Compare Spectacular Rockies and Glaciers of Alberta Classic Group by Insight Vacations vs Yukon Adventure by Great Canadian Trails
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 4,401 | $ 2,383 |
| Price Per Day | $ 550 | $ 340 |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Premium |
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| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Airfare included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
1 Dinner |
| Description | Take a spectacular guided tour to the Rocky Mountains and witness Alberta’s breath-taking wilderness. Discover the natural wonders of Banff National Park, the grand Columbia Icefield as well as the Jasper National Park. Glorious views, beautiful scenery, warm hospitality, and outstanding activities ensure a sensational trip to one of the most beautiful corners of the world. |
Known as The Land of the Midnight Sun, Yukon Territory is also the land of Canada's highest mountain peaks, legendary northern parks, the world's largest non-polar ice fields, several Canadian Heritage Rivers, and healthy, abundant wildlife. Yukon's jaw-dropping natural features are what set this place apart, with at least twenty mountains in the southwest exceeding 4,000 metres, and a handful exceeding 5,000 metres. The territory is dotted with countless scenic lakes and over 70 canoeable wilderness rivers including the mighty Yukon River, the third longest river in North America. |
Day 1: Welcome to Banff
After your arrival at Calgary Airport, you are transferred to the Castle in the Rockies, your historic mountain resort in Banff. Built in the distinctive Canadian Château style, it is one of the earliest examples of the country’s grand railway hotels. Tonight, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner.
Day 2: Exploring Banff
Connect with nature as you join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with your First Nations Cree Iroquois Local Expert. Embark on a guided walk in the Boreal forest and discover the Indigenous world of plant medicines. Learn about the historical and modern day uses of plants and listen to fascinating stories about the First Nations culture.Explore Banff with a few fun optionals. Choose to play nine holes of golf. Alternatively, take the Banff gondola up Sulphur Mountain and go on a hike. Another option is to take a guided horseback ride.
Day 3: A Trip to Lake Louise Relaxed Start
Explore Lake Louise with Insight Choice. Choose a journey on the sightseeing gondola and look out for local wildlife as you enjoy a hike surrounded by panoramic views. Alternatively, join your Travel Director for a relaxed stroll along iconic Lake Louise and put paint to canvas to create your own masterpiece. Indulge in a delicious lunch before returning to Banff and enjoying the rest of your day at leisure.
Day 4: Lakes, Mountains and Glaciers Relaxed Start
Start your day with a visit to the glacier-fed Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Take a moment to absorb the view of the stunning turquoise lake hidden among steep mountains, waterfalls, and rock piles. Your journey continues on the Icefields Parkway, one of the most beautiful drives on the planet. Admire the dramatic scenery of the Rockies with plenty of photo opportunities. Later, a warm welcome greets you at the country’s first and only glacier-view resort where you will savour a Canadian inspired, locally sourced dinner. After your meal take advantage of the long daylight hours and set out for a private visit to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, a glass-floored walkway above the Sunwapta Valley. Once night falls, step out on your hotel’s viewing deck and take your chances at stargazing undisturbed by light pollution.
Day 5: Glacier Adventure
Before other travellers arrive, venture onto the Athabasca Glacier in a massive Ice Explorer for your special visit. Join your Local Expert and walk on the frozen flow of ice. Discover the beauty and immensity of the glacier as you learn about the history and geology of the region. Continue along the magnificent Icefields Parkway and arrive at Jasper National Park with its soothing mineral hot springs, colourful meadows and majestic mountains.
Day 6: Exploring Jasper
Join your Travel Director for an informative walk on the trails of Maligne Canyon, the deepest gorge in the Jasper National Park. Weather permitting, embark on a narrated cruise across the serene waters of Maligne Lake and stop at Spirit Island, one of the most photographed sites in the Canadian Rockies.
Day 7: Relaxing in Kananaskis Relaxed Start
Enjoy your scenic drive to Kananaskis and your upscale hotel nestled in the wilderness. Relax at the resort surrounded by mountainous beauty and modern comforts. Tonight, come together with your fellow travellers for a festive Celebration Dinner and toast to your wonderful trip in the Canadian Rockies.
