Day 1 : Edmonton
Touch down in Alberta's capital, where the vast prairie sky meets an urban heartbeat. After settling into your hotel, meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and Expedition Expert for a warm welcome reception — an introduction to the wonders that await in the days ahead. As the sun sets over the plains, enjoy a welcome dinner celebrating the start of an immersive exploration into the history, geology, and vibrant cultures of the Canadian West.
Arrival Transfer
Edmonton International Airport - Edmonton 0h30m - 0h30m 35km
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group
Edmonton
Your opportunity to meet your Expedition Leader and fellow travelers, and learn more about your tour. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group. Enjoy a reception with wine, beer, and soft drinks, followed by an expert-led “Introduction to Canada” and a welcome dinner.
Day 2 : Edmonton to Métis Crossing
The morning begins with the echoes of the past at Fort Edmonton Park, where the stories of First Nations ancestors come alive through vivid storytelling. After a quiet lunch, head toward Elk Island National Park to join a naturalist for a driving tour through the brush — scanning for the shadowy movement of bison, saved from the brink of extinction through decades of careful conservation. Go behind the scenes at a handling facility to understand how that remarkable recovery was achieved. As dusk falls, the air fills with fiddles and laughter at a traditional Métis kitchen party — a hearty, communal meal that bridges generations and captures the deep spirit of community at the heart of Métis culture.
Private Vehicle
Edmonton - Fort Edmonton Historical Park 20h 10km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Fort Edmonton Historical Park Tour
Fort Edmonton Historical Park 1h30m - 2h 09:30 11:00
The Indigenous Peoples Experience at Fort Edmonton Park is an immersive multimedia tour highlighting First Nations and Métis histories. Guided by Indigenous interpreters, you’ll explore Treaty 6 cultures through music, artwork, and oral stories. The journey follows the North Saskatchewan River from pre-contact history to the arrival of Europeans.
Private Vehicle
Fort Edmonton Historical Park - Elk Island 1h 65km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Bison Backstage Tour
Elk Island 1h - 1h Afternoon 1km 3:00 4:00
The Bison Backstage Tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at Elk Island’s conservation efforts. You'll walk through the Plains Bison Handling Facility to learn about bison history, their impact on the prairie, and how staff manage the herd. It’s an educational glimpse into Parks Canada’s role in protecting these wild animals.
Private Vehicle
Elk Island - Smoky Lake 1h 75km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Introduction to Métis Crossing
Smoky Lake 3h - 5h Evening 5:00 9:00
Upon arrival the group will enjoy the signature introduction to the vibrant spirit of Métis culture. Become inspired, educated, and forge deeper connections led by a knowledgeable Métis interpreter. Be taken on a journey through their history and traditions as you witness an immersive explanation of the Indigenous Métis people. Afterwards, the group will gather together for a sustainably sourced meal. The perfect blend of community and education.
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 3 : Métis Crossing
Wake to the rustle of the prairie grasses and search for rare white bison grazing on rehabilitated land — a living symbol of what careful stewardship can achieve. The morning rotates between the wildlife park and an immersive dive into regional history, with the local Métis sharing the layered story of a culture born from the meeting of First Nations and European worlds. In the late afternoon, enjoy free time to choose from several optional activities at the lodge or simply relax while looking across the prairies where the stories of the past come to life. The day concludes around the amber glow of a campfire, as an Elder shares oral histories that have shaped this land for generations.
Bison Wisdom Park Tour and Meet the Métis
Smoky Lake 2h30m - 3h 9:00 12:00
Experience the Bison Wisdom on the Land signature tour, a rare opportunity to witness the majesty of les bufloo as they restore the northern prairie grasslands. Traveling alongside bison caretakers, you will meet the Métis people and hear firsthand how this keystone species shaped their governance and spirituality. This intimate journey through the 1,100-acre sanctuary offers a vibrant lens into Métis identity, connecting the resilience of the buffalo to the ingenuity of a community deeply rooted in the land. To ensure a more intimate and personalized experience, the group will be split into two separate groups for our stay and scheduled activities. This arrangement allows for easier movement throughout the lodge and more meaningful interactions during our guided sessions.
Bison Stew Lunch & Buffalo Talk
Smoky Lake 1h - 1h30m 12:00 01:30
Enjoy a traditional bison stew lunch at the Cultural Centre while attending an engaging "Buffalo Talk." You’ll learn how Métis families utilized every part of the animal for survival and ceremony, and discover how the bison’s return is regenerating the local grasslands. It is a sensory experience connecting history, conservation, and traditional flavors.
Embrace the stillness of Métis Crossing with time to explore the grounds at your own pace. Whether you’re wandering the riverbank trails, spotting wildlife, or reflecting over a warm drink, the land invites you to linger and listen to the stories it holds.
