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BEGINS IN: BANFF, ALBERTA

Best of Banff: Our Mountain Heritage

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 AB

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Road Scholar
Program #13178RJ

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6 Days | 5 Nights
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Love to learn in a small-group setting? This collection of programs has at most 10-24 participants.
See our Small Group programs.
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EasyFor people looking to exercise their minds more than their bodies. There’s minimal walking and not too many stairs.
ModerateThese programs get you on your feet and include activities such as walking up to a mile in a day through a city and standing in a museum for a few hours.
ActiveFor people who enjoy walking as much as two miles a day, perhaps to explore historic neighborhoods or a nature trail.
Moderately ChallengingFor hardy explorers who enjoy a good physical challenge, spending most of their days on the go.
ChallengingGet ready to keep up with our highest-energy group. These demanding — and rewarding — programs are for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts.

Program Details > Daily Schedule

Elevation Note
5,700 feet is the highest elevation participants will experience. Banff is situated at 4,540 ft.

Itinerary for Aug 11 — Aug 16, 2013

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Type: Full Service Hotel

 Description: BEST WESTERN PLUS Port O' Call Calgary Airport Hotel is conveniently located only 3.72 miles (6 kms) from the Calgary International and also provides easy access to downtown Calgary, a number of Calgary attractions and Banff National Park. In addition, the hotel also features complimentary wireless Internet, an indoor pool, New Water Park featuring two slides, extensive fitness room, and several onsite restaurants for your convenience.

Contact info:
1935 McKnight Blvd N.E.
Calgary, AB T2E 6V4 Canada
phone: 403-291-4600
web: www.bwportocallhotel.com/

Room amenities: All hotel rooms have cable television with in-room movies, voicemail, irons, coffee makers and hair dryers. High speed Internet is available upon request.

Facility amenities: • Complimentary shuttle to/from Calgary Airport • Indoor pool • Hot tub - Whirlpool • Exercise facility • Squash courts • Barber/beauty shop • Gift Shop • Dry cleaning • Guest laundry • High-speed Internet access

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: Call for availability & rates.
Contact hotel directly.

Check in time: 3:00 PM

Day One: Sunday, August 11 - Arrival and Orientation 
Arrive To: ARRIVALS AND CHECK-IN: Independent arrivals and transfers to the program hotel after 3:00 pm. Please note that rooms are not generally available until mid to late afternoon.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Evening: INTRODUCTIONS: Following dinner, you will meet for introductions, a review of the program and site orientation.

Lodging: Best Western Plus Port O'Call Calgary Airport Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner
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Type: Inn

 Description: Family owned and operated for over thirty years, Irwin's Mountain Inn was completely reconstructed by the fall of 1995 making the property one of Banff's newer accommodations. Originally built in 1967 by Paul and Elizabeth Irwin with their two sons, Arlen and Larry, Irwin's Motor Inn was recognized as one of the best values in Banff. With farming as their previous livelihood, the Irwin's extended the same hospitality to their guests at the motel as was characteristic of the way they greeted and treated visitors and friends to their farm. A tradition of hospitality and friendliness was established in those early years and the Management to this day still endeavors to live up to Paul and Elizabeth's example in the service and quality of comfort they provide guests to Irwin's Mountain Inn. The name has changed and three times the motel has undergone major rebuilding phases, but the standard of excellence in hospitality that Paul and Elizabeth Irwin exemplified over thirty years ago still serves as the benchmark for the next generation of Irwins that share in the ownership and management of the Irwin's Mountain Inn.

Contact info:
429 Banff Avenue
Banff, AB T1L 1B2 Canada
phone: 403-762-4566
web: www.irwinsmountaininn.com

Room amenities: Satellite TV and movie channel; rooms are fully air conditioned, hair dryers, in-room coffee maker, irons and ironing boards available on request from front desk.

