Waterton Lakes National Park
Waterton Lakes National Park
Bow River (left), and gondola rides up Sulphur Mountain (right)
Bow River (left), and gondola rides up Sulphur Mountain (right)
Two Jack Lake in Banff (left), and Maligne Canyon in Jasper (right)
Two Jack Lake in Banff (left), and Maligne Canyon in Jasper (right)

Explore Alberta - Lakes, Mountains & Open Skies

10 nights from £1,599 per person Including Flights

Overview

A tailormade self-drive itinerary to experience the highlights of Alberta in Western Canada. Fly into Calgary and then head south to the beautiful Waterton Lakes National Park, where the Rocky Mountains meet the Canadian Prairies. You'll then head north into the stunning national park of Banff to enjoy the majestic peaks and stunning lakes. Drive the spectacular Icefield Parkway, one of the most scenic roads in the world, onto Jasper National Park with its charming town, and beautiful landscapes of lakes, mountains and forests. The finale will be a stay at the Metis Crossing, where you will experience indigenous culture and stay for two nights in a Sky Watching Dome (don't worry, they have all the facilities you'll need!) where you can view the night sky with a chance of seeing the Northern Lights.

Highlights

  • Explore the national parks of Banff and Jasper in the heart of the Rockies
  • Discover the hidden gem of Waterton Lakes – where the peaks meet the prairies
  • Drive the spectacular Icefields Parkway
  • Enjoy an authentic indigenous experience at Metis Crossing, staying in a unique Sky Watching Dome

Itinerary Overview

Fly into Calgary stay 1 night – Waterton Lakes 2 nights - Banff 3 nights – Jasper 2 nights – Metis Crossing 2 nights – Return flight from Calgary
 

Whats included?
  • Flights & taxes
  • Accommodation
  • Checked baggage
  • ATOL protection
  • In resort assistance & 24 hour contact centre
Why Book with Canadian Sky?
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  • A friendly, family run business with a wealth of experience.
  • Great deals on offer for multiple destinations
  • Low deposits
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Day 1

Fly to Calgary

Fly into Calgary, pick up your hire car and drive to your Calgary hotel for the night.

Overnight: Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Calgary; or upgrad to the Fairmont Palliser (or similar)

Days 2 to 3

Calgary - Waterton Lakes (169 miles)

Drive south to Waterton Lakes National Park for a two night stay. We suggest you take a cruise on the Waterton Lakes, which will take you into Glacier Park Montana USA, where you’ll see towering cliffs, beautiful waterfalls and myriad wildlife. You could also take a picnic and follow a hiking trail to admire the rare wildflowers and rugged natural beauty. This is the only national park which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, International Peace Park and also a Biosphere Reserve!

Two nights: Waterton Lakes Lodge Resort; or upgrade to the Prince of Wales Hotel (or similar)

Days 4 to 6

Waterton Lakes – Banff (231 miles)

Time to head north, into the glorious Banff National Park. Perhaps take a walk to Bow Falls – a really pretty spot just a twenty minute stroll from the town centre along well marked trails. Highly recommended is a trip up the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain - at the summit you will find a brilliant visitor centre and superb panoramic views of several mountain ranges. There are some great tours of the Banff National Park that we can book for you, with entertaining guides who will tell you all about the wildlife, geology and history of this beautiful place. Or if you’d rather do your own thing, there are some lovely hiking trails to follow and gorgeous lakes to drive to such as Lake Minnewanka. In the evening there are many restaurants, cafés and bars for you to choose from all along Banff Avenue and the streets leading from here.

Three nights: Banff Ptarmigan Inn or upgrade to Fairmont Banff Springs (or similar)

Days 7 to 8

Banff – Jasper (145 miles)

Today you will have a beautiful drive north to Jasper, and whilst this is only around 3 hours direct drive, we suggest you take all day over it, as there are so many great stops en route. It will be worth getting up early so that you can reach Lake Louise before the crowds, and have some breathing space to get that perfect photograph. After Lake Louise you’ll follow the Icefields Parkway – one of the worlds most scenic drives. There are well signposted viewpoints, so just keep stopping as many times as your schedule allows, and keep your eyes open for wildlife. We highly recommend stopping at the Athabasca Glacier, and we can book you tickets which include a ride on the Ice Explorer onto the glacier itself, entry to the visitor centre and to the amazing Glacier Skywalk.

Whilst in Jasper you could take tour riding pillion or side-car on a Harley Davidson? One, two and three hour tours are available (click on the "Optional Excursions" tab for details) You could also choose to take a wildlife tour late afternoon, or perhaps a foodie tour - there are some great restaurants in this charming town! There is also the Jasper Skytram up Whistlers Mountain to see six mountain ranges and the town of Jasper below, and you could perhaps have lunch at the Summit Restaurant.

Two nights: Chateau Jasper; or upgrade to Fairmont Jasper Lodge (or similar)

Days 9 to 10

Jasper to Metis Crossing (290 miles)

Continue your journey northwards to the Metis Crossing - this hotel is owned and operated by the Metis Nation of Alberta, and here you will enjoy learning about the Metis people and exploring the beautiful surrounding countryside. When you check-in, why not take a stroll through the grounds or venture out on some of the over 10km of hiking trails. On your second day, after breakfast you will set out to discover the Metis history and their contributions to Canadian culture. Take a guided tour "Visions, Hopes, and Dreams" at Métis Crossing Wildlife Park to view heritage species such as rare white bison, wood bison and the unique Percheron horses. After lunch, you are led on a guided tour of a traditional Metis river lot farm as they existed for generations, exploring their seasonal practices, art and stories.

During your stay you will enjoy delicious meals with traditionally sourced ingredients carefully prepared, and served in dining areas with stunning views of nature. For two nights you will be staying in a Sky Watching Dome - check out the "Accomodation" tab for more details

Two nights: Metis Crossing in a Sky Watching Dome (includes dinner on your first night; breakfast lunch & dinner on your second day; and breakfast on your departure day)

Day 11

Metis Crossing to Calgary (247 miles)

After breakfasst, its time to drive back to Calgary airport, drop off your hire car and fly home
 

  • International flights to Calgary
  • Fully comprehensive car hire
  • Electronic roadbook
  • 10 nights accommodation as detailed on a room only basis (or similar)

What's not included:

  • Meals (unless otherwise stated)
  • Entrance to National Parks
  • Activities and excursions – we can book these for you - check the Optional Excursions tab for more detail

Approximate from prices per person:

  • Calgary Tower - £20
  • Calgary Downtown Walking Tour (2 hours) - £20
  • Banff Gondola Ride - £45
  • Banff Lake Minnewanka Cruise (1 hour) - £50
  • Banff area various helicopter excursions from £190
  • Banff horseback riding from 1 to 3 hours from £120
  • Glacier Adventure including Ice Explorer & Glacier Skywalk - £70
  • Jasper Wildlife Discovery Tour - £50
  • Jasper Planetarium - £30
  • Sidecar Motorcycle Tours of Jasper from £100
  • Admission to the Jasper SkyTram - £40

Speak to our sales specialist on pre-booking these excursions for you

Metis Crossing

Alberta

Set in nearly over 600 acres, the beautifully designed Metis crossing Lodge and Cultural Gathering Centre was completed in 2020, and now offers the Metis people to share their stories. We offer a two-night experience at Metis Crossing, staying in the unique Sky Watching Dome for you to enjoy the constellations and perhaps see the Northern Lights.

Alan  Facer
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