Free Calgary Airport Transfer | Family Trip | 3 Nights Accommodation in National Parks + Optional Dinosaur Museum Tickets | 7-Day Alberta Rocky Mountain Tour: Banff

Day 1: Place of Origin - Calgary

Calgary

# Airport Pick-up Arrangement

Airport pick-up service is included in the itinerary. Please provide your flight information at least 3 days in advance. If flight details are submitted less than 3 days before departure, complimentary airport pick-up will not be available.

## Complimentary Airport Pick-up Service

Each booking entitles you to one free airport pick-up at YYC Airport on the starting day of your itinerary. Paid pick-up service is available for multiple pick-up trips.

## Service Hours for Complimentary Airport Pick-up

6:30 – 22:30. Please note that the last shuttle with tour guides departs at 22:00, and the last hotel transfer bus leaves at 22:30. Guests who miss these departures shall make their own way to the hotel.

## Paid Private Car Pick-up

Private car pick-up can be booked for flights arriving between 7:00 and 23:00. Please contact customer service for pricing details, with a maximum capacity of 4 guests per booking.

## Pick-up Mode

We will flexibly arrange pick-up by West Star tour guides or hotel transfer buses based on your flight arrival time. Guests with similar arrival times will share the same transfer shuttle, which may result in a short waiting period at the airport. We appreciate your understanding.

## Pick-up Locations

1. Pick-up by West Star Tour Guides:

Available slots: 10:00 / 12:00 / 14:00 / 16:00 / 18:00 / 20:00 / 22:00 (Exact time subject to flight information)

Waiting Area inside Gate 11, Arrivals Level

2. Hotel Transfer Bus Pick-up:

6:30 – 22:30 (Exact time subject to flight information)

Parking Bay 16, outside Gate 4, Arrivals Hall, Calgary Airport

## Important Reminders

1. The exact pick-up time and location shall be subject to the SMS notification sent 3 days prior to tour departure. If you hold a mobile number starting with +86, you may leave your WeChat ID in the order remarks. Our team will reach you via WeChat with pick-up details in case the SMS fails to deliver.

2. If airport transfer service is included in your itinerary yet the original pick-up cannot be completed due to delayed or inaccurate flight information provided by guests, guests shall travel to the hotel independently. Should you require a rescheduled pick-up, the travel agency can arrange a paid private car service subject to actual conditions with separate charges applicable.

# Itinerary Overview

Welcome to Calgary! Here you will embark on a journey blessed by nature. Snow-capped peaks, lush alpine meadows, turquoise lakes, dense primeval forests and diverse wildlife will unfold before your eyes. Immerse yourself in nature, unwind your mind, savour delicious local cuisine, leisurely embrace the joy of blending with the wilderness and leave all worldly worries behind.

Guests arriving one day early or before 12:00 noon on the arrival day may pre-book the self-funded "Calgary City Fun" tours listed below:

1) 1-Day City Walk Tour (YYCCW):

[Time Travel at Folk Culture Village (admission ticket included) + Downtown Calgary CBD Stroll + Check-in at Popular Landmarks]

Departs at 9:00 AM, includes round-trip transfers and guided tour, approximately 8 hours. Minimum 4 guests required for group departure.

2) Half-Day City Fun Tour A (YYC-A):

[Downtown Calgary CBD Stroll + Check-in at Popular Landmarks + Shopping at The Core Mall]

For flights arriving before 12:00 noon; departs at 13:30 PM, total duration 5 hours. Minimum 4 guests required for group departure.

3) Half-Day City Fun Tour C (YYC-C):

[Value-for-Money Outlet Shopping]

For flights arriving before 12:00 noon; departs at 13:30 PM, total duration 5 hours. Minimum 4 guests required for group departure.

4) Half-Day City Fun Tour D (YYC-D):

[Fun Shopping at Chinook Centre]

For flights arriving before 12:00 noon; departs at 13:30 PM, total duration 5 hours. Minimum 4 guests required for group departure.

• Breakfast: On your own; Lunch: On your own; Dinner: On your own
• Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel in Calgary or similar
• Things to Know
  • The sequence of itineraries for this product will be rearranged based on tourists' group registration dates, local weather and other factors. The sightseeing contents remain unchanged. The itinerary order shown below is for reference only, subject to the final tour departure notice.

