We meet at Calgary airport (at the agreed time), transfer to the hotel, leave our things and go to lunch or dinner. Everything will depend on the time of arrival. I know that everyone will be tired after the flight, but today you can not go to bed early, if you do not want to feel in the morning the full effects of jetlag), so after lunch, we go to get acquainted with the city.
We have breakfast and leave for the rental to pick up our motorhomes. After getting the car and giving a briefing, we head to the market to get groceries for the coming week (we’ll have other markets later on to pick up something). After taking everything we need, we go to the National. Banff Park. On the way to it, for a while, we will observe 3 peaks, under the rather “original” name – the Three Sisters) They are like a gate that lets us into the fabulous world of the Rocky Mountains. On the way we will stop at observation points to enjoy the surrounding beauty.
We check in at our first campsite, hook up the cars, and gather for a general briefing. Your tour leader will tell you how to use your motorhome, introduce you to camping rules, and give you a plan for tomorrow. If there’s time left, we’ll take a walk around the town of Banff.
After the walk, we get the tables and chairs out of our trailers, prepare dinner, and gather for a traditional get-to-know-you evening.
Moving for today – 150 km
We have breakfast, pack up and leave for the neighboring nation. Yoho Park to stroll along the beautiful Emerald Lake. It is the color of the bottom that gives it that hue. Thanks to the perfectly clear water, you can see it almost without distortion. What is nice about this lake is the number of tourists, which is much less than on Lake Luis or Moraine. If you wish and if the weather is good, you can take a canoe ride (extra charge).
Returning to the main road, we can see a spiral railroad tunnel. The fact is that when the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia were connected by rail, there was a problem with the mountain pass – the angle of inclination exceeded the allowable. It was decided to build a fancy tunnel like this. If we are lucky, we will see a giant “caterpillar” of hundreds of cars that spirals up.
After that, we move on to Wapta Falls. We change into comfortable shoes and walk through the forest to the foot of the waterfall. Here we will have free time to take as many pictures as we want.
We move to a campground near Lake Louis. We gather for dinner and discuss tonight’s experiences.
Moving for today – 220 km
We wake up to the pleasant rustling of pine needles, have breakfast and head out to see Canada’s most famous lakes, Lake Louis and Moraine. Thanks to the glacier, the water in them has a rich blue hue, and transparency is such that even in the deepest place you can see the bottom. You get the impression that you’re looking through glass! At one of the lakes, we will rent a canoe and go to take cool pictures against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks and a glacier.
It’s so beautiful here that we don’t feel like rushing anywhere, so we return to the same campground for the night. Spread out and organize a barbecue party.
The move for today is 50 kilometers
We have breakfast and drive further north to the national park. Jasper Park. Along the way, we will stop at the most beautiful locations – at waterfalls and lakes. We will walk to Peyto Glacial Lake and descend to Athabasca Falls. Lunch overlooking the glacier of the same name.
Today our campsite is located near the town of Jasper. We will also spend two nights at this location.
Moving for today – 250 km
We have breakfast and leave for a walk in Jasper National Park. To be more precise, towards the beautiful Lake Malin, which seems to be sandwiched between two mountain ranges. The Rocky Mountains are so close to it that there isn’t even a road along it, so we ditch the cars in the parking lot, transfer to the boat, and cruise to Spirit Island. Along the way, you’ll learn about the geology, wildlife, and history of this spectacular alpine site from local guides. On the island we will have a short photo stop, after which we return to our cars. Here, on the shore of the lake, we will set up our temporary camp for lunch with a view of the valley.
After the lake, drive further east to a place famous for its terminal springs – Miette Hotsprings. Here, on the territory of the complex, we will recharge after the first busy days, share impressions of what we have seen and just have a nice time without rushing. Toward evening we drive to our campsite in Jasper.
*Alternative for the day.
Rafting on the Athabasca River and gondola ride up to the lookout in the afternoon.
Moving for today – 220 km
Today we have a planned climb to the Athabasca Glacier. But not on foot, but on a specially prepared all-terrain vehicle! Imagine such a big bus with a tractor chassis underneath it. Those who were with us in Iceland will know what we’re talking about).
Our route will lie along the beautiful rocky mountains, right on the tongue of the glacier. Having arrived at the final point, we will have time to feel the cold breath of the glacier, to make a dozen bright photos and, of course, according to our Icelandic tradition, to drink whiskey with a piece of thousand-years-old ice 😉 After that, by
We go to see the canyon from the Skywalk glass bridge, which is suspended at a height of 280m!
We’ll sleep in a campground right overlooking the glacier!
Moving for today – 120 km
We have breakfast and head out to two secret locations that the locals told us about, before moving on to today’s main location, Takakkou Falls. It is located in the nats. Yoho Park and is considered the second highest waterfall in Canada. By comparison, Niagara is four times lower than it is!
Returning from it to the main road, we will be able to see a spiral railroad tunnel. The fact is that when the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia were connected by rail, there was a problem with the mountain pass – the angle of inclination exceeded the allowable. It was decided to build a fancy tunnel like this. If we are lucky, we will see a giant “caterpillar” of hundreds of cars that spirals up.
After that, we move to a familiar campground in the town of Banff.
Today is our last day in the motor homes, so we’re packing up and organizing a farewell party. Share your experiences and future travel plans.
Moving for today – 250 km
Today we have to get the cars back with their tanks full by a certain time, so we get up early, have breakfast, and leave. The 2-hour drive and the Rocky Mountains, which we will fall in love with during these days, are behind us. And in front of us is one of Canada’s major commercial centers, Calagari.
We return the cars, put our things in our transfer and go to rest in a comfortable hotel. We’ll gather in a restaurant for lunch, and in the evening we’ll take a walk through the main streets.
Moving for today – 200 km
The tour is coming to the end. We say goodbye to the group and fly home.
