Wyoming/Montana/Alberta

The Best of the Grand Tetons to Banff: Iconic National Parks

Program No. 20524RJ
Explore six national parks — Tetons, Yellowstone, Glacier, Waterton, Banff and Jasper — and discover unique waypoints like Old Faithful, Many Glacier, Lake Louise and much more!

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At a Glance

Prepare yourself for an adventure of monumental proportions — a journey through six national parks in Wyoming, Montana and Alberta Canada. The Rocky Mountain colossus must be seen to be appreciated, and your journey will take you to Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Glacier, Waterton, Banff and Jasper national parks. Experience famous waypoints like Jackson Hole, Old Faithful Geyser, Mammoth Hot Springs and Lake Louise as you learn about the geology, history, flora and fauna of the Rocky Mountains.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking up to one mile daily. Standing for up to three hours. Elevations up to 8,041 feet.

What You'll Learn

  • Visit the massive Columbia Icefield and venture by snowcoach onto the surface of the Athabasca Glacier.
  • Experience the Crown of the Continent via the Going-to-the-Sun Road as we traverse Logan Pass aboard Red Jammers in magnificent Glacier National Park.
  • Discover Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, and witness an aboriginal hunting practice that was used by native people of the North American plains for almost 6,000 years.

General Notes

Transit days include one six-hour and two three-hour drives. Field trips and transit days include stops along the way, and motorcoach is equipped with a lavatory.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Cynthia Blankenship
Cynthia Blankenship fell in love with Earth science in 9th grade and never looked back. She is a geologist, outdoor enthusiast, and award-winning speaker. After two degrees in geology from Duke and Rice Universities, and 30 years in the energy industry, she is pursuing her next career passion: to make the geology of Jackson Hole understandable and fascinating for all. Through innovative displays and clear explanations, Cynthia will delight with a heightened understanding of the powerful forces that created this magical place.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Tim Raben
Tim Raben View biography
Tim Raben has always enjoyed culture, history, travel, and people. A native of Rapid City, S.D., Tim’s career in insurance with The Harford Insurance Company took him and his wife, Karen, to Illinois, Nebraska, Indiana, New York, and Connecticut. They then worked as business consultants in the Chicago area until they retired in Rapid City in 2004. Since then, Tim and Karen have participated in Road Scholar programs and have enjoyed their roles as group leaders.
Profile Image of Jack Gladstone
Jack Gladstone View biography
Jack Gladstone is a storysmith and troubadour from the Blackfeet Nation of Montana. Regarded as a cultural bridge builder, he produces programs on indigenous history and tradition. Jack has released 15 critically-acclaimed CDs, and garnered the prestigious Best Historical Recording from the Native American Music Association. A former college instructor and Smithsonian scholar, Jack has opened shows for Rita Coolidge, Garrison Keillor and Bonnie Raitt.
Profile Image of Morag Mottram
Morag Mottram View biography
Morag Mottram was born in Scotland but has lived in Canada since she was seven. She has been involved with the fitness industry since 1992 while living in Toronto, and continued after moving to the Bow Valley in 2004. As a certified personal trainer and fitness appraiser through the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology, she leads hikes and programs within the Bow Valley. In addition fitness and leading, Morag enjoys kayaking and canoeing, hiking, cycling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, music, reading and baking.
Profile Image of Cynthia Blankenship
Cynthia Blankenship View biography
Cynthia Blankenship fell in love with Earth science in 9th grade and never looked back. She is a geologist, outdoor enthusiast, and award-winning speaker. After two degrees in geology from Duke and Rice Universities, and 30 years in the energy industry, she is pursuing her next career passion: to make the geology of Jackson Hole understandable and fascinating for all. Through innovative displays and clear explanations, Cynthia will delight with a heightened understanding of the powerful forces that created this magical place.