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 4 : Métis Crossing to Jasper
Leave the wide-open prairies behind as the horizon begins to ripple with the jagged silhouettes of the Rocky Mountains — a transition that feels almost cinematic, the landscape shifting mile by mile from golden grassland to alpine wilderness. Follow the winding paths of fur traders past, pausing for lunch as the air grows cooler and the trees taller. Visit Jasper House, a National Historic Site that once served as the beating centre of mountain trade. After settling into your lodge, join your Expedition Leader for a gentle stroll around the turquoise waters of Beauvert Lake, the reflection of the peaks on the glass-like surface providing a quietly perfect introduction to Jasper National Park.
Private Vehicle
Smoky Lake - Jasper 6h - 6h Morning 470km 8:00 2:00
Drive from prairie farmland to rugged peaks as you head west. The flat forest landscape eventually gives way to the massive Rocky Mountain range rising near the park gates. The final stretch follows the Athabasca River into Jasper, where the scenery transforms into a dramatic wilderness of steep summits and frequent wildlife.
Jasper House Viewpoint
Jasper 0h30m - 0h30m Afternoon 1km 2:00 2:30
Enjoy an effortless 700m stroll to the Jasper House Viewpoint. This easy walk offers a stunning panoramic look across the Athabasca River, providing a perfect vantage point to see the Jasper House National Historic Site and soak in the area's rich heritage.
Walk around Beauvert Lake
Jasper 1h - 1h Afternoon 3km 3:30 4:30
After settling into your lodge, join your Expedition Leader for a gentle stroll around the turquoise waters of Beauvert Lake. The glass-like surface perfectly reflects the surrounding mountain peaks, offering a serene and picturesque introduction to the natural beauty of Jasper National Park.
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 5 : Jasper
Morning light reveals the staggering scale of the mountains as you head toward the deep blue expanse of Maligne Lake. Board a boat to skim across the water, the surrounding peaks reflected in perfect stillness below. After the cruise, find your own rhythm — explore the charming village of Jasper, or join the Expedition Leader along the Mary Schaffer Loop trail, where the views reward you without effort. The afternoon and evening are at your leisure to soak in the mountain atmosphere and enjoy the stillness of the Rockies. Days like this are where the real transformation of travel quietly happens.
Maligne Valley Tour
Jasper 1h - 1h Morning 47km 8:30 9:30
Explore Jasper’s glacier-sculpted landscapes on a guided minicoach tour through the Maligne Valley. As you travel toward Maligne Lake, keep a lookout for native wildlife, including moose, elk, and caribou, in their natural habitat.
Maligne Lake Cruise
Jasper National Park 1h - 1h30m Morning 10:00 11:30
The Maligne Lake Cruise takes you through the heart of Jasper National Park. You’ll navigate turquoise, glacier-fed waters toward the iconic Spirit Island, surrounded by the towering "Hall of the Gods" peaks. It is the only way to reach this world-famous viewpoint and experience the lake's most dramatic mountain scenery.
Enjoy your free time at the lodge by exploring its sprawling 700-acre grounds. Whether you’re paddling on Beauvert Lake, lounging by the heated pool, or relaxing in an Adirondack chair, the resort offers the perfect mix of luxury and mountain serenity to recharge at your own pace.
Walk around Mary Schäffer Loop Trail
Jasper 1h - 2h Afternoon 3km 1:30 3:00
The Mary Schäffer Loop is a gentle stroll through fragrant pine and subalpine fir forests. With no elevation gain, this easy trail leads to a scenic shoreline viewpoint before looping back, offering a tranquil hour or two in nature.
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 6 : Lake Louise
Prepare for one of the most scenic drives on Earth along the Icefield Parkway, a corridor of hanging glaciers and limestone towers. Feel the mist on your face at Athabasca Falls, where the river thunders into a narrow canyon with raw power. The day’s highlight is a private walk onto the Athabasca Glacier. Step onto the ancient glacier ice, hearing it crunch beneath your feet as you learn about its slow, majestic movement. After lunch, continue past the brilliant hues of Peyto and Bow Lakes. Arrive at the iconic shores of Lake Louise, where you can walk the shoreline trail as the peaks turn gold in the fading light.
Private Vehicle
Jasper - Lake Louise 4h - 4h30m Afternoon 125km 12:00 05:00
Continue your Icefield Parkway exploration by minicoach, featuring a lunch stop and guided walks at iconic landmarks. You’ll visit the vibrant turquoise waters of Peyto Lake, the towering Bow Glacier, and the serene reflections of Herbert Lake, enjoying a blend of scenic vistas and mountain education throughout the journey.