Facility amenities: Fitness Centre, coin laundry, small gift shop, free wireless Internet, Internet Kiosk, 10 person jetted tub, 4 person Sauna, games room, massage therapy. Located within walking distance of downtown Banff. On-site dining at the El Toro restaurant, located on the street level of the inn, it has a reputation as one of the best restaurants in Banff, El Toro specializes in steak, seafood and Greek dishes.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights after: Call for availability & rates
Please contact the hotel directly on your own OR if you require personal assistance contact Maritime Travel toll free at 1-888-905-5959. A service fee MAY apply.

Day Two: Monday, August 12 - Glenbow Museum/Grassi Lake Geological Safari with Ben Gadd 
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: FIELD TRIP: Glenbow Museum/Geological Safari. Enjoy a curator led exploration of the Glenbow Museum. Discover the colorful western history and heritage of the Canadian west at the Glenbow Museum, western Canada's largest. Hear tales of the RCMP, the Blackfoot people, early European pioneers, whiskey traders, and ground-breaking entrepreneurs.

Lunch: Box picnic lunch.

Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Grassi Lake Geological Safari. Explore the natural history and geological story of the Canadian Rockies with Ben Gadd. Ben is an acknowledged authority on the region and the author of nine books on the area. His best-selling Handbook of the Canadian Rockies, recently updated, is an award-winning guide to everything from geology, botany and bears to human history and backpacking trips.

Dinner: Dinner in Banff.

Evening: Free time to head off on your own to discover one of the many activities Banff has to offer.

Lodging: Irwin's Mountain Inn

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Inn

 Description: Family owned and operated for over thirty years, Irwin's Mountain Inn was completely reconstructed by the fall of 1995 making the property one of Banff's newer accommodations. Originally built in 1967 by Paul and Elizabeth Irwin with their two sons, Arlen and Larry, Irwin's Motor Inn was recognized as one of the best values in Banff. With farming as their previous livelihood, the Irwin's extended the same hospitality to their guests at the motel as was characteristic of the way they greeted and treated visitors and friends to their farm. A tradition of hospitality and friendliness was established in those early years and the Management to this day still endeavors to live up to Paul and Elizabeth's example in the service and quality of comfort they provide guests to Irwin's Mountain Inn. The name has changed and three times the motel has undergone major rebuilding phases, but the standard of excellence in hospitality that Paul and Elizabeth Irwin exemplified over thirty years ago still serves as the benchmark for the next generation of Irwins that share in the ownership and management of the Irwin's Mountain Inn.

Contact info:
429 Banff Avenue
Banff, AB T1L 1B2 Canada
phone: 403-762-4566
web: www.irwinsmountaininn.com

Room amenities: Satellite TV and movie channel; rooms are fully air conditioned, hair dryers, in-room coffee maker, irons and ironing boards available on request from front desk.

Facility amenities: Fitness Centre, coin laundry, small gift shop, free wireless Internet, Internet Kiosk, 10 person jetted tub, 4 person Sauna, games room, massage therapy. Located within walking distance of downtown Banff. On-site dining at the El Toro restaurant, located on the street level of the inn, it has a reputation as one of the best restaurants in Banff, El Toro specializes in steak, seafood and Greek dishes.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights after: Call for availability & rates
Please contact the hotel directly on your own OR if you require personal assistance contact Maritime Travel toll free at 1-888-905-5959. A service fee MAY apply.

Day Three: Tuesday, August 13 - Cave and Basin National Historic Site/Whyte Museum and Heritage Homes 
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: PRESENTATION & FIELD TRIP: Cave and Basin National Historic Site. Meet with Parks expert who will recount the amazing discovery of the thermal hotsprings which led to the birthplace of Canada’s National Parks system. Learn about the birthplace of Banff National Park and the discovery of the thermal hotsprings.

Lunch: Lunch at local restaurant.

