12 DAY ALBERTA WANDERER
ROAD TRIP OF ALBERTA
Explore the history, culture and scenery of Alberta and learn about the Indigenous Peoples who lived here for thousands of years before the arrival of European settlers. Head south to the picturesque small town of Waterton before driving into the heart of the Rockies. Keep your camera ready as wildlife is abundant in the entire area. After a short visit of cultural immersion in Alberta’s provincial capital of Edmonton, travel back in time and spend the last day of your trip learning about the dinosaurs that once roamed these lands.
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Start Location: Calgary
End Location: Calgary
TOP HIGHLIGHTS
- Calgary Tower
- World Heritage Site of Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
- Lake Minnewanka cruise in Banff
- Métis Crossing Boutique Lodge and Skydomes
- Glacier Skywalk experience on the Icefields Parkway
- Ice Explorer ride on the Athabasca Glacier
- Jasper Skytram on Whistlers Mountain
- Maligne lake cruise in Jasper
- West Edmonton Mall attractions pass or Edmonton sightseeing tour
- Dinosaurs at the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller
- Sulphur Mountain Gondola in Banff
SAMPLE ITINERARY (CUSTOMIZABLE)
Day 1: Arrive in Calgary
Welcome to Calgary, the largest city in the western Canadian province of Alberta. While you are here to experience the bucket list adventure experience of travelling through the breath-taking Canadian Rockies, take some time to explore the award-winning architectural masterpiece of Calgary’s Public Library, take in the views from the Calgary Tower, walk along the scenic Bow Valley River pathways or experience the buzz of downtown Stephen Avenue with its stores and restaurants. Calgary’s dining scene is incredibly diverse and absolutely the best in Western Canada.
Overnight: Calgary
Day 2: Calgary – Waterton
This morning head south to the famous Bar U Ranch National Historic Site where you can discover the life of a ranching cowboy from the late 1800s. The Bar U Ranch has the largest collection of historical ranch buildings in Canada. Time permitting, aim to stop at Turner Valley, and discover Eau Claire Distillery. The new distillery is housed in the circa-1929 Turner Valley Movie Theatre and Dance Hall that in early days served as a town hall, political rally centre, dance hall and community gathering spot. Located in a place of storied history, the distillery can talk to Turner Valley’s checkered and illustrious past. To the east was a famous house of ill repute, to the west a general store. In the hills, an aptly named landmark feature called Whiskey Ridge hid moonshine stills. On the north end of town was the notorious street called Whiskey Row. A further 145 km. drive south takes you to the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Interpretive Centre, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site that preserves and interprets over 6,000 years of Plains Buffalo Indigenous culture. Through vast landscapes, exhibits, and diverse programming, you will learn from a Blackfoot Nations guide about the cultural significance of this cliff to the Plains People. From the Interpretive Centre, you can venture out along a paved trail that leads you to spectacular views of Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Cliff, Calderwood Buffalo Jump & Vision Quest Hill to the north, the great prairies to the east, and the Rocky Mountains to the south. A final 100 km drive south will take you close to the USA border and the Waterton Lakes National Park. A stay in Waterton set amidst the unparalleled scenic beauty of the Canadian Rockies is the perfect unwind after our days’ adventures.
Overnight: Waterton
Day 3: Waterton sightseeing
Have an easy day to soak in the surroundings. Waterton Lakes National Park has an incredible mountainous landscape. A tour of the park should include a leisurely boat cruise on Waterton Lake and some time at leisure. There is something for everyone at Waterton Lakes: great hikes, horseback riding, canoeing, Red Rock Canyon, and even scooter rentals.
Overnight: Waterton
Day 4: Waterton– Kananaskis
Follow the back roads to Kananaskis where you can explore the foothills of the Rockies on a horseback ride, enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch or join a professional guide for a raft down the Kananaskis River.
