Current as of: May 13, 2024 - 09:00
Current as of: May 13, 2024 - 09:00
2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate
Get ready for mountains, lakes and glaciers, Canadian style! Explore some of the grandest scenery in North America and take advantage of the hiking and adventure activities available on this lodging tour. Starting in the picturesque town of Banff, encounter stunning waterfalls and aquamarine lakes, spot wildlife in wilderness parks and enjoy the spectacularly scenic Icefields Parkway. Add on as much adventure as you want, from zip lining to mountain biking, and white-water rafting to canoeing. See Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, then return to city life in Calgary. This 10-day Canadian Rockies tour is one great big adventure, so what are you waiting for?
Highlights
This tour is rated Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.
It is an active tour suitable for people of most fitness levels. Active tours are about exploring the places you visit so, whether it’s walking or kayaking, you are experiencing the best from each place. Given the nature of this tour, if you suffer from medical issues, you should advise us prior to booking.
Please note: Both the weather conditions and presence of wild animals can be unpredictable in the Rockies. Either of these may force the guide to change a planned hike for the day. It is important to use common sense when walking in the wilderness and to follow the advice of the guide.
There are opportunities for optional activities. Your tour guide organises these on your behalf and you pay locally in cash. You’ll find the main optional activities listed under the daily descriptions, along with guideline prices. It may not be possible to do all optional activities listed.
Your tour leader takes care of all the planning and organisation throughout your tour, they drive the van and ensure everything runs smoothly. Your tour leader is there to make sure you get the most out of your tour: organising activities, providing information, and answering any questions you may have as well as sorting any queries or problems. If you have any particular interests, or things you would like to do, please let your tour leader know at the beginning of the tour and they will do their best to help you.
Please note: Canadian law regulates the total number of hours your tour guide is available to work. Our trips are designed to make the most of your time in Canada, but there will be certain times each day your tour guide must be off duty from work. Due to these restrictions, particularly after the longer driving days, your tour guide may not be able to join you for some of the daily activities or may need to tend to other work duties.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 13
Those on the group flight will be met at Calgary Airport and transferred to our hotel in Banff. Located within the vast and beautiful Banff National Park, this charming town is surrounded by snow-capped peaks including Mount Rundle and Mount Cascade. It has a charming alpine atmosphere and is the perfect base from which to begin our exploration of the Canadian Rockies.
There will be a welcome briefing at 6pm this evening to meet your guide and fellow travellers.
Accommodation: Charltons Banff or High Country Inn (or similar)
Located within the vast and beautiful Banff National Park, the charming town of Banff is surrounded by snow-capped peaks including Mount Rundle and Mount Cascade. It has a charming alpine atmosphere and is the perfect base from which to begin our exploration of the Canadian Rockies.
A welcome meeting is held at 6pm at the Banff hotel, where you meet your tour guide and fellow travellers.
Accommodation: Charltons Banff or High Country Inn (or similar)
In the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park was established in 1885 and is the oldest national park in Canada. Its mountainous terrain encompasses coniferous forests, alpine meadows, icefields and glaciers.
This morning, our leader will guide us on a hike to take in the awe-inspiring scenery surrounding Banff. There is a range of hikes available, from an easy 1.7mi (2.7km) loop along the Bow Falls Trail to a more strenuous 6.7mi (10.8km) hike to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. The leader can recommend the best option based on the group’s preference and ability, but you can be sure that every hike in Banff National Park is a beauty!
Afterwards, there is time for optional activities or independent exploration of Banff.
Accommodation: Charltons Banff or Banff Rocky Mountain Resorts (or similar)
The morning is free to explore Banff and perhaps enjoy one of the many optional activities available. Take a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain or opt to view the scenic grandeur from a helicopter. Outstanding hikes are available and, with an abundance of wildlife around, there’s always a chance of spotting something special so keep your camera at the ready.
In the afternoon, we head to the Sulphur Mountain Hot Springs above Banff for a soak in the thermal pool, surrounded by the jagged peaks of Rundle and Cascade Mountains.
