Grand Canadian Rockies

Intrepid Travel · 10 days

4.2

11 Reviews

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Duration

10 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Canada’s Rocky Mountains provide a stunning landscape of craggy, towering rock faces, snow-capped mountains, thick forests and picturesque lakes.

Highlights

Sit back and enjoy the Icefields Parkway between Jasper and Banff, one of the most scenic drives on earth, without the hassle of driving.
Head to Whistler to learn more about First Nations history at the Squamish Lil'Wat Cultural Centre – the first of its kind in Canada.
Experience the seasonal moods and beauty of Lake Louise for yourself and cross off one of those must-see bucket list experiences.
Keep your eye on the roadside for extraordinary wildlife like elk, black bears, grizzly bears, eagles, Rocky Mountain goats, and – if you're lucky – beavers, wolves and moose.
Head out on a walk and talk with a guide from Yellowstone to Yukon, an initiative to create wildlife corridors spanning from the US to Canada.

Trip Details

Duration

10 days

Transportation

Private Vehicle

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Vancouver, Canada

Finishes

Calgary, Canada

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Vancouver

Welcome to Canada! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you do arrive early, perhaps explore the happening neighbourhood of Yaletown, or head to Granville Island to visit the colourful markets full of fresh produce and handcrafts. Vancouver’s coastal setting is beautiful, bordered by an ocean harbour to the north and a river to the south. The majestic Coastal Mountains, often snow-capped, provide the eastern horizon, making it a picturesque place to spend a few days before the tour begins.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Whistler

On your way out of Vancouver today, check out Stanley Park’s carved totem poles, representing the historical crests of First Nations families and their clans. During the drive to Whistler you’ll stop at the beautiful Shannon Falls, then learn more about First Nations art, history and culture at Squamish Lil'Wat Cultural Centre. Refuel with a late lunch at the onsite cafe, serving a modern take on traditional First Nations food. Once you arrive in Whistler Village, your leader will take you on an orientation walk through the bustling hub of shops and award-winning restaurants, all surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. Later, you may like to join in on the Whistler nightlife by sampling one of the town’s lively bars.

Included Activities:

Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre Visit
Whistler - Leader-led orientation walk

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Whistler

Stunning Whistler is ready to be explored, up the mountain or back down in the village. Perhaps buy yourself a ticket to ride the PEAK 2 PEAK gondola to enjoy unparalleled views of towering volcanic peaks and surrounding forest on the world’s longest and highest lift. Once at the top, check out the nearby scenic walking trails, mountaintop restaurants and indoor interpretive displays. Otherwise, you could hire a bike and ride along the Valley Trail to Lost Lake, or go for an easy hike along the Lost Lake Nature Trail. If you're after something a little more cultured, perhaps hit the Audain Art Museum to see a selection of First Nations and British Columbian artwork.

Optional Activities:

Whistler - Zip Trek Tour (1.5 hrs) (129 CAD)
Whistler – Standard Mountain Bike Rental (full day) (90 CAD)
Whistler - PEAK2PEAK Gondola (82 CAD)
Whistler - Audain Art Museum (18 CAD)
Whistler - Regular Bike Rental (half day) (40 CAD)
Whistler - Lost Lake Trail hike - Free

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Sun Peaks

Say goodbye to Whistler and drive through the mountains to Sun Peaks. The Sun Peaks township is set on one of many peaks along the mountain range and the views from the top are incredible. On arrival you’ll have the choice to see those views for yourself by doing a hike along the Sunburst Loop. Or, you might like to take a shorter walk along the Shuswap Medicine Trail and learn about local flora, fauna and traditional First Nations medicines. This evening, rejoin your group for dinner together.

Optional Activities:

Sun Peaks - Sunburst Loop Trail - Free
Sun Peaks - Shuswap Medicine Trail - Free

Accommodation:

Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Jasper

This morning head to Jasper National Park, one of the most photographed places in Canada. Jasper is the largest of Canada's Rocky Mountain parks, famous for wildlife such as elk, moose, deer, coyotes, grizzly bears and mountain lions, as well as smaller mammals and birds. Along the way you’ll stop in at Mt Robson Provincial Park, stretching your legs on a short walk through the picturesque wildflower meadows. Once you arrive in Jasper, you’ll have options to explore the village of Jasper and its surrounds.