Day 5: Kananaskis – Banff
Short drive through stunning landscapes to the town of Banff. The town of Banff is a spirited place and you are surrounded by strikingly beautiful and rugged mountains that seem to burst straight out of the ground. The town site of Banff covers almost 4 sq. kms. and is at an elevation of 1,383 mtrs (4,537 feet), making it the highest town in Canada. Banff is flanked on all sides by towering mountains, including Mount Rundle, Sulphur Mountain, Mount Norquay, and Cascade Mountain. You may see a herd of elk wandering down the main street during your early morning walk. The lively streets of downtown are lined with top-class restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as a vibrant range of art galleries and museums. Explore Banff with a stop at Cascade Gardens and beautiful Bow Falls, then ride the gondola up Sulphur Mountain for an unparallel view of the mountains and valley below. Take time to visit the Cave & Basin National Historic Site, which tells the story of the hot springs that drew visitors to Banff and led to the creation of the National Park.
Overnight: Banff
Day 6: Banff – Lake Louise
This morning drive along the famous Bow Valley Parkway, where wildlife sightings of caribou, elk, and occasionally, bears, are common so keep your cameras handy. Take time to stop at Johnston Canyon for a walk through the deep rugged canyon with several waterfalls and then drive cross the Continental Divide to the western slopes of the Rocky Mountain range and into Yoho National Park in British Columbia. Visit the awe inspiring Takakkaw Falls and Emerald Lake, filled with glacial run-off water that makes Emerald Lake glisten with the blue-green hue of an emerald. Drive back to Alberta and your final destination of the day at Lake Louise, a jewel of the Rockies surrounded by glistening glaciers and towering snow-capped mountain peaks. You may have seen photos of the lake but you will not be prepared for the experience of rounding the corner, getting the first sight of the emerald green waters and the rugged peaks as a backdrop. Late in the day, with the glowing sun dropping behind Mount Victoria, you will likely have never seen anything so dramatically beautiful.
Overnight: Lake Louise
Day 7: Lake Louise – Jasper
Travelling through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, drive along the famous Icefields Parkway which has been voted one of the most spectacular drives in the world. You will see for yourself why this mountain road that boasts a unique landscape rich in history and natural beauty second to none is so famous. At the summit of Bow Pass, take a quick side tour to see the turquoise blue waters of Peyto Lake and the beauty of the Mistaya River Valley below. And later arrive at the famous Columbia Icefields whose waters feed three oceans; visit the Interpretive Centre then have the experience of a lifetime - a ride on the Ice Explorer vehicle for a close up look at the Athabasca Glacier. Finally, at the end of this exciting day, you can see the powerful Athabasca Falls before arriving at the charming town of Jasper, your home for the next two nights.
Overnight: Jasper
Day 8: Jasper sightseeing
Originally a tiny railway town, Jasper's small-town charm is very different from the alpine resort style glamour of Banff. Surrounded by towering mountains, crystal clear lakes, and abundant wildlife, Jasper town located within the Jasper National Park is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Start the day with a ride up Whistler Mountain on the Jasper SkyTram. On your day of sightseeing drive to Maligne Canyon and take a gentle walk down Maligne Canyon to see how the water has carved spectacular crevices out of the mountain. A further scenic drive will take you to Maligne Lake, the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Enjoy an amazing lake cruise on Maligne Lake to wrap up a day in a place of stunning natural beauty.
Overnight: Jasper
Day 9: Jasper – Edmonton
Have an easy morning in Jasper exploring the town centre, and then head east on a leisurely drive through the towns of Hinton and Edson, to Edmonton, Alberta`s capital, and one of the popular cities in Canada to visit.