Profile Image of Nikki Heim
Nikki Heim View biography
Nikki Heim has been working in the field of natural resource sciences for over 15 years throughout western Canada and the northwestern United States. She held roles in terrestrial wildlife ecology, focusing on understanding population dynamics of medium to large sized carnivores and promoting wildlife co-existence, gaining a foundation in landscape ecology and wildlife management. In her free time, you can find her in the woods playing with her pup Koda, hiking, skiing, climbing, or enjoying improving her skills in nature photography.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Meals
30 Meals
11 Breakfasts
9 Lunches
10 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
Aug 27, 2024 - Sep 07, 2024
  • Aug 27, 2024 - Sep 07, 2024
  • Jul 09, 2024 - Jul 20, 2024 (Jackson Hole to Calgary)
  • Jul 23, 2024 - Aug 03, 2024 (Jackson Hole to Calgary)
  • Jul 30, 2024 - Aug 10, 2024 (Jackson Hole to Calgary)
  • Aug 06, 2024 - Aug 17, 2024 (Jackson Hole to Calgary)
  • Aug 13, 2024 - Aug 24, 2024 (Jackson Hole to Calgary)
  • Aug 20, 2024 - Aug 31, 2024 (Jackson Hole to Calgary)
  • Aug 27, 2024 - Sep 07, 2024 (Jackson Hole to Calgary)
2 nights
Jackson Hole
The Rockwell Inn welcomes you with a warm, comfortable two-story lobby with fireplace. Situated a step away from downtown, The Rockwell Inn offers a relaxing environment with premium beds and amenities to make your stay comfortable and convenient. This will be our base for the beginning of the program. If you decide to arrive a day early you are located just 1.5 blocks from the historic Jackson Town Square and within easy walking distance of many shops, restaurants, galleries, museums, and nightclubs. At the base of the Grand Teton National Park Jackson Hole offers numerous outdoor activities.
2 nights
Yellowstone National Park
Located in Yellowstone National Park, Canyon Village is a sprawling facility. Located on the east side of the park near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, lodge buildings are nestled throughout the property along with the main public building that houses the restaurants and gift shop.
1 night
Helena
Strategically located between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park the Delta Hotels by Marriott Helena Colonial will be sure to provide comfort and value for all travelers. Located in the heart of Helena, MT, our guests will benefit from services and amenities that include fast free Wi-Fi and complementary bottled water each day.
2 nights
Browning
Located in the remote northeastern corner of Glacier National Park, the historic Many Glacier Hotel first opened its doors to guests in 1915. The hotel was built by the Great Norther Railway in the architectural style of a grand Swiss chalet. Many Glacier Hotel sits on the shore of Swiftcurrent Lake and features a towering atrium lobby, double helical staircase, and stunning mountain scenery.
3 nights
Canmore
Between your adventures in Banff and Jasper National Parks, enjoy the authentic mountain community of Canmore. Nestled in the heart of the spectacular Canadian Rockies, is the Coast Canmore Hotel. Located just minutes outside of Banff and one hour west of Calgary, the Coast Canmore Hotel offers both accessibility and respite from the hustle and bustle.
1 night
Calgary
Overlooking downtown Calgary & the Rocky Mountains, the Sheraton Cavalier Calgary Hotel is located in the city's suburban airport business district near local attractions, shopping, and restaurants. Located just 15 Minutes to Calgary International Airport and Downtown.
2 nights
Jackson Hole
The Rockwell Inn welcomes you with a warm, comfortable two-story lobby with fireplace. Situated a step away from downtown, The Rockwell Inn offers a relaxing environment with premium beds and amenities to make your stay comfortable and convenient. This will be our base for the beginning of the program. If you decide to arrive a day early you are located just 1.5 blocks from the historic Jackson Town Square and within easy walking distance of many shops, restaurants, galleries, museums, and nightclubs. At the base of the Grand Teton National Park Jackson Hole offers numerous outdoor activities.
2 nights
Yellowstone National Park
Located in Yellowstone National Park, Canyon Village is a sprawling facility. Located on the east side of the park near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, lodge buildings are nestled throughout the property along with the main public building that houses the restaurants and gift shop.
