Solo adventurers looking to take on the Canadian Rockies can embark on an easy-paced, escorted adventure, which puts dramatic natural wonders on full display during winter. Beginning in Calgary, nicknamed ‘Cowtown’ due to its Western influences, you’ll journey alongside your fellow solo travellers and nature enthusiasts into the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Banff, the unofficial Rockies capital, will serve as your base, with its cosy winter wonderland charm and convenient access to a wish-list of optional outdoor activities. From traditional sleigh rides across alpine meadows to interacting with wolfdogs at a sanctuary and soaring above the majestic, snow-coated peaks in a helicopter, there’s no shortage of opportunities to customise your itinerary. An included excursion amongst the epic wilderness of Banff National Park and a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain is undoubtedly a highlight, as is a visit to Johnston Canyon, with its striking frozen waterfalls. The five-star Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, set on the shores of the enchanting lake, promises the perfect setting for a farewell dinner with new-found friends.
What's Included:
- Seven nights' room-only accommodation in a series of good-quality hotels in Calgary (1 night), Banff (5), Lake Louise (1), plus one night on the aircraft
- A welcome drink in Banff and a farewell dinner in Lake Louise
- Banff and Sulphur Mountain gondola excursion
- An excursion to Johnson Canyon
- Return flights to Calgary
- Comfortable, air-conditioned coach travel and transfers throughout
- Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager (the ship's staff and crew will take care of you during your cruise)
Highlights:
- Spend time in Calgary, nicknamed ‘Cowtown’ and serving as a getaway to the Canadian Rockies, taking in its sights
- Journey into the rugged snow-carpeted landscapes of Banff National Park for a five-night stay in beautiful Banff
- Enjoy a guided excursion, keeping an eye out for native wildlife while ascending Sulphur Mountain for unrivalled views of the Rockies
- Experience an overnight stay at the luxury five-star Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise on the shores of the lake with a memorable farewell dinner
Day 1: Fly to Calgary
Today, you and your fellow solo travellers will land in Calgary, gateway to the Canadian Rockies, and be welcomed by your friendly, local tour manager. A coach will then take you to your hotel in the downtown area of the city. Once you’ve checked in, the rest of the evening will be free to get settled in and explore the surrounding area.
Day 2: Morning at leisure in Calgary, drive to Banff and welcome drink
This morning, you’ll have some free time to cover some of Calgary’s highlights. Nicknamed ‘Cowtown’, this city’s Western culture is evident, and it’s known for hosting the world-famous Calgary Stampede every July. Taking to the pedestrian-friendly street, Stephen Avenue Walk is worthwhile, or the Calgary Tower for a panoramic view of the city and the nearby mountains. In the afternoon, you’ll leave the bustle behind and travel into the heart of the Rockies to Banff. Positioned in Banff National Park and enclosed by beautiful wilderness, this charming resort town will be your base for the next five nights. Your group will be welcomed with a drink on arrival at the hotel and then you’ll have the rest of the evening at your leisure.
Day 3: Included Banff and Sulphur Mountain Gondola tour
A day of adventuring awaits, as you’ll head out on a tour through Banff, carpeted in snow. With your guide indicating points of interest as you go, the coach will pass by Bow Falls which is especially remarkable when frozen, as is Surprise Corner, a viewpoint looking out over the iconic 1888 Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, backdropped by Sulphur Mountain. You’ll then board a cable car and ascend to the top of the mountain, observing spectacular views of the region from above and the nearby six mountain ranges. Look out for the region’s native wildlife roaming freely in the pine forests, such as deer, wolves and elk, and have your camera ready to capture your sightings. Later in the day, you’ll return to your hotel to warm up, perhaps enjoying a drink at the bar with some fellow travellers to share stories.
Days 4 - 6: Days at leisure and four optional activities
Take advantage of these free days to do as little or as much as you like. The opportunity to choose from four optional excursions allows you to customise your time in Banff and bring your winter wish-list to life. Perhaps set off on a sleigh ride across the snowy meadows with the mountains of Banff as your backdrop. Guided by a local cowboy, you’ll journey by horse-drawn sleigh, keeping an eye out for elk and deer while taking in the imposing peaks of Mount Rundle and Cascade Mountain. After this alpine adventure, you’ll return to the stables, where you can defrost with a steaming apple cider drink by the fire. For animal lovers, a unique small-group experience to get up close with wolves and wolfdogs at a sanctuary is also available. During this excursion, you can learn about their behaviour, the role they play in our ecosystem and the important conservation work that the sanctuary carries out to protect them. You’ll also have time to take photos with the animals and speak with the team members. If you’d like to pick up the pace, you can join a dogsledding activity, with the option to drive your own sled or with an experienced instructor. Pulled by a team of Canadian huskies, each sled will follow a picturesque track through Spray Lakes Provincial Park. As you travel at your preferred, comfortable pace, you’ll observe the nearby valleys, mountains and lakes before concluding with a snack and a hot refreshment by a campfire. Alternatively, see the majestic Rockies from a different angle and venture on a 45-minute helicopter ride, which flies high above the mountains. Watch in awe as you circle over the sprawling forests, sparkling, frozen lakes, ragged peaks and alpine meadows below.
Day 7: Travel via Johnston Canyon with an optional hike, continue to Lake Louise and farewell dinner
Following your adventures in Banff, you’ll check out of your hotel and journey to Johnston Canyon for a brief stop. Positioned in Banff National Park, this rocky canyon is popular with hikers due to its short, easy hike through the mountainside, lined with waterfalls and plunge pools. You’ll have the option to follow this gentle trail to the Lower Falls, dramatic cascades of water that become encased behind a sheet of ice, with frozen icicles hanging along the 30-foot drop. The tour will then continue to Lake Louise, an expanse of turquoise-tinted water, backed by the magnificent Victoria Glacier and enveloped by alpine forest. A stay at the five-star luxury Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, set right on the shore of Canada’s most photographed lake, ensures a special night to remember and provides a fitting location for your final evening. After the sun has set, you’ll sit down with your fellow solo travellers to a memorable farewell dinner.
Day 8: Morning at leisure
Enjoy a relaxed morning, perhaps venturing outside for a stroll or finding a cosy spot in the lounge before you’re driven back to Calgary airport for your overnight flight.
Day 9: Arrive back in the UK
You’ll land back in the UK with a host of incredible memories and new-found friends.
