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A Thrilling Banff & Jasper Vacation

Banff & Jasper Adventure

  • 6 Days
  • Avg Group Size: 12
  • Activity Level 2
    • Activity Level 2

      Hikes on our Level 2 adventures are considered easy to moderate in difficulty.

    Read more about the Active Range

  • Trip Start: Calgary
  • Trip End: Calgary
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Explore wild landscapes and indulge your adventurous side on our Banff & Jasper Adventure.

The Rocky Mountains are yours to discover through off-the-beaten-track trails, unbeatable white water rafting and glacier hiking on our 6-day Banff & Jasper Adventure. Starting in Calgary, your adventure begins as you head out for a short hike and bike ride to stretch your legs while being surrounded by the Canadian Rockies. Stunning views of Banff National Park greet you and entice your sense of adventure on your way to an afternoon rafting adventure. As your hiking tour continues, you'll tick off iconic Alberta landscapes like Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and the soaring pinnacles of Sentinel Pass. Plus, your local guides will bring you to the more hidden gems of the region, including an ice-walk on Athabasca Glacier. Each night, relax in cozy Canadian lodges as you reminisce about your Banff & Jasper Adventure.

Download Our Handy Trip Itinerary

Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip.

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDF

Banff & Jasper Adventure ~ Itinerary

Trip Start: Calgary Trip End: Calgary

Download our Handy Trip itinerary

Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip

  • Day 1Meet up in Calgary, hiking in K-Country

  • Day 2Bill Milne Bike Trail and Elbow Lake

  • Day 3Hiking Sentinel Pass

  • Day 4Rafting on the Kicking Horse River ; Explore Lake Louise

  • Day 5Glacier hike on Athabasca Glacier

  • Day 6Bike to Bow Falls, farewell!

  • Day 1

    Meet up in Calgary, hiking in K-Country

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    After morning pickups and a short welcome meeting, loosen up with a hike on the Troll Falls Trail to see three waterfalls including the trail’s namesake, Troll Falls. An amazing picnic made by your guides will fuel you for your afternoon adventure. 

    Our afternoon takes us to The Candian Mount Everest trail, but don’t worry this easy-going trail only has about 300 feet of elevation change and takes us to lookout overlooking Elk Pass and the Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes. It has some truly impressive, far-reaching views of massive mountain ranges, some with snowcapped peaks. After our hike, we head to your home for the next two nights, Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, to settle in and enjoy dinner with your travel companions. A comfortable and contemporary retreat nestled against the Canadian Rockies, the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge is equal parts rustic mountain retreat and elegant hotel. Rest, relax, and rejuvenate as you take in beautiful views and are surrounded with every comfort. 
    Accommodation: Kananaskis Mountain Lodge
    Meals: Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 5 miles (8 kilometers)

  • Day 2

    Bill Milne Bike Trail and Elbow Lake

    #59126

    This morning, we head out on a bike ride through Kananaskis Country, or as it’s known by the locals, “K-Country.” K-Country is a cluster of provincial parks, ecological reserves, recreation areas, and natural areas that are fantastic for exploring the outdoors without big crowds.

    After a picnic lunch we will drive further into K-Country to hike to beautiful Elbow Lake before enjoying an evening at the lodge. 
    Accommodation: Kananaskis Mountain Lodge
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 2.5 miles (4 kilometers)
    Biking: 13.6 miles (22 kilometers)

  • Day 3

    Hiking Sentinel Pass

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    Embark on a full-day hike over Sentinel Pass, rated one of the top hikes in Banff. Ascend from the turquoise waters of Moraine Lake past larch trees and alpine meadows. Take in spectacular vistas of Paradise Valley from nearly 8,900 feet atop the pass as you enjoy your lunch.

