High Peaks to Hoodoos
SELF DRIVE TOUR
CALGARY | DRUMHELLER | EDMONTON | JASPER| ICEFIELDS PARK | LAKE LOUISE | BANFF
From the dinosaur-rich Badlands to the magnificent peaks of the Rocky Mountains, nothing prepares you for the sheer scale of the scenery on this 15 Day self-drive. Discover ancient worlds where prehistoric mammals once roamed, an indigenous culture that will connect you with the land you explore and spend time in Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff, connected by one of the greatest drives in the world, the Icefields Parkway.
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Your Itinerary
Day 1 : UK - Calgary
Arrive in Canada’s ‘stampede’ city for a 2 night stay. On arrival a private transfer will take you to your hotel.
Day 2 : Calgary
Spend today exploring. Take in the views from the Calgary Tower, visit the Heritage Park Historical Village, a living history museum or perhaps head to the Sam Centre, which tells the story of the Calgary Stampede through exhibits and immersive interactive digital experiences.
Day 3 : Lethbridge
Collect your rental car and head for Lethbridge, a prairie city in Southern Alberta, famed for the largest trestle bridge in the world.
Day 4-5 : Drumheller
Drumheller is your destination today. Once a coal-mining town, Drumheller, in the heart of the Canadian Badlands, is now famed for its impressive dinosaur relics and palaeontology research. Visit the Royal Tyrell Museum and follow the ‘Dinosaur Trail’ through the prehistoric landscape. With 2 nights here there is plenty of time to explore.
Day 6 : Edmonton
Edmonton is a young and vibrant city, and the capital of Alberta. Set on the North Saskatchewan River, there is an abundance of nature trails and hikes to discover. It’s also highly regarded for its festivals, and whatever time of year you travel there is usually something exciting to enjoy.
Day 7 : Jasper
From Edmonton your drive takes you into the Rockies, which loom ever larger in the windscreen as you approach. Keep a watch for the wildlife as you enter the Jasper National Park.
Day 8-9 : Jasper
Enjoy 2 days to discover the wonder of Jasper. This spectacular national park offers visitors a wilder, less crowded alternative and wildlife sightings including elk, bears and mountain goats, are a daily occurrence, not a rarity. It’s also a Dark Sky Preserve offering some of the clearest night skies on the planet.
Day 10 : Lake Louise
Take your time today as you make your way along the Icefields Parkway, arguably one of the most scenic drives in the world. Surrounded by glaciers and snow-covered peaks it is truly immense. Keep your eyes peeled for the wildlife that ambles along the roadside as you head for Lake Louise.
Day 11 : Lake Louise
A day to enjoy Lake Louise. Enjoy lakeside hikes and kayak paddles, or take the shuttle to nearby Moraine Lake.
Day 12 : Banff
Just a short drive from Lake Louise brings you to Banff, regarded as the gateway to the Canadian Rockies and set in the national park of the same name, which is the oldest in Canada. Offering a bustling atmosphere in the most stunning of locations, the opportunities for adventure here are endless.
Day 13-14 : Banff
Spend your days enjoying the Banff National Park. Explore with guided hikes and wildlife tours, hire an e-bike or take the Banff Gondola for panoramic views of the town.
Day 15 : Depart
Return to Calgary in time for your onward flight.