Alberta Dinosaurs, Lakes & Glaciers
SELF DRIVE TOUR
BANFF | LAKE LOUISE | JASPER | EDMONTON | DRUMHELLER | CALGARY
Explore the stunning Lakes, mountain towns and alpine scenery of the majestic Rockies. Marvel at Lake Louise and the Athabasca Glacier before heading to Edmonton, set on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River. Then finish your tour with an insight into Canada’s prehistoric past at Dinosaur Provincial Park.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- The wonderful year-round resort of Banff
- See the stunning turquoise waters of Lake Louise
- Explore the incredible Jasper National Park
Product Ref: 511558
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Your Itinerary
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Day 11
Day 1 : UK - Calgary
Arrive at Calgary airport, collect your car and make your way to your hotel.
Day 2 : Calgary to Banff (72 miles)
Leave the Stampede City of Calgary for the short drive to Banff, a resort town renowned for its scenic natural beauty and stunning wildlife.
Day 3 : Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 4 Excursions
Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of four excursions:
Option 1. Banff Gondola
Maximize your views of Banff National Park with minimal exertion on a round-trip gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain.
Option 2. Lake Minnewanka Cruise
Admire views of the Canadian Rockies by boat as you cruise across the turquoise-hued Lake Minnewanka and over to Devil’s Gap.
Option 3. River Explorer Canoe Tour
Enjoy the serenity of the Bow River and marvel at the surroundings. A fun & interactive way with your guide to explore the waterways of Banff National Park. Perfect for families. No paddling experience necessary.
Option 4. Bow River Horseback Adventure
Saddle up for a journey through the celebrated landscape of Banff National Park on this guided horseback riding adventure.
Day 4 : Banff to Lake Louise (38 miles)
Today we suggest taking the scenic Bow Valley Parkway route which runs parallel to the Trans-Canada highway. Be sure to stop at Johnston Canyon and walk along the paved footpath to either the lower or upper waterfalls.
Day 5 : Lake Louise to Jasper (129 miles)
Today, travel through the spine of the Canadian Rockies along the amazing Icefields Parkway and encompass the ultimate glacier exploration. From walking on ancient ice with the Ice Explorer ride, to standing on a glass platform almost one thousand feet in the air at the Glacier Skywalk (included), today’s experiences will leave you with a special appreciation for this treasured region of the Rockies
Day 6 : Jasper | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 3 Excursions
Today you can personalize your day by choosing one of three excursions:
Option 1. Maligne Lake Cruise
Cruise Maligne Lake, where you can marvel at the magnificent shoreline and Spirit Island.
Option 2. Jasper River Float
Enjoy a gentle rafting tour on the Athabasca River for a unique perspective of Jasper National Park.
Option 3. Jasper Nature Walk
A guided nature walk featuring a spectacular array of rolling hills, jagged peaks, forests, meadows, marshes, streams, and stunning glacial lakes.
Day 7 : Jasper - Edmonton (226 Miles)
Journey through the beautiful landscapes of Jasper National Park, and into the golden prairies of Alberta. Arrive in the city of Edmonton, and spend the remainder of your day exploring. Don’t miss the walking trails and parks of the downtown River Valley, and the eclectic shops and cafes of Whyte Avenue.
Day 8 : Edmonton
Spend a day exploring West Edmonton Mall, the largest shopping centre in North America. Complete with an expansive water park, amusement park, indoor skating rink, and mini golf park, and over 800 stores. For those looking to get outside, Elk Island National Park is less than an hour’s drive from the city, and offers great wildlife watching and hiking trails.
Day 9 : Edmonton - Drumheller (173 Miles)
Depart Edmonton and head south towards the badlands of Alberta and the city of Drumheller. This fascinating destination is home to a unique landscape shaped by sandstone pillar hoodoos. Many dinosaur fossils have been excavated from this area, drawing palaeontologists from around the world. Visit the Royal Tyrrell Museum (included) and walk amongst the impressive array of dinosaur fossils.
Day 10 : Dinosaur Provincial Park Exploring
From Drumheller, travel two hours to Dinosaur Provincial Park, where you will have a chance escape the ordinary and venture into the rugged Canadian Badlands. Two interpretive displays allow you to see what a dig site really looks like. Check out the bones of a “duck-billed” dinosaur still partially encased in the sediment that buried them. Or, a full body (articulated skeleton) of a Corythosaurus, the “helmet headed lizard”. Continue to Cypress Hills Provincial Park – the hidden gem of Southern Alberta.
Day 11 : Drumheller - Calgary (83 Miles) - UK
It's a quick drive from Drumheller to Calgary. Drop your car at the airport in time for your homeward flight.
