Grand Canadian Rockies
Overview
The Canadian Rockies showcase a breathtaking landscape of rugged mountain peaks, snow-capped summits, dense forests and stunning turquoise lakes. Explore vibrant Vancouver with its scenic waterfront and mountain backdrop in every direction. Discover world-class hiking and biking trails in Whistler, Sun Peaks, Jasper and Banff, each offering unforgettable alpine scenery. Take in the iconic beauty of Lake Louise or simply relax with a warm drink while surrounded by the serene grandeur of the Rockies.
Format
Trip Highlights
Destinations that include planned activities and/or overnight stays
- Canada
- Vancouver
- Whistler
- Sun Peaks
- Jasper
- Banff & Lake Louise
- Lake Louise
- Calgary
- Sun Peaks Resort, Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada
- Jasper National Park, Jasper, Alberta, Canada
- Banff National Park, Banff, Alberta, Canada
Inclusions
- Flight to Vancouver, return from Calgary (if the Flight & Hotel option is chosen)
- 9 nights of accommodation
- 3 lunches, 1 dinner
- Professional English-speaking tour director, starting from Day 2
- Transportation by van as of Day 2
- City taxes
- More Moments activities included:
- Squamich - Lil'wat Cultural Centre Visit
- Whistler - Leader-led orientation walk
- Jasper National Park - Entrance fee
- Mt. Robinson Provincial Park - Wildflower walk
- Visit to Maligne Lake
- Icefields Parkway - Sightseeing stops including Sunwapta Falls
- Banff Upper Hot Springs
- Visit to Lake Louise
- Banff - Walk and talk with a Y2Y (Yellowknife to Yukon) Wildlife Conservation guide
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart for your flight to Vancouver
Upon arrival in Vancouver, you'll make your own way to the hotel. Your orientation meeting will be held at 6 PM to meet your tour leader and fellow travellers.
Day 2
Vancouver - Whistler
Depart Vancouver and visit Stanley Park's iconic totem poles before stopping at the scenic Shannon Falls. Continue to the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre before your arrival in Whistler Village with the evening free to explore the village or experience its lively nightlife.
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
More Moments Activities Included
-
Squamich Lil'wat Culture Centre
Discover First Nations' history, art and culture, with an opportunity to enjoy a late lunch featuring Indigenous-inspired cuisine.
-
Whistler Village orientation walk
Your leader will take you on an orientation walk through the bustling hub of shops and award-winning restaurants all surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery.
Meal(s): Lunch
Day 3
Whistler: At Leisure
Stunning Whistler is ready to be explored, up the mountains or back down in the village. Take a hike on the Lost Lake Trail, or you can book an activity with your tour leader.
($) Optional Activities
-
Optional Activities ($)
- Zip Trek Tour (1.5 hours)
- Standard mountain bike rental (full-day)
- PEAK2PEAK Gondola
- Audain Art Museum
- Regular bike rental (half-day)
Day 4
Whistler - Sun Peaks
Bid farewell to Whistler and journey through the stunning mountain scenery to Sun Peaks. Upon arrival, choose between hiking the scenic Sunburst Loop for panoramic views or taking a leisurely walk along the Shuswap Medicine Trail to discover local wildlife, plants, and traditional First Nations medicinal practices. This evening, gather with your group for dinner.
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Meal(s): Dinner
Day 5
Sun Peaks - Jasper
This morning, head to Jasper National Park, one of the most photographed places in Canada. Jasper is the largest of Canada's Rocky Mountain parks, famous for wildlife such as elk, moose, deer, coyotes, grizzly bears and mountain lions, as well as smaller mammals and birds. Once you arrive in Jasper, you’ll have options to explore the village of Jasper and its surroundings.
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
More Moments Activities Included
-
Mt. Robson Provincial Park - Windflower walk
Along the way to Jasper, you’ll stop in at Mt Robson Provincial Park, stretching your legs on a short walk through the picturesque wildflower meadows.
Day 6
Jasper - Maligne Lake
Get ready to join the group on a visit to Maligne Lake for some hiking. You can also book yourself a cruise ($) or take another hike, either the Mary Schaeffer or the Moose Lake trails.
More Moments Activities Included
-
Maligne Lake
Visit the breathtaking Maligne Lake, renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and spectacular mountain scenery. Enjoy time exploring the area on one of the scenic hiking trails, where you'll be surrounded by pristine forests, alpine landscapes and abundant wildlife. Whether you choose a leisurely lakeside stroll or a more challenging hike, Maligne Lake offers an unforgettable opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies.
($) Optional Activities
-
Optional Activities Available ($)
- Jasper - Mountain Bike Hire around Beauvert Lake
- Jasper - Cruise on Maligne Lake past the much-photographed Spirit Island
- Jasper - Rafting on the Athabasca River (2 hours)
Meal(s): Lunch
Day 7
Jasper - Banff
Head off to Banff with many scenic stops and visits along the way.
