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A serene view of a clear blue lake in the Canadian Rockies of Alberta, framed by evergreen trees and snow-capped mountains.
Alberta

Exploring Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks

Program No. 3856RJ
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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
8 days
7 nights
What's Included
Included
17 meals ( 7B, 6L, 4D )
5 expert-led lectures
11 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Banff, Alberta
Exploring Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks
Sep 21 - Sep 28, 2027
Program Number 3856
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Activity Note
Road Scholar shuttle from Calgary International Airport at 3:00 p.m. Getting on/off a motorcoach; approximately 88 miles of travel (about 2 hours) to the hotel. Check-in begins at 4:00 p.m. Please remember to bring your nametag.
Afternoon:
Our group will travel by coach from the airport to the hotel, with an expected arrival time of approximately 5:00 p.m. During the transfer, your Group Leader will provide any immediate updates and confirm the time and location for dinner and orientation.

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 a local restaurant.
Evening:
The Group Leader will welcome everyone and lead introductions. We’ll then take a few minutes to review the program schedule, go over roles and logistics, cover important safety information, and answer any questions you may have.

Any time marked “Free Time” or “At Leisure” is yours to enjoy, whether that means exploring, relaxing, or choosing activities that interest you most. Your Group Leader is always happy to share suggestions. Please keep in mind that schedules, activities, personnel, and estimated times or distances may occasionally shift due to local conditions. If any changes are needed, we’ll let you know as soon as possible. We appreciate your flexibility and understanding.

The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy. Take this opportunity to connect with fellow participants, unwind, and rest up for the exciting day ahead, or head out and explore the town at your own pace.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 20 miles, approximately 1 hour time. Walking about 2 miles throughout the day; paved and gravel paths, some stairs at historic site (can be avoided).
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After breakfast, we’ll begin our day with a short walk to a nearby venue. 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 board our motorcoach and travel to the Cave and Basin National Historic Site. There, we’ll 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:
Back aboard our motorcoach, we’ll set out with our Group Leader to explore the charming town of Banff and discover its rich history. Along the way, we’ll make several stops to step off the coach and experience some of the area’s most captivating points of interest. Nestled in a mountain-rimmed valley carved by the Bow River, Banff is located within Canada’s first national park. Its growth and character have long been shaped by the federal government, tourism, and the railway. In 1930, the Rocky Mountain Parks Reserve was renamed Banff National Park, becoming Canada’s first nature reserve and encompassing 2,564 square miles of breathtaking valleys, glaciers, forests, meadows, and rivers. During our exploration, we’ll admire the iconic Banff Springs Hotel and visit the rushing Bow Falls, located just below this grand landmark. Fed by the Bow Glacier upstream, the falls pour into the Bow River, creating a stunning natural spectacle. A gentle stroll along the Bow Falls Trail will bring us close to the thundering rapids and cascading waters—a perfect way to experience the beauty and power of Banff’s landscape.
Dinner:
On your own; your Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
Spend the evening at your own pace, whether unwinding or exploring.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 60 miles, approximately 1.5 hours riding time. Walking about 1.5 miles, approximately 2 hours over the course of the day; flat lakeside trail, no elevation gain. Optional steep hike up a rock scramble at Moraine Lake.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Following breakfast, we’ll check out of the hotel and attend a presentation by a local expert on 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.

After the presentation, we’ll board our coach and set out to explore some of the most remarkable geological highlights between Banff and Field, British Columbia. Along the way, we’ll enjoy trailside discussions with a local naturalist, deepening our appreciation of the area’s extraordinary geology and the stories written in its stone.
Lunch:
At a spot along the way we’ll enjoy a boxed lunch from a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will visit Emerald Lake, a jewel of the Canadian Rockies. We’ll set out on an expert-led walking field trip to learn about the Burgess Shale quarries along Fossil Ridge. Thanks to its position on the west side of the Great Divide in Yoho National Park, a 360-degree view from Emerald Lake showcases four very different environments: a huge avalanche path, the pine forest, a dry and dramatic alluvial fan, and the towering trees.

We will visit the nearby Field Visitor Centre where there are exhibits to explore including one that displays and explains fossils from Burgess Shale. Parks Canada staff will be available to provide information and answer questions.

Next, we’ll visit Moraine Lake, one of the most photographed places in the Rocky Mountains. From there, we’ll make our way to our hotel in Lake Louise.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
Enjoy the evening at your leisure, whether relaxing or discovering the surroundings.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 37 miles, approximately 1.5 hours riding time. Getting on/off a gondola. Walking about 2 miles; paved and gravel paths.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will be joined by an expert wildlife biologist and conservationist who will give us a presentation on how to share the land with grizzly bears. The Bow Valley is considered an internationally significant wildlife migration corridor within the Park, and the Lake Louise area is notable for its critical grizzly bear, elk, lynx, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat habitat. As protected areas, the mountain national parks make a weighty contribution to grizzly bear conservation in the Rocky Mountain ecosystem. These parks can contribute refuge in the greater landscape, but this requires special consideration for how humans share the landscape with bears. During the presentation, we will also learn how Parks Canada conducts land use and management policies.

