The below itinerary reflects our recommendations for this specific trip. We also offer tailored private excursions, allowing you to personalize the itinerary to match your custom preferences.
Day 1 Vancouver to Kamloops | Rocky Mountaineer
All aboard Rocky Mountaineer for the scenic rail journey to Kamloops in the interior of British Columbia. Pass through the rich fields of the Fraser River Valley and the towering peaks of the Coastal Mountains before entering the Fraser Canyon. Follow the Thompson River through spectacular landscapes to historic Kamloops. (breakfast & lunch is included today)
Day 2 Kamloops to Jasper | Rocky Mountaineer
Back onboard the Rocky Mountaineer follow the Thompson River through rolling plateaus to the snowy peaks of the Monashee Mountains. View Pyramid Falls and the expansive glaciers of the Albreda Icefields. Pass by Mount Robson, at 3954 metres, which is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Arrive in Jasper late afternoon. (breakfast & lunch is included today)
Day 3 Jasper | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 5 Excursions
Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of these excursions
Option 1. Morning Maligne Valley with Medicine Lake Tour
Experience the most incredible sights in Jasper National Park’s Maligne Valley during this guided excursion to the region’s most scenic lakes & majestic canyons, enjoy a gentle guided walk along the shores of this pristine lake.
Option 2. Evening Discover Jasper & its Wildlife
Admire diverse animal life in the Canadian wilderness on this evening wildlife tour. Delve into Jasper National Park with your guide. Travel through the mighty Athabasca Valley and marvel at the park’s beautiful landscapes by twilight.
Option 3. Gentle Raft Float on the Athabasca River
Experience Jasper National Park's natural beauty with a small group float trip on the Athabasca River. Cover several miles on Class II rapids, offering mild excitement with a few splashes. Enjoy your guide's engaging storytelling about local history and wildlife throughout this gentle adventure.
Option 4. Maligne Canyon Hiking Tour
Embark on a stunning hike in Jasper National Park, exploring the deepest accessible canyon in the Canadian Rockies. Learn about the Maligne Valley, Karst topography, and the mysterious disappearing Medicine Lake. Enjoy breathtaking views of rushing rapids and waterfalls along the canyon's five bridges. An added bonus is the shuttle service back to the top, saving you from a steep uphill hike.
Option 5. Personalised Tailor-made Excursion
Talk with one of our local specialists to tailor your day in Jasper to your preferences. Choose from a variety of experiences, including a Maligne Valley tour & lake cruise, an exhilarating Harley Davidson motorcycle sidecar tour of Jasper National Park, a Jasper food tour to experience the local cuisine, hiking and cooking tour in the backcountry, or a selection of private tours of the region. Alternatively, you can spend the day relaxing and enjoying the fresh mountain air, and we'll credit the cost of your excursion.
Day 4 Jasper to Banff Tour | Glacier Adventure, Skywalk & picnic lunch
Your sightseeing tour today will encompass the ultimate glacier exploration as you travel along the spectacular Icefields Parkway. You will walk on ancient ice during the Glacier Adventure (included) and stand on a glass platform nearly one thousand feet in the air at the Glacier Skywalk (included). Sightseeing stops along this beautiful highway will also include Athabasca Falls, the Weeping Wall, Bow Lake, Crowfoot Glacier, and Lake Louise. Today’s experiences will leave you with a special appreciation for this treasured region of the Rockies. (Picnic lunch included.)
Day 5 Banff to CMH Heli Hiking Lodge | Coach / Helicopter
Depart Banff this morning for the two hour motorcoach transfer to the Bugaboos Helipad. Light breakfast snacks are provided. We travel through Banff and Kootenay National Parks enroute to our destination. On arrival at the helipad prepare for the quick flight to Bugaboo Lodge. Meet the Lodge Manager who assigns you your room and directs you to the equipment room where you are outfitted with all the necessary gear for the next few days. You will then have lunch in the lodge. Following a helicopter safety talk, fly up for an afternoon of hiking in some of the world’s most stunning mountains. Return back to the lodge later in the day for après-hiking appetizers and relaxation. (lunch & dinner included)
Day 6-7 CMH Lodge | Heli Hiking
After an optional stretch class make your way up to the dining room for a delicious and hearty breakfast. Then pack your lunch for the day from the selection of sandwiches, beverages, fruit, cookies and other items set out for you. You’ll be divided into groups according to the activity level and adventure you’ve chosen. After breakfast each day, set out by helicopter with your guide to spend the day exploring the immense variety of landscapes. Choose classic hiking, walking or one of our adventure trails such as the Skyladder Via Ferrata and the Bugaboo Spires Glacier Trek. After a memorable day, fly back to the lodge for snacks and beverages; have a massage (not included), take in the sauna or outdoor hot tub before dinnertime. (breakfast, lunch & dinner included)
Day 8 CMH Heli Hiking Lodge to Calgary | Helicopter / Coach
Shortly after breakfast, prepare for departure. Once everyone is down at the helipad the CMH arranged ground transportation retraces the journey through Kootenay and Banff National Parks to Banff. Following the Trans-Canada Highway, depart the Rocky Mountains to the Great Central Plains that roll to the east for 2000 kilometres and extend as far south as Mexico. This is ‘cattle ranching country’ and the breadbasket of Canada. Arrive at Calgary airport where your vacation ends. (breakfast & packed lunch included)