Discover the wide-open spaces of the Canadian Rockies on this small group, action-packed adventure through Banff and Jasper national parks. This all-inclusive Banff vacation package features Austin’s best-in-class, the award-winning standard for adventure travel, our signature touch of inspired, thoughtful service, and, of course, our expert guides who can’t wait to introduce you to the awe-inspiring backdrops of the majestic Rocky Mountains. Glacier-trek, bike, hike and raft your way through this pristine wilderness, exploring nature’s endless display of beauty and grandeur before relaxing in a soothing whirlpool or curling up with a book by the distinctive Rundle Rock fireplace at one of our cozy lodges. The best in regional cuisine and the tastiest of cocktails bring smiles and satiation as the days unfold on this spectacular Banff Tour balanced perfectly with adventure and stillness. After all, who doesn’t want to wander where Legends of the Fall was filmed?
Soaring, jagged peaks, crystalline glacial lakes, alpine meadows, and countless species of wildlife set the perfect stage for your six-day Banff Vacation Package in the Canadian Rockies. This customized, exclusive Banff Tour into the wild introduces you to the delicate interactions of humans with nature, leaving you with a profound sense of awe, tired muscles, and invigorating passion for one of the West’s most magnificent destinations.
Keep your eyes peeled for bears, elk, and bighorn sheep on a bike ride along the Legacy Trail
Trek alongside tottering rock walls and soaring pinnacles on Sentinel Pass
Tackle the Class III-IV whitewater rapids of Kicking Horse River
Hike along the pristine shores of Lake Louise pondering how the water can really be that blue
Pick your way, crampons and all, to the top of Athabasca Glacier alongside one of Canada’s leading experts in mountain exploration
Soak up the spectacular snow-capped Rocky Mountain scenery on a bike ride from Minnewanka Lake to Two Jack Lake
Browse the internationally acclaimed shops and galleries of Banff
Kick back after a savory dinner and listen to the gurgle of Baker Creek from the porch of your cozy mountain chalet
A few more reasons why you've gotta go:
01
The solitude: On our Banff tour, you'll often be the only humans in sight for hours on end.
02
Sentinel Pass: This top-rated hike in the Canadian Rockies is not to be missed.
03
Rafting the Kicking Horse: With rapid names like "Roller Coaster", "Shotgun" and the "Portage", you're sure to have a wet and wild time!
Calgary / Banff National Park / Kootenay National Park
Early morning pick-ups in Calgary. After a short welcome meeting, loosen up with your first bike ride. The Legacy Trail offers some of the most breathtaking panoramas in all of Banff National Park. Fuel up with a trailside picnic before taking a scenic walk to Marble Canyon’s impressive waterfall. Dinner tonight will be served at the Baker Creek Bistro. Relax for the rest of the night at the Baker Creek Chalet, your home for the next three nights.
About Baker Creek Chalets
Nestled in a peaceful wooded setting, beside Baker Creek, this lodge and cabins blend magically into their surroundings, far from the bustle of Lake Louise. Baker Creek is an intimate casual mountain resort consisting of log chalets, lodge suites, a Bistro restaurant, and a Heritage Executive Conference Centre. It is family-owned and operated year round. Baker Creek is the perfect central location to explore mountain lakes, drive, hike, bike, snowshoe, cross-country ski, downhill ski, or just relax surrounded by some of the most famous scenery in the world.
Embark on a full-day hike over Sentinel Pass, rated one of the top hikes in Banff. Ascend from turquoise Moraine Lake past larch trees and alpine meadows to a delicious lunch. Take in spectacular vistas of Paradise Valley from nearly 8,900 feet atop the pass. Enjoy an amazing meal at The Station tonight, a guide favorite!
Wake up early today for a scenic morning drive along the Icefield Parkway past numerous ice fields and glaciers. Arrive at Athabasca Glacier on the edge of Jasper National Park, where you’re outfitted in crampons and walking sticks. Spend the day hiking the glacier alongside a mountain guide, learning about its formation and the powerful way it shapes the land. Shuttle back to the Baker Creek Chalets for some R&R before tonight’s dinner.
After a hearty breakfast, gear up for a new and exciting adventure as we shuttle to our put-in before tackling the rapids of the Kicking Horse River. After working up your appetite, indulge in a freshly prepared meal along the riverside. Spend the afternoon enjoying the splendor of Lake Louise. Learn about the lakeside hotel’s colorful history as you explore the inside of Chateau Lake Louise. Hike the lakeshore trail and learn why the colors are so vibrantly turquoise. After your spectacular day, enjoy dinner at a local’s favorite as you explore Banff on your own tonight. Your home for the next two nights will be the beautiful Banff Royal Canadian Lodge.