Optional activities:
Accommodation: Charltons Banff or Banff Rocky Mountain Resorts (or similar)
Cameras at the ready as we head to two of the most photographed locations in the Rockies. With snow-capped peaks, ancient pine forests and aquamarine waters, Lake Louise is known as the Gem of the Canadian Rockies, while Moraine Lake lies in the Valley of the Ten Peaks and is arguably the most picturesque lake in the region. We spend time at both and there’s the opportunity to join the tour leader for a guided hike (the duration and difficulty is determined by the tour leader based on the group’s ability). Your next three nights are spent in the nearby town of Golden.
Optional activities:
The order to visit the two lakes and where we hike will be decided based on visitor numbers and local conditions.
Accommodation: Prestige Inn Golden (or similar)
Yoho National Park is considered the hidden treasure of the Canadian national park system and you have a full day to explore. It’s a photographer’s dream with several hiking opportunities that showcase the mountains, lakes and waterfalls of this pristine alpine landscape. In the morning, there is time for optional activities including an exhilarating half-day white-water rafting excursion on Kicking Horse River, or hire a mountain bike to explore the area on two wheels.
In the afternoon, our tour leader will accompany us on a walk to the impressive Takakkaw Falls, one of the most powerful waterfalls in British Columbia, set amidst towering mountainous scenery, and then to magnificent Emerald Lake. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the vibrant colour of Emerald Lake lends it its name. We hike along a trail through the surrounding forest, passing colourful flowers and surprisingly jungle-like plants that thrive in this climate, enjoying views of the lake all the way round. We make the most of this spectacular national park before returning to Golden in the early evening.
Optional activities:
Accommodation: Prestige Inn Golden (or similar)
The Icefields Parkway, cutting through the heart of the Rockies, is recognised as being one of the most scenic drives in the world, travelling 140mi (230km) past hanging glaciers, sheer rock walls and broad sweeping valleys. You have a chance to traverse a portion of the imposing Athabasca Glacier on an optional guided glacier hike and be amazed by the turquoise tones of Peyto Lake. End your day in Jasper.
Optional activities:
Accommodation: Becker’s Chalets (or similar)
Today we begin our discovery of Jasper National Park. There are several options on offer in Jasper, including the SkyTram cable car to Whistler’s Peak for a bird’s-eye view of this splendid park. There’s also ample opportunity for hiking or mountain biking amid glorious lakeside scenery.
Optional activities:
Accommodation: Becker’s Chalets (or similar)
Waterfalls, fossils, underground streams, nests of ravens and rare black swifts, unexpectedly lush plant life and the startling effects of frost: these are just some of the wonders of Maligne Canyon. Swirling, churning water has worn the canyon, only two metres across at some points, to a depth of more than 50 metres. Maligne Canyon is carved into the Palliser Formation, a layer of limestone deposited in a shallow tropical sea by lime-secreting plankton about 365-million years ago. Some geologists speculate that parts of the canyon were originally deep caves that have since been uncovered by glacial scraping and water erosion.
Our leader takes us on an easy trail along the canyon, stopping along the way to share the geological history of the area. There are four bridges across the gorge, each with its own special view. A short hiking loop tours the upper reaches of the canyon, while a longer trail follows the gorge and exits at a fifth and sixth bridge lower down – you may choose the short or longer route.
Accommodation: Becker’s Chalets (or similar)
We begin the drive back to Calgary (approximately 5 hours, not including stops). Part of our journey will be back along the spectacular Icefields Parkway, so there will be time to appreciate views in the opposite direction to those we previously saw. We’ll make a few stops along the way to stretch our legs and visit the charming town of Canmore, often referred to as the gateway to the Rockies.
Sandwiched between the Rocky Mountains and the winding Bow River, Calgary is at the epicentre of Alberta’s oil industry. The high-rise buildings and urban parklands create a balanced modern city.
Accommodation: Ramada Plaza Calgary Downtown (or similar)
The adventure ends this morning and we make our return journeys home. Land-only clients may join the group transfer to the airport if timings coincide. Speak to your sales representative if you’d like to join this transfer or, alternatively, extend your stay in Calgary.
There’s some time in the morning to explore Calgary before our adventure ends with a transfer to the airport.
