Grand Canadian Rockies

Intrepid Travel · 10 days
Grand Canadian Rockies
Grand Canadian Rockies
Grand Canadian Rockies
Grand Canadian Rockies
Grand Canadian Rockies
Grand Canadian Rockies
Grand Canadian Rockies
Grand Canadian Rockies
Grand Canadian Rockies
Grand Canadian Rockies
Grand Canadian Rockies
Grand Canadian Rockies
Grand Canadian Rockies
Grand Canadian Rockies
Grand Canadian Rockies
Grand Canadian Rockies
Grand Canadian Rockies
Grand Canadian Rockies
Grand Canadian Rockies
Grand Canadian Rockies
Grand Canadian Rockies
Grand Canadian Rockies
Grand Canadian Rockies
10 Days
From AUD $6495
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


(11 reviews)

Grand Canadian Rockies

Grand Canadian Rockies

Intrepid Travel · 10 days
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.

Includes

Meals: Lunch (3), Dinner (1)
Accommodation: Hotel (9 nights)

Highlights

  • Sit back and enjoy the Icefields Parkway between Jasper and Banff, one of the most scenic drives on earth – it’s a wow-packed, head-swiveling corridor of glaciers, waterfalls and alpine peaks.
  • Walk Whistler’s Lost Lake Trail with a Cultural Land Ambassador, learning about the Skwxwu7mesh (Squamish) and Lilwat relationships with the land, then share Indigenous tea with your guide and group.
  • 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.
  • Explore Jasper as you wish, maybe boating on postcard-perfect Maligne Lake, hiking the Mary Schaeffer or Moose Lake trails or biking at Beauvert Lake.
Grand Canadian Rockies

Trip Details

Duration

10 days

Transportation

Private Vehicle

Guide Language

English

Starts

Vancouver, Canada

Finishes

Calgary, Canada

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer, Budget

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Vancouver
Welcome to Canada! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, perhaps explore the happening neighbourhood of Yaletown, or head to Granville Island to visit the colourful market full of fresh produce and handicrafts. 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)
2
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. Then, head to Whistler along the Sea to Sky Highway, following Howe Sound with beautiful views of the Coastal Mountains. When you arrive in Whistler Village, your leader will take you on an orientation walk through the bustling hub of shops and award-winning restaurants. Then, enjoy some free time to browse stores and galleries, or maybe take a scenic gondola ride to drink in the panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers. If you’d like some light activity, there are easy walking and biking trails that start right from the village. Later, you may like to join in on the Whistler nightlife by sampling one of the town’s lively bars.

Included Activities:

  • Whistler - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Sea to Sky Highway - Scenic viewpoints

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Whistler
This morning, you’ll set out on an Indigenous-led walk along Lost Lake Trail, set on the ancestral lands of the Skwxwu7mesh (Squamish) and Lilwat Nations. Guided by a Cultural Land Ambassador, you’ll learn about Indigenous relationships with the land, including how plants and trees have been used for food, medicine and technology, and the interconnection of land and water through the salmon life cycle. End with Indigenous tea and reflect on the stories you shared. Then, the afternoon is yours to explore Whistler. You could ride the PEAK 2 PEAK gondola to see the unparalleled views of towering volcanic peaks and surrounding forest on one of the world’s longest and highest lifts. Once at the top, check out the nearby scenic walking trails, mountaintop restaurants and indoor interpretive displays. Or you could hire a bike and ride along the Valley Trail, pick up some new outdoor gear in the village or grab a beer and soak up the fresh alpine air.

Included Activities:

  • Whistler - We Are the Land walk with Indigenous guide

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)
  • Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre (entrance fee) (25 CAD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
4
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. When you arrive, choose between seeing those views for yourself on a hike along the Sunburst Loop, or taking a shorter walk along the Shuswap Medicine Trail and learning 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:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
5
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 – listen for the distinctive whistle of a marmot! 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:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Jasper
This morning, join your group on a visit to Maligne Lake for some hiking. You’ll have the afternoon to explore on your own. 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 to hike or bike around Beauvert Lake. 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:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Banff
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. 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:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Banff
Today, you’ll visit 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. After, you might like to check out the interior of the luxury mountain resort, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. This afternoon, pop on your 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:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
9
Day 9: Calgary
Before leaving Banff this morning, visit Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake for a walk with your leader. It’s a beautiful farewell to Banff, with great views of Mt Rundle towering overhead and reflecting on the lake and, hopefully, some elk and big horn sheep milling about. Then, head to Canmore, where you’ll have free time to enjoy this mountain town and grab lunch before moving on across the Rockies to Calgary, home to the famous Calgary Stampede. Calgary has a budding dining and nightlife scene, so maybe head for dinner at one of the city’s great restaurants this evening.

Included Activities:

  • Banff - Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka visit

Optional Activities:

  • Calgary - Calgary Tower (18 CAD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
10
Day 10: Calgary
There are no activities planned for today, and you can depart the accommodation at any time. Please be sure to comply with any hotel checkout times.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
  • 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 will do 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.

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 $6,495
(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.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 16 May 2027

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