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A turquoise lake in Alberta reflects the snow-capped Rocky Mountains and a dense pine forest lining its shores.
Alberta

Best of Banff: Our Mountain Heritage

Program No. 13178RJ
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Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Banff, Alberta
Program Concludes
Banff, Alberta
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
11 ( 5B, 3L, 3D )
Activity Level
From
3,699
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Discover the Canadian Rockies on an immersive learning adventure in the heart of Banff and Lake Louise. Journey along the breathtaking Icefields Parkway and explore Yoho and Kootenay national parks, where glaciers, alpine lakes and dramatic valleys showcase the region’s natural wonders. Ride the Sulphur Mountain gondola for sweeping views of the Rockies and wander the shores of Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and Emerald Lake while learning about geology, ecosystems and the Burgess Shale fossils. Along the way, gain insights into Indigenous traditions, pioneering women and the cultural history that shaped this iconic mountain landscape.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Journey along the Icefields Parkway with expert interpretation, stopping at Athabasca Glacier, Peyto Lake and Bow Lake while crossing the Continental Divide.
  • Experience the Rockies from above and at water’s edge with a gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain and visits to Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and Emerald Lake.
  • Connect with the mountains’ human and natural history through Indigenous cultural teachings, the Women of the Rockies presentation and the geological story revealed at Cave and Basin.
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National ParksSmall GroupNature & EnvironmentCity DiscoveriesRegional Discoveries
Featured Expert
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Brent MacDonald
Brent Macdonald has been a resident of the Canadian Rockies for almost 30 years. As a geology expert, he provides a wealth of knowledge about geography and geomorphology. Brent has had a diverse career as a freelance natural history interpreter, also working as a consultant for a geotechnical engineering company. He has shared his knowledge of geology and natural history as an interpreter and guest lecturer. Brent is also a certified mountain leader and ski instructor.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
Cory Gross grew up in the Calgary area, living both in the city and on the ranches where his father worked. In 2005, he received a bachelor’s in museum and heritage studies from the University of Calgary and currently works as an educator at the Glenbow Museum. Cory is also a volunteer with the Western Art Gallery at the Calgary Stampede and with several other heritage organizations throughout the city.
Brent Macdonald has been a resident of the Canadian Rockies for almost 30 years. As a geology expert, he provides a wealth of knowledge about geography and geomorphology. Brent has had a diverse career as a freelance natural history interpreter, also working as a consultant for a geotechnical engineering company. He has shared his knowledge of geology and natural history as an interpreter and guest lecturer. Brent is also a certified mountain leader and ski instructor.
Greg Allemang is an Alberta-based outdoor guide and educator with a global perspective. A lifelong adventurer, he has explored five continents and lived across Canada and in South Korea. Greg is certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, the Interpretive Guides Association, and the Outdoor Council of Canada, with advanced wilderness first aid training. Since 2012, he has led hiking, backpacking, and snowshoeing trips in the Canadian Rockies, and has been a group leader with Road Scholar since 2014.
Michele LaPointe was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, and later moved to Banff to fulfill her dreams of being an outdoor enthusiast. She has worked in the travel industry for many years as a ski instructor and interpretive expert. Michele now splits her time between Calgary and Golden. She is a director in the Golden Rotary Club and is on the board of directors for the Kicking Horse Country Chamber of Commerce. Michele is an avid skier, mountain biker and hiker.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to 3 miles per day at a moderate pace of 2 mph over varied terrain including pavement, gravel, trails and paved paths; some stairs. Standing up to 2 hours per day. Program will require approximately 10 miles of walking over 6 days. Up to 4 hours a day on a motorcoach. Elevations over 8,000 feet. Getting on/off a motorcoach and gondola. Must be physically capable of participating in all planned program activities.
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Books and Resources
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You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
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Call 800-454-5768
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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

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Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

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Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

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Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

An illustration of a hand holding a globe with a small bird flying around it
  • Peace of Mind

    We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

    An illustration of a hand using a pen to check off the final item on a clipboard checklist
  • Assurance Plan

    Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

    An illustration of an elderly man sitting at a computer with a pair of binoculars beside him
  • Want to Protect Your Investment?

    Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

    An illustration of an elderly woman holding a piggy bank, with the Eiffel Tower in the background
  • Sustainable Travel

    We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

    An illustration of a hand holding a globe with a small bird flying around it
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