Pick-up your rental car and prepare to hit the open road. An Intermediate SUV will be reserved in your name. Please speak with your Destination Expert if you are interested in an upgrade option.

Exploring the Canadian Rockies by car offers freedom to experience breathtaking mountain scenery at your own pace. Roads are generally well-maintained, particularly along the Trans-Canada Highway and Icefields Parkway, but conditions can change quickly due to weather. Fuel stations can be sparse between Banff and Jasper, so top up when possible. Parks Canada advises not to stop along roadways to view and take photos of animals, however it is important to watch for vehicles who may do this and cause 'bear jams', or traffic jams. It is always advised to stop in designated scenic viewpoint parking lots. Cell service may be spotty in some areas, so it is a great idea to download maps in advance if you rely on your phone.

Summer brings long daylight hours, but also heavier tourist traffic around Banff and Lake Louise. In spring and fall, watch for early or late-season snow, wildlife crossings, and potential icy patches, especially at higher elevations including the Icefields Parkway. Winter travel requires snow tires and caution. Daylight hours are reduced with sunrise around 8:30 am and sunset around 4:30 pm.

Drive west from Calgary into the heart of the Canadian Rockies, where the rolling foothills gradually give way to dramatic mountain peaks on the scenic journey to Canmore. Today's drive is 65 miles, taking approximately 75 minutes.

Canmore's thriving culinary scene offers a wonderful mix of refined dining and relaxed mountain favourites. For a special evening, savour creative, locally inspired cuisine at 4296 or enjoy an elevated dining experience at ÄnkÔr, where thoughtfully crafted menus highlight seasonal ingredients and modern culinary techniques. For a lively dinner paired with creative cocktails, Bridgette Bar Canmore and Crazyweed Kitchen offer two of the town's most beloved dining experiences, with globally inspired flavours, inventive menus, and welcoming atmospheres. For a more casual evening, enjoy gourmet burgers and Alberta beef at The Wood Restaurant & Lounge or handcrafted pizzas and mountain-town charm at Rocky Mountain Flatbread. Beer enthusiasts can sample locally brewed ales and lagers at The Grizzly Paw Brewing Company or Sheepdog Brewing, making either a perfect stop to unwind after a day exploring the Rockies. Please speak to your Destination Expert to arrange a dining reservation.

Set out with your private guide for an introduction to Banff. Azure waters in combination with dramatic mountains are an iconic sight in the region. Visit Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack Lake and the Vermilion Lakes, where tranquil waters beautifully mirror the towering Rockies. Your knowledgeable guide provides insights into the region's history and its inhabitants. Be on the lookout for bears, elk, bighorn sheep that frequent the Banff area. Later, ascend the Banff Gondola to soar above the landscape, treating yourself to awe-inspiring views of the town nestled in the valley, the serene Bow River, and the rugged mountain peaks. Your tour concludes with a transfer to your hotel.

Consider spending an evening exploring nearby Banff, less than a thirty minute drive from Canmore. On the edge of town, enjoy a scenic walk to Bow Falls, wander the Bow River Trail, or take in sweeping mountain views from Surprise Corner, particularly beautiful in the soft evening light. Stroll along lively Banff Avenue, where boutiques, art galleries, and mountain outfitters are interspersed with inviting restaurants, cocktail bars, and local breweries. As Banff lies within the national park, a valid Parks Canada pass is required for your vehicle; day passes can be purchased at the park gates en route. Please speak to your Destination Expert for personalized dining recommendations or to arrange a reservation.

Embark on an enchanting adventure to Moraine Lake, Lake Louise and Yoho National Park with your private guide. Begin your day by witnessing the breathtaking beauty of Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, where vivid turquoise waters are embraced by soaring peaks. From there, journey to the majestic Takakkaw Falls, witnessing the awe-inspiring cascade as it thunders down the cliffs. Finally, immerse yourself in the serene splendor of Emerald Lake, surrounded by towering mountains and serene emerald waters. Your tour concludes with a transfer to your hotel.

Enjoy a reservation at The Stirling Grill & Lounge, where contemporary Canadian cuisine is served in a warm, mountain-inspired setting. Showcasing premium Alberta beef, fresh seafood, and seasonal ingredients, the menu is complemented by an extensive wine list, local craft beers, and expertly crafted cocktails. Please note that this is a reservation only; your meal is not included in the program cost.

