Christmas in the Canadian Rockies

Program Registration: 4:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived.

At the hotel.

Orientation: 8:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will learn from a series of local experts who will give lectures and lead field trips. Program-related travel will be via private motorcoach unless noted otherwise. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/current conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

At the hotel.

We transfer by coach to Cave and Basin National Historic Site where we will be joined by a local expert to learn about the fascinating story and geology of the Canadian Rockies. Then explore Banff's natural heritage and share a discovery that changed the course of history at Cave and Basin. In 1883, hot springs were discovered by CPR railway workers, and the notion to protect natural and cultural treasures in Canada was born shortly thereafter. Stand in the dramatic spot that started it all. Watch plumes of billowing, sulphureous steam coming from the cave’s vent hole. See colourful lights shimmering in an underground Cave. Marvel from raised boardwalks at breathtaking Bow Valley.

At a local restaurant.

We’ll ride on the motorcoach to the Banff Park Museum, which displays an extensive collection of natural history specimens from stuffed bears to minerals and plants. The museum is also involved in educating the public about natural resource management. We’ll explore the museum with a Park expert and learn about the wildlife found in the Banff area. Next we will depart for a motorcoach exploration of Banff and the surrounding area. See the area in all its winter wonder with waterfalls and lakes providing dramatic winter scenes. Keep an eye out for wildlife seeking shelter from the elements; animals shelter themselves in the valley against harsh winter conditions, but you can still spot, elk, coyotes and sometimes deer and wolves. We will end our exploration at the hotel.

At a local restaurant.

At leisure. Enjoy outdoor festivities at the holiday bonfire or relax by the fireplace. Alternatively, stroll through the town of Banff and admire the decorations.

At the hotel.

At the hotel, an expert from the Whyte Museum will introduce us to the “Women of the Rockies.” This presentation will introduce us 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. We will then transfer by motorcoach to step into the 1931 home of artists and Whyte Museum founders Peter and Catharine (Robb) Whyte, whose home illuminates their simple yet classic mountain style. Then, we’ll 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, we’ll visit the galleries and exhibits in the Whyte Museum including the “Gateway to the Rockies” exhibit and learn how these mountains were opened up to all. Who were the guides in this unforgiving landscape? Who protected it? Many people have been drawn to these peaks; come discover their stories. The Museum also has exceptional collections documenting the Stoney First Nation. Its art collection contains close to 4,000 works relating to the visual arts of the Canadian Rockies, including paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures, prints, mixed media works and objects of fine craft. Afterwards, we’ll take the motorcoach back to the hotel.

On your own. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Free time. 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. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration.