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7
DAYS • 8 MEALS
Towering
over the plains of Alberta are the mighty, rugged and exquisite
peaks of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Calgary High and Low
Our adventure begins in Calgary in the foothills of the Rockies.
Our hotel’s central location ends your first travel day
on an easy, elegant note. Eau Claire Market with 60 shops and
restaurants is just steps away. Chinatown is an easy walk into
the ambiance of Asia where Peking ducks hang in windows and
lanterns light the streets. A pub night out, a bowl of pasta
or steak, have dinner your way before relaxing tonight.
Travel
the Icefields Parkway
Aboard our motorcoach, we’ll travel along one of the world's
most spectacular mountain highways. Unsurpassed scenery paralleling
the Great Divide in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, the Columbia
Icefields, Bow and Crowfoot Glaciers, Athabasca Falls and Peyto
Lake, come into view. See snow-capped mountains reflected in
the turquoise waters of Moraine Lake and watch for black bears,
moose and caribou along the way.
Cruise
Maligne Lake
We spend two mountain nights at the four-star Sawridge Hotel
designed around a three-story fireplace and surrounded by immense
forests, pristine lakes, alpine meadows and glaciers. We cruise
the glacial waters of Maligne Lake in glass-enclosed boats and
learn about the history, geology and wildlife of the lake and
Jasper National Park. Some of the world’s most spectacular
mountain scenery will slip past your window along with moose
and other wildlife. The boat lands at Spirit Island, seen on
nearly every postcard rack in Canada. Your own spirit will soar
during the short walk to the viewpoint overlooking the mountain-ringed
shores. There will be time to explore Jasper’s quaint
stores and native crafts before dinner.
Experience
the Ice Age
We’ll spend another three mountain nights at the charming
International Hotel nestled at the foot of a mountain in Banff,
a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the Alpine zone, Banff is Canada’s
highest town and our departure point for the Columbia Icefield,
the largest icefield south of Alaska. On Icefield Parkway, we
pass mesmerizing frozen fields and large upland glaciers, some
dating back to the Ice Age. Glacier-fed rivers, majestic peaks
and peaceful lakes create scenic wonders and a protected habitat
for more than 250 species of birds, bear, elk, wolves, deer
and mountain goats. Our “snocoach” will glide over
shimmering glacial ice and snow onto the Athabasca Glacier,
a tongue of the Columbia Icefield, for an awe-inspiring glimpse
of icy crevasses and ice-fed streamlets and a short stroll on
ice that froze 400 years ago. We’ll follow the melting
ice to Bow Falls to see how the incredible erosive force of
water has sliced through rocks and carved out thundering waterfalls.
Touch
the Sky
The Banff Gondola provides a comfortable ride up Sulphur Mountain
7,486 feet above sea level, passing over Alpine meadows and
bighorn sheep. The summit is the best vantage point in the West,
a 360-degree unobstructed view of six mountain ranges. From
three observation decks you will see more mountains in a moment
than most people see in a lifetime. An elevated boardwalk will
lead you along Sulphur Mountain’s summit ridge to the
Cosmic Ray Station National Historic Site of Canada and the
historic Sanson’s Peak Meteorological Station. After experiencing
the wonder of walking above the clouds, you can return to the
quaint village of Banff. Join fellow world travelers in exploring
charming boutiques and the village’s collection of galleries
and cafes.
A
Diamond in the Wilderness
Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, secluded on legendary Lake
Louise, and showcased by a majestic glacier, we enjoy a visit
to Chateau Lake Louise. In this haven of Victorian splendor,
the ambiance, service and food please the most discerning traveler.
Lake Louise is known as the “diamond in the wilderness”
and, while irresistible to photograph, may be difficult to describe
with mere words. In 1882, the first non-native to view Lake
Louise penned, “I never, in all my experience, saw such
a matchless scene.”
At
our leisurely farewell dinner, we have time to exchange addresses
and favorite views and experiences with new friends. Heading
home, not all of your treasures will be in your suitcase. Some
vistas will arrive like postcards time and again when your mind
drifts back to your special days in the Canadian Rockies.
Hotel
Accommodations
Day One – The International Hotel, Calgary, Alberta
Days Two and Three – Sawridge Hotel, Jasper, Alberta
Days Four through Six – Banff International Hotel, Banff,
Alberta |