Overnight: Edmonton
Day 10: Edmonton and Métis Crossing
Explore Edmonton’s scenic riverfront pathways, have an immersive experience at the Royal Alberta Museum or the Art Gallery of Alberta, or have some fun (and shopping) at the famous West Edmonton Mall. There is much to do in Edmonton. Mid-afternoon, head to the Métis Crossing, just an hour and a half north of Edmonton to experience this wonderful interpretive centre and boutique lodge. Being the first major Métis cultural interpretive centre in Alberta, it is a hub for cultural experiences. Enjoy an evening of leisure at the brand-new luxury lodge overlooking the North Saskatchewan River and try one of the various experiences offered such as a delicious traditional Métis dinner experience or sleep overnight in a sky-watching dome and fall asleep under the stars or possibly Aurora Borealis if you're lucky!
Overnight: Smoky Lake
Meals: Dinner
Day 11: Métis Crossing – Drumheller – Calgary
After a hearty Métis inspired breakfast, drive to Drumheller, the heart of Dinosaur Valley, to explore some of the world's richest deposits of dinosaur bones. Visiting the Royal Tyrrell Museum and the landscape around it is like stepping into another world. Explore badlands on self-guided trails, or participate in an authentic dinosaur dig. Be amazed at the world class displays in the Royal Tyrell and by the abundant fossils, and stunning landscapes of this location in Alberta. This evening, continue your drive back to Calgary.
Overnight: Calgary
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12: Depart from Calgary
Say farewell to your Alberta drive adventure and depart Calgary with fond memories of a fantastic experience.
DATES & PRICES
Availability:
ACCOMMODATION
START PLACE
END PLACE
PRICE FROM
All prices are per person based on double occupancy and subject to local taxes - GST, PST or HST.
Applicable taxes vary depending on travel destination and are not included. Please ask your sales agent what extra taxes will be payable for your tour.
WHY CHOOSE ANDERSON VACATIONS?
Anderson Vacations
Other Companies
Independent Travel
See what you want, where you want, how you want. Solo, with a friend, or with a group of friends.Canadian Travel Experts
With at least 30 years of experience.Min. 95% Satisfaction Rate
From past guests.Accreditation and Consumer Protection
Feel confident booking because of a membership in all the following organizations:
Sustainability
Planting one tree for every passenger that travels with us.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 11 nights of accommodation
- 12 day mid-size car rental including unlimited kilometres (conditions apply)
- Sightseeing and attractions listed in then program
EXCLUSIONS
- Items (attractions and sightseeing & entrance fees) not listed as included in the itinerary
- Airfare unless specified as included within the itinerary
- Taxes as applicable
- Travel Insurance and Cancellation Protection (strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
- Gratuities for Local Guides, Tour Managers, and/or Bus Drivers
- Meals not specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary
Why Take A Custom Tour?
Private & Customizable
You can see what you want, when you want, how you want. A trip that's perfectly timed and well organized.
Unique Experience
Experiences that help you take in the region in a different way. Can combine your trip with our group tours. Advice to help you get the most out of your trip.
Freedom to Explore
Time to enjoy and take in each place. Add days in places you want to explore. Do only the activities you want to do.
Can't find what you're looking for?
Our specialists can take away the stress and create a custom trip tailored to your exact interests and budget.
Get A Custom Quote
OR CALL
1.866.814.7378
Custom Trip Plans
You can see what you want, when you want, how you want.
Unique Experiences
Experiences that help you take in the region in a different way.
Freedom To Explore
Time to take in each place with only the tours you want to do.
Booking & Flight Questions
Do you arrange airport transfers?
Yes! We can certainly assist with booking airport transfers for you! Some tours have airport transfers included already. Please inquire for further information and pricing.
Can you assist with booking additional accommodation?
Yes! We can certainly assist with booking additional nights of accommodation for you before and/or after your fully escorted tour! Please inquire for further information and pricing.
Can you assist with booking flights?
Yes! We can certainly assist with booking your flights for you! We do not recommend you book any flights until you receive your booking confirmation directly from Anderson Vacations Tours, as some tours are not pre-guaranteed. Please inquire for further information and pricing.
Is it possible to book a triple share accommodation?
Yes, it is possible to book triple share accommodations on select trips. Please inquire about this option, as pricing may also vary and it will be subject to availability.
