Alberta

Exploring Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks

Program No. 3856RJ
Explore the Canadian Rockies with local experts, learning about grizzly bears, visiting Chateau Lake Louise and taking an in depth look at UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

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At a Glance

Straddling the Continental Divide for 14,300 square miles, the seven contiguous Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks are richly adorned with mountain peaks, glaciers, waterfalls, limestone caves and fossils. Explore in depth three of these UNESCO World Heritage Sites to see how they each bear distinct ecological, geological and historical characters while sharing a common rugged beauty renowned worldwide.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Keep the Pace: Walking up to two miles daily on varied terrain. Elevations up to 4,540 feet. Riding between 20 – 150 miles (1-4 hours) in a motorcoach each day.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Celebrate the environmental efforts that led to the establishment of Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park, and its unique geothermal hot springs.
  • Explore Banff, Yoho and Jasper National Parks with experts and learn about their rich geological history.
  • Experience a bird’s eye view of the Continental Divide atop the Lake Louise Gondola.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Kirsten Schmitten
Kirsten Schmitten has spent over 30 years exploring, researching, writing and working in the Canadian Rockies. From her career as a park naturalist to her adventures with her warden husband, Kirsten’s love and knowledge of the natural and cultural history of Jasper makes her a captivating and sought after speaker. She is the owner of All Things Wild, a company specializing in connecting people to the natural and cultural history of Jasper National Park.

