Summer Sample Itinerary — Cultural Explorer Edmonton, Jasper & Banff 5 nights Edmonton, 2 nights Jasper, 2 nights Banff
Day One
Edmonton Welcome to Edmonton with northern lights, stylish nights and non-stop flights. Rest your head at the Renaissance, connected via skybridge to Edmonton International Airport. Enter this stylish hotel and find yourself immersed in a sleek lounge. Satisfy your inner foodie with delights of HALO Bar & Bistro while dreaming of the days to come.
Day Two
Banff Rise and Shine, you are about to embark upon Banff National Park, the oldest national park in Canada. Settling into Mount Royal Hotel a historic monument, that is perfectly situated downtown in the very heart of Banff. Feel the mist on your cheeks from the Bow River Falls; they are not your typical waterfall as they are wide and short. Look out onto the valley that was eroded by glaciers and the Bow River over the years. Step onto the Banff Gondola, you'll see more mountains in a moment than most see in a lifetime. Ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain to experience a stunning bird's eye view of six mountain ranges.
Day Three
Banff Shopping in Banff is perfect to take a piece of the Rockies home with you. With outstanding stores in the heart of town. From Fashion to Jewelry to Specialty shops; you’ll find that unique one-of-a kind gift for your family and friends. Finally, relaxation; the Banff Upper Hot Springs, discovered in 1884 is a splendid historic experience against a backdrop of spectacular scenery. Unwind in a soothing natural hot spring and "take to the waters" like many before you, for more than a century.
Day Four
Jasper Waking up, excited to see Jasper National Park, the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. Jasper, Designated Dark Sky Preserve, is home to Mountain Park— Lobstick Lodge with a serene atmosphere in a majestic mountain setting. Walk on the Columbia Ice Fields to the surface of the Glacier by Ice Explorer; a massive vehicle designed for glacial experienced guides who share fascinating tidbits on glaciers, ice fields and the environment. Hop off and safely step out onto the glacier and take in the stunning alpine and glacial vistas.
Day Five
Jasper Feed your adrenaline with a breathtaking world where glaciers rest above and birds soar below. See Waterfalls and wildlife on an exciting cliff-edge walkway that leads to a glass platform — 918ft drop. Welcome to the all-new Glacier Skywalk! A perfect balance of heart-stopping views, interpretive stories and adrenaline-pumping excitement. Walk the wonders of Maligne Canyon from the ground up. One of the most spectacular gorges, sheer limestone walls plunge to depths of over 50 meters. An interpretive trail winds its way from a picnic area across six bridges where you can catch the spray from the thundering Maligne River, or peer into the mossy depths.
Day Six
Edmonton Edmonton; comfort and the sense of home comes flooding back from your first night in Canada. From the moment you walk into Fairmont Hotel MacDonald, originally opened in 1915, you know you're in a one-of-a-kind hotel that breathes dignified style and timeless grace. Step back in time and experience Alberta’s history of Fort Edmonton Park: fur trade,1885, 1905 and 1920. Grab a fresh-baked snack, visit the blacksmith, pump water for tea, and see where North West Mounted Policeman called home. Get your picture taken in period costume and experience the excitement of a real 1920s-style Midway or test your shooting skill in the turn-of-the-century shooting gallery.
Day Seven Edmonton Discover treasures of Alberta’s cultural and geological past with the Royal Alberta Museum. A proud exhibit is the Aboriginal Culture with explorations of First People’s with stories spanning 11,000 years and over 3,000 artifacts. A mecca for visual art lovers, the Art Gallery of Alberta is in itself a masterpiece of architecture; Swirling exterior inspired by the reflecting shimmering, multi-coloured Aurora Borealis. With over 6,000 objects, it is Western Canada’s centre of excellence for visual arts offering original contemporary and historical exhibitions from Alberta. Dine on local artisanal cuisine at Zinc Restaurant then take home your very own masterpiece,
Day Eight
Edmonton Discovering perfect wilderness and hearty culture is steps away at Elk Island National Park who protects wilderness and one of the most endangered habitats in Canada. Explore the home to massive herds of free roaming plains bison, wood bison, moose, deer, and elk. Also 250 species of birds; a bird watcher's paradise. Breath in fresh air at Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, open air-museum. See re-enactments and hear real stories of triumph and hardship in Canada’s oldest and one-time largest block settlement of Ukrainian pioneers in east central Alberta from 1892-1930. But first, dig into an authentic Ukrainian lunch, with pyrohy (perogies), holubsti (cabbage rolls), kovbasa (garlic sausage), cucumber salad and refreshments.
Day Nine
Edmonton West Edmonton Mall is the Mt. Everest in North America. Part adventure park, entertainment complex, shopping and dining; the Mall spans the equivalent of 48 city blocks. Let out a gasp of excitement as you slip into the tropical setting of World Waterpark, home to the world’s largest indoor wave pool. Climb aboard a full-size pirate ship, or skate beneath the stars under a glass dome. There are over 800 shops from brand name chains to one-of-a kind boutiques. Hungry after riding a Galaxyland roller coaster ? Stroll down Bourbon street for some fine dining or hit Chinatown and shop the colourful T & T Asian Market.
Day Ten
Edmonton Say good bye and safe travels to Edmonton International Airport
Sample Itinerary — Summer Cultural Explorer Edmonton, Jasper & Banff - 5 nights Edmonton, 2 nights Jasper, 2 nights Banff