1 night
Helena
Strategically located between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park the Delta Hotels by Marriott Helena Colonial will be sure to provide comfort and value for all travelers. Located in the heart of Helena, MT, our guests will benefit from services and amenities that include fast free Wi-Fi and complementary bottled water each day.
2 nights
Browning
Located in the remote northeastern corner of Glacier National Park, the historic Many Glacier Hotel first opened its doors to guests in 1915. The hotel was built by the Great Norther Railway in the architectural style of a grand Swiss chalet. Many Glacier Hotel sits on the shore of Swiftcurrent Lake and features a towering atrium lobby, double helical staircase, and stunning mountain scenery.
3 nights
Canmore
Between your adventures in Banff and Jasper National Parks, enjoy the authentic mountain community of Canmore. Nestled in the heart of the spectacular Canadian Rockies, is the Coast Canmore Hotel. Located just minutes outside of Banff and one hour west of Calgary, the Coast Canmore Hotel offers both accessibility and respite from the hustle and bustle.
1 night
Calgary
Overlooking downtown Calgary & the Rocky Mountains, the Sheraton Cavalier Calgary Hotel is located in the city's suburban airport business district near local attractions, shopping, and restaurants. Located just 15 Minutes to Calgary International Airport and Downtown.
2 nights
Jackson Hole
The Rockwell Inn welcomes you with a warm, comfortable two-story lobby with fireplace. Situated a step away from downtown, The Rockwell Inn offers a relaxing environment with premium beds and amenities to make your stay comfortable and convenient. This will be our base for the beginning of the program. If you decide to arrive a day early you are located just 1.5 blocks from the historic Jackson Town Square and within easy walking distance of many shops, restaurants, galleries, museums, and nightclubs. At the base of the Grand Teton National Park Jackson Hole offers numerous outdoor activities.
2 nights
Yellowstone National Park
Located in Yellowstone National Park, Canyon Village is a sprawling facility. Located on the east side of the park near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, lodge buildings are nestled throughout the property along with the main public building that houses the restaurants and gift shop.
1 night
Helena
Strategically located between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park the Delta Hotels by Marriott Helena Colonial will be sure to provide comfort and value for all travelers. Located in the heart of Helena, MT, our guests will benefit from services and amenities that include fast free Wi-Fi and complementary bottled water each day.
2 nights
Browning
Located in the remote northeastern corner of Glacier National Park, the historic Many Glacier Hotel first opened its doors to guests in 1915. The hotel was built by the Great Norther Railway in the architectural style of a grand Swiss chalet. Many Glacier Hotel sits on the shore of Swiftcurrent Lake and features a towering atrium lobby, double helical staircase, and stunning mountain scenery.
3 nights
Canmore
Between your adventures in Banff and Jasper National Parks, enjoy the authentic mountain community of Canmore. Nestled in the heart of the spectacular Canadian Rockies, is the Coast Canmore Hotel. Located just minutes outside of Banff and one hour west of Calgary, the Coast Canmore Hotel offers both accessibility and respite from the hustle and bustle.
1 night
Calgary
Overlooking downtown Calgary & the Rocky Mountains, the Sheraton Cavalier Calgary Hotel is located in the city's suburban airport business district near local attractions, shopping, and restaurants. Located just 15 Minutes to Calgary International Airport and Downtown.
2 nights
Jackson Hole
The Rockwell Inn welcomes you with a warm, comfortable two-story lobby with fireplace. Situated a step away from downtown, The Rockwell Inn offers a relaxing environment with premium beds and amenities to make your stay comfortable and convenient. This will be our base for the beginning of the program. If you decide to arrive a day early you are located just 1.5 blocks from the historic Jackson Town Square and within easy walking distance of many shops, restaurants, galleries, museums, and nightclubs. At the base of the Grand Teton National Park Jackson Hole offers numerous outdoor activities.