Day 8: Farewell Canada
After breakfast, you are transferred to Calgary Airport where your journey comes to an end. Arrival time at airport is approximately 12:00.
Day 1: Whitehorse
Welcome to Whitehorse! Upon arrival, make your way to the downtown hotel using the hotel's complimentary shuttle. Named after the rapids on the Yukon River which resembled the flowing manes of charging white horses, the territory's capital was a First Nations’ campsite until the Gold Rush brought tens of thousands of gold-seekers on their way to the Klondike. This evening is free to explore the historic town and its quaint Main Street.
Day 2: Carcross Day Hike (4-5hrs, 9km)
Today we will hit the road and go south down the Klondike highway, to the First Nation community of Carcross, once known as 'Caribou Crossing'. In Carcross, we will climb the Sam McGee Trail, a historic and rewarding hike. The trail was originally made to service the tramway built in 1905 by Sam McGee for a silver mining operation and there remain many remnants of the tramway and mining artifacts along the trail. The hike has an elevation of 618m, is 9km long, and takes 4-5 hours. The mountain and lake views from the top are sure to amaze. We return to our hotel in Whitehorse for overnight.
Day 3: Visit and Hike in Kluane National Park (4hrs, 14km)
Today, you will have the opportunity to experience the beauty of Kluane National Park and Reserve. Truly a dream hiking destination, Kluane offers an alpine and subalpine landscape for hikers of all levels. At 22,000 square kilometres, the park is half the size of the Netherlands. It’s also home to Canada’s highest mountain, Mount Logan, and the largest non-polar icefields on Earth. Wildflowers bloom in abundance during summer, and in the fall, the aspen forests and alpine create an unforgettable display of colour. After a stop at the visitor's centre, we enjoy an easy afternoon hike on the Thunderegg Creek Trail; a good half-day hike that gives us a closer look at Kluane’s famous mountains, following along an old exploration road with open views of the Alsek Valley. The trail is 14km long with minimal elevation gain, and takes approximately 4 hours ending at the namesake sphere-shaped 'thunder egg' rocks. We spend the next 2 nights at a comfortable inn in the community of Haines Junction, conveniently located on the edge of the national park.
Day 4: Kluane National Park Full-Day Hike (6.5-8hrs, 15km)
We have a full day to truly experience majestic Kluane, as we are spoiled with trail options in this incredible park. Depending on local conditions and the group's interest/abilities, we may choose Sheep Creek trail which offers incredible mountain views and wildlife spotting opportunities. Sheep Creek is 15km long, has a 1100m elevation gain, and takes approximately 6.5 hours. Alternatively, we can consider the famous but difficult King’s Throne on Kathleen Lake, which has an elevation gain of 1250m, is 15km long, and takes approximately 8 hours. The views of the surrounding valleys and Kathleen Lake are absolutely breathtaking. This evening we return to Haines Junction for dinner (not included) and overnight.
Day 5: Half-Day Hike and Takhini Hot Springs
In the morning, we will have time for another short hike. We will decide on which one based on how we feel after the last two days. In the afternoon, we will return to Whitehorse and make our way to the Takhini Hot Pools to relax in the healing waters after hiking through Kluane. Rich in minerals, the natural hot springs have been in operation for over 100 years. This evening we have another opportunity to take time to explore Whitehorse and get to know the capital. Overnight downtown hotel.
Day 6: Paddling the Yukon River (5-7hrs)
It's time for a canoe trip down the Yukon River – this trip is one of the highlight experiences of the Yukon! The Yukon River presents excellent opportunities to spot unique wildlife and to see the Yukon from a different perspective. We paddle for about 5-7 hours down the historic river between its beginning near Marsh Lake, through Mile's Canyon, and to Schwatka Lake (2 people per canoe, no paddling experience required). From here, we return to Whitehorse for a celebratory farewell dinner and final night in the capital.
Day 7: Whitehorse
Today marks the end of our adventure. Take advantage of the hotel's free airport shuttle and have a safe onward journey!