We stay in clean, comfortable hotels and lodges, chosen for their friendly atmosphere and proximity to the highlights of the region. You are roomed with a fellow passenger of the same sex on a twin-share basis (two people per room) unless you are travelling as a couple.
In remote locations, we have chosen the best accommodation available, but they may be of a slightly lower standard than you are used to.
There are no compulsory single supplements on our tours; however, if you’d like your own space, you can request a single room for an additional fee.
Single supplement from 1 260 €
We offer you the option to book additional hotel nights before or after your tour; these should be booked prior to departure with your sales representative. See below for start hotel details.
Please note, some hotels may take a debit or credit card as a deposit at check-in. They may also take an amount to cover incidentals. Funds can be held until checkout, at which time the amount actually incurred is charged. Please clarify with the hotel when you check out that all deposits are refunded as promptly as possible.
There are three breakfasts included on this tour.
We usually eat out in local restaurants recommended by the tour leader. To help you budget, meals cost on average:
Drinks cost on average:
A tip of approximately 17%-20% is added to group meals in Canadian restaurants. Applicable taxes will also be added to all listed menu prices.
Your tour leader may offer your group the option to operate a lunch-only food kitty, this has proven a popular alternative to three daily restaurant meals. Leaders will explain this option while on tour, and the whole group has to agree for this system to run.
Please tell us of any special meal requirements before travelling. We do all we can to accommodate various dietary requirements but certain food types can be limited in certain parts of North America.
We travel in a private air-conditioned 15-seater vehicle driven by your tour guide. All luggage and equipment are stored in a specially designed trailer or storage area to maximise comfort in the vehicle. Every group is virtually self-sufficient and can explore the backroads where the crowds can’t go. Vehicles are Bluetooth compatible and have large windows for a more enjoyable journey.
Summer in the Rockies is generally warm and sunny. Average daytime temperatures are 18C (64F) in June and the first half of September and 22C (72F) in July/August. Night temperatures are cool in July and August; cold in June and from early September and can near freezing point. Temperatures vary depending on altitude. June has long hours of daylight.
The weather in the Rockies can be unpredictable. Be prepared for sudden thunderstorms, strong winds or even snow. Although summers are fairly dry, there may be the odd rainy day. September can bring early snow on the peaks. Residual snow at higher elevations may linger until mid-July. Walking on hard-packed snow is sometimes required.
Start hotel: dependent on departure date. Please speak to your sales representative for more information.
Recommended arrival time: 5.30pm at the start hotel so you can join the welcome briefing. If you arrive later, the leader will update you separately
The start hotel in Banff is approximately 1.5 hours’ drive from Calgary Airport. Your options for this journey are:
Take an Exodus transfer
Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from Calgary Airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Make your own way
It’s possible to reach the start hotel using the Banff Airporter shuttle service, which runs 10 times a day and costs 80 dollars (US$60) each way. You can find more information available here. Alternatively, a cab from the airport to the start hotel costs approximately 250 dollars (US$185). On arrival at the hotel, please make the reception staff aware that you are part of an Exodus group and they will have more details on meeting with your leader and group.
You are free to arrive at any time on Day 1 but please ensure you leave plenty of time to reach your start hotel and attend your welcome meeting, which is usually held at 6pm. Details on the specific location of your meeting are available from around midday on the arrival day. During this evening meeting, you meet your tour guide and fellow travellers and spend a few minutes filling out necessary paperwork, so please bring your insurance documents, passport and tour documentation to the meeting.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Arrival complications
Sometimes the unexpected can happen; your plane may be delayed or you may even miss it. If you have missed your tour departure, first call the hotel to see if your tour leader has left you a message. If not, call the relevant emergency number and speak to our staff who will be happy to help you catch up with the group. Please note that you are responsible for any extra travelling expenses incurred due to missing your tour’s departure.