Following our discussion, we’ll have the opportunity to see this landscape from a new perspective. We will ride to board the Lake Louise Gondola, one of the best places for a chance to see grizzly bears in their natural environment. If we’re lucky, we may experience this rare and awe-inspiring spectacle from the comfort of the gondola. From atop the mountain, we’ll enjoy sweeping views of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, surrounded by towering peaks and their signature deep teal waters, nothing short of stunning in the beautiful Valley of the Ten Peaks.

After our gondola experience, we’ll continue to the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for afternoon tea/lunch in one of the Rockies’ most spectacular settings.
Lunch:
Fairmount Chateau Lake Louise.
Afternoon:
A walk along the Lake Shore Trail at Lake Louise offers an up-close experience of the lake’s vivid turquoise waters and dramatic mountain setting. Guided by our Group Leader, we’ll explore the shoreline and deepen our understanding of its natural history.
Dinner:
Dinner independently to enjoy regional cuisine.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 150 miles throughout the day, approximately 5 hours riding time.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After checking out, we’ll board our motorcoach and travel along the Icefields Parkway, one of Canada’s most spectacular scenic drives. Surrounded by turquoise lakes and ancient glaciers, we’ll spend the morning in the Main Ranges, home to the highest and most rugged peaks in the Rockies. Along the way, we’ll pause at scenic overlooks as our Group Leader shares insights about the surrounding landscape.
Lunch:
At a spot along the way, we’ll have boxed lunches.
Afternoon:
This afternoon, we continue north toward Jasper National Park, with more sweeping mountain vistas unfolding along the way. Keep your camera ready for mountain goats and bighorn sheep perched on the cliffs and watch for grizzly bears roaming the forests near the Sunwapta River in the warmer months. We’ll arrive in Jasper and settle into our hotel, surrounded by the beauty of the Canadian Rockies.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
Unwind or wander, this evening is yours to enjoy however you like.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 50 miles, approximately 2 hours riding time. Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day; paved or maintained trails.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning, we board our motorcoach with a local expert and begin the day at Pyramid Lake, where a short interpretive walk introduces us to the subtle wonders that make Jasper National Park so unique.

Next, we make our way to the Maligne Canyon Overlook, where sweeping views reveal a deep, narrow limestone gorge sculpted over millennia by glacial meltwater. While here, we take part in a compelling wildfire presentation led by our local expert. Learn how the July 2024 Jasper Complex Wildfire impacted both the town and surrounding ecosystem. Through the lens of fire ecology, we explore themes of loss, resilience, and renewal as the landscape begins to heal and thrive once again.
Lunch:
At a spot along the way, we’ll enjoy our boxed lunches.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we take part in a wildlife presentation highlighting the remarkable diversity of species found in Jasper, from large mammals to elusive birds and everything in between. We then visit Maligne Lake, where an interpretive walk along its scenic shores offers stunning alpine views and insights into the river’s glacial origins.

On our return journey, we pause at the Medicine Lake viewpoint to step off the coach and explore the area’s fascinating geology and history. This tranquil stop invites reflection and a deeper appreciation of the powerful natural forces that have shaped Jasper’s landscape.
Dinner:
On your own to explore local flavors.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 250 miles, approximately 4.5 hours of coach time. Walking about 1 mile, approximately 2 hours walking inside and outside.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Travelling by motorcoach, we’ll embark on a scenic journey to Calgary back along the Icefields Parkway, passing through unparalleled sights of a lake-lined valley traveling the Continental Divide.
Lunch:
We’ll stop for lunch in Canmore; a picturesque mountain community nestled in the Bow Valley just outside Banff National Park. Once a bustling coal-mining town, Canmore has grown into a lively center for art, culture, and outdoor adventure while maintaining its friendly small-town character. Enjoy lunch while taking in the spectacular views of the surrounding peaks, including the iconic Three Sisters that rise prominently above the valley. With its stunning alpine scenery and relaxed mountain atmosphere, Canmore provides an ideal setting to pause and appreciate the natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies.
Afternoon:
After arriving in Calgary, we will set out on a guided walk through Stampede Park, learning about the origin and history of the Calgary Stampede. We will stroll across the infield, site of the famous rodeo held each July, and enjoy the park’s public art installations, including an interactive horse-themed display.

Next, we’ll head to the Elbow River Encampment to learn about the First Nations peoples’ connection to the Calgary Stampede. The experience concludes at the SAM Centre, where interactive exhibits and an immersive film bring the stories, traditions, and excitement of this iconic event to life.
Dinner:
At the hotel, we will enjoy a farewell dinner and reflect on favorite memories with new friends. Just before the meal, a special ceremony, will add a memorable and surprising touch to the evening.
Evening:
Return to hotel and prepare for checkout in the morning.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 12:00pm
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
The program concludes after breakfast. If you are returning home, we wish you safe and pleasant travels. If you are extending your stay independently, we hope you enjoy your continued adventures. Participants transferring to another Road Scholar program should refer to the detailed instructions provided in the Information Packet for that program. Thank you for being part of this Road Scholar learning adventure. We look forward to welcoming you on future rewarding programs. Be sure to join our Facebook community and follow us on Instagram to stay connected. Best wishes for all your journeys ahead.
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