2 nights
Yellowstone National Park
Located in Yellowstone National Park, Canyon Village is a sprawling facility. Located on the east side of the park near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, lodge buildings are nestled throughout the property along with the main public building that houses the restaurants and gift shop.
1 night
Helena
Strategically located between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park the Delta Hotels by Marriott Helena Colonial will be sure to provide comfort and value for all travelers. Located in the heart of Helena, MT, our guests will benefit from services and amenities that include fast free Wi-Fi and complementary bottled water each day.
2 nights
Browning
Located in the remote northeastern corner of Glacier National Park, the historic Many Glacier Hotel first opened its doors to guests in 1915. The hotel was built by the Great Norther Railway in the architectural style of a grand Swiss chalet. Many Glacier Hotel sits on the shore of Swiftcurrent Lake and features a towering atrium lobby, double helical staircase, and stunning mountain scenery.
3 nights
Canmore
Between your adventures in Banff and Jasper National Parks, enjoy the authentic mountain community of Canmore. Nestled in the heart of the spectacular Canadian Rockies, is the Coast Canmore Hotel. Located just minutes outside of Banff and one hour west of Calgary, the Coast Canmore Hotel offers both accessibility and respite from the hustle and bustle.
1 night
Calgary
Overlooking downtown Calgary & the Rocky Mountains, the Sheraton Cavalier Calgary Hotel is located in the city's suburban airport business district near local attractions, shopping, and restaurants. Located just 15 Minutes to Calgary International Airport and Downtown.
2 nights
Jackson Hole
The Rockwell Inn welcomes you with a warm, comfortable two-story lobby with fireplace. Situated a step away from downtown, The Rockwell Inn offers a relaxing environment with premium beds and amenities to make your stay comfortable and convenient. This will be our base for the beginning of the program. If you decide to arrive a day early you are located just 1.5 blocks from the historic Jackson Town Square and within easy walking distance of many shops, restaurants, galleries, museums, and nightclubs. At the base of the Grand Teton National Park Jackson Hole offers numerous outdoor activities.
2 nights
Yellowstone National Park
Located in Yellowstone National Park, Canyon Village is a sprawling facility. Located on the east side of the park near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, lodge buildings are nestled throughout the property along with the main public building that houses the restaurants and gift shop.
1 night
Helena
Strategically located between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park the Delta Hotels by Marriott Helena Colonial will be sure to provide comfort and value for all travelers. Located in the heart of Helena, MT, our guests will benefit from services and amenities that include fast free Wi-Fi and complementary bottled water each day.
2 nights
Browning
Located in the remote northeastern corner of Glacier National Park, the historic Many Glacier Hotel first opened its doors to guests in 1915. The hotel was built by the Great Norther Railway in the architectural style of a grand Swiss chalet. Many Glacier Hotel sits on the shore of Swiftcurrent Lake and features a towering atrium lobby, double helical staircase, and stunning mountain scenery.
3 nights
Canmore
Between your adventures in Banff and Jasper National Parks, enjoy the authentic mountain community of Canmore. Nestled in the heart of the spectacular Canadian Rockies, is the Coast Canmore Hotel. Located just minutes outside of Banff and one hour west of Calgary, the Coast Canmore Hotel offers both accessibility and respite from the hustle and bustle.
1 night
Calgary
Overlooking downtown Calgary & the Rocky Mountains, the Sheraton Cavalier Calgary Hotel is located in the city's suburban airport business district near local attractions, shopping, and restaurants. Located just 15 Minutes to Calgary International Airport and Downtown.
2 nights
Jackson Hole
The Rockwell Inn welcomes you with a warm, comfortable two-story lobby with fireplace. Situated a step away from downtown, The Rockwell Inn offers a relaxing environment with premium beds and amenities to make your stay comfortable and convenient. This will be our base for the beginning of the program. If you decide to arrive a day early you are located just 1.5 blocks from the historic Jackson Town Square and within easy walking distance of many shops, restaurants, galleries, museums, and nightclubs. At the base of the Grand Teton National Park Jackson Hole offers numerous outdoor activities.