Columbia Icefield Exploration and Athabasca Glacier Ice Walk
Jasper - Lake Louise 3h - 3h Morning 8:30 11:30
Embark on an unforgettable journey along the Icefields Parkway, beginning with the thunderous power of Athabasca Falls. From there, join a Glacier Experience for a sustainable and intimate look at the Columbia Icefield. After a scenic guided approach and a boat ride across the Sunwapta River, you’ll step onto the ancient ice for a guided walk, gaining expert insights into glaciology and the majestic alpine environment.
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 7 : Lake Louise/Banff
Enjoy a gentle morning walk along the Fairview Lookout Trail before the road leads south to the village of Field. Here, you have a private presentation from the Burgess Shale Geoscience Foundation, on the bizarre creatures frozen in time within these UNESCO-protected fossil beds — a window into an ocean that existed half a billion years ago. After a lakeside lunch at Emerald Lake, a trail walk around the shoreline provides one of the Rockies' most beautiful afternoons before continuing to the vibrant town of Banff, where the towering presence of Mount Rundle makes its first impression.
Fairview Lookout trail Walking Tour
Lake Louise 1h - 1h Morning 3km 8:00 9:00
Enjoy a guided morning walk on the Fairview Lookout trail, a 2.4 km roundtrip hike featuring a 100m elevation gain and stunning views. Alternatively, take the time to relax and enjoy Lake Louise.
Burgess Shale Geoscience Foundation Presentation
Lake Louise 2h - 2h Afternoon 27km 10:30 12:30
Enjoy a presentation by the Burgess Shale Geoscience Foundation while on the way to Banff. As a cornerstone of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Burgess Shale is globally renowned for its exquisitely preserved fossils that capture a pivotal moment in evolutionary history. This session explores how these ancient finds transformed our understanding of life's development, highlighting why this area remains one of the most significant fossil sites in the world.
Private Vehicle
Lake Louise - Emerald Lake Lodge 0h45m - 1h 40km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Emerald Lake Hike
Emerald Lake Lodge 1h30m - 2h Afternoon 5km 2:30 4:00
Following lunch, enjoy a guided walk along the Emerald Lake shoreline trail. This gentle, scenic path circles the lake's vibrant turquoise waters, offering a peaceful way to immerse yourself in the surrounding subalpine forest and towering peaks of Yoho National Park. Your guide will share insights into the local ecology and the unique geological forces that created this iconic mountain landscape.
Private Vehicle
Emerald Lake Lodge - Banff Evening 4:00 5:15
This 90-minute transfer takes you from the quiet wilderness of Emerald Lake back into the heart of the Rockies. As you travel east, the drive offers expansive views of the mountain ranges and forested valleys, providing a relaxing and scenic conclusion to your time in the high alpine as you approach Banff.
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Lunch
Day 8 : Banff
Connect with the spirit of the park through the eyes of an Indigenous guide during a storytelling walk at Cascade Pond — the mountains, water, and sky woven into the fabric of First Nations culture in ways that reframe everything you've seen on the journey so far. After free time in town, an award-winning wildlife photographer reveals the patience and passion required to capture the Rockies' most elusive residents. Follow her to secret spots within the National Park, honing your own eye for the raw beauty of the landscape. The expedition concludes with a farewell dinner, sharing memories that stretch from ancient prairie to living glacier.
Medicine Walk & Cascade Pond Tour with Indigenous guide
Banff 2h - 2h 10:00 12:00
Transfer to Cascade Pond for a private, Indigenous-led Medicine Walk. A knowledgeable guide will share the area's rich history and cultural significance within Banff National Park, offering a unique perspective on the local landscape and its traditional uses.
Meet Jo-Anne Oucharek & Banff Wildlife Tour
Banff 2h - 2h Afternoon 3:00 5:00
Join award-winning photographer Jo-Anne Oucharek for an intimate look at the Rockies through her lens. After an inspiring presentation on her conservation work and artistic journey, you'll head into the field for a one-hour wildlife viewing tour. Visiting her favorite local spots, you'll learn professional techniques for spotting and capturing animals in their natural habitat, offering a rare, expert perspective on Banff’s stunning wilderness.
Optional Activities - Day 8
The Banff Gondola offers a breathtaking ascent to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, providing 360-degree views of the Bow Valley and the town of Banff. Once at the top, you can explore the multi-level discovery center or walk the scenic Banff Skywalk, a wooden boardwalk leading to the historic Cosmic Ray Station. It is a premier way to experience the scale of the Rockies, with mountain peaks stretching toward the horizon in every direction.
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Dinner
Day 9 : Banff/Calgary
Enjoy one last mountain breakfast as the morning light hits the peaks. As you depart the Rockies and head to the Calgary airport, the jagged horizon softens. Take with you the echoes of Elder stories, the crisp memory of glacial air, and a new perspective on the enduring bond between the land and those who call it home.
Private Vehicle
Banff - Calgary 1h30m - 2h 130km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals Included:
Breakfast
