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Alberta

Best of Banff: Our Mountain Heritage

Program No. 13178RJ
Delve deep into Canada’s history as you visit Banff National Park, and take expert walks through the Canadian Rockies to learn about artists and outdoorsmen.
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  • Banff National Park
  • Banff National Park
  • Banff National Park
  • Elk, Banff National Park
National ParksSmall GroupNature & EnvironmentCity DiscoveriesRegional Discoveries
Length
6 days
Rating (4.98)
Activity Level
Starts at
3,699
Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
11 meals ( 5B, 3L, 3D )
3 expert-led lectures
7 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Road Scholar shuttle from Calgary International Airport at 3:00 p.m.; getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 88 miles, approximately 2 hours riding time to hotel. Hotel check-in available from 4:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Our group will transfer from the airport to the hotel, with an expected arrival around 5:00 p.m. During the ride, your Group Leader will conduct the Program Check-In, share any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive to the hotel separately from the group, please connect with your Group Leader to let them know you’ve arrived. Once you’ve settled into your room, take some time to freshen up and relax before joining us for dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
The Group Leader will welcome everyone and lead introductions. We will review the most up-to-date program schedule and go over roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, and emergency procedures, as well as answer any questions you may have. Times in the schedule marked as “Free Time” or “At Leisure” are opportunities for you to explore, relax, or enjoy activities that are most meaningful to you. Your Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local conditions. If any adjustments are necessary, we will notify you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. The remainder of the evening is at leisure. Take this time to get to know your fellow participants, relax, and rest up for the exciting day ahead. You may also enjoy exploring the town on your own.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 2 miles throughout the course of the day; some stairs at historic site (can be avoided). Getting on/off a gondola. Elevation of 8041 feet. Note: cameras are permitted on gondola ride.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board our motorcoach and ride to the Cave and Basin National Historic Site. In a private room, we will attend a presentation by a local expert who will introduce us to the dramatic geological story of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. We’ll gain a deeper understanding of the natural forces that shaped this rugged landscape and discover the differences between the Front and Main Ranges. The talk will also explore the concept of the “Ring of Fire” and the powerful role of plate tectonics in shaping the region. Following the presentation, we’ll set out to uncover the fascinating story of Banff’s thermal hot springs — from their deep Indigenous significance and historic architecture to the mysterious cave that inspired the creation of Canada’s national parks. We’ll also learn about the unique ecosystem that supports the tiny, endangered Banff Springs Snail.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We’ll head up Sulphur Mountain in a four-passenger, glass-enclosed gondola (weather permitting). As we ride, we will have a 360-degree view of the breathtaking Rockies. If you brought your camera, feel free to take a picture of the amazing view from the top!
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
Spend the evening at your own pace, whether unwinding or exploring.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the course of the day. Driving about 150 miles, approximately 4 hours riding time throughout the day.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning, we’ll be joined by a local expert who will share insights into how Indigenous peoples live in harmony with the rhythms of the earth. We’ll learn how everything needed for daily life comes from the land, explore traditional trade between nations, and discover the tools and medicinal plants that were used for generations. This engaging, one-hour interactive session will include time for questions at the end. Following the presentation, we’ll travel by motorcoach with our Group Leader along the Icefields Parkway, one of Canada’s most spectacular scenic routes. As we journey through a lake-lined mountain valley and cross the Continental Divide, we’ll take in sweeping views of the Canadian Rockies. Along the way, we’ll visit notable locations such as Peyto Lake and Bow Lake. We’ll then continue to Kootenay National Park, where we’ll experience a different yet equally striking landscape shaped by glaciers, rivers, and dramatic mountain terrain. Throughout the journey, our Group Leader will share engaging insights into the natural and cultural history of these remarkable places.
Lunch:
En route we’ll enjoy a boxed lunch from a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
This motorcoach exploration of the fascinating environment will continue on the journey back to Banff. Along the way, you’ll enjoy sweeping mountain views, river valleys, and forested scenery that showcase the region’s natural beauty.
Dinner:
On your own; your Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
Enjoy the evening at your leisure, whether relaxing or discovering the surroundings.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 2 miles throughout the course of the day. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will travel by motorcoach to the Whyte Museum, one of Banff's most culturally significant museums, where we will attend a presentation by a local historian on the Women of the Rockies. We’ll learn about the legendary women who influenced backcountry travel, ranching, climbing, scientific research, writing, drama and art in this area. Afterwards, we will explore the Whyte Museum even further and learn about the remarkable history of the locals and their cultural past through self-led exploration. The museum features an art gallery and a vast collection of photographs telling the history of early explorers, artists and the Canadian Pacific Railway. Then take a walk back in time and get to know the colorful individuals who built the town of Banff. This expert-led walk meanders through history to take us near the riverside site where Tom Wilson established one of the first outfitting operations in the area, St. Georges-in-the-Pines Anglican Church with its unique stained-glass windows, and the Luxton Home and Garden. These and many other intriguing stops reveal the fascinating history of this town.
Lunch:
This meal is not included in the program cost, allowing you the freedom to choose what you’d like. Your Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Afternoon:
This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. You might like to experience High Tea at the Banff Springs Hotel (advance booking required), take a boat cruise on Lake Minnewanka, or just relax at the hotel.
Dinner:
On your own; your Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
Unwind or wander—this evening is yours to enjoy however you like.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 120 miles, approximately 2.5 hours total riding time. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the course of the day; flat, groomed trails.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll ride via motorcoach to Lake Louise. En route, a local expert will point out highlights and teach us about the history of the lake and the surrounding area. On arrival, we’ll have independent time to explore the lake shore and the Fairmount Château Lake Louise grounds. Those who wish to may join our local expert on a walk. Those who would prefer not to walk may continue exploring independently. We’ll ride via motorcoach to Moraine Lake. En route, our local expert will provide an overview of the area’s history. We’ll walk with our local expert to the base of the Rockpile trail. Those who wish to may walk up the Rockpile with our local expert. Those who do not wish to climb the rock stairs will have some time to explore the lake shore on their own. After the elective walk, we’ll board the motorcoach and ride to the Field Visitor Centre in Yoho National Park. We’ll stop to stretch our legs and have independent time to observe the fossil exhibits.
Lunch:
At a scenic spot near the Visitor’s Centre, we’ll enjoy a boxed lunch from a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We’ll ride via motorcoach to Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park with our local expert. Due to its position on the west side of the Great Divide in Yoho National Park, we’ll have a fantastic view of not only Emerald Lake, but also the diverse habitats of the surrounding area, including a huge avalanche path, pine forest, a dry and dramatic alluvial fan and the towering trees. We’ll take in the beauty of the landscape as we learn about the history behind this jewel of the Canadian Rockies. We’ll learn about the significance of the Burgess Shale Quarries. Those who wish to will set out on a trail walk with our local expert to learn about the flora found on the western side of the Rockies. Those who choose not to go on the trail walk will have independent time to explore or relax. The local expert will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant. Share your favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 88 miles, approximately 2 hours to Calgary airport. Group transfer after breakfast; hotel check-out required by 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll check out of the hotel and transfer to Calgary International Airport (YYC); approximate arrival at the airport is 10:00 a.m. This concludes our program. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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