Mountain Parks Discovery
- British Columbia + 1 more
- Canada Road Trips, Road Trips, Western Canada and The Yukon,
- 11
Introduction
Starting in Calgary this circular itinerary covers less travelled routes and natural settings not found on more traditional Rockies packages. The road journeys through or near 6 major protected parklands, 4 mountain ranges and places with such epic names as Valley of A Thousand Lakes and “majestic” Elk Valley. Kootenay, Yoho and Glacier National Parks as well as Goat Range and Valhalla Provincial Parks are the ideal environments for either sightseeing by car or day hiking as you journey west of Banff, southward through the British Columbia interior and back again. The high interior Kootenay region boasts hot springs that create local paradises and former Gold Rush towns still sing with the lively songs of prospectors from a century ago. Unique natural hot springs at Halcyon, Crazy Creek, and Ainsworth sites offer quieter alternatives to the busy Harrison, and Banff sites and at trip on to the Columbia Icefield never fails to impress.
Tailor-made for YOU!
All of our itineraries are fully customisable and can be tailored to suit your individual preferences. Whether you’d like to start or end in a different city, upgrade your hotel accommodation, or add sightseeing excursions to enrich your experience, your Discover North America Travel Specialist is here to help.
International Flights
We don’t include international flights in our headline prices as standard, as we work with a wide range of scheduled airline partners and offer flexible options to suit your preferences. Factors such as departure airport, airline, travel class, travel dates, and seasonal promotions can all impact the final fare. Your Discover North America Travel Specialist will take the time to understand your individual requirements and source the best-value flights tailored to your itinerary.
Find out more about the process we follow here.
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Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Calgary
Arrive at Calgary International Airport, transfer independently to your centrally-located hotel where you pick up your information kit at the front desk upon check in. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore the local neighbourhoods, shops and eateries around your hotel. Overnight in Calgary.
Day 2: Calgary
The hip and stylish city centre of the Rockies welcomes all visitors with western flare. World-class eateries thrive beside traditional barbeque smokehouses, and the walkable downtown core invites you to explore the city before jumping off on your mountain adventure! Overnight in Calgary.
Day 3: Calgary to Kananaskis
At the foot of the mountains, the grassy plains of Kananaskis where they transition into deep, verdant forests at foot of the Rockies are the traditional home of the ranchers and cowboys that make Alberta famous. This is area is perfect to warm up your hiking shoes in anticipation of your upcoming adventures. Overnight in Kananaskis.
Day 4: Kananaskis to Radium Hot Springs
Banff and Kootenay Rockies National Parks are your first stunning examples of the unforgettable protected parklands of the Rockies. Admire from the comfort of the roadside stops, or take some time for an invigorating short hike. Alternatively, plan for a lunch stop in Banff at any one of the hotel restaurants featuring everything from local casual fare to exquisite dishes from around the world. Overnight in Radium Hot Springs / Invermere.
Day 5: Radium Hot Springs to Nelson
A day of incredible scenery and small mountain towns and communities such as quaint Cranbook Fort Steele – a Gold Rush town that still echoes with the vitality of its prospector past. Afterwards arrive in Nelson along the soothing waters of Kootenay Lake. Overnight in Nelson.
Day 6: Nelson
Today is free to explore the abundant local natural attractions. The waters of the Ainsworth Hot Springs near the shores of Kootenay Lake are a hidden treasure, and the walking and hiking trails of Valhalla Provincial Park offer an outdoor experience away from the larger parks of the province. Overnight in Nelson.
Day 7: Nelson to Revelstoke
The journey northward through the heart of the Kootenay Region reveals the high-altitude beauty of this lesser traveled route. The peaks of the Selkirk Mountains create an unforgettable impression. Perhaps en route to Revelstoke, plan to stop for a rest at the Halcyon Hot Springs set along the shores of placid Arrow Lake. The healing waters offer an ideal respite for weary travellers. Overnight in Revelstoke.
Day 8: Revelstoke
Today is free to perhaps pay another visit to Halcyon Hot Springs, or make the short journey to Canyon Hot Springs on the east side of Mt. Revelstoke National Park. For a complete day of outdoor adventure, combine a short hike at the park and a refreshing soak at the springs! Overnight in Revelstoke.
Day 9: Revelstoke to Field
A short journey westward today leaves ample time for perhaps a stop at Glacier National Park – one of the most stunning beautiful protected parks of the Canadian West. Several easily travelled trails from elevated walkways through ancient forests to developed trails that follow and cross over rugged rivers entice all who visit. Continue on to beautiful and secluded Field to end the day. Overnight in Field.
Day 10: Field
Travelling through Yoho and Banff National Parks, some of the country’s most famous and iconic landscapes are just outside your window en route to your visit to the Columbia Icefield. An all-terrain Ice Explorer vehicle will take you on a 90-minute adventure across the ancient ice on a massive glacial sheet. In addition, visit the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre and Glacier Skywalk suspended 277m over the Sunwapta Canyon. Return on to the quiet serenity of Field and your overnight accommodation. Overnight in Field.
Day 11: Field to Calgary
Your tour ends today.