Best of the Canadian Rockies
Escorted Coach Tour

Tauck's Canadian Rockies / Alberta travel experience is packed with breathtaking mountain scenery from beginning to end. See massive glaciers flowing out of a vast ice field, serene glacial lakes reflecting craggy, snow-capped peaks, and sparkling blue rivers.  Enjoy an entertaining and educational wine tasting with a local wine expert.  Ride across the Athabasca Glacier on a special Ice Explorer.  Take in Banff, Jasper and Yoho National Parks, all part of Canada's special Rocky Mountain UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Attend a presentation given by a national park official on the history, legends and folklore found within the parks - and explore Jasper National Park "your way", by choosing one of three wilderness adventures.  See three of the most beautiful lakes in North America, and the spectacular scenery along the Icefields Parkway.  Wildlife is abundant, from Elk to Bighorn Sheep, Moose and even the elusive Grizzly Bear.  Stay in the best resorts in the Canadian Rockies, including the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and the Fairmont Banff Springs, on this memorable Alberta travel experience.

1. Arrive Calgary / Kananaskis Tour departs: Calgary Airport at 15.00 hrs. For guests who are spending the previous night in Calgary, an airport transfer from the airport to the Fairmont Palliser is included; pick up time today will be at 13.00 hrs at the Fairmont Palliser.  Best of the Canadian Rockies begins with a journey from Calgary International Airport that takes you across the last few miles of Canadian prairie to Kananaskis country and the Delta Lodge at Kananaskis for the night. Join us for a welcome reception and dinner. Meals D

2. Emerald Lake / Lake Louise.  Today you will see three of the most beautiful lakes in North America. Journey into the Canadian Rockies, travelling across the Continental Divide through Kicking Horse Pass to Emerald Lake, a true jewel among towering peaks. See the Spiral Tunnels and the Natural Bridge before visiting Moraine Lake, conditions permitting, which is nestled in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Your final destination today is Lake Louise, at the foot of Victoria Glacier. In the spring there is often late snow, framing the lake and glacier with lofty snowbound peaks. Spend the night at one of Canada's premier resorts, the lovely Fairmont Château Lake Louise. Meals BLD

3. Icefields Parkway.  The morning is at leisure for nature walks to enjoy some of the most breathtaking scenery in North America. After lunch, begin the amazing journey along the Icefields Parkway to Jasper National Park. This stretch of highway is considered by many to be the most spectacular in the Canadian National Parks system, commanding a panoramic view of majestic mountains, glaciers waterfalls, ice-falls (Spring), and snowfields. En route you may see moose, deer, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, bear, or even furtive coyotes. Animals are most prevalent during the months of May, September and October. Your destination is Jasper National Park; the next two nights are spent at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in the heart of the park. Meals BLD

4. Jasper National Park. Continue your Alberta travel experience with a day spent exploring magnificent Jasper National Park with your choice of an included Jasper Your Way discovery tour. You may choose from among an "Experience Maligne Valley" tour offering a guided walk along the beautiful Maligne Lake shoreline; a "Wildlife Discovery Tour", joining a wildlife interpreter to search for bear, elk and more; an Athabasca River whitewater rafting adventure led by Rocky Mountain River Guides; or a trip on the Jasper Tramway through alpine tundra. Or you can engage in some of the optional activities (some at additional cost) at the lodge including trail riding, tennis, golf, hiking, and swimming, or you can visit the town of Jasper to shop and search out local crafts. The park's incredible scenery is a photographer's paradise! Meals BD

5. Columbia Icefield / Banff.  Journey to Banff National Park. Retrace your route along the beautiful Icefields Parkway and enjoy the park's unspoiled natural beauty from different vantage points. View mighty Athabasca Falls and the two monumental peaks, Snow Dome and Mount Athabasca, framing Athabasca Glacier. The glacier is one of many "rivers of ice" flowing from the Columbia Icefield, whose melting waters spawn a host of rivers flowing into the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic Oceans. Take a memorable ride in a "Ice Explorer," a special glacier vehicle that travels along the surface of the glacier. Arrive in Banff National Park for two-nights at the baronial Fairmont Banff Springs. Meals BLD

6. Banff National Park Banff is Canada's first national park, as well as one of the largest. Icefields, snow-capped mountains, blue glaciers, deep evergreen forests and rugged alpine meadows blend together to create a magnificent panorama. The village of Banff lies in a storybook setting, surrounded by magnificent alpine beauty; your day is at leisure to explore. The historic, castle-like resort offers many optional activities including an outstanding golf course and a world-class spa. Other optional activities include: horse-riding, mountain biking, canoeing on the Bow River, ride the Banff Gondola to the top of the mountain, or take a guided nature walk.   The week comes to a memorable conclusion tonight at a farewell reception - join a local sommelier who introduces Canadian wines at a wine tasting that is both educational and entertaining.  The wine tasting is followed by a farewell dinner.  Meals BD

7. Journey Home. Travel back to Calgary this morning. Tour ends: Calgary Airport at 10.00 hrs Allow a minimum of two hours for flight check-in; flights direct to the United States clear U.S. customs in Calgary. Meals B

B = Breakfast. L = Lunch. D = Dinner.

Departure Dates 2010
7 Days / 6 Nights
Begins Calgary
May: 21, 28
Jun: 04, 11, 18, 25
Jul: 02, 09, 16, 23, 30
Aug: 06, 13, 20, 27
Sep: 03, 10, 17, 24
Oct: 01

Additional dates may become available as these sell out.  Dates in green indicate a Small Group Departure with no more than 26 Tauck guests, specially priced from £1879 per person double.   Dates in red indicate special departures where the single price is from £1819.

Prices 2010
Price Per Person
May
Twin £1469
Single £1949
Triple £1329 (twin with roll-away)

June
Twin £1619
Single £2099
Triple £1485 (twin with roll-away)

July - September 19
Twin £1779
Single £2259
Triple £1639 (twin with roll-away)

September 20 - October
Twin £1569
Single £2049
Triple £1435 (twin with roll-away)

15 Meals Included.

Special Airfares: Airfare to and from Calgary is additional. Just America can provide prices for transatlantic airfares please enquire at the time of booking.

Night 1 Delta Lodge at Kananaskis, Kananaskis, Alberta
Night 2 Fairmont Château Lake Louise, Lake Louise, Alberta
Night 3,4 Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Jasper, Alberta
Night 5,6 Fairmont Banff Springs, Banff, Alberta