Afternoon: PRESENTATION & FIELD TRIP: Whyte Museum and Heritage Homes. Step into the 1931 home of artists and Museum founders Peter and Catharine (Robb) Whyte, whose home illuminates their simple yet classic mountain style. Then journey back a generation to soak in the rustic elegance enjoyed by collectors Phillip and Pearl (Brewster) Moore in their 1907 home. This field trip provides an intimate look at both homes and the intriguing people who lived in them. In addition, visit to the galleries and exhibits in the Museum.

Dinner: Dinner on your own to explore one of the many dining options Banff has to offer.

Lodging: Irwin's Mountain Inn

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Close [ x ]
Type: Inn

 Description: Family owned and operated for over thirty years, Irwin's Mountain Inn was completely reconstructed by the fall of 1995 making the property one of Banff's newer accommodations. Originally built in 1967 by Paul and Elizabeth Irwin with their two sons, Arlen and Larry, Irwin's Motor Inn was recognized as one of the best values in Banff. With farming as their previous livelihood, the Irwin's extended the same hospitality to their guests at the motel as was characteristic of the way they greeted and treated visitors and friends to their farm. A tradition of hospitality and friendliness was established in those early years and the Management to this day still endeavors to live up to Paul and Elizabeth's example in the service and quality of comfort they provide guests to Irwin's Mountain Inn. The name has changed and three times the motel has undergone major rebuilding phases, but the standard of excellence in hospitality that Paul and Elizabeth Irwin exemplified over thirty years ago still serves as the benchmark for the next generation of Irwins that share in the ownership and management of the Irwin's Mountain Inn.

Contact info:
429 Banff Avenue
Banff, AB T1L 1B2 Canada
phone: 403-762-4566
web: www.irwinsmountaininn.com

Room amenities: Satellite TV and movie channel; rooms are fully air conditioned, hair dryers, in-room coffee maker, irons and ironing boards available on request from front desk.

Facility amenities: Fitness Centre, coin laundry, small gift shop, free wireless Internet, Internet Kiosk, 10 person jetted tub, 4 person Sauna, games room, massage therapy. Located within walking distance of downtown Banff. On-site dining at the El Toro restaurant, located on the street level of the inn, it has a reputation as one of the best restaurants in Banff, El Toro specializes in steak, seafood and Greek dishes.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights after: Call for availability & rates
Please contact the hotel directly on your own OR if you require personal assistance contact Maritime Travel toll free at 1-888-905-5959. A service fee MAY apply.

Day Four: Wednesday, August 14 - Johnston Canyon/Bow Valley and Moraine Lake/Lake Louise/Women of the... 
Johnston Canyon/Bow Valley and Moraine Lake/Lake Louise/Women of the Rockies

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: FIELD TRIP: Moraine Lake and the Bow Valley. Travel along the scenic Bow Valley Parkway to Moraine Lake. The Bow Valley is considered an internationally significant wildlife migration corridor providing quality habitat to grizzly bear, elk, lynx, bighorn sheep and mountain goats. Learn about the importance of wildlife corridors and the efforts being made to preserve and restore key regions

Morning: FIELD TRIP: Johnston Canyon. Explore the Canyon with our expert naturalists. Scenic canyon trail is approximately 1.5 mi to the waterfall and back. Learn about the geological timeline of the Canadian Rockies and the concept of differential erosion, as Johnston Creek has carved down into the limestone on the valley bottom, creating a spectacular and deep canyon in a short period of time.

Lunch: Lunch will be High Tea at the Chateau Lake Louise while enjoying the beautiful scenic views. Afternoon Tea at the Chateau offers our finest loose leaf teas that are accompanied by delectable pastries and finger sandwiches for the time honoured traditionalist.

Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Chateau Lake Louise / Depart Banff for Lake Louise. Visit the "Diamond in the Wilderness", the famous Chateau Lake Louise Hotel for a guided exploration. Stroll along the shores of Lake Louise with discussions on subalpine plants and wildlife and the incredible Victoria Glacier.

Dinner: Dinner on your own to enjoy local fare or join the Group Leader (at a local restaurant).