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

Profile Image of Kirsten Schmitten
Kirsten Schmitten View biography
Kirsten Schmitten has spent over 30 years exploring, researching, writing and working in the Canadian Rockies. From her career as a park naturalist to her adventures with her warden husband, Kirsten’s love and knowledge of the natural and cultural history of Jasper makes her a captivating and sought after speaker. She is the owner of All Things Wild, a company specializing in connecting people to the natural and cultural history of Jasper National Park.
Profile Image of Brent MacDonald
Brent MacDonald View biography
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.
Profile Image of Greg Allemang
Greg Allemang View biography
Growing up in the military has brought Greg across Canada and given him a real taste of everything the country has to offer. Finally settled now in the Calgary area, Greg has followed his passions for his country to study travel management and become a certified hiking instructor. Greg also enjoys climbing and enjoying the beautiful wilderness that surrounds his home. His love of nature has fueled his passion for connecting people to their environment and showing off his country to visitors.
Profile Image of Michele LaPointe
Michele LaPointe View biography
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.
Profile Image of Sonya Pollock
Sonya Pollock View biography
Sonya Pollock grew up in Calgary, Alberta and loved taking trips out to the Rocky Mountains as a child. These trips with her family solidified her love of nature and wildlife. Her passion for helping animals resulted in her pursuit of an MSc in animal behavior and welfare where she studied thermoregulation in the Indian rhinoceros. She’s currently a Ph.D. candidate in wildlife ecology at the University of Alberta where she studies grizzly bear habitat selection in Banff National Park.
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Meals
19 Meals
8 Breakfasts
6 Lunches
5 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
Sep 16, 2024 - Sep 24, 2024
  • Sep 16, 2024 - Sep 24, 2024
  • Jun 10, 2024 - Jun 18, 2024
  • Jul 08, 2024 - Jul 16, 2024
  • Jul 15, 2024 - Jul 23, 2024
  • Aug 12, 2024 - Aug 20, 2024
  • Aug 19, 2024 - Aug 27, 2024
  • Sep 02, 2024 - Sep 10, 2024
  • Sep 09, 2024 - Sep 17, 2024
  • Sep 16, 2024 - Sep 24, 2024
  • Sep 23, 2024 - Oct 01, 2024
  • Jun 09, 2025 - Jun 17, 2025
  • Jun 16, 2025 - Jun 24, 2025
  • Jul 07, 2025 - Jul 15, 2025
  • Jul 14, 2025 - Jul 22, 2025
  • Aug 04, 2025 - Aug 12, 2025
  • Aug 18, 2025 - Aug 26, 2025
  • Sep 01, 2025 - Sep 09, 2025
  • Sep 08, 2025 - Sep 16, 2025
  • Sep 15, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025
4 nights
Banff
The High Country Inn is a family owned hotel located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.
2 nights
Lake Louise
The Lake Louise Inn, comprised of five lodges, is only a five minute walk from the village of Lake Louise and boasts stunning views of the Canadian Rockies.
2 nights
Jasper
The Maligne Lodge is conveniently located at the end of Jasper's main street where the Rocky Mountains meet the town site.
4 nights
Banff
Banff National Park, established in 1885, is Canada’s first national park and part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was inscribed in 1984. The park protects 2,564 square miles of mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers and forests within the Canadian Rockies. Located in the province of Alberta, it is surrounded by protected forests, parks and wilderness areas on all sides, including Jasper National Park to the north. With its towering peaks and stunning glacier-fed lakes, it’s hard to believe that an area as beautiful as the Canadian Rockies once lay dormant to Western eyes, known only by the native peoples who dwelled in the valleys below. It wasn’t until the 1700s that Europeans arrived, thus beginning an exciting tradition of exploration in the mountain landscape. The Banff Ptarmigan Inn is centrally located in Banff National Park only steps away from the downtown area. This mountain hotel is a great escape to the Canadian Rockies. On your vacation you can enjoy our mountain views, and numerous outdoor activities from hiking trails, canoe rides, and biking in the summer, skiing, skating, and snowshoeing in the winter.
2 nights
Lake Louise
The Lake Louise Inn, comprised of five lodges, is only a five minute walk from the village of Lake Louise and boasts stunning views of the Canadian Rockies.
2 nights
Jasper
The Maligne Lodge is conveniently located at the end of Jasper's main street where the Rocky Mountains meet the town site.
4 nights
Banff
Banff National Park, established in 1885, is Canada’s first national park and part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was inscribed in 1984. The park protects 2,564 square miles of mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers and forests within the Canadian Rockies. Located in the province of Alberta, it is surrounded by protected forests, parks and wilderness areas on all sides, including Jasper National Park to the north. With its towering peaks and stunning glacier-fed lakes, it’s hard to believe that an area as beautiful as the Canadian Rockies once lay dormant to Western eyes, known only by the native peoples who dwelled in the valleys below. It wasn’t until the 1700s that Europeans arrived, thus beginning an exciting tradition of exploration in the mountain landscape. The Banff Ptarmigan Inn is centrally located in Banff National Park only steps away from the downtown area. This mountain hotel is a great escape to the Canadian Rockies. On your vacation you can enjoy our mountain views, and numerous outdoor activities from hiking trails, canoe rides, and biking in the summer, skiing, skating, and snowshoeing in the winter.
2 nights
Lake Louise
The Lake Louise Inn, comprised of five lodges, is only a five minute walk from the village of Lake Louise and boasts stunning views of the Canadian Rockies.
2 nights
Jasper
The Maligne Lodge is conveniently located at the end of Jasper's main street where the Rocky Mountains meet the town site.
4 nights
Banff
The High Country Inn is a family owned hotel located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.
2 nights
Lake Louise
The Lake Louise Inn, comprised of five lodges, is only a five minute walk from the village of Lake Louise and boasts stunning views of the Canadian Rockies.
2 nights
Jasper
The Maligne Lodge is conveniently located at the end of Jasper's main street where the Rocky Mountains meet the town site.
4 nights
Banff
The High Country Inn is a family owned hotel located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.
2 nights
Lake Louise
The Lake Louise Inn, comprised of five lodges, is only a five minute walk from the village of Lake Louise and boasts stunning views of the Canadian Rockies.
2 nights
Jasper
The Maligne Lodge is conveniently located at the end of Jasper's main street where the Rocky Mountains meet the town site.
4 nights
Banff
The High Country Inn is a family owned hotel located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.
2 nights
Lake Louise
The Lake Louise Inn, comprised of five lodges, is only a five minute walk from the village of Lake Louise and boasts stunning views of the Canadian Rockies.
2 nights
Jasper
The Maligne Lodge is conveniently located at the end of Jasper's main street where the Rocky Mountains meet the town site.