    Relax over a delicious dinner before beholding the splendor of Lake Louise. 
    Accommodation: Royal Canadian Lodge
    Meals:
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: Up to 7 miles (11.2 kilometers)

  • Day 4

    Rafting on the Kicking Horse River ; Explore Lake Louise

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    This morning, we go for a short drive to Yoho National Park to gear up for our rafting adventure tackling the Class II and III rapids of Kicking Horse River. After a hearty lunch at the rafting base, we make a stop at Lake Louise to enjoy the breathtaking views.

    Tonight discover local favorites as you explore Banff on your own. 
    Accommodation: Royal Canadian Lodge
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

    Rafting: Class II to IV rapids 

  • Day 5

    Glacier hike on Athabasca Glacier

    #59129

    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’ll be outfitted with crampons and walking sticks.

    Spend the afternoon hiking the glacier alongside a mountain guide, learning about its formation and the powerful way it shapes the land. Shuttle back to Banff for some time to relax before our farewell dinner.
    Accommodation: Royal Canadian Lodge
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: Athabasca Glacier, 3 hours

  • Day 6

    Bike to Bow Falls, farewell!

    #59130

    Bike through Banff to Bow Falls, a sprawling, stout waterfall about a mile from town. Take a spin around the golf course in search of wildlife ending at picturesque Cascade Ponds. Shuttle back to Calgary to be dropped off at the airport or your hotel for your departure home. 
    Accommodation: Not applicable
    Meals:
    Breakfast

    Biking: Up to 13.6 miles (22 kilometers)

Banff & Jasper Adventure Departure Dates

Want to bring the family? Check out our Banff & Jasper Family Vacation.

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What's Included

  • Our own highly experienced guides, with you from start to finish
  • Industry-leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1)
  • Your own ‘Account’, an online space with everything required for your trip
  • Our knowledgeable Customer Service Team to answer your queries - just a phone call, email or chat away
  • Customer Service pre-trip phone calls to ensure you’re 'trip ready'
  • All accommodations for the duration of your trip 
  • All meals except where indicated in the itinerary
  • Unlimited snacks to keep you fueled
  • Special ‘Wow!’ moments you'll never forget
  • All activities outlined in the itinerary
  • All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities
  • All gratuities for hotels, restaurants, and activities 
  • All park and other entry fees 
  • Transportation in our air-conditioned vans - safe, clean, modern, and comfortable!

What Our Guests Say

1 Royal Canadian Lodge Banff 2
Kanaskis Lodge
Kananaskis Lodge
Royal Candian Lodge Banff

Accommodations on Banff & Jasper Adventures

Picture yourself enveloped by awe-inspiring mountain vistas and expansive valleys. At the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, you're nestled in the very essence of these breathtaking landscapes. Meanwhile, staying at the Royal Canadian Lodge in downtown Banff provides easy access to explore this world-renowned alpine town.

 

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Take 10% off the trip price when you book a trip and pay in full

By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. This offer is only valid for reservations where the trip is no sooner than 180 days from the departure date at time of booking.

We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance - you can find details here.

*Terms & conditions apply – read more here

 

Useful Info

Where does the trip start?

On the first morning of the trip, our two pick-up locations are Hotel 11 by Sonesta at 8:00am or the Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire at 8:30am. You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at either of these hotels directly or any other hotel in Calgary, though you must make your own way to one of the two pick-up points at the pre-designated times.

Where does the trip end?

Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the Calgary Airport at 1pm in time for flights below or at a hotel of your choice in Calgary around 1:30pm.

What flights would you recommend?

Arrival: We recommend arriving in Calgary at least the day before your trip starts. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the city prior to your trip start.

Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, we recommend departing from Calgary after 3pm. Earlier flight times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense.

What are the accommodations we stay at on this trip?

We have selected the accommodation on your trip for the stunning settings, unique character and adventuresome feel – it’s not designed as a tour of the fanciest hotels in Kananaskis and Banff. We prefer to stay in accommodations close to the park and our activities for the day that are comfortable after a full day of exploration.