There’s a group departure transfer to Calgary Airport for customers who Exodus have booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. If you have booked your own flights, you may still join this transfer at no extra cost – please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Banff
Location end: Calgary
Take a practical selection of clothes for both warm and cool climates to suit the season. You may encounter a wide variety of temperatures en route due to altitude and unforeseen weather conditions – so it’s best to be prepared! Besides your essential clothing, here’s a checklist of other items you should take:
Footwear
We recommend walking shoes/boots, as comfortable shoes with good ankle support make walking more enjoyable. Trails in Canada are generally well maintained and wide, but they can occasionally be steep and rocky. If you do not own a pair, then sports trainers (sneakers) will do if you’ve used them successfully in similar conditions, although this is a personal choice. Conditions can also be muddy and wet, so a pair of waterproof shoes is recommended.
Clothes washing
You have the opportunity to wash clothes on tour. Ask your tour leader for local information.
Luggage allowance
One suitcase, soft kitbag or backpack (50lb/23kg maximum) per person. A small backpack and camera can also be carried in the van. Before you travel, please check the baggage allowance with the airline you’re flying with as this may be less than 50lb (23kg).
We are unable to offer luggage storage facilities; however, some of our pre- and post-tour hotels will provide this service, although there may be a charge. Please contact the hotels directly for further information.
Travellers from the UK and EU countries can enter Canada under an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). US citizens do not normally need a visa. Visas are required for some nationalities and requirements often change; it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas and fulfil any requirements for this trip. We recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
To apply for your eTA, or for more information, visit www.canada.ca/eTA; you will need your passport, credit or debit card, and an email address. It costs 7 Canadian dollars and will be valid for five years or until your passport expires. We recommend you carry a print out of your eTA approval when you travel.
If you have not applied for and received authorisation for an eTA prior to travel you may be denied boarding, experience delayed processing or be denied admission at the Canadian point of entry. However, neither possession of a visa nor meeting the basic requirements for travelling visa free on the eTA guarantees admission to Canada. As with most countries, the final determination of admissibility is made by immigration officials at the point of entry.
Travel via the USA
If you are travelling via the USA and are eligible to transit under the Visa Waiver Program, you are required to register in advance for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). There is a US$21 charge, which is only payable online. Please see our website www.exodus.co.uk/usvisa for further information.
Please note, not all nationalities have the same eligibility for travel to or transit via the USA, and you may not be covered by the visa waiver program. Regulations stipulate that any person who has travelled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen since March 2011, or have dual nationalities of these countries, may no longer qualify. In addition, if you have travelled to Cuba since 12 January 2021 you will not be eligible for the visa waiver program and should instead apply for a visa.
If you are in doubt of your eligibility, please check the visa requirements with your local US embassy.
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for polio, tetanus and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Alberta’s time zone: UTC -06:00
British Columbia’s time zone: UTC -07:00
Canada's electricity: Plug types A (two flat pins) and B (three pins: two flat, one round) – 120V, 60Hz
Canada's currency: Canadian dollar (CAD)
ATMs are available throughout Canada but are limited in some off-the-beaten-track destinations. All charge withdrawal fees (1-5 Canadian dollars). Major credit cards are also widely accepted. It is important you advise your bank prior to leaving your home country of your intended travel, so they do not block your card.
Your spending money needs to cover meals, drinks, personal expenses such as souvenirs, and snacks throughout. For this tour, we recommend you take at least 75 Canadian dollars (US$56) per person per day, but it’s better to bring more than you need rather than run short on tour. You should also budget for tipping, as well as for the optional activities you would like to do. We suggest you bring 150 dollars (US$110) with you in cash for the beginning of your trip.
It is normal and expected in Canada to tip local guides, waiters, bar staff, taxi drivers and anyone who provides a service for you. Service workers are paid a low wage and depend on tips for their livelihood. It can be embarrassing if you are not aware you need to tip and a local expecting a tip confronts you, which is why we provide the following guidelines.
A 15%-20% tip is standard in restaurants, and you should also expect to tip when paying for drinks in bars – 1 dollar per drink if paying in cash, or a percentage will be suggested when paying with a card machine. For other services, 1-2 dollars (US$0.75-US$1.50) per bag for porters and 10% for taxi drivers is usual. It’s also typical to tip around 10% for local guides who provide optional activities.
Your tour guides will work long and hard for you during your tour and we recommend a discretionary tip of 5-10 dollars per passenger per day if your guide’s performance meets or exceeds your expectations.
We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.