Today, embark on a journey with your private guide to Kananaskis Country, a less-traveled area of the Rockies. Enjoy a stunning drive that reveals panoramic vistas of rugged mountains and pristine alpine lakes, making stops for photographs along the way. Stretch your legs on a hike, approximately 3 miles in length, to immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of the region. Refuel with a charcuterie picnic as your local guide shares stories about the area’s natural history, geology, and the significance of its ecological diversity. Your tour concludes with a transfer back to your hotel.

Unwind with an optional thermal spa experience, embracing one of the Rockies' most rejuvenating wellness rituals. Just minutes from downtown Canmore, Everwild Nordic Spa offers a tranquil circuit of hot and cold pools, saunas, steam rooms, and relaxation spaces set against a mountain backdrop. Alternatively, venture to Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, approximately 40 minutes away, where the award-winning Nordic Spa invites you to enjoy hydrotherapy pools, alpine saunas, eucalyptus steam cabins, and peaceful outdoor lounges surrounded by the forests of Kananaskis Country. Visit in the evening to soak beneath the stars, when the crisp mountain air and dark skies create an especially serene atmosphere. Please speak to your Destination Expert to pre-book your spa experience (strongly recommended).

Set out on a spectacular self-drive journey from Canmore to the Athabasca Glacier, following one of the world's most scenic mountain highways during the golden days of autumn. Travel through Banff National Park to Lake Louise before continuing north along the legendary Icefields Parkway, where turquoise lakes, ancient glaciers, golden larches, and snow-capped peaks create a dramatic alpine landscape. Enjoy lunch in Lake Louise before continuing onto the Parkway, where dining options are limited. Along the way, stop at Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, Mistaya Canyon, the Weeping Wall, or viewpoints overlooking Crowfoot Glacier, capturing the beauty of the Rockies in their autumn splendor. Today's driving time is approximately 2.5 hours, with plenty of opportunities to pause and enjoy the scenery. Please note that early season snowfall is possible in the Rockies, particularly at higher elevations; drive with caution, check road conditions before departure, and allow extra time if winter weather is present.

Enjoy a Welcome Reception in the Guest Lounge with complimentary hors d'oeuvres and a cocktail.

Altitude Restaurant at Glacier View Lodge offers a dining experience as spectacular as its surroundings. With panoramic views of the Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier, the restaurant serves locally inspired cuisine that highlights the flavors of the Canadian Rockies. Your dinner at Altitude is included in your package.

This evening, take your sightseeing to new heights with access to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk. Step out on a cliff-edge walkway where giant glaciers perch above you and the spectacular Sunwapta Valley spreads out below. Wander along a platform where glass is all that separates you from a 918-foot drop. The Columbia Icefield Skywalk offers a bird’s eye view of the Sunwapta Valley, born in the Columbia Icefields. Waterfalls, wildlife, fossils and glaciers star in a complex display of nature’s wonders. Connect with the Canadian Rockies in a deep, meaningful way - and from a completely unique perspective. Peer beneath your shoes to the ragged cliffs below and feel as if you’ve been suspended in the middle of it all.

Breakfast at Altitude is included in your package.

Immerse yourself in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, exploring the colossal Columbia Icefield that sprawls across 15 miles of terrain. Though seemingly serene, the ancient Columbia Icefield is a powerful, dynamic force, constantly transforming the regional landscape. This is a place where time is measured in millennia and yet the present moment is incredibly powerful. Take a unique tour of the ancient Athabasca Glacier, one of the most accessible glaciers in the world. Board one of the Ice Explorer buses specially designed for glacier travel, travelling along the moraine to the glacier itself. Step outside and stand on the ancient icefields, taking in the breath-taking beauty that surrounds you.

Make your way from Glacier View Lodge to Jasper. Today's driving time is approximately 1.5 hours.

Please note that there is no cell phone service and no fuel stations along the Icefields Parkway.

Enjoy a dining reservation at Aalto, an unforgettable dining experience set against the breathtaking backdrop of Jasper’s Pyramid Lake. Showcasing locally inspired cuisine with a modern twist, the menu emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients and bold, alpine flavors. Whether you’re savoring a hearty breakfast before a day of adventure or enjoying a refined dinner as the sun sets over the Rockies, Aalto pairs exceptional food with stunning lake and mountain views for a truly elevated culinary experience. Please note: Your meal is not included and will be paid for on location. Reservations are confirmed at the time of booking and are subject to availability.

