Canada
Jasper, Banff, Glacier National Park
Day 1: After arriving in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, begin your trip with a long drive (five hours) to Jasper through some of the most beautiful mountains in the world, the Canadian Rockies. After arriving in Jasper, check into your lodging, where you will stay for two nights, and get some dinner. Day 2: In the morning, make the drive to beautifully sculpted Maligne Canyon, and take your time hiking alongside the turbulent waters. Afterwards, drive back into Jasper for a late lunch and then drive to Mt. Edith Cavell for some spectacular glacial scenery. Linger here to admire the amazing views as long as you like. Especially around dusk, keep alert for wildlife as you drive back to Jasper for the night (we spotted a mother black bear and cub alongside the dirt road). Day 3: After breakfast, make your way towards Banff. Your first stop of the day will be at Athabasca Falls, a powerful waterfall a short way from the main road. Next, continue your drive to Lake Louise and get out and stretch your legs on a hike amid the wonderful alpine landscape. Just a short drive away, make sure to leave enough time for the unforgettable panorama of turquoise-colored Moraine Lake set against rugged peaks—truly one of the most stunning sights on the planet. Afterwards, continue your drive to Banff where you will stay the night. Day 4: Today, get up early and head across the border to Glacier National Park in the United States (about five hours). After arriving at your lodging in the Many Glacier area of the park, set off on a breathtaking hike to Iceberg Lake. The hike is not too difficult and the views of the surrounding chiseled mountains are amazing. Make sure to take binoculars to scan the mountains heights for mountains goats and bighorn sheep. Day 5: On your last day in this gorgeous part of the Rocky Mountains, awake to the glorious views of the Many Glacier area and hit the trail for one more hike before you leave. Consider a ranger-led boat ride and hike to Grinnell Glacier (eight miles) or hike on your own to Cracker Lake (eleven miles). After finishing your hike, make the return drive to Calgary (about three hours), having packed in a lot of this wonderful part of the world in a short five days. |