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National Parks: Canadian Rockies, Glacier & Yellowstone

Duration: 11 days
Group size: 15-35
Reviews: 33

Uncover the beauty and variety of North America’s national parks.

Take in the highlights of some of North America’s most alluring national parks on this immersive, multi-country journey. Discover breathtaking wildlife and geographic diversity as you make your way from the Canadian Rockies to the Grand Tetons. Scenic drives, jewel-colored lakes, geothermal marvels, snowy summits—this tour’s extraordinary landscapes and natural wonders are sure to leave you in awe.

Your tour package includes

10 nights in handpicked hotels
10 breakfasts
5 dinners with beer or wine
6 guided sightseeing tours
Expert Tour Director & local guides

Included highlights

Calgary Tower
Banff National Park
Lake Louise
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
Glacier National Park

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Day-by-day itinerary

Calgary, Alberta1 night

Day 1: Arrival in Calgary

Included meal: Dinner

Welcome to Canada! Arrive at your hotel in Calgary and settle in before getting to know your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Banff, Alberta3 nights

Day 2: Sightseeing tour of Calgary

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Head out on a sightseeing coach tour of Calgary, a lively city that served as the site of the 1988 Winter Olympic Games.

• Enjoy panoramic city views from the observation deck at the top of Calgary Tower

• Drive by City Hall, Canada Olympic Park, and the winding Bow River

• Make a photo stop at the vast Calgary Stampede grounds, where an annual festival and tournament-style rodeo are hosted

Later, drive into the mountains to get to know Banff’s dramatic landscapes. Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Lake Louise

Included meal: Breakfast

Journey into Banff National Park to Lake Louise, a mirror-like glacial lake known as Canada’s “diamond in the wilderness.”

• Discover a landscape rich in wildlife and history• Stroll along the glittering shores of Lake Louise and take in staggering vistas of the towering Victoria Glacier

• Visit the grand Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, an iconic hotel located on the lake’s eastern shore

Later this afternoon, explore on your own or add an excursion.

Sulphur Mountain Gondola Ride

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 4: Free day in Banff

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in Banff to explore at your leisure or add an excursion.

Icefields Parkway & Glacier Experience

Excursion (additional cost)

Glacier County, Montana1 night

Day 5: Glacier County via Waterton Lakes National Park

Included meal: Breakfast

Transfer into the United States to Montana today. Before crossing the border, stop to admire some of Alberta’s scenic gems.

• Drive south to Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, a UNESCO-listed site that serves as a telling remnant from the time of the First Nations people

• Continue on to Waterton Lakes National Park, a picturesque area dotted with rugged mountains and dense wilderness

• Enjoy afternoon tea at the charming Prince of Wales Hotel, which is perched on a bluff and flanked by a curtain of mountains

Missoula, Montana1 night

Day 6: Missoula via Glacier National Park

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Hop in a Red Jammer car and make your way along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, a national landmark considered to be one of the world’s most scenic drives. (Please note: Activities in Glacier National Park may vary depending on the season and weather conditions.)

• Marvel at cedar forests, rocky cliffs, and glacial lakes as you wind your way through Glacier National Park, which makes up a portion of the UNESCO-listed International Peace Park

• Appreciate the wilderness of the park and take in the sight of melting glaciers that experts estimate will be gone within the coming decades

Then, take in views of the changing landscape as you continue on to Missoula for dinner.

(Please note: Early June and September departures may overnight in Kalispell instead of Missoula.)

Yellowstone Region, Montana2 nights

Day 7: Yellowstone Region via Smokejumper Visitor Center

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Learn about the area's culture as you make your way to the Yellowstone region today.

• Stop at the Smokejumper Visitor Center, the largest smokejumper base in the U.S.

• Join a smokejumper for a tour of the headquarters to see the equipment used to fight fires

Continue on to the Yellowstone region and sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Day 8: Sightseeing tour of Yellowstone National Park

Included meal: Breakfast

Drive into Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, designated the world’s first national park in 1872, to discover its unique landscape and vast array of animal life with your Tour Director leading the way.

• Make a photo stop at the Fountain Paint Pot, a colorful, geothermal mudpot located in the Lower Geyser Basin

• Stroll along the boardwalks around Old Faithful, a famous, frequently erupting cone-type geyser that reaches between 100 and 200 feet high

• Head to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, which was created by the erosive forces of water thousands of years ago

• Stop at the canyon’s Upper and Lower Falls for sweeping perspectives of the area at Inspiration Point and Artist Point

• Drive further north to spend free time at the ethereal, terraced Mammoth Hot Springs before making your way back to West Yellowstone

Jackson, Wyoming2 nights

Day 9: Jackson via Grand Teton National Park

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a scenic drive to Jackson, one of the West’s premier arts communities. Stop along the way for photo ops in Grand Teton National Park, an area that has a human history dating back over 10,000 years.