Can we book this tour with our exclusive group?
Anderson Vacations Tours can work with private groups to customize a tour to your needs. Please inquire for further information and pricing.
Tour Questions
What is the average age of passengers for this tour?
Our tours are suitable for all age demographics. The average age of travelers is typically 45+
I am a solo traveler. Is there a single surcharge?
There are options for single travelers to join most tours. Solo Travelers can choose to pay the single supplement and have their own room throughout the tour. For those willing to share, we also have a Twin Share option that is offered for the majority of our tours. This means you will be sharing the hotel rooms with another single, same gender traveller who also books the Twin Share option. If this is the case, there will be no single supplement charged to either of you. If we are unable to match you with another Twin Share traveler, there may be a single surcharge applied to cover the full cost of the rooms on some of our longer tours. Please enquire before finalizing your booking for full details.
How physically demanding is this tour? Are you able to accommodate people with mobility restrictions/limitations?
This tour has a low level of physical demand, although there may be some activities or sightseeing tours that require walking short distances. Please inquire if you have any mobility restrictions before completing your booking to ensure this tour is right for you.
How much luggage should I bring?
Each passenger may bring one large suitcase and one carry-on bag. The weight limit for this suitcase is 32 kilograms/60 pounds. Baggage handling is provided at the hotels in our tour packages. Please advise our reservations staff if you will be bringing additional items such as a cane, walker or wheelchair. You may also bring one small soft-sided carry-on bag, which should easily fit into the overhead shelf of the coach. Each person is responsible for his/her own carryon luggage. Remember to check your airline baggage restrictions if you are flying, as they may differ from Anderson Vacations Tours guidelines.
What is your recommended spending amount for non-included meals?
The suggested allowance for non-included meals is $40.00 — $60.00 CAD per day (includes tipping).
Can you accommodate passengers with dietary restrictions (food allergies, vegan, vegetarian etc.)?
Yes! There are many meals included on our fully escorted tours. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking so we can ensure there are alternative meal choices and arrangements made for you.
Are gratuities included in the tour cost?
For your convenience, gratuities for local guides and meals stated on the itinerary are included in the price of the tour. For meals not included in your tour package please remember that it is customary to tip your server 15-20% in North America. Gratuities for your Motorcoach Driver and Tour Director are left to your discretion. We recommend $4.00 - $5.00 CAD per person, per day for your Motorcoach Driver and $6.00 - $7.00 CAD per person, per day for your Tour Director. if you can't find your
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Tour Code
12AW
12 Day Alberta Wanderer
12 days
Created On: 21 Dec 2024
Highlights
- Calgary Tower
- World Heritage Site of Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
- Lake Minnewanka cruise in Banff
- Métis Crossing Boutique Lodge and Skydomes
- Glacier Skywalk experience on the Icefields Parkway
- Ice Explorer ride on the Athabasca Glacier
- Jasper Skytram on Whistlers Mountain
- Maligne lake cruise in Jasper
- West Edmonton Mall attractions pass or Edmonton sightseeing tour
- Dinosaurs at the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller
- Sulphur Mountain Gondola in Banff
Inclusions
- 11 nights of accommodation
- 12 day mid-size car rental including unlimited kilometres (conditions apply)
- Sightseeing and attractions listed in then program
Exclusions
- Items (attractions and sightseeing & entrance fees) not listed as included in the itinerary
- Airfare unless specified as included within the itinerary
- Taxes as applicable
- Travel Insurance and Cancellation Protection (strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
- Gratuities for Local Guides, Tour Managers, and/or Bus Drivers
- Meals not specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary
Dates & Prices
ACCOMODATION
START PLACE
END PLACE
PRICE FROM
Moderate accommodations
Calgary
Calgary
$2,000 USD
Superior accommodations
Calgary
Calgary
$2,270 USD
Deluxe accommodations
Calgary
Calgary
$3,000 USD
All prices are per person based on double occupancy and subject to local taxes - GST, PST or HST.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Calgary
Welcome to Calgary, the largest city in the western Canadian province of Alberta. While you are here to experience the bucket list adventure experience of travelling through the breath-taking Canadian Rockies, take some time to explore the award-winning architectural masterpiece of Calgary’s Public Library, take in the views from the Calgary Tower, walk along the scenic Bow Valley River pathways or experience the buzz of downtown Stephen Avenue with its stores and restaurants. Calgary’s dining scene is incredibly diverse and absolutely the best in Western Canada.