2 nights
Yellowstone National Park
Located in Yellowstone National Park, Canyon Village is a sprawling facility. Located on the east side of the park near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, lodge buildings are nestled throughout the property along with the main public building that houses the restaurants and gift shop.
1 night
Helena
Strategically located between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park the Delta Hotels by Marriott Helena Colonial will be sure to provide comfort and value for all travelers. Located in the heart of Helena, MT, our guests will benefit from services and amenities that include fast free Wi-Fi and complementary bottled water each day.
2 nights
Browning
Located in the remote northeastern corner of Glacier National Park, the historic Many Glacier Hotel first opened its doors to guests in 1915. The hotel was built by the Great Norther Railway in the architectural style of a grand Swiss chalet. Many Glacier Hotel sits on the shore of Swiftcurrent Lake and features a towering atrium lobby, double helical staircase, and stunning mountain scenery.
3 nights
Canmore
Between your adventures in Banff and Jasper National Parks, enjoy the authentic mountain community of Canmore. Nestled in the heart of the spectacular Canadian Rockies, is the Coast Canmore Hotel. Located just minutes outside of Banff and one hour west of Calgary, the Coast Canmore Hotel offers both accessibility and respite from the hustle and bustle.
1 night
Calgary
Overlooking downtown Calgary & the Rocky Mountains, the Sheraton Cavalier Calgary Hotel is located in the city's suburban airport business district near local attractions, shopping, and restaurants. Located just 15 Minutes to Calgary International Airport and Downtown.
2 nights
Jackson Hole
The Rockwell Inn welcomes you with a warm, comfortable two-story lobby with fireplace. Situated a step away from downtown, The Rockwell Inn offers a relaxing environment with premium beds and amenities to make your stay comfortable and convenient. This will be our base for the beginning of the program. If you decide to arrive a day early you are located just 1.5 blocks from the historic Jackson Town Square and within easy walking distance of many shops, restaurants, galleries, museums, and nightclubs. At the base of the Grand Teton National Park Jackson Hole offers numerous outdoor activities.
2 nights
Yellowstone National Park
Located in Yellowstone National Park, Canyon Village is a sprawling facility. Located on the east side of the park near the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, lodge buildings are nestled throughout the property along with the main public building that houses the restaurants and gift shop.
1 night
Helena
Strategically located between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park the Delta Hotels by Marriott Helena Colonial will be sure to provide comfort and value for all travelers. Located in the heart of Helena, MT, our guests will benefit from services and amenities that include fast free Wi-Fi and complementary bottled water each day.
2 nights
Browning
Located in the remote northeastern corner of Glacier National Park, the historic Many Glacier Hotel first opened its doors to guests in 1915. The hotel was built by the Great Norther Railway in the architectural style of a grand Swiss chalet. Many Glacier Hotel sits on the shore of Swiftcurrent Lake and features a towering atrium lobby, double helical staircase, and stunning mountain scenery.
3 nights
Canmore
Between your adventures in Banff and Jasper National Parks, enjoy the authentic mountain community of Canmore. Nestled in the heart of the spectacular Canadian Rockies, is the Coast Canmore Hotel. Located just minutes outside of Banff and one hour west of Calgary, the Coast Canmore Hotel offers both accessibility and respite from the hustle and bustle.
1 night
Calgary
Overlooking downtown Calgary & the Rocky Mountains, the Sheraton Cavalier Calgary Hotel is located in the city's suburban airport business district near local attractions, shopping, and restaurants. Located just 15 Minutes to Calgary International Airport and Downtown.





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