Evening: PRESENTATION: Women of the Rockies. An expert Whyte Museum staff will present "Women of the Rockies". This presentation will introduce you to historical and current figures that have shaped our mountain culture landscape. Discover the women whose lives are a part of a legacy of backcountry travel, ranching, climbing, scientific research, writing, drama and art.

Lodging: Irwin's Mountain Inn

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Close [ x ]
Type: Inn

 Description: Family owned and operated for over thirty years, Irwin's Mountain Inn was completely reconstructed by the fall of 1995 making the property one of Banff's newer accommodations. Originally built in 1967 by Paul and Elizabeth Irwin with their two sons, Arlen and Larry, Irwin's Motor Inn was recognized as one of the best values in Banff. With farming as their previous livelihood, the Irwin's extended the same hospitality to their guests at the motel as was characteristic of the way they greeted and treated visitors and friends to their farm. A tradition of hospitality and friendliness was established in those early years and the Management to this day still endeavors to live up to Paul and Elizabeth's example in the service and quality of comfort they provide guests to Irwin's Mountain Inn. The name has changed and three times the motel has undergone major rebuilding phases, but the standard of excellence in hospitality that Paul and Elizabeth Irwin exemplified over thirty years ago still serves as the benchmark for the next generation of Irwins that share in the ownership and management of the Irwin's Mountain Inn.

Contact info:
429 Banff Avenue
Banff, AB T1L 1B2 Canada
phone: 403-762-4566
web: www.irwinsmountaininn.com

Room amenities: Satellite TV and movie channel; rooms are fully air conditioned, hair dryers, in-room coffee maker, irons and ironing boards available on request from front desk.

Facility amenities: Fitness Centre, coin laundry, small gift shop, free wireless Internet, Internet Kiosk, 10 person jetted tub, 4 person Sauna, games room, massage therapy. Located within walking distance of downtown Banff. On-site dining at the El Toro restaurant, located on the street level of the inn, it has a reputation as one of the best restaurants in Banff, El Toro specializes in steak, seafood and Greek dishes.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights after: Call for availability & rates
Please contact the hotel directly on your own OR if you require personal assistance contact Maritime Travel toll free at 1-888-905-5959. A service fee MAY apply.

Day Five: Thursday, August 15 - Banff Springs Hotel/Free Afternoon/Farewell Dinner 
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: FIELD TRIP: Banff Springs Hotel. Discover the rich Scottish heritage, and intriguing myths and legends of Banff's most famous landmark on a historic guided walk through the majestic Banff Springs Hotel.

Lunch: Lunch on your own to enjoy local fare or join the Group Leader (at a local restaurant).

Afternoon: FREE AFTERNOON: You may remain with your Group Leader to continue exploring local sites or take the opportunity to head off on your own to discover Banff. Indulge yourself with a soak at the hot springs....relax at the hotel or prepare for your next day's departure from the program.

Dinner: Farewell dinner in Banff.

Lodging: Irwin's Mountain Inn

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day Six: Friday, August 16 - Independent Departures 
Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel is at 7:30 am.

Morning: Independent departures from the hotel in Banff after breakfast. Check-out is 11:00 a.m.