Overnight: Calgary
Day 2: Calgary – Waterton
This morning head south to the famous Bar U Ranch National Historic Site where you can discover the life of a ranching cowboy from the late 1800s. The Bar U Ranch has the largest collection of historical ranch buildings in Canada. Time permitting, aim to stop at Turner Valley, and discover Eau Claire Distillery. The new distillery is housed in the circa-1929 Turner Valley Movie Theatre and Dance Hall that in early days served as a town hall, political rally centre, dance hall and community gathering spot. Located in a place of storied history, the distillery can talk to Turner Valley’s checkered and illustrious past. To the east was a famous house of ill repute, to the west a general store. In the hills, an aptly named landmark feature called Whiskey Ridge hid moonshine stills. On the north end of town was the notorious street called Whiskey Row. A further 145 km. drive south takes you to the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Interpretive Centre, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site that preserves and interprets over 6,000 years of Plains Buffalo Indigenous culture. Through vast landscapes, exhibits, and diverse programming, you will learn from a Blackfoot Nations guide about the cultural significance of this cliff to the Plains People. From the Interpretive Centre, you can venture out along a paved trail that leads you to spectacular views of Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Cliff, Calderwood Buffalo Jump & Vision Quest Hill to the north, the great prairies to the east, and the Rocky Mountains to the south. A final 100 km drive south will take you close to the USA border and the Waterton Lakes National Park. A stay in Waterton set amidst the unparalleled scenic beauty of the Canadian Rockies is the perfect unwind after our days’ adventures.
Overnight: Waterton
Day 3: Waterton sightseeing
Have an easy day to soak in the surroundings. Waterton Lakes National Park has an incredible mountainous landscape. A tour of the park should include a leisurely boat cruise on Waterton Lake and some time at leisure. There is something for everyone at Waterton Lakes: great hikes, horseback riding, canoeing, Red Rock Canyon, and even scooter rentals.
Overnight: Waterton
Day 4: Waterton– Kananaskis
Follow the back roads to Kananaskis where you can explore the foothills of the Rockies on a horseback ride, enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch or join a professional guide for a raft down the Kananaskis River.
Day 5: Kananaskis – Banff
Short drive through stunning landscapes to the town of Banff. The town of Banff is a spirited place and you are surrounded by strikingly beautiful and rugged mountains that seem to burst straight out of the ground. The town site of Banff covers almost 4 sq. kms. and is at an elevation of 1,383 mtrs (4,537 feet), making it the highest town in Canada. Banff is flanked on all sides by towering mountains, including Mount Rundle, Sulphur Mountain, Mount Norquay, and Cascade Mountain. You may see a herd of elk wandering down the main street during your early morning walk. The lively streets of downtown are lined with top-class restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as a vibrant range of art galleries and museums. Explore Banff with a stop at Cascade Gardens and beautiful Bow Falls, then ride the gondola up Sulphur Mountain for an unparallel view of the mountains and valley below. Take time to visit the Cave & Basin National Historic Site, which tells the story of the hot springs that drew visitors to Banff and led to the creation of the National Park.