While there are laundry facilities at some locations, they may not be convenient or there may only be one machine to service your entire group. We recommend bringing enough clothing to not have to do laundry during your trip. If needed, the best time will be in Banff after the days activities on Day 4.

How fit do I need to be for this trip?

You’ll need a reasonable level of fitness for this trip though you’ll be hiking on gentle to moderate trails and can still enjoy the scenery and relaxation. Typically, hikes range between two and four hours to complete, more, or less hiking is available too.

Please head to our Fitness Guide for great tips on how to prepare along with a workout plan!

What should I bring with me on the first day?

When you speak with your guides the night before your trip, they will give you a detailed description of what to bring with you on Day 1. Typically, this includes a day pack with your rain jacket, sunglasses, hat, camera, etc. Anything you want easy access to during the day should go in your day pack as the rest of your luggage will go in the locked cargo trailer pulled behind the van. Your guides will provide you with a water bottle on the first morning of your trip and will always have water available for refills. There will be snacks available at all times in the van. Your guides will also have bug spray and sunscreen accessible for you to use.

Will I have contact with my guides before the trip starts?

Your guides will call your cell phone the night before your trip begins to touch base on the first day’s plan. If they don’t get through to you, they will leave a voicemail on your cell phone with all the details you need to plan for your first morning.

What are your recommended guide gratuity guidelines?

You will have 2-3 guides on your Austin Adventure (depending on group size). We recommend USD$20 per day, per guest, per guide. Typically, gratuities are offered by check or cash in local currency on the final morning of the trip and can either be given to each guide individually or to one guide to be equally distributed. Most of our guides these days also accept gratuities via Venmo (please note this app does not work in Canada). All dining, housekeeping and activity tips are included in your trip price.

How do rooming arrangements work?

Trip prices are based on shared arrangements (typically two guests per room), unless otherwise stated. For solo travelers, we’ll pair you with another person of the same gender to share rooms and if there’s no one suitable to share with, there’s no forced single supplement. However, if you specifically request your own rooms, you can opt to pay the single supplement. Solo travelers who book within 120 days of departure, where there are no other solo travelers willing to share, will be required to pay the single supplement.

For Family Vacation bookings, families consisting of four guests traveling with children aged 17 and under will be automatically assigned one shared room. However, the following alternative rooming allocations are available:

  • Families consisting of four guests with all children aged 13 and above are welcome to opt for additional rooms as per advertised double occupancy adult rates.
  • Families consisting of four guests with at least one child aged 12 and under are automatically assigned a shared room. However, families can opt to pay the adult rates for all guests in their family to have an additional room.
  • The same principles apply for families consisting of more than four guests.

Rooming preferences are subject to availability and must be communicated in writing at time of booking. Automatic assignments as per this policy will be applied in the absence of any specification provided by guests. Any request for additional rooms during trips will be at guests’ own expense and subject to rates made available by the accommodation provider at the time. All minors (guests aged 17 and under) must be accompanied by at least one adult.

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Your Expert Local Guides

Why Travel With Us

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Experience adventure the way you want

You’ll be inspired and exhilarated, enjoying mind-blowing scenery on foot, in a sea kayak, or by bike - all at your own pace.

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We're proud of our New Zealand roots and you’ll love our professional and warm style of hosting. We’re always here to help with planning... even hiking boot recommendations!

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Every detail covered, to maximise your time

We've got everything covered – top-notch meals, comfortable transport, superb accommodation, amazing guides and INCREDIBLE service.

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Group travel for those who aren’t ‘group travelers’

With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading average 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you'll get to know your fellow travelers and have the flexibility to go at your own pace.

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Explore hidden gems through our expert local guides

All our carefully selected guides are highly experienced and have deep personal connections to nature and culture. You’ll enjoy an authentic local experience.

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Over 10,000 5-star reviews - that’s pretty solid

We could hang around all day telling you how wonderful our trips are... but the best people to hear it from are our guests themselves.