Big adventure, epic scenery and wonderful wildlife await. This popular itinerary explores some of Alberta’s most adored locations. This fly drive includes:
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Depart the UK on your scheduled flight to Calgary. Upon arrival, collect your rental car and proceed to the Le Germain Hotel, Calgary, where you will spend the first night of your amazing adventure. Calgary is a wonderful city to wander, with some quaint shopping and dining options to choose from.
Le Germain Hotel, CalgaryToday you start your epic journey into the majestic Rockies. Leaving the big city behind, you’ll witness a never-ending procession of mountains, glistening lakes and jagged peaks, providing plenty of photo opportunities. Take your time enjoying the journey to Banff, as you have three nights to explore all that this incredible town offers. While here we recommend an escorted nature walk through Banff’s bear country, where you will not only experience exciting animal viewings but also amazing landscapes. Perhaps you would enjoy a horseback ride? They range from one to four hours, and follow one of the myriad of trail options available.
Moose Hotel & Suites, BanffMake sure you enjoy a hearty breakfast, as another action-packed day lies ahead. It is just a short drive from Banff to picturesque Lake Louise, which is still located within Banff National Park. We suggest taking the scenic Bow Valley Parkway route which runs parallel to the Trans-Canada highway. Be sure to stop at Johnston Canyon and walk along the paved footpath to either the lower or upper waterfalls. Arguably the most pictured lake in North America, Lake Louise is known for its sparkling blue waters and idylic position at the base of impressive glacier-clad peaks. There are plenty of outdoor activities and adventures waiting in Lake Louise, whichever season you choose to travel. In warmer months, you may decide to take a hike, bike or hop into a canoe and explore the lake first-hand. For the adrenaline junkies out there, why not choose to go on a mountain biking exploration or get wet and wild on a river rating experience? A wide range of tours and sailings are available to satisfy all requirements.
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Lake LouiseToday, travel through the spine of the Canadian Rockies along the amazing Icefields Parkway and encompass the ultimate glacier exploration. From walking on ancient ice with the Ice Explorer ride, to standing on a glass platform almost one thousand feet in the air at the Glacier Skywalk. Your destination is Jasper, where you spend the next three nights exploring more of mother natures incredible beauty. With thousands of pristine acres and a small population, Jasper is the ultimate place to view wildlife in their natural surroundings. Elk, deer, bear, moose, and mountain goats are just a sample of the many wild animals roaming the park, so whatever you do, don’t forget your camera. During your stay, you may choose to take a Maligne Lake Cruise, where you can marvel at the magnificent shoreline and Spirit Island, enjoy a gentle rafting tour on the Athabasca River for a unique perspective of Jasper National Park or partake in a guided nature walk – featuring a spectacular array of rolling hills, jagged peaks, forests, meadows, marshes, streams, and stunning glacial lakes.
Forest Park Hotel, JasperIf you can tear yourself away from the parks, the next stop on this itinerary is Edmonton, which is the provincial capital of Alberta. You will have two nights to explore this city, which is unique in many ways including being home to the world’s largest shopping centre, West Edmonton Mall. The mall offers an expansive water park, amusement park, indoor skating rink, and mini golf park, and over 800 stores.A great way to see Edmonton is on one of many segway tours of the city, which run year round, allowing you enjoyment of the blooming spring buds, breathtaking lush summer greenery, stunning autumn colours, or the winter wonderland. Don’t miss the walking trails and parks of the downtown River Valley, and the eclectic shops and cafes of Whyte Avenue.
The final stop on your journey is Elk Island National Park. Less than an hour from Edmonton, Elk Island is awash with wildlife: bison, elk, moose, white-tailed deer, mule deer and you might even spot an elusive Alberta lynx. Located in the Beaver Hills Biosphere, it boasts incredible experiences that will remain with you long after you leave. Make sure you take a behind the scenes tour at bison handling facility and learn how this magnificent animal was brought back from near extinction. Elk Island National Park falls within the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve, which means optimal conditions for catching a glimpse of the bright, pulsating chorus of lights known as aurora borealis. What better way to end an incredible experience than two nights spent in a Geo Dome? Designed with nature lovers in mind, you will spend two nights under the stars with Alberta’s nature surrounding you every second of your stay.
Geo Cabins at Elk Island Retreat, Elk IslandToday you can choose to fly home from Edmonton or make the 204 mile journey back to Calgary International Airport, where you return your rental car and check in for your flight back to the UK.
Our team of travel professionals focus on providing you with the very best advice when it comes to planning your holiday to the USA and Canada. They have experienced the destinations, hotels, tours and excursions for themselves, so if its expert advice and guidance backed by faultless customer service that you are looking for, you couldn’t’ be in safer hands. We will listen to your wish list of ideas as well as add our own personal recommendations to create a unique itinerary, personalised just for you.
For a quotation based on your preferred travel date and to check availability please contact one of our team of professional consultants who will be happy to assist you.
| Superior Deluxe | Among the finest the world has to offer, hotels in this category are exclusive, lavish and indulgent. Needless to say, you will enjoy the highest service levels, superb accommodation and outstanding facilities and public areas. |
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| Deluxe | This will be an outstanding hotel, offering many of the features of Superior Deluxe, though on a scale which will be a little less grand. |
| Moderate Deluxe | This will be a Deluxe standard property, although some of the accommodation and public areas may offer a less pronounced degree of luxury. In other instances, the hotel may be a famous name with a well-established reputation. |
| Superior First Class | More often than not, this will be a superior modern hotel or an older property which is exceptionally well maintained. All offer very comfortable and well-furnished accommodation and public areas. |
| First Class | A dependable and comfortable hotel with standardised rooms. These are the ideal choice for travellers who don not require deluxe facilities or special services. |
| Moderate First Class | Essentially a First Class hotel with comfortable but sometimes simple accommodations. Public areas may be limited but generally provides all the essentials a guest requires. |
| Superior Tourist Class | |
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| Dude Ranch | |
| Resort Ranch | |
| Working Ranch |
