Signature: Canada's Rocky Mountains, Banff & Indigenous Traditions

You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

Your opportunity to meet your Expedition Leader and fellow travelers, and learn more about your tour. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group. Enjoy a reception with wine, beer, and soft drinks, followed by an expert-led "Introduction to Canada" and a welcome dinner.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

The Indigenous Peoples Experience at Fort Edmonton Park is an immersive multimedia tour highlighting First Nations and Metis histories. Guided by Indigenous interpreters, you'll explore Treaty 6 cultures through music, artwork, and oral stories. The journey follows the North Saskatchewan River from pre-contact history to the arrival of Europeans.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

The Bison Backstage Tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at Elk Island's conservation efforts. You'll walk through the Plains Bison Handling Facility to learn about bison history, their impact on the prairie, and how staff manage the herd. It's an educational glimpse into Parks Canada's role in protecting these wild animals.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Upon arrival the group will enjoy the signature introduction to the vibrant spirit of Metis culture. Become inspired, educated, and forge deeper connections led by a knowledgeable Metis interpreter. Be taken on a journey through their history and traditions as you witness an immersive explanation of the Indigenous Metis people. Afterwards, the group will gather together for a sustainably sourced meal. The perfect blend of community and education.

Experience the Bison Wisdom on the Land signature tour, a rare opportunity to witness the majesty of les bufloo as they restore the northern prairie grasslands. Traveling alongside bison caretakers, you will meet the Metis people and hear firsthand how this keystone species shaped their governance and spirituality. This intimate journey through the 1,100-acre sanctuary offers a vibrant lens into Metis identity, connecting the resilience of the buffalo to the ingenuity of a community deeply rooted in the land. To ensure a more intimate and personalized experience, the group will be split into two separate groups for our stay and scheduled activities. This arrangement allows for easier movement throughout the lodge and more meaningful interactions during our guided sessions.

Enjoy a traditional bison stew lunch at the Cultural Centre while attending an engaging "Buffalo Talk." You'll learn how Metis families utilized every part of the animal for survival and ceremony, and discover how the bison's return is regenerating the local grasslands. It is a sensory experience connecting history, conservation, and traditional flavors.

Embrace the stillness of Metis Crossing with time to explore the grounds at your own pace. Whether you're wandering the riverbank trails, spotting wildlife, or reflecting over a warm drink, the land invites you to linger and listen to the stories it holds.

Drive from prairie farmland to rugged peaks as you head west. The flat forest landscape eventually gives way to the massive Rocky Mountain range rising near the park gates. The final stretch follows the Athabasca River into Jasper, where the scenery transforms into a dramatic wilderness of steep summits and frequent wildlife.

Enjoy an effortless 700m stroll to the Jasper House Viewpoint. This easy walk offers a stunning panoramic look across the Athabasca River, providing a perfect vantage point to see the Jasper House National Historic Site and soak in the area's rich heritage.

After settling into your lodge, join your Expedition Leader for a gentle stroll around the turquoise waters of Beauvert Lake. The glass-like surface perfectly reflects the surrounding mountain peaks, offering a serene and picturesque introduction to the natural beauty of Jasper National Park.

Explore Jasper's glacier-sculpted landscapes on a guided minicoach tour through the Maligne Valley. As you travel toward Maligne Lake, keep a lookout for native wildlife, including moose, elk, and caribou, in their natural habitat.

The Maligne Lake Cruise takes you through the heart of Jasper National Park. You'll navigate turquoise, glacier-fed waters toward the iconic Spirit Island, surrounded by the towering "Hall of the Gods" peaks. It is the only way to reach this world-famous viewpoint and experience the lake's most dramatic mountain scenery.

Enjoy your free time at the lodge by exploring its sprawling 700-acre grounds. Whether you're paddling on Beauvert Lake, lounging by the heated pool, or relaxing in an Adirondack chair, the resort offers the perfect mix of luxury and mountain serenity to recharge at your own pace.

The Mary Schaffer Loop is a gentle stroll through fragrant pine and subalpine fir forests. With no elevation gain, this easy trail leads to a scenic shoreline viewpoint before looping back, offering a tranquil hour or two in nature.

Continue your Icefield Parkway exploration by minicoach, featuring a lunch stop and guided walks at iconic landmarks. You'll visit the vibrant turquoise waters of Peyto Lake, the towering Bow Glacier, and the serene reflections of Herbert Lake, enjoying a blend of scenic vistas and mountain education throughout the journey.

Embark on an unforgettable journey along the Icefields Parkway, beginning with the thunderous power of Athabasca Falls. From there, join a Glacier Experience for a sustainable and intimate look at the Columbia Icefield. After a scenic guided approach and a boat ride across the Sunwapta River, you'll step onto the ancient ice for a guided walk, gaining expert insights into glaciology and the majestic alpine environment.

Enjoy a guided morning walk on the Fairview Lookout trail, a 2.4 km roundtrip hike featuring a 100m elevation gain and stunning views. Alternatively, take the time to relax and enjoy Lake Louise.

Enjoy a presentation by the Burgess Shale Geoscience Foundation while on the way to Banff. As a cornerstone of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Burgess Shale is globally renowned for its exquisitely preserved fossils that capture a pivotal moment in evolutionary history. This session explores how these ancient finds transformed our understanding of life's development, highlighting why this area remains one of the most significant fossil sites in the world.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Following lunch, enjoy a guided walk along the Emerald Lake shoreline trail. This gentle, scenic path circles the lake's vibrant turquoise waters, offering a peaceful way to immerse yourself in the surrounding subalpine forest and towering peaks of Yoho National Park. Your guide will share insights into the local ecology and the unique geological forces that created this iconic mountain landscape.

This 90-minute transfer takes you from the quiet wilderness of Emerald Lake back into the heart of the Rockies. As you travel east, the drive offers expansive views of the mountain ranges and forested valleys, providing a relaxing and scenic conclusion to your time in the high alpine as you approach Banff.

Transfer to Cascade Pond for a private, Indigenous-led Medicine Walk. A knowledgeable guide will share the area's rich history and cultural significance within Banff National Park, offering a unique perspective on the local landscape and its traditional uses.

Join award-winning photographer Jo-Anne Oucharek for an intimate look at the Rockies through her lens. After an inspiring presentation on her conservation work and artistic journey, you'll head into the field for a one-hour wildlife viewing tour. Visiting her favorite local spots, you'll learn professional techniques for spotting and capturing animals in their natural habitat, offering a rare, expert perspective on Banff's stunning wilderness.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.