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Overview
The Canadian Rocky Mountains, one of North America’s natural treasures and an UNESCO World heritage site, are an impressive playground offering a multitude of outdoor activities.
During these two weeks you can spend your days hiking mountain trails, biking world class tracks, practising your camping skills, rappelling on a mountaineering course and of course sightseeing. There are opportunities for whitewater rafting and trail riding too, and a thrilling three day canoe trip down the North Saskatchewan River retraces the ancient transportation route of the Natives and fur traders.
This is a fantastic family holiday with lots of exciting activities to keep everyone entertained.
Timberwolf
The Timberwolf trained guide for the group ensures that everyone is active and stimulated, while parents, if they so desire, have time to recharge. These days in the fresh mountain air make an unforgettable family adventure.
Included – (the first 10 days)
Airport transfers, transportation in 14 passenger van, 2 nights in hotel, other nights in spacious tents, welcome gift, all camping meals from lunch day 12 to lunch day 9, camping equipment (except sleeping bag), hard-foam mattress, admission to the National Parks, camping fees, Banff Gondola, 1-hour rafting trip, full day mountain bike rental with skills course and tour of the trails, hot springs in Jasper, Galaxy Land in Edmonton, services of an expert guide.
Included – (the 5 day add on)
Transportation from and to Edmonton, 4 nights accommodation in 2-pers. tents, welcome gift, all meals from lunch day 1 to lunch day 5, eating utensils, all camping equipment (except sleeping bag), hard-foam mattress, camping fees, 2-pers. canoes, paddles, life vest, canoe bags in various sizes, canoe instructions
S Harding Travelled on the Rocky Mountaineer"We had, as I now say, an awesome time!"
I just wanted to thank you for organizing such a brilliant holiday. Everything worked like clockwork and all our accommodation was brilliant. We really loved the variety of the accommodation and the places we stayed. We had, as I now say, an awesome time!
Itinerary (14 Nights)
Here’s a day-by-day guide to your itinerary. Feel free to ask us to add other days or ideas and excursions by contacting us directly, so we can give you the best price.
Day 2
Board the bus for the ninety minute drive west into the mountains of Banff National...
Day 2
Calgary
to
Banff
Board the bus for the ninety minute drive west into the mountains of Banff National Park. On a campground under pine trees you pitch your tent for the next four nights. This afternoon you go for the first hike, perhaps following the shore of Lake Minnewanka, for 2-3 hours. Dinner is at the campground.
4 nights camping in Banff National Park.
Day 3
The Banff gondola takes you to the summit of Sulfur Mountain where you have a...
Day 3
Banff
The Banff gondola takes you to the summit of Sulfur Mountain where you have a bird’s eye view of the broad valley, the little town of Banff and Tunnel Mountain. From here the easy 1 km trail leads to Sanson Peak where Norman Sanson used to live for many years to record the weather. For the afternoon a fun filled 3 hour float trip on the Bow River in rubber rafts. Relax as you drift past breathtaking scenery. Wildlife, waterfowl and wildflowers are abundant.
Day 4
Today you hit the trails on a mountain bike on some of the best cross...
Day 4
Banff
Today you hit the trails on a mountain bike on some of the best cross country trails in Rockies. After a one hour skills course you are ready to spend the day exploring the trails and single track. The bikes are first rate and the trails offer such variety that everyone will enjoy this day. An evening of stories around the campfire makes the perfect end to a Canadian mountain day.
Day 5
Today you will head to Lake Louise in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Walk...
Day 5
Banff
Today you will head to Lake Louise in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Walk the shore of the turquois colored lake, rent a canoe, or find a bench and just take in the view. Among the number of easy to more strenuous trails the guide suggests the 3.5 km path with 400 m gain to the historic tea house by an alpine lake. Here a network of trails is tempting you to go further and higher to nearby peaks and glaciers. Hiking time 3 to 5 hours.
Day 6
Travel one of the most spectacular alpine routes; the Icefields Parkway. At the immense Columbia...
Day 6
Banff
to
Jasper
Travel one of the most spectacular alpine routes; the Icefields Parkway. At the immense Columbia Icefields you will hike Parker Ridge with magnificent wide angle views of Saskatchewan Glacier, Mounts Athabasca and Andromeda, and the icy cap of Snow Dome. Mighty Athabasca Falls is among the attractions of Jasper National Park. You can make your way down into an abandoned canyon carved out of the rocks by the raging waters over millions of years. Hiking time 1 to 2 hours.
3 nights camping near Jasper.
Day 7
The side trip to Maligne Lake takes you through a valley once thought to be...
Day 7
Jasper
The side trip to Maligne Lake takes you through a valley once thought to be magical because of another lake along the way which disappears during the summer. Once at Maligne Lake you hike a 8 km circuit through flower covered alpine meadows to an elevation of 2150m or take a boat cruise (optional) to Spirit Island at the far end of the lake. This evening there is a photo safari to spot more animals. Hiking time 2 to 4 hours.
Day 8
Lots to choose from. Suggested is a trail ride in western saddle into the mountains...
Day 8
Jasper
Lots to choose from. Suggested is a trail ride in western saddle into the mountains on quiet horses, led by experienced horse wranglers. There are also bike and canoe rentals, white water rafting, as well as swimming in a clear mountain lake. The guide will be happy to make the arrangements.The peak experience of Sulphur Skyline is a perfect last impression of the Rocky Mountains. Starting almost at tree line with a short but steep climb you reach a ridge with the most excellent views. The reward is the relaxing warm outdoor pool of the Miette Hot Springs. Hiking time 3 hours.
Day 9
Leave the mountains behind and drive 4 hours through ranch and farm country to Edmonton....
Day 9
Edmonton
Leave the mountains behind and drive 4 hours through ranch and farm country to Edmonton. Your hotel is near West Edmonton Mall, the gigantic shopping and amusement center with a roller coaster, wave pool, ice skating rink, mini golf, hundreds of shops, dozens of restaurants and much, much more. A day pass for any of the rides in Galaxy Land is included.
1 night Edmonton
Day 10
Athabasca River
Your tour can end today – or why not add on the optional 4 nights...
Day 10
Athabasca River
Your tour can end today – or why not add on the optional 4 nights canoe trip?
Meet your guide early in the morning in Edmonton. After a 3-hour drive towards the west you pitch your tent by a lake and get ready for the canoe training. You learn the basic paddle strokes, emergency procedures and signals. Tomorrow, on the river, training will continue. The safety and comfort of the participants are the primary concerns of the guide. Tonight’s dinner is steak from the grill.
4 nights camping
Days 11-13
Athabasca River
Non-essential luggage will be stored safely as for the next three nights you pitch your tent...
Days 11-13
Athabasca River
Non-essential luggage will be stored safely as for the next three nights you pitch your tent on sandy islands or comfortable spots along the shore. Your paddling speed depends a lot on the water level. The glacier fed Athabasca River is full of power in the early season, clear and quiet in the fall when the glaciers in the mountains stop melting. The forested river valley is uninhabited. You have excellent chances to spot wild geese, beavers, eagles, elk, bear and moose. Five or six hours daily are spent on the river, sometimes leisurely drifting downstream, but always with an eye for gravel bars and obstacles. There will be time for swimming, fishing, exploring and evening campfires.
Day 14
Athabasca River to Edmonton
Today is the end of the canoe trip, in downtown Edmonton, after 160km on the...
Day 14
Athabasca River
to
Edmonton
Today is the end of the canoe trip, in downtown Edmonton, after 160km on the river. The bus with the luggage you left behind is waiting for the short drive to your hotel. Tonight enjoy dinner independently.
1 night in Edmonton.
