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8-Nights Canadian Rockies: Northern Lights Winter Explorer - Classic from $2,999
G Adventures
OFFER ID 1688038
Canadian Rockies: Northern Lights Winter Explorer
Winter in the Canadian Rockies hits different — the air’s crisper, the mountains feel bigger, and everything slows down under a thick, magical blanket of snow. On this nine-day adventure, you’ll explore the iconic landscapes of Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper, then dive deeper into local culture at Alberta’s first and only Métis cultural interpretive centre. Spot wildlife, learn the stories and traditions of the Métis, and watch the sky for a chance to see the Northern Lights. From snowshoeing through powdery meadows to cruising the legendary Icefields Parkway, this is winter in its purest form — wild, beautiful, uncrowded, and full of meaning.
Highlights
Hike through Johnston Canyon past towering icicles and frozen waterfalls, Ride a gondola to Sunshine Meadows for a snowshoe trek through pristine powder, Take in sweeping views of glaciers snow-capped peaks and icy lakes along the Icefields Parkway, Connect with Métis culture during an immersive lodge stay near Smoky Lake, Spot wildlife on a morning excursion across the lands of Métis Crossing, Gaze at the stars and hear ancestral stories during a night of Métis sky lore and constellations
Group Leader
This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders, otherwise known as a Chief Experience Officer (CEO). The CEO will be the group manager, leader and driver - this person is experienced in the routes travelled and will organize and lead the meal preparations and has experience in cooking a variety of local and international dishes for large groups. As the group coordinator and manager, the aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. They will also offer suggestions for things to do and to see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.
Group Size Notes
Max 12, Avg. 10.
Meals Included
2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group.
Calgary CEO-led Orientation Walk. Banff Exploration Tour. Winter Hike in Johnston Canyon. Sunshine Meadows Guided Snowshoeing. Winter Visit to Lake Louise. Peyto & Abraham Lake Winter Visit. Local Lodge Lunch Experience. Icefields Parkway Winter Exploration. Maligne Lake Visit & Hike. Introduction to Métis Crossing. Métis Crossing Wildlife Park Visit. The Magic of the Skies Experience. Free time Banff, Jasper, Edmonton, & Métis Crossing. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
8 nights from $2,999 per person
G Adventures: Canadian Rockies: Northern Lights Winter Explorer
Day 1: Calgary
Arrive at any time. Attend a welcome meeting in the evening and afterwards choose to have an optional dinner together as a group.
Day 2: Calgary/Banff
Grab some breakfast on your own at a cozy local spot in town before enjoying an orientation tour of Calgary led by your CEO. See some of the city’s winter highlights like the home of the 1988 Winter Olympic Games, Barb Scott Park where ice skaters flock, Inglewood—Calgary’s oldest neighbourhood, and East Village; the liveliest. Then, transfer to the magical winter atmosphere of Banff, stopping en route for lunch on your own. Upon arrival see some of the highlights on foot before short walks to either Tunnel Mountain, Bow Falls, or Vermilion Lakes. As darkness comes early, enjoy the festive lights along the iconic main street and find a cozy restaurant for dinner on your own.
Day 3: Banff
In the morning travel to Johnston Canyon and witness the beauty of this place blanketed in sparkling winter snow and towering icicles. The group will walk on the trail and boardwalk to the frozen Lower Falls and Upper Falls using crampons. Drive back to Banff in time for lunch on your own and then enjoy a free afternoon for optional winter activities. Choose to take the gondola up to Sulphur Mountain or relax in the warmth of Upper Banff Hot Spring. From sleigh rides, to tubing, or skating, there are so many opportunities to get out and explore the gorgeous winter landscape.