4 nights
Banff
The High Country Inn is a family owned hotel located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.
2 nights
Lake Louise
The Lake Louise Inn, comprised of five lodges, is only a five minute walk from the village of Lake Louise and boasts stunning views of the Canadian Rockies.
2 nights
Jasper
The Maligne Lodge is conveniently located at the end of Jasper's main street where the Rocky Mountains meet the town site.
4 nights
Banff
The High Country Inn is a family owned hotel located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.
2 nights
Lake Louise
The Lake Louise Inn, comprised of five lodges, is only a five minute walk from the village of Lake Louise and boasts stunning views of the Canadian Rockies.
2 nights
Jasper
The Maligne Lodge is conveniently located at the end of Jasper's main street where the Rocky Mountains meet the town site.
4 nights
Banff
The High Country Inn is a family owned hotel located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.
2 nights
Lake Louise
The Lake Louise Inn, comprised of five lodges, is only a five minute walk from the village of Lake Louise and boasts stunning views of the Canadian Rockies.
2 nights
Jasper
The Maligne Lodge is conveniently located at the end of Jasper's main street where the Rocky Mountains meet the town site.
4 nights
Banff
The High Country Inn is a family owned hotel located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.
2 nights
Lake Louise
The Lake Louise Inn, comprised of five lodges, is only a five minute walk from the village of Lake Louise and boasts stunning views of the Canadian Rockies.
2 nights
Jasper
The Maligne Lodge is conveniently located at the end of Jasper's main street where the Rocky Mountains meet the town site.
4 nights
Banff
The High Country Inn is a family owned hotel located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.
2 nights
Lake Louise
The Lake Louise Inn, comprised of five lodges, is only a five minute walk from the village of Lake Louise and boasts stunning views of the Canadian Rockies.
2 nights
Jasper
The Maligne Lodge is conveniently located at the end of Jasper's main street where the Rocky Mountains meet the town site.
4 nights
Banff
The High Country Inn is a family owned hotel located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.
2 nights
Lake Louise
The Lake Louise Inn, comprised of five lodges, is only a five minute walk from the village of Lake Louise and boasts stunning views of the Canadian Rockies.
2 nights
Jasper
The Maligne Lodge is conveniently located at the end of Jasper's main street where the Rocky Mountains meet the town site.
4 nights
Banff
Banff National Park, established in 1885, is Canada’s first national park and part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was inscribed in 1984. The park protects 2,564 square miles of mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers and forests within the Canadian Rockies. Located in the province of Alberta, it is surrounded by protected forests, parks and wilderness areas on all sides, including Jasper National Park to the north. With its towering peaks and stunning glacier-fed lakes, it’s hard to believe that an area as beautiful as the Canadian Rockies once lay dormant to Western eyes, known only by the native peoples who dwelled in the valleys below. It wasn’t until the 1700s that Europeans arrived, thus beginning an exciting tradition of exploration in the mountain landscape. The Banff Ptarmigan Inn is centrally located in Banff National Park only steps away from the downtown area. This mountain hotel is a great escape to the Canadian Rockies. On your vacation you can enjoy our mountain views, and numerous outdoor activities from hiking trails, canoe rides, and biking in the summer, skiing, skating, and snowshoeing in the winter.
2 nights
Lake Louise
The Lake Louise Inn, comprised of five lodges, is only a five minute walk from the village of Lake Louise and boasts stunning views of the Canadian Rockies.
2 nights
Jasper
The Maligne Lodge is conveniently located at the end of Jasper's main street where the Rocky Mountains meet the town site.
4 nights
Banff
The High Country Inn is a family owned hotel located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.
2 nights
Lake Louise
The Lake Louise Inn, comprised of five lodges, is only a five minute walk from the village of Lake Louise and boasts stunning views of the Canadian Rockies.
2 nights
Jasper
The Maligne Lodge is conveniently located at the end of Jasper's main street where the Rocky Mountains meet the town site.
4 nights
Banff
The High Country Inn is a family owned hotel located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.
2 nights
Lake Louise
The Lake Louise Inn, comprised of five lodges, is only a five minute walk from the village of Lake Louise and boasts stunning views of the Canadian Rockies.
2 nights
Jasper
The Maligne Lodge is conveniently located at the end of Jasper's main street where the Rocky Mountains meet the town site.
4 nights
Banff
The High Country Inn is a family owned hotel located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.
2 nights
Lake Louise
The Lake Louise Inn, comprised of five lodges, is only a five minute walk from the village of Lake Louise and boasts stunning views of the Canadian Rockies.
2 nights
Jasper
The Maligne Lodge is conveniently located at the end of Jasper's main street where the Rocky Mountains meet the town site.
4 nights
Banff
Banff National Park, established in 1885, is Canada’s first national park and part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was inscribed in 1984. The park protects 2,564 square miles of mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers and forests within the Canadian Rockies. Located in the province of Alberta, it is surrounded by protected forests, parks and wilderness areas on all sides, including Jasper National Park to the north. With its towering peaks and stunning glacier-fed lakes, it’s hard to believe that an area as beautiful as the Canadian Rockies once lay dormant to Western eyes, known only by the native peoples who dwelled in the valleys below. It wasn’t until the 1700s that Europeans arrived, thus beginning an exciting tradition of exploration in the mountain landscape. The Banff Ptarmigan Inn is centrally located in Banff National Park only steps away from the downtown area. This mountain hotel is a great escape to the Canadian Rockies. On your vacation you can enjoy our mountain views, and numerous outdoor activities from hiking trails, canoe rides, and biking in the summer, skiing, skating, and snowshoeing in the winter.
2 nights
Lake Louise
The Lake Louise Inn, comprised of five lodges, is only a five minute walk from the village of Lake Louise and boasts stunning views of the Canadian Rockies.
2 nights
Jasper
The Maligne Lodge is conveniently located at the end of Jasper's main street where the Rocky Mountains meet the town site.
4 nights
Banff
The High Country Inn is a family owned hotel located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.
2 nights
Lake Louise
The Lake Louise Inn, comprised of five lodges, is only a five minute walk from the village of Lake Louise and boasts stunning views of the Canadian Rockies.
2 nights
Jasper
The Maligne Lodge is conveniently located at the end of Jasper's main street where the Rocky Mountains meet the town site.





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