About the Royal Canadian Lodge
Located in the heart of the mountain town, Royal Canadian Lodge is the quintessential Canadian lodge, with a distinctive Rundle Rock fireplace and walls covered in Canadian artwork.
The rooms are elegantly appointed with custom-made Canadian furnishings and Canadian artwork. The oversized bathrooms have an Alberta granite-topped vanity and a full bathtub and shower. Considered one of Canada’s premier national parks, Banff National Park has been designated a World Heritage Site, renowned for its majestic mountain ranges and pristine mountain lakes and forests.
Bike to Cascade Ponds on the golf course nestled at the foot of the Canadian Rockies. An amazing picnic made by your guides will fuel you up for another spectacular bike. Pedal to Lake Minnewanka, Banff’s largest lake, and Two Jack Lake and take advantage of the awe-inspiring views as the mountains reflect off of the turquoise lake waters. Tick off a bucket list item and plunge into the glacial waters of Two Jack Lake! Our farewell dinner will be served at the Evergreen Restaurant at the lodge tonight.
A short shuttle will bring us to our trailhead where we will have time for one more hike around Johnson Lake. Shuttle back to Calgary to be dropped off at the airport or your hotel for your departure home.
*Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, weather, and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate by Austin Adventures
Please plan on arriving at least one day prior to your trip departure. Day one of your itinerary starts at 8:00 or 8:20 am, depending on your hotel. Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the Calgary airport (1:00 pm) or your Calgary hotel (1:30 pm).
Activities
Hiking: 3 to 12 miles per hike, easy to moderate terrain. Biking: 5 to 20 miles, easy to moderate terrain. Whitewater rafting: Class II-IV rapids, no experience necessary.
Cultural Discoveries
Hike with a bird’s eye view from Sentinel Pass. Expand your mind as you learn about how the mountains were carved and shaped by glaciers. Spot as many different types of wildlife as you can while riding the Legacy Trail; grizzly bears, elk, or wolves are just some of the animals that frequent the area. In your cozy bed at your home away from home, recognize why Baker Creek Chalet received the Banff Heritage Tourism Award for authentic mountain lodging. Take in the views of Lake Louise while your guides educate as to why the lake is really that blue. Learn the ins and outs of glacier trekking as you strap on crampons to make your way up the icy surface of Athabasca Glacier. Visit one of Canada’s oldest and largest national parks, Jasper National Park designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Come discover for yourself this place they call Wild Rose Country.
Meals
The hallmark of an Austin Adventures vacation is our exceptional dining. All meals: breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners, refreshments, and receptions, except one dinner on your own, are included as indicated by the itinerary. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities are not included in the trip price.
Pre-departure Information
After receiving your reservation and deposit, we’ll send you a pre-trip planner with general information about the area you’ll be visiting, a packing list, exercise guidelines, a guest information questionnaire, and a liability release agreement for you to sign and return within 10 days.
What's Included
Included in the Trip Price
Double occupancy rooms with private baths.
All meals: breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners, except one dinner on own your own, refreshments, and receptions.
Fully trained, first-aid certified professional guides and knowledgeable local partners.
Bikes, helmets, and other necessary equipment, all safe and well maintained.
Vehicle support and land transportation during the trip.
Austin Adventures T-shirt, water bottle, luggage tags, and luggage service.
Pre-departure and packing information.
Incidental expenses such as taxes, dining and housekeeping gratuities, local partner and expert gratuities, and national park entrance and permit fees.
Not Included in the Trip Price
Gratuities to Austin Adventures guides.
Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities.
One dinner on your own.
Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses.
Air and land transportation to/from host cities.
All types of personal insurance.
Personal expenses.
View the "Wow Factor" Included in Each Austin Adventure
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
1Easy (1)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
2Moderately Easy (2)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
3Moderate (3)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
4Moderate to Challenging (4)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
5Challenging (5)
Canada Expert
Will Woods
Unsure if that adventure in that wild place is right for you? Austin Adventures guide Will Woods will assure you it is, but he’ll also tell you how that trip will change your life, how to prepare for it, and why you should never pass up an opportunity to see breathtaking scenery, do thrilling things, and meet new people. Born beneath the Canadian Rockies in Calgary, Alberta, Will turned his love of adventure into a profession and has spent nearly 20 years building and leading adventure trips for a variety of guests, who all seem to catch his passion for wild places.
