Experience four of Canada’s most spectacular parks on this 9-day small-group journey through the Rockies, travelling from the rolling foothills near Calgary to the deep-blue lakes of Waterton, the iconic peaks of Banff, and the glacier-carved valleys of Jasper. This itinerary blends scenic viewpoints, gentle walks, wildlife viewing, and unforgettable moments – from sunrise at Moraine Lake to drifting down the Athabasca River beneath towering peaks. With thoughtfully paced days and time for personal exploration, you can enjoy the region’s most breathtaking landscapes without feeling rushed.
Along the way, you’ll share experiences with a small group of like-minded travellers, creating a sense of connection that grows with each viewpoint, trail, and shared meal. From quiet lakeside mornings to lively mountain towns and world-class scenic drives, this trip captures the very best of Canada’s Rocky Mountain national parks – a journey defined by big scenery, relaxed adventure, and memorable company.
Duration: 9 days | 8 nights
Tour Starts & Ends: Calgary to Banff, Canada
Accommodation Style: Hand-picked 3 or 4 star hotels. Single rooms available for a supplement
Activity Level: Easy – Ideal for most travellers who love adventure with a high level of comfort
Availability: Limited departures in June through October for optimal conditions
Trip Type: Premium, Small Group (max 12 travellers)
Age Requirement: 14+ (all travellers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult)
Welcome to Alberta, the gateway to the Canadian Rockies. Meet your guide and fellow travellers, settle into your hotel, and kick off your adventure through four spectacular parks. This evening is all about getting acquainted and easing into the rhythm of the trip.
Meals: Dinner
Overnight: Calgary
Sample Hotel: Hotel Arts or similar
This morning showcases Waterton’s essentials: the sweeping viewpoint near the Prince of Wales Hotel, wildlife corridors where bighorn sheep and black bears often roam, and peaceful lakeside paths framed by rugged peaks.
After a morning of sightseeing, the afternoon is yours. Choose a short hike, rent a bike, join a boat tour on the lake, browse the village, or simply enjoy the natural quiet that Waterton is known for.
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch
Overnight: Waterton
Sample Hotel: Waterton Lakes Lodge or similar
We travel north along the eastern slopes of the Rockies into the quieter valleys of Kananaskis Country, a local favourite known for reflective lakes, big mountain walls, and far fewer crowds. We make time for scenic stops and gentle walks to soak in this peaceful section of the range.
In the afternoon, we are back on the road to Banff, our home for the next two nights. Enjoy a relaxed evening strolling the lively town centre or settling into the mountain atmosphere with your group.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Banff
Sample Hotel: Moose Hotel or similar
We start the day with a guided exploration of Banff’s signature viewpoints and natural landmarks. Visit places like Vermilion Lakes, Bow Falls, and wildlife-rich valleys while learning how animals thrive in this mountain ecosystem.
The afternoon is open for your own adventure: wander Banff Avenue, ride the Banff Gondola, visit the hot springs, or take a short hike up Tunnel Mountain.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Banff
Sample Hotel: Moose Hotel or similar
Choose to stay longer at Lake Louise for Tea at the Fairmont, a moderate hike around the area, or return to Banff for free time to relax, shop, or explore at your own pace.
During our stop at the Athabasca Glacier, we have a chance to walk on the Skywalk for expansive views of the glacier and surrounding peaks.
We arrive in Jasper in the late afternoon and settle into our cozy lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch
Overnight: Jasper
Sample Hotel: Tonquin Lodge or similar
In the afternoon, we take a gentle, scenic float down the Athabasca River – a peaceful highlight where the mountains feel close and conversation comes easily. Tonight, we gather for a final dinner to celebrate the friendships and memories built over the last eight days.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Jasper
Sample Hotel: Tonquin Lodge or similar
This morning we return to Banff and our National Park Odyssey comes to a close. Stay longer to explore more of Banff and its surrounding parks like Yoho or Kootenay, or return to Calgary to begin your onward travels. Your guide is always happy to help with recommendations.
Meals: Breakfast
The deposit for this tour is $500 CAD (or equivalent) per person. Your deposit is refundable for 24 hours after booking. After that, there is a $100 per person transfer fee that applies to changes you want to make to your tour (ie. to change the tour date or to choose a different tour). Transfers are possible until the final payment deadline, unless otherwise specified. Of course, if Radventures cannot confirm your tour by the final payment deadline, your deposit can be refunded or transferred to another tour free of charge.
Yes! We would definitely recommend an “All Inclusive” policy that covers you for both medical expenses as well as any trip cancellation or interruptions. You can purchase this from our booking platform, “WeTravel”, or contact us for more information.
At Radventures we pride ourselves on our flexibility. If you wan’t to enjoy more of this beautiful country before and after your time with us, we’d be more than happy to make any arrangements for you. As for being partly involved in a tour, whilst we can’t make any guarantees about whats possible or not, it’s best that you get in touch with us when you’re considering booking a tour or trip with us and let us know how you want things to work so we can see if we can make it work.
This is a tricky one. We don’t know when other people will book, so it’s hard to know if and when the tour will fill up. Our advice is to book as soon as you’ve made the decision to travel, that way you won’t be disappointed. Most of our service providers have a cutoff date of 2-3 months before departure that we need to advise them to release any excess space, and while we may be able to get these services back after the cutoff date it’s definitely safer to book early while we can still guarantee enough space for you.
You’re in great company! We have two options for solo travellers on our tours – you can join our share program to be matched with another rad solo traveller (of the same sex), or you can purchase the single supplement to have your own private room.
