DAY 2, Friday - Waterton Lakes National Park
Journey south this morning to Waterton Lakes National Park. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump where you learn about the cultural significance this famous cliff had to the people of the Northern Plains. Later, you're surrounded by lakes as the Canadian Rockies fill the horizon in this area. Stop to admire the upper lake with its mountain ranges towering over both sides. In the afternoon, join the optional Shoreline Cruise on Waterton Lakes
Optional: Shoreline Cruise on Waterton Lakes (PM)
Overnight: Waterton
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 3, Saturday - Glacier National Park, Waterton Lakes
Today, cross the border into the US and travel to Glacier National Park*, in northwestern Montana, where the American and Canadian Rockies meet. The U.S. and Canada joined these two national parks as a symbol of their longtime peace and friendship. The parks were officially designated as the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend an evening at leisure in Waterton*Due to weather conditions, Glacier National Park may be inaccessible in mid to late September.
Overnight: Waterton
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Sunday - Kananaskis Valley, Banff National Park
Travel northwest through the Kananaskis Valley (road permitting), gateway to the national parks. Stop at the Bar U Ranch National Historic Site with time to explore on your own. Return to Banff for leisure time
Overnight: Banff
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Monday - Two Jack Lake, Lake Minnewanka, Gondola to Sulphur Mountain
Explore Banff National Park, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, ascend by gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain experiencing panoramic views of six mountain ranges and the village below. Then, at your leisure, walk along the boardwalk to the observation deck (weather permitting). Continue on a scenic drive to Lake Minnewanka "Water of the Spirits", a glacial lake in the eastern area of Banff. Then, view freshwater Two Jack Lake, en route to cascading Bow Falls. Afterwards, return to Banff for an afternoon at leisure
Overnight: Banff
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6, Tuesday - Columbia Ice Explorer
Depart north on the Icefields Parkway and make a stop at glacier fed Peyto Lake (road and weather permitting) before arriving at the Columbia Icefield. Travel on the specially designed Ice Explorer to the center of Athabasca Glacier. Hear about the formation of glaciers and the geological features of the area. You'll be able to step-out onto the surface of the powerful ancient ice. Tonight after dinner, stroll the quaint streets of the town of Jasper
Overnight: Jasper
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 7, Wednesday - Jasper National Park, Spirit Island
Explore Jasper today, the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. Begin at a section of the park known for its abundant flora and fauna. Drive up the valley to see "disappearing" Medicine Lake, which exists only during the summer months when melting glaciers bring water into the valley. Take a cruise* around world-famous Spirit Island on Maligne Lake, the heart of Jasper National Park. See the tranquil blue color of this glacier formed and fed lake during this calming wilderness experience. Then, on to majestic Maligne Canyon to learn about the unique features of this underground system. Time to walk along the canyon's trails with breathtaking views of waterfalls and unusual rock formations. Return to Jasper, the turn of the century railroad town. In the afternoon, participate in the optional Athabasca River Raft Trip*Cruise is seasonal and due to local weather conditions may be unable to operate at the beginning of the season (Apr - early Jun).
Optional: Athabasca River Raft Trip (PM)
Overnight: Jasper
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8, Thursday - Lake Louise, Icefield Parkway, Jasper National Park
Listen to the history and geology of this area as you drive along the iconic Icefield Parkway north to Jasper National Park. Stop at Moraine Lake with its indigo blue waters, surrounded by the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Then, continue to Lake Louise, known for its sparkling blue waters, and nestled at the base of glacier-clad peaks. Travel to Calgary for your last night in Canada. Tonight at dinner, bid farewell to your Tour Manager
Overnight: Calgary
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 9, Friday - Depart Canada
Transfer independently to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast