Autumn Aurora and the Rockies

Day 1 - UK to Calgary transfer to Banff

Arrive into Calgary and transfer to Banff for your 3-night stay. 

Day 2 - Discover Banff & its Wildlife with gondola ride

This small group tour is the perfect introduction to Banff and includes some of Banff's most scenic and historically significant highlights such as the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Bow Falls, Surprise Corner Lookout, and Banff's largest lake, Lake Minnewanka. Plus, enjoy hot chocolate or fresh water (depending on the time of year) and maple cookies at one of the scenic stops. You'll then be transported to the base of Sulphur Mountain and ride the Banff Gondola to the top at 7,486 feet. At the summit, marvel at the unsurpassed view of Banff, the Bow Valley and a 360-degree view of six scenic mountain ranges. You'll feel like you're on top of the world when you are standing on the spacious main level observation deck. After your download on the Banff Gondola, the guide will transport you back to your Banff hotel. It's a great tour for seeing wildlife, so don't forget your camera!

Day 3 - Mountain, Lakes & Waterfalls

If you like pristine water and awe-inspiring scenery, you've come to the right place. The Canadian Rockies feature soaring mountain summits, those iconic emerald lakes and breathtaking waterfalls and a hot lunch for all guests. This tour takes you to the most treasured spots in Banff and Yoho national parks to explore the land and the stories it holds. Experience the evolution of land and discover how it has shaped the appearance of the spectacular natural wonders found in these mountain settings. Lunch is included today. Highlights Include: Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Valley of the Ten Peaks, Spiral Tunnels, Takakkaw Falls, Emerald Lake.

Day 4 - Banff to Jasper

Today, take the scenic route to Jasper along the Icefield Parkway.

Today's tour to Jasper takes us through some of the most spectacular mountain landscapes in North America. Following the spine of the Canadian Rockies, view a never-ending procession of mammoth mountains, jagged snowy peaks, and over 100 glaciers. The entire day is spent in the majesty of Canada's two most famous National Parks, Banff and Jasper. Departing Banff we pass Vermilion Lakes and the fortress formations of Castle Mountain before arriving at stunning Lake Louise and the world famous Chateau Lake Louise. After a short break we continue northwards on the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic stretches of highway in North America. Stops will be made at Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake, and the Weeping Wall before arriving at the Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield where we allow time to enjoy the "Ice Explorer Ride" and the Glacier Skywalk. From here the parkway descends Tangle Ridge and follows the Athabasca River, which begins as melt water from the Athabasca Glacier. We then stop at the Athabasca Falls, where the boiling waters of the river plunge into a chasm gouged out of the valley floor. Your picnic lunch and Glacier Adventure package is included.

Day 5 - Maligne Valley & Lake Cruise

This introduction to Jasper begins with a short tour of the town before heading across the Athabasca River to Maligne Lake. A century after Mary Schaeffer's remarkable adventure, come discover the world-renowned Maligne Lake for yourself! A stop at Maligne Canyon offers staggering views of the river thundering through a series of magnificent waterfalls in a gorge 10,000 years in the making. Farther up the valley, stop to solve the mystery of "disappearing" Medicine Lake. Next we'll carry on to the pinnacle of our tour, breathtaking Maligne Lake! Once there you can enjoy an interpretative boat cruise bound for Spirit Island, truly another of Canada's iconic images.

Day 6 - Jasper Foodie Tour

Spend your morning at leisure before joining the Jasper Foodie Tour. 

Show your foodie side some love on this walking food tour of Jasper. The mountain town has come a long way from it's humble beginnings without losing sight of what makes it special. The same can be said for the restaurant scene, and this is the perfect chance to explore it! Spend about three hours visiting four restaurants, sampling a specialty of the house dish and boozy beverage.  

Day 7 - Jasper to Calgary

Today take the transfer to Calgary for your 2-night stay. Spending the remainder of your day at leisure.

Day 8 - Explore Calgary

Spend today exploring the city of Calgary, we have included a walking tour of the city and admission to the Calgary Tower. 

Every building tells a story. Calgary's downtown spins a yarn of a brash frontier town that has grown into a lively urban center. Walk with us as we straddle with one foot in the past and one in the present, following a "ribbon of steel" through the heart of the city. As your tour guide navigates around such areas as Stephen Avenue Mall (no cars allowed 6 am to 6 pm), the Bow River Pathway, and other downtown areas, you'll have an on-the-ground experience that Google Earth could never deliver. You'll learn where Calgarians go for fine food and dining and discover where some favourite spots to shop in downtown are located. We'll even talk about accessing free public transit in the downtown core to make your own exploring more enjoyable. You may hear the echoes of history at the site of an 1880's sawmill and the location of the 1988 Winter Olympics awards ceremonies - and perhaps modern day music from the Folk Fest held at Prince's Island Park. Your tour guide will lead the group at a comfortable pace and make several stops, including bathroom breaks as needed.

Day 9 - Calgary to Yellowknife

Today transfer to Calgary airport for your onward flight to Yellowknife, to begin your wilderness retreat. Upon arrival in Yellowknife you will make your way to Blachford Lake Lodge a remote wilderness lodge located 100km south-east of Yellowknife.

 Board your float plane and soar above the sub-Arctic landscape as you travel to Blachford Lake Lodge. You’ll be greeted on the dock by staff and shown to your accommodation. Lounge on one of the decks, pull up a deck chair on the rock overlooking the lake and keep an eye out for moose by the island. Paddle a canoe or a kayak and listen to the loon’s call. Once you’ve made yourself comfortable and explore your new home for the next two nights, settle into your room. 

Day 10 - Blachford Lake Lodge

Sleep in or wake up with the birds, full hot breakfast is served. From mid-August, when night skies turn a velvety black to late October when the lake begins to freeze, Blachford guests can be treated to late night shows of the northern lights. On calm nights the lake also reflects the sky, doubling the awe-inspiring images.  Winter is a great time to sit outside in comfort and just lean back and enjoy the show. After a day of local adventure, head back to the lodge for a wonderful and hearty home cooked meal. The chefs will inspire and amaze you - their innovation and use of our own garden, mixed with international favourites will keep you excited for each meal.

Day 11 - Blachford Lake Lodge

Another full day to enjoy the facilities at Blachford Lake Lodge. In the evening you will have another opportunity to witness the Northern Lights.

Day 12 - Blachford Lake Lodge to Yellowknife

Watch this plane glide into the dock, and board your afternoon flight back to Yellowknife around 11.15am for the half-hour flight back to Yellowknife, arriving approx. 11.45am in Yellowknife. Spending the remainder of your day at leisure.

Yellowknife is filled with plenty to explore, for outdoor lovers enjoy a hike to the spectacular Cameron Falls, visit The Price of Wales Northern Heritage Centre great place to learn about Yellowknife’s history featuring mooseskin boats to old-time bush planes. Yellowknife is filled with culinary delights get a taste of authentic Northern cuisine and visit two of Yellowknife’s popular restaurants Wildcat Cafe and Bullock’s Bistro. Learn about Yellowknife’s rich Indigenous history with murals, banners, art installations, sculptures, and galleries located all across the city. 

Day 13 - Yellowknife to UK

Today make your way to the airport for your onward flight home.

Alternatively speak to your consultant if you wish to extend your stay in Yellowknife or extend your stay with a few nights in Toronto.