Day 4: Banff/Lake Louise
Depart Banff in the morning and drive to Sunshine Village, a ski resort located on the Continental Divide of the Canadian Rockies within Banff National Park in Alberta and Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park in British Columbia. Here, you will meet your local guide and ride the gondola up to Sunshine Meadows for a half-day snowshoe trip through the pristine winter wonderland environment. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you go. Return to the base of the resort for lunch on your own and then drive to Lake Louise. Enjoy a guided walk with your CEO on the Fairview Lookout Trail and then have time for a self-guided walk around Lake Louise. Take advantage of free time to check out the ice castle or try ice skating on the lake. If you’re feeling really festive head out on a sleigh ride. Your overnight stay will be in Lake Louise Village.
Day 5: Lake Louise/Jasper
Get ready for a winter exploration of the famous Icefield Parkway today. Leave Lake Louise in the morning and stop along the way at Peyto Lake to stretch your legs on a walk. This stunning glacial lake is a serene winter wonderland between December and March, plus it’s often less crowded which offers a quieter excursion through nature’s vast beauty. Depending on conditions the group may be able to walk on Abraham lake to observe the stunning visual display of the bubbles in the ice. Sit down for an included lunch amid the pristine wilderness surrounding Abraham Lake and enjoy a delicious local culinary experience. Then, hit the Icefield Parkway with stops to Athabasca Glacier, Tangle Falls, and Sunwapta Falls. Arrive in Jasper by early evening and have dinner on your own in town.
Day 6: Jasper
After breakfast on your own in town the group will explore the Jasper area via hiking or snowshoeing with your CEO. Then, drive along Maligne Valley up to the lake to walk the 3km Mary Schaeffer loop offering unparalleled winter views. You’ll be back in Jasper in time for lunch on your own and a free afternoon for optional activities like an introduction to ice climbing, skiing at Marmot Basin, or a canyon icewalk. In the evening, if you have a clear sky, take a walk to try and see the northern lights accompanied by your CEO.
Day 7: Jasper to Smoky Lake via Edmonton
After having breakfast on your own in Jasper the group will drive to Edmonton for some free time in town before continuing onwards to Smoky Lake. Enjoy a stay at a beautiful lodge overlooking the majestic North Saskatchewan River and become inspired, educated, and familiar with the vibrant spirit of Métis culture. The lodge operated by this local Indigenous nation offers a place to share warmth and space within their rich culture located directly adjacent to their Cultural Gathering Centre. Before an included dinner featuring a 3-course meal of sustainably sourced local ingredients, there will be an immersive introduction to Métis Crossing led by knowledgeable Métis interpreters, taking travellers on a journey through the history, traditions, and river-lot life of the Métis people.
Day 8: Smoky Lake
Connect with nature this morning at the Métis Crossing Wildlife Park. Your interpreter will accompany the group on a SUV tour of the paddocks where you can become immersed with the natural beauty of the Métis heritage species, including the rare white bison and elk. Gain a deeper understanding of the interconnected relationships between nature, communities, and natural systems on the Métis land. Head back to the lodge for lunch and downtime before choosing to explore the nearby trails. Strap on snowshoes or skis and set out to explore. This evening hear why the skies were so important to the ancestors of the Métis and observe stars and constellations above. Listen to legends and folklore from this Indigenous community and enjoy a tea ceremony under the dark sky. If conditions allow, you may be able to witness the beautiful Northern Lights.
Day 9: Smoky Lake/Edmonton
After breakfast at the lodge the group will transfer to the Edmonton Airport where the tour ends upon arrival. Please do not book onward travel prior to 2pm.
Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Moderate facilities have modest enhancements to amenities and décor. These hotels or resorts are dependable, comfortable and some may offer standard features, such as select business services, Continental breakfast or coffee service and may have a swimming pool or small fitness center on-site. Guestrooms are comfortable, moderately spacious, in-room telephones, televisions and limited amenities. Moderate establishments provide suitable accommodations and service for budget-minded travelers.
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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Connect Concepts Travel
1205 Aqua Vista St.
Studio City, CA 91602
USA
(917) 992-8757