Banff and Jasper National Parks
Keith S., Past Traveler
Keith S., Past Traveler
.png "Hiking in the Canadian Rockies")
Sue B., Past Traveler
Trip Type: Custom-Made Travel
Territory: North America
Region: Rocky Mountains
Trip Price: $11,695
Duration: 13 days/12 nights
Trip Begins/Ends: Banff, Alberta / Calgary, Alberta
National Parklands: Banff NP;Jasper NP;Yoho NP
All custom travel is tailored to the desires and interests of our traveling clients (see How Custom Travel Works tab). Trip pricing detailed is an estimate of the per person pricing for the sample itinerary detailed and includes all of the lodging, activities, and guided experiences described. Actual pricing for the trip designed expressly for you and others traveling with you will depend on the features and elements developed during the trip planning process. Travel with Off the Beaten Path requires agreement to our standard Terms & Conditions.
No Sweat - 1-2 miles of walking or hiking per day, plus easy activities
Nice & Active – 3-6 miles of hiking or walking per day, plus physically active exploration
High Five! – 5-10 miles of hiking per day, plus possible peak bagging or other action-oriented fun
The Energy Index detailed above relates to the level of exertion associated with the sample trip detailed. This would be modified to fit the style and ability of your group as a part of the custom trip planning process
We’ve been tailoring custom journeys for clients since our very inception in the mid-1980s! The process is all about connecting the interests of the travelers with the best that a given destination has to offer. To achieve this, we rely upon good ol’ fashioned conversation! Our geographically focused travel designer love to meet new people and learn about their interests for travel. Understanding your goals informs the process immensely and serves as the foundation for the development of a bespoke travel experience for you and yours.
The trip detailed on this web page is a sample of something we’ve done for other clients over the years. In order to start the process of designing your own custom travel experience, just call us at (800) 445-2995 and ask to speak with one of our Travel Advisors. After a bit of time on the phone, you will then have the opportunity to connect with one of our travel designers.
The entire planning process is very personalized and works in an iterative fashion until a final, perfect trip has been created. We then secure all of the lodging, activities, and guided experiences associated with your trip and send along abundant trip materials capturing these details – and much more about your travels!
Arrive in Calgary and head straight for the mountains! The first destination is Banff National Park and the Banff Townsite. Settle into Buffalo Mountain Lodge, set atop Tunnel Mountain, overlooking the Bow Valley and the bustling Banff Avenue. Relax and have dinner at the hotel, or stretch your legs on a walk to the Hoodoos Trail or down the hill into town to stroll the streets and find your restaurant of choice.
An incredible experience awaits, taking you to the wonder-filled, backcountry Bobbie Burns Lodge, exquisitely run by the world’s premier heli-hike and ski company, Canadian Mountain Holidays (CMH). Three days of bliss begin with a helicopter trip to the lodge, taking you over rugged, massive mountains to a landing pad beside the lodge. Accommodations are in comfortable rooms with private baths, and your stay includes superb meals, helicopter outings to gorgeous destinations for days of hiking high in the alpine country. In addition, consider ziplining, a high ropes course, climbing, massage, and relaxing in the whirlpool tub. Can you say paradise?!
Return down to earth (!) and settle in to another gem-of-a destination – Lake Louise. This spectacular area of Banff National Park features superior access to trails, turquoise blue lakes, and the wonders of neighboring Yoho National Park. Retreat to lovely accommodations at the Relais and Chateau Post Hotel, serving with the region’s most highly acclaimed cuisine. Spend one full day on the Kicking Horse River on a guided whitewater trip, with opportunities to hone your paddling skills, feast on a barbecue lunch served riverside, and travel through endless whitewater to the take-out. On your second day, saddle up for a horseback ride to a cozy, historic tea house, accessible only by trail and serving delicious lunch in the wilds of the Canadian Rockies.
The route between Lake Louise and Jasper National Park is the one-and-only Icefields Parkway, a three-hour long stretch of road that is a marvel from start to finish. Stop en route to photograph Peyto Lake, take a short walk to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier, and other pullouts and overlooks. Jasper Park Lodge is your fine accommodation in the heart of Jasper National Park, a beautiful and spacious property on the shores or Lac Beauvert. Spend one day with a naturalist guide, hiking and exploring, and another full day will be yours to enjoy the area however you’d like – with loads of recommendations from Off the Beaten Path.
Make the leisurely, scenic drive to Canmore today, returning along the Icefields Parkway, with the opportunity to stop and take in whatever you didn’t have the time for on your way to up. Canmore sits below the Three Sisters peaks, just outside the boundary of Banff National Park. Stay at the English-style Georgetown Inn or the boutique Paintbox Lodge, both within walking distance to town. For your full day, indulge in one more heli-hiking outing, taking you above treeline for wildflowers, snowfields, and views of forever. In the evenings, stroll the charming streets of Canmore, in search of the perfect restaurant to celebrate your fabulous journey through the Canadian Rockies!
Return to Calgary for flights home.
Located on Tunnel Mountain, Buffalo Mountain Lodge is a peaceful mountain retreat just 15 minutes from downtown Banff. Surrounded by fir, pine and spruce trees the lodge is a tranquil get away yet just steps from shopping, restaurants, galleries and the endless array of outdoor recreation in Banff National Park. Beautifully decorated each room features wood-burning fireplaces cozy duvets and many feature private balconies or patios where guests can sit and enjoy the nature that surrounds them.
Canadian Mountain Holidays (CMH) was founded in 1965 by Austrian, Hans Gmoser, who immigrated to Canada in 1951 and began his career as a mountain guide in 1953 at Mount Assiniboine Lodge. Hans is known as the father of heli-skiing and CMH is known internationally as the company that introduced heli-skiing to the world.
Located three miles down a winding mountain road from the famed turquoise gem, Lake Louise, sits the Post Hotel and Spa, a rustic, elegant Relais and Chateaux hotel that exudes an air of warm hospitality. On the property you’ll find an indoor pool, whirlpool tub, steam room, fitness center, laundry facilities, and a well-stocked library with books on the history of the Canadian Rockies. Homemade pastries and tea are available in the lobby each afternoon. The renowned restaurant is a must-do experience, and boasts European-trained Executive Chef Hans Sauter, serving Swiss and German-inspired cuisine and an extensive—25,000 bottles in the cellar!—wine list.
Jasper Park Lodge is one of the most beautiful resorts in the Rockies! Embraced by two mountain lakes and spectacular mountains, the contrast of the immaculately landscaped grounds with the rugged surroundings is stunning. While at the lodge you may enjoy the outdoor heated swimming pool, indoor whirlpool, sauna, steam room, exercise room, games, and massage by appointment. There are eleven dining opportunities on the grounds, including a coffee shops, cafes, lounges, and fine dining. The Edith Cavell offers the finest dining experience, and requires a reservation in advance.
Canmore's Georgetown Inn has been welcoming guests to the Canadian Rockies since 1993 providing outstanding mountain accommodation just minutes from Banff National Park. The inn has 20 guest rooms with private baths. Dining is available on-site.
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