• Explore the Grand Tetons, the youngest mountain range in the Rockies

• Try to spot elk, coyotes, black bears, wolves, bison and the elusive mountain lion

Upon arrival in Jackson, take a free afternoon to explore on your own.

Day 10: Free day in Jackson

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Spend a free day in Jackson or add an excursion.

Then, celebrate your trip with your group at a farewell dinner this evening.

Snake River Float

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 11: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.7 average

10/15/2018 by 2nd time traveler David W.

tour guide Patrick was just great

First North American Tour compared poorly with 9 in Europe and Africa

09/24/2018 by 11th time traveler Cathy S.

Overall this tour was lacking free time and had too much time on the bus. Everything else relates to those two issues. This was my 10th tour since 1996. All the others were in Europe, Africa and Australia/New Zealand. This colors my evaluation!!! The scenery and places were stunning. The education...

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Amazing Scenery &history

09/20/2018 by 25th time traveler Gay G.

This tour met my expectations in every way. Despite rerouting due to fires &smoke we covered tons of highlights. We did not need to take any excursions as they were covered in previous tours. Tour guide was one of the most knowedgable ones I have had in my list with Go Ahead. I recommend this t...

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National Parks Tour

09/17/2018 by 2nd time traveler Anonymous

This tour allowed us to see numerous parks in a short time. The design of the tour was excellent. The special bus we had for 34 people was outstanding. Seats were removed to allow more leg room for everyone. We are very excited about the many sights we saw on the tour. The other travelers in ou...

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National Parks

08/27/2018 by 2nd time traveler Rebecca N.

We had a fabulous time! Our bus driver, Andy & tour guide Patrick were excellent! Patrick always had a plan B which was very good. Especially since there were fires in California & British Columbia that waifed over to where we were & prevented us from going to an area. It really didn't matter becaus...

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Hotels, flights, & FAQ

Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

International Hotel Calgary

This sleek hotel is located downtown. Guests enjoy a fitness center, pool, and spa. Nearby, you’ll find Prince’s Island Park, Bow River, and shopping ...

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Irwin's Mountain Inn

An absolutely charming Banff hotel, The Irwin's Mountain Inn is an ideal choice for accommodation in the Canadian Rockies. A family owned and operated...

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Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare package and you'll get:

Round-trip flight for your tour
Airport transfers at your destination
A great price locked in today
24/7 support from our dedicated service team
Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

Find out more about flights

FAQ

Passport & visa requirements

U.S. and Canadian citizens need valid government-issued identification for air travel within their home country.
Canadian citizens entering the U.S. and U.S. citizens entering Canada need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Tour pace

You will walk for about 1 hour daily across moderately uneven terrain, including paved roads and ice, with some steep inclines. Some activities will take place at high altitudes.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times.
Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Transportation

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Calgary, Alberta and depart from Jackson, Wyoming. A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.

Clothing & packing tips

We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.

Health

There are no major health risks associated with traveling to this region.
Be sure to check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and personal travel requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
Please be aware that you will be traveling to altitudes as high as 6,000 feet above sea level. These high altitudes can sometimes cause breathing difficulties for travelers who have heart problems or respiratory ailments. If you suffer from any of these conditions, please speak to your doctor regarding any potential health risks.
If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
During the summer months, take proper care with sun exposure and heat.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to My Account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.

Cuisine

Canadian cuisine closely resembles British cuisine, with elements that will be very familiar to Americans as well. While in Canada, you may want to try local favorites like butter tarts, poutine, and anything with maple syrup.
The western region of the United States is known for barbecue, especially in the plains and mountain states of Wyoming and Colorado where the cowboy tradition lives on. Try a bison burger or a steak for a true local dining experience.

Electricity & air conditioning

All of North America operates on 110-120 volts and uses Type A or B plugs with two flat pins or two flat pins and one round pin, respectively.
The majority of the hotels on this tour will have air conditioning.
Some of the hotels on this tour will provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances, but these amenities cannot be guaranteed for hotels in more remote locations.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Time zones

Alberta, Montana, and Wyoming are on Mountain Time (MT), which is two hours behind Eastern Time (ET).
When it’s noon in New York City, it’s 10am on tour.

Currency

The Canadian dollar and the U.S. dollar are the currencies you will be using on this tour.
We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your purchases for fraudulent charges.
Many banks and businesses now primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
We recommend tipping the equivalent of $7USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
Tips can only be paid in cash.

Purchasing excursions on tour

Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on your tour.
Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for optional excursions.
Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information. International travel is, by its very nature, unpredictable. We must therefore reserve the right to change this itinerary, without advance notice, to meet with local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate your understanding. Please refer to our website for Terms & Conditions, dates, and prices.