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After a 5 night stay in Calgary you will discover the dynamic scenery of Alberta with visits to Banff and Jasper National Parks, the Alberta Badlands and the cities of Calgary and Edmonton. Walk where dinosaurs have walked in the famous Dinosaur Provisional Park.
Upon arrival into Calgary Airport transfer by scheduled shuttle to your Calgary Hotel, and the remained of the day is at leisure.
You have 2 full days to explore this wonderful city. Visit the Calgary Tower for panoramic views of the city and skyline. Take an interactive tour or watch the beauty of the sunset over the Rockies. Located at the top of the tower is the city’s only revolving restaurant which offers contemporary dining. Visit Calgary Zoo and experience black and white magic with the pandas! In 2018 the Zoo welcomes four giant pandas, giving you an exclusive opportunity to see these precious animals.
This morning collect your hire car and take the sort (2hour( drive from Calgary to Banff on either the Trans-Canada Highway or the more scenic 1A Highway. Once in Banff proceed to your selected hotel to check in and the remainder of the day is yours to explore at your own leisure.
A full day to explore Banff and area. In town you’ll find lots of excitement - shopping, cafés, nightlife, museums. Check out the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, Banff Gondola (included) where you will see a panoramic view of the Bow Valley, and then take a dip in the hot mineral pools at the Upper Hot Springs. (included)
Depart Banff today and travel along the lovely Bow Valley Parkway for a casual drive. The Bow Valley Parkway between Banff and Lake Louise is a low-speed, two-lane undivided roadway with numerous scenic outlooks and pullouts. Be sure to stop for a quick nature walk at Johnston Canyon, where you can stand in the spray of a roaring mountain waterfall. Continue on to the “Jewel of the Rockies,” Lake Louise. Lake Louise is the most famous glacial lake in the Canadian Rockies, and one of the most beautiful in the Western Hemisphere.
Today, travel through the spine of the Canadian Rockies along the amazing Icefield Parkway. You’re sure to be enthralled by the scenery, wildlife, incredible blue lakes and sparkling waterfalls en route (Please note: Mountain lakes in this region will be frozen through to mid-June). A stop at Peyto Lake along the way is a must. Don’t miss the Columbia Icefield for a ride onto the Athabasca Glacier on board an Ice Explorer (included) before continuing your journey to Jasper.
Explore this charming mountain village close to many terrific scenic highlights. Take a tram ride up Whistlers Mountain, or visit Maligne Lake, one of the most photographed lakes in the world, and enjoy a 90 minute cruise heading toward the south end of this postcard setting (Maligne Lake cruise not included). You will marvel at the magnificent shoreline with dense forest and glacial peaks rising abruptly from the water’s edge. Stopping at Spirit Island, you will have the opportunity to take your own version of the world famous photograph of the lake.
Journey through the beautiful landscapes of Jasper National Park, and into the golden prairies of Alberta. Arrive in the city of Edmonton, and spend the remainder of your day exploring. Don’t miss the walking trails and parks of the downtown River Valley, and the eclectic shops and cafes of Whyte Avenue
Spend a day exploring West Edmonton Mall, the largest shopping centre in North America. Complete with an expansive water park, amusement park, indoor skating rink, and mini-golf park, and over 800 stores. For those looking to get outside, Elk Island National Park is less than an hour’s drive from the city and offers great wildlife watching and hiking trails