Experience Alberta

Day 1

Fly to Calgary

Fly into Calgary and transfer independently to your hotel for a two night stay. The hotels in this itinerary are our suggestions, but we can change them for any available alternatives depending on your tastes and budget.

Overnight: Classic Hotel - Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Calgary; Deluxe Hotel – Fairmont Palliser

Day 2

Calgary

A full day to explore the friendly city of Calgary, located on the banks of the Bow River, with the Rocky Mountains visible in the distance. Perhaps head to the top of the Calgary Tower first, to get your bearings. Then you can visit the Olympic park when Calgary was host to the winter games in 1988, and perhaps try out the bobsleigh or zipline. There’s also a Segway tour of the city we could book for you. Or you could step back in time and visit the fascinating Heritage Park - Canada's largest living history museum. This evening relax in one of the many restaurants and bars on pedestrianised Stephen Avenue.

Overnight: Classic Hotel - Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Calgary; Deluxe Hotel – Fairmont Palliser

Day 3

Calgary – Banff (79 miles)

This morning you’ll pick up your hire car and head out of the city to into the mountains. Banff is just a short drive away, so you’ll have plenty of time this afternoon to explore this charming mountain town. Perhaps take a walk to Bow Falls – a really pretty spot just a twenty minute stroll from your hotel. We’d certainly recommend a trip up the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain, where you will find a brilliant visitor centre and superb panoramic views.

Overnight: Classic Hotel - Banff Ptarmigan Inn; Deluxe Hotel – Fairmont Banff Springs

Day 4

Banff

Today there is a host of activities for you to enjoy in the Banff National Park, from hiking to horse-riding, from river rafting to a cruise on nearby Lake Minnewanka. We are happy to book any of these activities to help you get the most from your time in Banff.

Overnight: Classic Hotel - Banff Ptarmigan Inn; Deluxe Hotel – Fairmont Banff Springs

Day 5

Banff – Lake Louise (36 miles)

After a leisurely start, you’ll take the short but beautiful drive to Lake Louise. One of the most photographed lakes in the world, you will not be disappointed by the emerald hues of the lake and the gorgeous reflections of the mountains in the water.

Overnight: Classic Hotel - Lake Louise Inn; Deluxe Hotel – Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Day 6

Lake Louise – Jasper (145 miles)

Today you’ll continue north into the lovely town of Jasper set in a beautiful national park. You could visit the Icefields Parkway and Athabasca Glacier en route, and we can book tickets for you to do this and enjoy a ride on an Ice Explorer which will take you right onto the glacier. This evening you might want to do a Foodie Tour of Jasper, a guided tour to help you get your bearings at the same time as having a delicious gourmet night.

Overnight: Classic Hotel – Chateau Jasper; Deluxe Hotel – Fairmont Jasper Lodge

Day 7

Jasper

A full day to enjoy this stunning national park. A great place to start is the Jasper SkyTram - at the top you will have stunning views of six mountain ranges, turquoise lakes and the town of Jasper below. Alternatively you could take a guided tour in search of wildlife, get the adrenalin running with a white-water rafting trip…or take a more mellow trip with a float-ride down the river.

Overnight: Classic Hotel – Chateau Jasper; Deluxe Hotel – Fairmont Jasper Lodge

Day 8

Jasper – Edmonton (227 miles)

Today your journey will take you east into the quirky fun city of Edmonton. It’s quite a long drive so you might want to stop off in the morning at one of the Provincial Parks on the edge of Jasper National Park to have a scenic walk – either Rock Lake - Solomon Creek Wildland or William A. Switzer Provincial Park are just a short detour from your route.

Overnight: Classic Hotel – Delta Edmonton Center; Deluxe Hotel – Fairmont Hotel MacDonald

Day 9

Edmonton

Edmonton not as well known as other Canadian cities but we love it’s quirky laid back charms and there’s masses to do. We can book you onto a walking tour or a Segway adventure, to help you explore the city. The North Saskatchewan River runs through the city and beautiful parkland runs along the riverbank perfect for a bike ride or a stroll. Or you can visit the Royal Alberta Museum, with its natural history galleries and the striking Art Gallery of Alberta, known for its First Nations art.

Overnight: Classic Hotel – Delta Edmonton Center; Deluxe Hotel – Fairmont Hotel MacDonald

Day 10

Edmonton – Drumheller (174 miles)

You’re now in the final leg of your Alberta exploration as you arrive in Drumheller, 3 hours south of Edmonton and close to Calgary. The main attraction of Drumheller is the renowned Royal Tyrrell Museum which contains arguably the largest collection of dinosaur fossils in the world. You can also visit the “Worlds Largest Dinosaur” - this fiberglass & steel Tyrannosaurus Rex is 26 metres high and has a viewing area in the mouth…not to be missed!

Overnight: Econo Lodge Inn & Suites

Day 11

Drumheller – Calgary Airport (84 miles)

It’s the last day of your holiday. You’ll probably have time to call in at a mall on your way back to the airport. Then drop off your hire car and fly home.