Tour Packages - Sample Itinerary

General Information

Everyone likes to travel their own way, we recognize this. With 15 years experience running tours in the Rockies, we at SunDog strive to provide you with that unique vacation experience that will last a lifetime. Below are some ideas to get you started on your dream vacation in the Rockies.

Day 1

WELCOME TO THE WEST. (for those arriving at Edmonton International)

Begin your Western Canadian getaway in historical Edmonton, the Capital City of Alberta. Arrive in Edmonton at whatever time works for you and be met for your private transfer to the Fantasyland Hotel in the World Famous West Edmonton Mall.

1 night stay in Edmonton Hotel

Day 2

GATEWAY

Today, before you begin your trek to the mountains, you will have the day to explore the West Edmonton Mall, one of the largest shopping and entertainment complexes on the face of Planet Earth. With our Shoppers Pass full of savings and specials in hand, the many attractions of this world class facility will be at your disposal. After a day in the mall, you will be met once again to begin your journey to the mountains. Sit in unhurried comfort and watch out the window as the forests of the prairies give way to the rolling terrain of the foothills and finally, the Majestic Canadian Rockies. Welcome to Jasper National Park.

*(Bag storage with Fantasyland Hotel's Bell Desk complimentary)

Bus departs for Jasper from the Fantasyland Hotel at 4:15pm, arriving at your hotel by 8:15pm. The evening is at your leisure.

2 nights Jasper Hotel

Day 3

JASPER, A SENSE OF ADVENTURE

Today belongs to you. And like the men of the trade who first forged their way into these mountains, you'll want to bring your sense of adventure. On this day, if you wish, choose 2 activities at no additional cost that best fit into your getaway.

Perhaps you'd like to start your day with a trip up the Maligne Valley, (there is an additional cost option to cruise to Spirit Island but it comes highly recommended) considered by many to be the Crown Jewel of Jasper National Park, after which you can see the landscape through the eyes of the Fur Traders themselves by taking a historical ride down the Athabasca, Alberta's longest river and one of the most important of the fur trade highways.

Or perhaps you'd like a birds eye view of all that surrounds you. With a flight on the Jasper Tramway high up into the alpine zone of the Trident Range, you will experience a view that is generally reserved for the heartiest of individuals and the eagles themselves.

Or you could finish your days adventure with and evening Wildlife Safari. The opportunity to see some of Mother Nature's most incredible creatures is the opportunity to get in touch with a part of us most have long since forgotten, an opportunity to recconnect with Nature herself.

In the evening take a stroll through this quaint mountain town and experience Jasper's hospitality at your own leisure.

2nd of 2 nights in Jasper Hotel

Day 4

PIONEERING PATHWAYS

From Jasper you will adventure a full day south to Banff along the Icefields Parkway, long considered one of the planets greatest drives. Our small personalized tour will ensure that the trip to Canada's 1st National Park will leave you feeling like you are one of the first to ever have this experience.

The mountain corridors that this road winds along will bring you closer to Nature's awe inspiring power than most could ever dream of. From roaring waterfalls an arms length away to stepping foot on ancient ice of the the Athabasca Glacier, this day is filled with sights and experiences that could fill the memories of many a lifetime. Coming off the south end of the Icefields Parkway you'll be greeted by the vision that is Lake Louise, one of Canada's most well known images. The view of the Victoria Glacier reflecting in Louise's lake has been beheld by Kings, Queens, Hollywood Starlets and today, more importantly, you.

From Louise it is a short distance further until you arrive in the town of Banff, your home for the next two incredible nights. This evening, relax in your hotel or enjoy the town of Banff at your leisure.

2 nights Banff Hotel

*(Columbia Icefield Snowcoach additional cost option trips available by request. Also highly recommended.)

Day 5

BANFF... NOT BAD FOR A RAILWAY SIDING

What was originally a railway siding became Canada's 1st National Park and now Banff is one of the World's most famous destinations. This day, like your free day in Jasper, is yours to do with what you wish. Whether you'd simply like to wander the little Metropolis in the wilderness or get out and into the Park proper is up to you.

Here again you'll have the option to choose 2 activities at no extra cost all designed to fulfill your sense of adventure. Our 3 hour Discover Banff Tour will give you a wonderful overview of this incredible World Heritage Site whilst a one hour Horseback ride will give you a heritage experience that harkens back to the days of pioneering guides like Tom Wilson, Jimmy Simpson and Wild Bill Peyto. If you'd prefer two wheels to four legs, a three hour bike rental can give you a lot of Banff at the speed of your choice. Maybe you'd like to get some of that elevation or water you might not have experienced in Jasper. A trip up Sulphur Mountain on the Gondola coupled with a Boat Cruise on Lake Minnewanka offer those very same opportunities here in Banff National Park.

As evening approaches you'll want to start thinking about dinner and a drink. If you have any gas left in the tank, a wander about the town will provide many options for an evenings entertainment.

2 of 2 nights Banff

Day 6

ANOTHER TRIP BEGINS

As another day dawns so does another adventure. It can start with a transfer to the Banff Train Station for your two day passage to Vancouver on board Rocky Mountaineer's "First passage to the West" or transfer to Calgary International for a flight to Vancouver where you will be met and taken to your hotel.

Enjoy an evening to yourself in Vancouver, long considered one of the best cities on Earth!

If you have to head home, to you we say so long and know that when the time comes, SunDogwill be here and the Rockies will be waiting for your return.

2 nights Vancouver Hotel

(For those arriving from Calgary or by train heading north, your itinerary with SunDog begins here and works its way from day 6 to Day 1)

Day 7

CITY BY THE SEA

Waking up on Canada's West Coast after coming in from the East leaves you feeling like you've finally made it! You have followed the Sun all the way to the Sea! It's a pioneering feeling.

To get yourself acquainted with Vancouver we'll send you out on a morning city tour and then we suggest you use the afternoon and evening to enjoy this beautiful seaside city and all of it's delights.

At the end of a day well spent in Vancouver, it isn't hard to grasp why it's constantly referred to as one of the planets most liveable cities.

2 of 2 nights Vancouver Hotel.

Day 8

HOMEWARD BOUND?

If the time has come to head home, let us start by thanking you for visiting Western Canada and wishing you a speedy and safe return as we transfer you to the Vancouver International Airport.

Other options here can include extended West Coast Tours such as an Alaskan Cruise. Please contact the Travel Experts at SunDog Tours for more information and rates.

Thanks once again for taking a trip along the SunDog Trail!