Immerse yourself in the majesty of Maligne Valley with a private guide. Traverse to the enigmatic Medicine Lake, a marvel that vanishes mysteriously each season, leaving behind a tranquil basin steeped in natural intrigue. Along the way, keep an eye out for the elk, moose, bears and sheep that roam the valley. The journey culminates at Maligne Lake, where a scenic cruise awaits, carrying you across the mirrored surface beneath the watchful eye of soaring peaks. Glide past iconic Spirit Island, framed by emerald waters and rugged panoramas, a serene moment nestled in the heart of the Rockies. Following the cruise, return to your Jasper hotel.

Nestled within the serene beauty of Jasper National Park, Pyramid Lake is a stunning autumn retreat framed by vibrant fall foliage. Crisp mountain air and golden-hued forests create the perfect backdrop for lakeside adventures. Spend the day soaking in the colors while canoeing across calm waters, casting a line for a quiet fishing experience, or simply admiring the fiery reflections of Pyramid Mountain on the lake’s surface. Cross the pedestrian bridge to explore the charm of Pyramid Island, or wander to the Red Chair Pyramid Overlook for sweeping seasonal views. Whether enjoying a cozy picnic or a leisurely stroll along the shore, Pyramid Lake in fall offers an unforgettable escape into the heart of the Canadian Rockies.

This evening, join a small group in handcrafted canoes on the waters of Pyramid Lake. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Jasper's twilight as you glide serenely across the mirrored waters, soaking in the majestic mountain vistas. This intimate experience allows for a peaceful connection with nature, offering a memorable way to embrace the beauty of the Canadian Rockies.

Make your way from Jasper to the Edmonton Airport. Drive time is approximately 4 hours.

Your self-drive journey concludes as you make your way to the rental car drop-off center and return your vehicle.

The Malcolm Hotel is a mountain retreat nestled in charming small-town Canmore. This upscale property blends modern elegance with rustic charm, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and easy access to nature. The hotel features beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites, each designed with a sophisticated, alpine-inspired aesthetic, complete with plush furnishings, stylish decor, and all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay. Enjoy the heated outdoor pool and hot tubs that overlook the mountains. The Malcolm Hotel also boasts a signature dining experience at Stirling Grill & Lounge, where visitors can savor gourmet cuisine inspired by the local landscape. Its central location makes it ideal for exploring Canmore’s vibrant town center or taking in the abundant outdoor adventures, from hiking and biking to skiing and wildlife viewing.

Perched at the edge of the Columbia Icefield, this boutique hotel provides breathtaking views of the Athabasca Glacier and surrounding peaks. The lodge is designed to offer a comfortable and immersive experience, with modern amenities, cozy rooms, and warm, rustic decor that reflects the natural beauty of the area. Fresh, inspired cuisine designed to enhance the view, the adventure and the breathtaking mountain air is available from the on-site restaurant. The Glacier View Lodge is located on the 3rd floor of the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre on the Icefields Parkway - home to over 100 visible glaciers, turquoise lakes, rushing waterfalls and numerous hiking trails, picnic spots and campgrounds. The lodge's prime location makes it an ideal base for exploring Jasper National Park's stunning landscapes, from glacier-fed lakes to rugged mountain trails. Whether you're there for a tranquil retreat or an adventurous getaway, Glacier View Lodge promises an unforgettable stay in one of Canada's most iconic natural settings.

Situated in the heart of Jasper National Park, just 4 miles from town, Pyramid Lake Lodge is a unique mountain escape beckoning adventurers with its chalet-style alpine lodge, where 68 guest rooms offer a harmonious blend of modern comfort, rustic charm, and awe-inspiring Rocky Mountain views. Open year-round, Pyramid Lake Lodge stands out with its array of accommodations, ranging from rooms to suites and lofts, each adorned with wood accents and thoughtful cabin decor. Step onto your private balcony and absorb the breathtaking panorama that surrounds you, enhanced by the warmth of a fireplace or firepit, embodying the true essence of mountain living. As the seasons change, so do the opportunities for adventure. With a complimentary winter amenity program, guests can indulge in the magic of the snowy landscape through activities like ice-skating, snowshoeing, and fat bike rentals. The lodge's lobby becomes a welcoming refuge, offering complimentary coffee, tea, and hot chocolate throughout the day. For a taste of mountain fresh dining, Pyramid Lake Lodge's on-site restaurant seamlessly blends Alpine and shoreline influences, serving up a culinary experience that mirrors the lodge's unique setting. Embrace the crisp mountain air while exploring Jasper's wilderness, knowing that a cozy retreat awaits your return.