thrilling ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain in Banff National Park, providing visitors with panoramic views of the stunning Canadian Rockies. It takes you from the base to an elevation of 2,281 meters (7,486 feet), where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of Banff town, Lake Louise, and the surrounding mountain peaks. At the top, you can enjoy a scenic boardwalk, dine at a mountaintop restaurant, and explore the interpretive exhibits. Whether you're visiting in winter for snow-covered views or in summer for vibrant landscapes, the Banff Gondola promises an unforgettable experience. (Approx. 90min. stop)
  
• Bow Falls:Location of the film “The River of no return” in 1960’s. The falls are formed by the Bow River, which cascades over a rocky ledge, creating a powerful and picturesque scene. Surrounded by the majestic mountains of the Canadian Rockies, the falls are a popular spot for visitors, offering scenic views and the chance to capture incredible photographs. (Approx. 15min. stop)
  
• Surprise Corner:This great spot where most of the famous pictures have been taken of the historic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, a grand castle-like structure set against the stunning backdrop of the surrounding mountains and the Bow River below. With its breathtaking combination of historic architecture and natural beauty, . (Approx. 15min. stop)
  
• Hoodoos:The Banff Hoodoos are fascinating geological formations. These unique rock spires, also known as “fairy chimneys” or “earth pillars,” are created through a process called erosion. The hoodoos are composed of sedimentary rock, such as sandstone, that is covered by a layer of harder, more resistant rock, like conglomerate or limestone. The hoodoos are a striking example of how natural forces can shape and sculpt the earth over time. These unique spires are not only a geological wonder but also a popular destination for nature lovers and photographers. (Approx. 15min. stop)
  
• Banff Town:The town of Banff is the largest and most vibrant community within Banff National Park, nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. In addition to its stunning landscapes, Banff boasts a wide range of shops, restaurants, and cafes, providing everything from outdoor gear and souvenirs to fine dining and casual eateries. Strolling through the town’s picturesque streets, visitors can discover an array of boutique stores, art galleries, and gift shops, perfect for picking up unique local products or souvenirs to remember your visit. (Approx. 90min. stop)

ICEFIELD PARKWAY & COLUMBIA ICEFIELD – GLACIERS, ALPINE LAKES & MOUNTAIN VISTAS

Journey Highlights

• Icefield Parkway: Travel along this world-famous scenic highway connecting Banff and Jasper National Parks, featuring breathtaking mountain vistas, glaciers, and turquoise lakes (scenic drive)
• Bow Lake: Experience the most visited lake on the Icefield Parkway, where the reflection of Crowfoot Mountain on the mirror-like water creates a serene atmosphere perfect for photography.
  During summer, this area serves as a natural habitat for wildlife, including bears (stop for about 20 minutes)
• Columbia Icefield: Explore the largest ice mass south of the Arctic Circle in North America aboard a specialized Ice Explorer vehicle that travels directly onto the glacier surface (optional$$).
  This ancient ice sheet is the source of numerous glaciers and serves as a valuable record of climate history (stop for about 2.5 hours)
  * Seasonal attraction: Closed before the 1st Saturday of May. During closure periods, this activity is replaced by Lake Minnewanka visit (20 minutes)
  
• Peyto Lake: Marvel at one of the most photographed lakes in Canada, famous for its ever-changing turquoise colors. The high concentration of glacial minerals in the water creates a vivid blue appearance that sometimes looks almost unreal (stop for about 20 minutes)
  *If not accessible, this will be replaced with a visit to Waterfowl Lake
• Crowfoot Glacier:  Observe this remarkable glacier named for its original three extensions resembling crow's claws. Due to climate change, one of these extensions collapsed in the early 20th century, making this site both breathtaking and educational about environmental changes (stop for about 15 minutes)

Lake Louise, Valley of the Ten Peaks & Rogers Pass History
The journey continues through the heart of the Canadian Rockies with visits to the legendary Lake Louise and Summer-exclusive Moraine Lake. This spectacular day features some of the most photographed landscapes in Canada, from the turquoise waters of Lake Louise set against Victoria Glacier to the emerald-hued Moraine Lake nestled in the Valley of the Ten Peaks.

Journey Highlights

• Lake Louise: Admire the breathtaking turquoise waters of this iconic alpine lake named after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, with time to explore the shoreline and capture perfect photographs. (Approx. 2hrs stop)
  **Optional Upgrade Available$$: Deluxe lunch at the Fairmont Château Lake Louise.
  
• Moraine Lake (Seasonal, Early June to Early October): Discover the stunning Valley of the Ten Peaks featuring one of the most beautiful lakes in the Rockies. Its vivid turquoise color is created by light reflecting off glacial rock flour. (Approx. 45min. stop)
  **If Moraine Lake is closed, will be replaced by free time at Lake Louise
  
• Rogers Pass: Travel through this historic and scenic mountain pass, a designated National Historic Site that played a crucial role in connecting Canada by railway and highway. (Approx. 20min. stop)
  
• Dutchman Farm Ice Cream: Take a delightful break at Dutchman Farm, where you can sample fresh, creamy ice cream made with local ingredients—a sweet taste of the Okanagan countryside. (Approx. 20min. stop)

• Okanagan Lake: Pass by the stunning, deep Okanagan Lake, the heart of the valley. Hear the fascinating ancient First Nations legend of the serpent-like creature, Ogopogo, that is said to inhabit its depths. The local government even offers
  
• VQA Winery & Icewine Tasting: Experience the charm of Canada’s wine country with a visit to a certified VQA winery. Taste premium reds, whites, and Icewines while learning about the Vintners Quality Alliance, Canada’s appellation system ensuring authenticity and world-class quality. (Approx. 90-minute stop, including lunch time.)
  
• Merritt Town: Known as the “Country Music Capital of Canada.” This welcoming community in the Nicola Valley blends small-town charm with a rich musical heritage. (Approx. 20min. stop)