More Moments Activities Included
-
Icefields Parkway - Sightseeing stops including Sunwapta Falls
Travel along the spectacular Icefields Parkway, one of Canada's most scenic drives, with stops at breathtaking viewpoints showcasing towering mountain peaks, ancient glaciers, turquoise lakes and sweeping valleys. Visit the impressive Sunwapta Falls, where the powerful Sunwapta River plunges through a narrow limestone gorge.
You'll have the chance to join an optional glacier hike with a professional guide ($).
Day 8
Banff - Lake Louise - Banff National Park
Head out to Lake Louise in the morning before enjoying a soak in the Hot Springs. If time permits, see some optional activities available with Banff National Park.
More Moments Activities Included
-
Visit to Lake Louise
Get your bearings on optional walks along the easy Waterfront Trail, or take the steeper trail to the Fairview Lookout for some incredible views from above. After, you might like to check out the interior of the luxury mountain resort, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
-
Banff Upper Hot Springs
In the afternoon, don an old-fashioned swimsuit and soak in the hot mineral waters of the Banff Upper Hot Springs.
($) Optional Activities
-
Optional Activities ($)
- Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum
- Banff - Canoe hire
- Banff - Sulphur Mountain gondola
- Banff - Horse riding (1 hour)
- Banff - Mountain bike hire (full day)
- Banff - Cruiser bike hire (full day)
Meal(s): Lunch
Day 9
Banff - Calgary
Before departing Banff, meet with a guide from Yellowstone to Yukon (Y2Y) to learn about the region's unique wildlife corridors and conservation efforts.
Continue your journey through the Canadian Rockies toward Calgary, stopping in the charming mountain town of Canmore, where you'll have free time to enjoy lunch and take in your final alpine views.
Arrive in Calgary in the afternoon, a vibrant city known for the world-famous Calgary Stampede, thriving culinary scene, and lively nightlife. Spend the evening exploring one of the city's excellent restaurants or local hot-spots.
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
More Moments Activities Included
-
Banff - Walk and talk with Y2Y Wildlife Conservation guide
Y2Y (Yellowstone to Yukon) is an initiative to create wildlife corridors spanning from Yellowstone to Yukon, and you'll learn how the U.S. and Canada have come together to support the animals whose habitats span both countries.
Day 10
Calgary - Return Home
After you check out of your hotel, make your own way to the airport and board your flight home.
Accommodations
Where you'll stay
Comfort Accommodation
Location
Hotel
Room details
Unless otherwise indicated, guests will stay in a Standard Room at all hotels during the trip.
Room occupancy: Maximum 2 people
Ideal for
Guided tours
Let us show you around. Tour packages include (varies by tour):
- Round-trip flight with Air Canada
- Private airport transfers
- Hotel accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- Train transportation
- Motorcoach transportation
- Hotel-to-hotel luggage service
- Experienced guide throughout
- Aeroplan® points
Important Information
-
- May 16, 23 & 30, 2027
- June 06, 13, 20 & 27, 2027
- July 04, 11 & 25, 2027
- August 08, 15 & 22, 2027
- September 02, 09 & 16, 2027
-
Not Included
- Airport transfers
- Tips
- Meals & drinks, unless noted
- Additional activities and excursions
- Personal expenses
- Travel and medical insurance
-
- The More Moments activities/excursions mentioned in the itinerary are all included in the package but may be rescheduled to take place on an earlier or later day or replaced with an alternate option depending on availability, weather, seasonality and operational reasons beyond the supplier’s control.
- On departures that a Y2Y conservationist is not available, we will instead join a local guide for a historic walking tour of Banff.
-
- Car/Van: Ford Transit E350 - 15 seater-van or similar
-
- Weather in the Rockies can be unpredictable; dress in layers throughout the year to adapt to changing conditions.
- Temperatures can drop significantly in the evenings, even during warmer months, so bring warm clothing.
- During July and August, mosquitoes and black flies are common, pack insect repellent.
- On departures in May, early June, September, and October, certain activities (such as gondolas, mountain hikes, or rafting) may not be available.
- This trip covers a lot of ground, as Canada is a big country. Please be prepared for some long days of driving. The drive between Sun Peaks and Jasper, for example, takes approximately six hours.
- Jasper was impacted by wildfires in 2024, but the town is once again welcoming visitors. While some areas still show signs of the fire, many of Jasper's spectacular landscapes and attractions remain open to explore. Your visit helps support the local community and businesses as they continue their recovery.
- The sequence of the itinerary may be altered for reasons beyond the supplier’s control, such as accommodation availability, weather and national events.
- Excursions, optional tours, activities and other experiences booked through Air Canada Vacations as optional services are non-refundable and non-transferable once confirmed. Changes, cancellations or failure to participate will not qualify for a refund or credit.
-
Maximum group of 12 people
-
15 years old and up