BOW LAKE — COLUMBIA ICEFIELD (ICE EXPLORER/ GLACIER SKYWALK) — ATHABASCA FALLS — JASPER TOWN
Overview
Icefield Parkway & Columbia Icefield - Glaciers, Alpine Lakes & Wonders
The journey ventures into the Canadian Rockies along the renowned Icefields Parkway (Highway 93), consistently ranked as one of the world's most scenic drives. This spectacular route stretches 232 km through the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, leading to some of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in North America.
Journey Highlights
- Jasper National Park:Canada's largest park in the Rockies, renowned for its relatively low development which preserves its vast natural wilderness and abundance of wildlife. As a major destination within the Canadian Rockies, the park offers pristine landscapes and excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing.
- 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. (Approx. 20min. stop)
- Columbia Icefield Adventure (Optional $$):
Explore the largest ice mass south of the Arctic Circle. Ride a massive Ice Explorer vehicle directly onto the Athabasca Glacier, or choose to walk onto the suspended, glass-floored Glacier Skywalk for jaw-dropping views of the Sunwapta Valley. This ancient ice sheet is the source of numerous glaciers and serves as a valuable record of climate history. (Approx. 3.5hrs stop)
**Seasonal attraction: Closed before the 1st Saturday of May and after the 2nd Saturday of October.
- Athabasca Falls: Witness the raw power of nature as glacier-fed waters carve through ancient rock in this thundering waterfall. (Approx. 30min. stop)
- Jasper Town: It is the heart of Jasper National Park. 2nd biggest town in the Canadian Rockies.
Meals
★Breakfast: Own Arrangement/ ★Lunch: Own Arrangement (Group Meal Option Available)/ ★Dinner: Own Arrangement
Hotel
Whistlers Inn Hotel / Lobstick Lodge / Jasper Inn & Suite or Similar
JASPER — MALIGNE LAKE — MALIGNE CANYON — THE CROSSING — PEYTO LAKE — CROWFOOT GLACIER
Overview
A journey through Jasper National Park, a stunning destination known for its majestic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and scenic beauty. The park’s vast wilderness, breathtaking mountains, and serene lakes offering a perfect escape into nature.
Journey Highlights
- Maligne Lake/ Maligne Lake Cruise (Optional$$): Discover the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies. This glacially-fed lake is famous for its vibrant blue water and the iconic Spirit Island, one of the most photographed scenes in the world. In summer, you can take an optional cruise to enjoy the scenery of the lake and visit the legendary Spirit Island in person. (Approx. 100min. stop)
- Maligne Canyon: Explore this impressive limestone gorge with depths reaching 50 meters, carved over millennia by glacial waters (Approx. 30min. stop)
*If closed, it will be replaced by Medicine Lakes with stopping time
- Medicine Lakes: Discover this unique series of interconnected lakes, known as "The Disappearing Lake." It is famed for its underground stream system where water levels dramatically change, framed by the surrounding mountains. This geological phenomenon is a peaceful spot perfect for photos and short walks. (Pass through with commentary)
- 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. (Approx. 20min. stop)
**Note: If not accessible, this will be replaced with a visit to Waterfowl Lake.
- The Crossing: A starting point for tours on the Columbia Icefield. It is also the only place for basic services including public bathrooms, gas station and a restaurant. (Approx. 10min. stop)
- Crowfoot Glacier: Named after its shape when was discovered. A must-see stop with the climate change nowadays. The "Third Toe" was melted and barely visible. (Approx. 15min. stop)
Meals
★Breakfast: Included (Compulsory Selection)/ ★Lunch: Own Arrangement (Group Meal Option Available)/ ★Dinner: Own Arrangement
Hotel
Banff Aspen Lodge / Banff Mount Royal / Elk + Avenue Hotel / Banff Inn / Banff Park Lodge / Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa or Similar
LAKE LOUISE — MORAINE LAKE — YOHO — SPIRAL TUNNEL — EMERALD LAKE — NATURAL BRIDGE
Overview
LAKE LOUISE & YOHO NATIONAL PARK – TURQUOISE LAKES & ENGINEERING MARVELS
The exploration continues with visits to the legendary Lake Louise and the awe-inspiring Yoho National Park. 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. In Yoho National Park, marvel at remarkable natural formations and engineering wonders while learning about the geological forces that shaped this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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 (stop for about 2 hours)
- Moraine Lake (seasonal: early June to early October): Discover one of the most photographed landscapes in Canada, where intensely turquoise waters reflect the dramatic surrounding peaks, creating a scene that once appeared on the Canadian twenty-dollar bill (*If not accessible, it will be replaced with Vermilion Lake) (stop for about 60 minutes)
- Yoho National Park: Experience this spectacular park whose name means "awe" in the Cree language, featuring dramatic waterfalls, towering rock walls, and alpine meadows (multiple stops within the park)
- Spiral Tunnels: Witness an engineering marvel where the railroad crosses over itself in a figure-eight configuration, an ingenious solution to the steep mountain grade (drive through with commentary)
- Emerald Lake: Visit the largest of Yoho's 61 lakes and explore its shoreline surrounded by towering mountain peaks, with striking green waters that give the lake its name (stop for about 20 minutes)
- Natural Bridge: Observe this fascinating rock formation carved by the powerful Kicking Horse River, demonstrating the incredible erosive force of water on the landscape (stop for about 15 minutes)
Meals
★Breakfast: Included (Compulsory Selection)/ ★Lunch: Own Arrangement (Optional Group Meal Available - Deluxe Lunch at Chateau Lake Louise)/ ★Dinner: Own Arrangement
Hotel
Extended Stay is Available