Overnight: Banff
Day 6: Banff – Lake Louise
This morning drive along the famous Bow Valley Parkway, where wildlife sightings of caribou, elk, and occasionally, bears, are common so keep your cameras handy. Take time to stop at Johnston Canyon for a walk through the deep rugged canyon with several waterfalls and then drive cross the Continental Divide to the western slopes of the Rocky Mountain range and into Yoho National Park in British Columbia. Visit the awe inspiring Takakkaw Falls and Emerald Lake, filled with glacial run-off water that makes Emerald Lake glisten with the blue-green hue of an emerald. Drive back to Alberta and your final destination of the day at Lake Louise, a jewel of the Rockies surrounded by glistening glaciers and towering snow-capped mountain peaks. You may have seen photos of the lake but you will not be prepared for the experience of rounding the corner, getting the first sight of the emerald green waters and the rugged peaks as a backdrop. Late in the day, with the glowing sun dropping behind Mount Victoria, you will likely have never seen anything so dramatically beautiful.
Overnight: Lake Louise
Day 7: Lake Louise – Jasper
Travelling through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, drive along the famous Icefields Parkway which has been voted one of the most spectacular drives in the world. You will see for yourself why this mountain road that boasts a unique landscape rich in history and natural beauty second to none is so famous. At the summit of Bow Pass, take a quick side tour to see the turquoise blue waters of Peyto Lake and the beauty of the Mistaya River Valley below. And later arrive at the famous Columbia Icefields whose waters feed three oceans; visit the Interpretive Centre then have the experience of a lifetime - a ride on the Ice Explorer vehicle for a close up look at the Athabasca Glacier. Finally, at the end of this exciting day, you can see the powerful Athabasca Falls before arriving at the charming town of Jasper, your home for the next two nights.
Overnight: Jasper
Day 8: Jasper sightseeing
Originally a tiny railway town, Jasper's small-town charm is very different from the alpine resort style glamour of Banff. Surrounded by towering mountains, crystal clear lakes, and abundant wildlife, Jasper town located within the Jasper National Park is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Start the day with a ride up Whistler Mountain on the Jasper SkyTram. On your day of sightseeing drive to Maligne Canyon and take a gentle walk down Maligne Canyon to see how the water has carved spectacular crevices out of the mountain. A further scenic drive will take you to Maligne Lake, the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Enjoy an amazing lake cruise on Maligne Lake to wrap up a day in a place of stunning natural beauty.
Overnight: Jasper
Day 9: Jasper – Edmonton
Have an easy morning in Jasper exploring the town centre, and then head east on a leisurely drive through the towns of Hinton and Edson, to Edmonton, Alberta`s capital, and one of the popular cities in Canada to visit.
Overnight: Edmonton
Day 10: Edmonton and Métis Crossing
Explore Edmonton’s scenic riverfront pathways, have an immersive experience at the Royal Alberta Museum or the Art Gallery of Alberta, or have some fun (and shopping) at the famous West Edmonton Mall. There is much to do in Edmonton. Mid-afternoon, head to the Métis Crossing, just an hour and a half north of Edmonton to experience this wonderful interpretive centre and boutique lodge. Being the first major Métis cultural interpretive centre in Alberta, it is a hub for cultural experiences. Enjoy an evening of leisure at the brand-new luxury lodge overlooking the North Saskatchewan River and try one of the various experiences offered such as a delicious traditional Métis dinner experience or sleep overnight in a sky-watching dome and fall asleep under the stars or possibly Aurora Borealis if you're lucky!
Overnight: Smoky Lake
Meals: Dinner
Day 11: Métis Crossing – Drumheller – Calgary
After a hearty Métis inspired breakfast, drive to Drumheller, the heart of Dinosaur Valley, to explore some of the world's richest deposits of dinosaur bones. Visiting the Royal Tyrrell Museum and the landscape around it is like stepping into another world. Explore badlands on self-guided trails, or participate in an authentic dinosaur dig. Be amazed at the world class displays in the Royal Tyrell and by the abundant fossils, and stunning landscapes of this location in Alberta. This evening, continue your drive back to Calgary.
Overnight: Calgary
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12: Depart from Calgary
Say farewell to your Alberta drive adventure and depart Calgary with fond memories of a fantastic experience.