Meals Included: Breakfast


Free Time Opportunities


Calgary, Alberta
Calgary ZooFrom the splendour of the Rocky Mountains to the heart of Destination Africa, The Calgary Zoo takes you to see over 1,000 animals from around the world. Trek through the gorilla’s rainforest, safari over the Savannah to watch the hippos swim, or climb the Canadian Wilds for a grizzly bear encounter! Finish your world tour with a trip back in time in the Prehistoric Park or soothe your senses in nearly 6 acres of our Botanical Gardens. Relax in the new ENMAX Conservatory and enjoy the butterflies and seasonal displays.
For additional information, visit: www.calgaryzoo.com/
Canada Olympic Park/Sports Hall of FameNo visit to the Calgary is complete without a visit to WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park, the most visible legacy from the 1988 Games. WinSport has taken the Olympic legacy to new heights with the goal of becoming a world-class Winter Sport Institute and helping Canadian athletes reach the podium at World Cup events and the Olympic Games. In the summer, a visit to Canada Olympic Park is the perfect tonic for adrenaline junkies! Rush down North America’s fastest zipline, reaching speeds of up to 140 km/h from the top of the 90m Ski Jump Tower, or rumble down the sliding track at 100 km/h in a four-man summer bobsleigh. (Advance booking required, please call 403.247.5452). Guests can also ride more than 25 km of mountain bike trails, enjoy a scenic round of 18 hole mini-golf, or strap on the skates at Calgary’s newest Ice Complex and home of Hockey Canada. If you’re looking for a more relaxed visit at the Park, take a tour of the iconic 90 meter Ski Jump Tower, which has graced the Calgary skyline for 25 years. Or celebrate Canadian sports history with a visit to Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, which features 520 inducted sports legends and more than 1,000 artifacts from a vast array of sports. Canada Olympic Park has something for everyone, and with more than a dozen sports organizations making their home at WinSport Canada, you just never know when you’ll run into a past, present or future Olympian.
For additional information, visit: www.winsportcanada.ca/facilities/cop.cfm
Fort CalgaryThe heart of Calgary is red ...the scarlet red of the North West Mounted Police tunic. When the NWMP built their fort at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers in 1875, they laid the foundations for the city we enjoy today. They came to bring law and order to the west, to stamp out the whiskey trade, and to befriend the First Nations peoples in preparation for the treaties that would open the land for settlement. The hopes, dreams and values of that time are still evident in the city we enjoy today. Fort Calgary is located just east of downtown Calgary on a 40-acre site.
For additional information, visit: www.fortcalgary.com/
Heritage ParkStep back in time and experience hands-on history, visit with the friendly costumed townsfolk, tour 180 historical exhibits and relive the past through a huge collection of working antiques and artifacts. Explore the far corners of the Park and: -Tour the Railway Car Shop- packed full of Canada’s rail treasures, -Explore a replica of an 1860s Hudson’s Bay Company Fur Trading Fort, -Make bannock in the Aboriginal Encampment, -Visit the original home of Sam Livingston in the 1880s rustic pre-railway settlement, -Churn old-fashioned ice cream on the porch of the Burnside Ranch House, -Shop, eat and play in the bustling 1910 prairie railroad town. -Ride an authentic steam train, cruise on Calgary’s only paddlewheeler and tour the Park on a horse-drawn wagon.
For additional information, visit: www.heritagepark.ca/index.php
Banff, AB
Art GalleriesGalleries in downtown Banff highlight the works of accomplished Canadian, and often local, artists, with an emphasis on mountain themes. Galleries offer varied styles of painting, photography, sculpture, jewelry, printmaking, and other art forms
For additional information, visit: www.banff.ca/activities-events/arts-entertainment/art-galleries.htm
Banff CentreThe Banff Centre is a globally respected arts and culture centre, and conference facility. Throughout the year, The Banff Centre offers live performances and events featuring dance, music, theatre, opera, films, new media, and literary readings.
For additional information, visit: www.banffcentre.ca/
Banff GondolaRide to the top of Sulphur Mountain in Banff, Canada to experience a bird's eye view of six mountain ranges. At the Banff Gondola, you'll see more mountains in a moment than most see in a lifetime. This exhilarating activity is open year-round. Contact the Banff Gondola to find out details about costs at 1-800-760-6934.
For additional information, visit: www.explorerockies.com/banff-gondola/
Banff Upper Hot SpringsWhether you are travelling to Banff for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, or sightseeing, Banff Upper Hot Springs is the thing to do in Banff, so come relax and ease your sore muscles in the natural hot springs water.
For additional information, visit: www.hotsprings.ca/
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Important information about your itinerary:
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date.
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•5 nights of accommodations
•11 meals: 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
•3 Expert-led lectures
•9 Field trips
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