Included Activities:

Jasper National Park - Entrance Fee
Mt. Robson Provincial Park - Wildflower walk

Accommodation:

Inn (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Jasper

Today is a free day in Jasper. Join the group on a visit to Maligne Lake for some hiking, and perhaps book yourself a cruise on the lake’s shimmering blue waters past the much-photographed Spirit Island. If the lake cruise isn’t your thing, you might like to spend your time seeing the area while hiking either the Mary Schaeffer or the Moose Lake trails. There’s also the option hike or bike around Beauvert Lake, or a ride on the Jasper SkyTram is highly recommended if you didn’t do it yesterday!

Included Activities:

Visit to Maligne Lake

Optional Activities:

Jasper - Mountain Bike Hire (75 CAD)
Jasper - Cruise on Maligne Lake (79 CAD)
Maligne Lake - Hiking - Free
Jasper National Park - Hikes - Free
Jasper - Rafting on Athabasca River (2 hours) (100 CAD)

Accommodation:

Inn (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Banff National Park

Buckle up for Banff. Today is a long day, with many scenic stops and visits along the way. In the morning, travel towards Banff, stopping off at the Columbia Icefields Centre and Sunwapta Falls. You'll have the chance to join an optional glacier hike with a professional guide (at own expense). Then head into Banff National Park in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Banff is considered the oldest national park in Canada, showcasing the Rockies’ valleys and mountain chains which began forming up to 75 million years ago.

Included Activities:

Icefields Parkway - Sightseeing Stops including Sunwapta Falls

Optional Activities:

Icefields Parkway - Athabasca Glacier Hike with Guide (115 CAD)

Accommodation:

Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Lake Louise / Banff National Park

Today, pay a visit to Lake Louise. You can get your bearings on optional walks along the easy Waterfront Trail, or take the steeper trail to the Fairview Lookout for some incredible views from above. After, you might like to check out the interior of the luxury mountain resort, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. This afternoon, don an old-fashioned swimsuit and soak in the hot mineral waters of the Banff Upper Hot Springs. If there is extra time today, you may like to take part in one of the many adventure activities available within the park. With its coniferous forests, alpine meadows, icefields and glaciers, the park is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. There are opportunities for canoeing, mountain biking, hiking or riding the gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain.

Included Activities:

Banff Upper Hotsprings
Visit to Lake Louise

Optional Activities:

Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum (10 CAD)
Banff - Canoe Hire (70 CAD)
Banff - Sulphur Mountain gondola (75 CAD)
Banff - Horse Riding (1 hour) (90 CAD)
Banff - Mountain bike hire (full day) (45 CAD)
Banff - Cruiser bike hire (full day) (38 CAD)
Lake Louise - Waterfront Trail - Free
Lake Louise - Fairview Lookout hike - Free

Accommodation:

Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Calgary

Before leaving Banff this morning, join a guide from Yellowstone to Yukon (Y2Y). Y2Y is an initiative to create wildlife corridors spanning from Yellowstone to Yukon, and you’ll learn about how the US and Canada have come together to support the animals whose habitats span both countries. Then, complete your crossing of the Rockies today on a drive to Calgary. Along the way, make a stop in the cosy little town of Canmore, the perfect place to grab some lunch and soak in some final mountain views. Arriving in Calgary the afternoon. Home to the famous Calgary Stampede, the city is growing at a rapid rate, largely thanks to oil and mining. While it may not be the most picturesque of cities, Calgary makes up for it with a budding dining and nightlife scene. In the evening perhaps head for dinner at one of the city's great restaurants.

Included Activities:

Banff - Walk and talk with Y2Y Wildlife Conservation guide

Optional Activities:

Calgary - Calgary Tower (18 CAD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Calgary

There are no activities planned for today and you can depart the accommodation at any time, though please be sure to comply with any hotel check-out times.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $7,115

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 10 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Canada’s Rocky Mountains provide a stunning landscape of craggy, towering rock faces, snow-capped mountains, thick forests and picturesque lakes.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 16 Aug 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

4.0

Patricia P

Traveled, May 2019

05/18/2019

I have done my 6th intrepid trip(i think) and has always been a great experience,our guide/driver earnt a lot of these points

4.0

Patrizia F

Traveled, May 2019

09/18/2019

Country, daily programm, size of groupe, organisation, animals, tourguide Rich => just perfect

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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