Covering Banff, the Icefields Parkway, Jasper and Moraine Lake, this seven-day coach tour pairs iconic viewpoints with guided experiences like the Banff Gondola and Ice Explorer glacier ride. Ideal for travelers who want big-park highlights and included logistics across Alberta’s Rockies.
Covering Banff, the Icefields Parkway, Jasper and Moraine Lake, this seven-day coach tour pairs iconic viewpoints with guided experiences like the Banff Gondola and Ice Explorer glacier ride. Ideal for travelers who want big-park highlights and included logistics across Alberta’s Rockies.
A cold wind from the Columbia Icefield meets the coach as it turns onto the Icefields Parkway, the road slicing through serrated peaks and lakes that dare you to stop every few minutes. Over seven days travelers move from urban Calgary into the high-country: gondola rides above Banff, a hands-on ranch lunch in Kananaskis, climbing boardwalks beside Maligne Canyon, and the crunch of glacier ice under the Ice Explorer.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Discover Canada Tours · Calgary, Alberta
A cold wind from the Columbia Icefield meets the coach as it turns onto the Icefields Parkway, the road slicing through serrated peaks and lakes that dare you to stop every few minutes. Over seven days travelers move from urban Calgary into the high-country: gondola rides above Banff, a hands-on ranch lunch in Kananaskis, climbing boardwalks beside Maligne Canyon, and the crunch of glacier ice under the Ice Explorer.
This route follows a clear geological story — uplifted sedimentary strata carved by Pleistocene ice, leaving bowl-shaped valleys, hanging waterfalls and crystal-blue glacier-fed lakes like Peyto and Moraine. Culturally, the trip threads Indigenous histories and ranching heritage with modern mountain tourism; the Sam Centre and Boundary Ranch offer local context to the region's cowboy and conservation legacy.
Expect coach transfers between well-rated hotels, included breakfasts, guided stops at major viewpoints, the Banff Gondola, and an Ice Explorer ride on Athabasca Glacier. Days alternate between short walks (boardwalks, viewpoint hikes) and transit; optional activities such as canoeing or a Spirit Island cruise are available at additional cost.
Practical tips: book ground-floor rooms if mobility is a concern, carry layered rainproof clothing, and arrive in Calgary with a flexible itinerary buffer for weather-related adjustments. Hydration and sunscreen are essential at altitude; peak viewing is often early morning or late afternoon when light sharpens the lakes' turquoise tone. For photographers and hikers alike, this tour is an efficient, curated way to sample Alberta’s Rockies without backcountry logistics.
moderate.
7 days.
Suitable for travelers in general good health who can manage short walks (15–90 minutes) on uneven footing and climb stairs; minimal strenuous hiking required.
The tour is primarily coach-based with short guided walks and viewpoints; no technical hiking skills are required, though participants should be comfortable walking on uneven surfaces.
Park fees and specified experiences such as the Banff Gondola and Ice Explorer Glacier Tour are included; optional add-ons like Spirit Island boat cruises may cost extra.
Layered clothing, a waterproof shell, warm mid-layer, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended to handle sun, wind and brief showers.
Yes—many elements are family-friendly and accessible, but those with limited mobility should request accommodations and be aware some sites involve stairs or uneven boardwalks.
The route traces paths shaped by Indigenous peoples and later by ranchers and early park protection efforts; Banff National Park, created in 1885, is Canada’s first national park.
Parks Canada manages visitor access to protect fragile alpine ecosystems; stick to marked trails, avoid feeding wildlife and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Discover Canada Tours operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




A cold wind from the Columbia Icefield meets the coach as it turns onto the Icefields Parkway, the road slicing through serrated peaks and lakes that dare you to stop every few minutes. Over seven days travelers move from urban Calgary into the high-country: gondola rides above Banff, a hands-on ranch lunch in Kananaskis, climbing boardwalks beside Maligne Canyon, and the crunch of glacier ice under the Ice Explorer.
A cold wind from the Columbia Icefield meets the coach as it turns onto the Icefields Parkway, the road slicing through serrated peaks and lakes that dare you to stop every few minutes. Over seven days travelers move from urban Calgary into the high-country: gondola rides above Banff, a hands-on ranch lunch in Kananaskis, climbing boardwalks beside Maligne Canyon, and the crunch of glacier ice under the Ice Explorer.
This route follows a clear geological story — uplifted sedimentary strata carved by Pleistocene ice, leaving bowl-shaped valleys, hanging waterfalls and crystal-blue glacier-fed lakes like Peyto and Moraine. Culturally, the trip threads Indigenous histories and ranching heritage with modern mountain tourism; the Sam Centre and Boundary Ranch offer local context to the region's cowboy and conservation legacy.
Expect coach transfers between well-rated hotels, included breakfasts, guided stops at major viewpoints, the Banff Gondola, and an Ice Explorer ride on Athabasca Glacier. Days alternate between short walks (boardwalks, viewpoint hikes) and transit; optional activities such as canoeing or a Spirit Island cruise are available at additional cost.
Practical tips: book ground-floor rooms if mobility is a concern, carry layered rainproof clothing, and arrive in Calgary with a flexible itinerary buffer for weather-related adjustments. Hydration and sunscreen are essential at altitude; peak viewing is often early morning or late afternoon when light sharpens the lakes' turquoise tone. For photographers and hikers alike, this tour is an efficient, curated way to sample Alberta’s Rockies without backcountry logistics.