Day 2: Calgary - Banff Sightseeing Gondola - Bow Falls - Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - Johnston Canyon - Banff

Banff National Park

Banff Gondola

Sulphur Mountain

Bow Falls

The Fairmont Banff Springs

Johnston Canyon

Banff

# Itinerary:

Calgary – Banff Gondola (self-paid, 90 mins) – Hoodoos (15 mins) – Bow Falls (15 mins) – Surprise Corner (15 mins) – Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel & Lunch (self-paid, French bistro-style set meal available for additional order, 90 mins) – Johnston Canyon (60 mins) – Check in at hotel

In the morning, take a coach to Banff National Park and arrive at Sulphur Mountain to ride the Banff Gondola (self-paid). As the gondola ascends slowly, you can admire the snow-covered mountain landscape surrounded by rolling peaks. Afterwards, head to the Hoodoos towering above the Bow River bank, then watch the magnificent Bow Falls rushing down, where dark rock formations contrast beautifully with white surging water just like a great river flowing eastward. Next, proceed to Surprise Corner for distant views of Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and the Bow River scenery. You will then enter the Scottish castle-style Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel for a self-paid lunch. After lunch, tour Johnston Canyon, one of the three major canyons in the Rocky Mountains, and walk along the trail to the rushing waterfalls. (In case of force majeure such as scenic area maintenance and closure, the tour will be replaced with visits to Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake.) Check in at the hotel in Banff in the evening.

• Breakfast: available for additional booking; Lunch: available for additional booking; Dinner: at guests' own expense
• Mount Royal Hotel / Banff Inn / Canalta Lodge / Caribou Lodge / Rundlestone Lodge in Banff Town or similar
• Things to Know
  • You may tick to add a gourmet package if needed. **Lunch featuring French bistro-style cuisine will be served at Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.**
  • The arrival time in Banff is subject to change depending on the schedule of activity programs, and we appreciate your understanding.
  • The actual sequence of the itinerary may be adjusted according to different departure dates to ensure a smooth trip.

Day 3: Banff - Peyto Lake - Icefields Parkway - Ice Explorer, Glacier Skywalk - Athabasca Falls - Jasper

Columbia Icefield

Jasper National Park

Peyto Lake

Rocky Mountain Icefields Parkway

The Glacier Skywalk

Athabasca Falls

Crowfoot Glacier

# Itinerary Arrangement:

Banff - Crowfoot Glacier - Peyto Lake (30 mins) - Icefields Parkway - Lunch (self-paid; buffet lunch available for additional booking, 45 mins) - Ice Explorer & Glacier Skywalk (self-paid, 150 mins) - Athabasca Falls (30 mins) - Jasper, hotel check-in

Depart from your hotel in Banff in the morning and catch distant views of Crowfoot Glacier along the way. You will then arrive at Peyto Lake. In the event of force majeure such as scenic area maintenance or closure, the visit will be substituted with Waterfowl Lake. This maple-leaf-shaped lake resembles a turquoise ribbon embedded in the valleys of the Rocky Mountains. Afterwards, a self-paid buffet lunch will be arranged at The Crossing Resort. Continue along the scenic Highway 93, Icefields Parkway, until you reach the Icefield Centre. Here, you may board the self-paid Ice Explorer to travel across the Athabasca Glacier and witness the natural formations built up over millions of years. You can also step onto the 280-metre-high self-paid Glacier Skywalk, which offers panoramic vistas of the Sunwapta Valley. When mist and clouds roll in, you will feel as if you are walking among the clouds. Next, head to Athabasca Falls, a waterfall carved by glacial meltwater erosion with a 23-metre drop. Finally, drive to Jasper Town and check into your hotel.

*Operating hours for the self-paid Ice Explorer and Glacier Skywalk: May 1 to October 12.*

For departures on or after October 13, the itinerary will include stops at scenic spots without bookings for the Ice Explorer and Glacier Skywalk experiences:

- Fine weather: Guests may take an easy hike up the hills in front of the glacier (approx. 60 mins) to experience glacial landscapes up close.

- Poor weather: As arranged by the tour guide, guests will view the glacier from a distance, with an extra stop at Waterfowl Lake added to the schedule.

• Breakfast: Available for additional order; Lunch: Available for additional order; Dinner: At your own expense
• Comfort Package: Chateau Jasper / Tonquin Inn / Lobstick Lodge / Jasper Inn & Suites or equivalent; Value Package: Athabasca Hotel orsimilar
• Things to Know
  • Warm Reminder: The bar at Athabasca Hotel operates on Friday and Saturday evenings during summer with a lively atmosphere. Some rooms under the [Value Package] may be affected by noise, please be advised in advance.

Day 4: Jasper - Medicine Lake - Maligne Lake - The Crossing - Bow Lake - Banff

Maligne Lake

Maligne Canyon

Banff Town Area

Medicine Lake

Bow Lake

Pyramid Lake

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Beauvert Lake

# Itinerary Arrangement:

Jasper - Medicine Lake - Maligne Lake (self-paid cruise, 90 mins) - Lunch at Maligne Lake (self-paid, 45 mins) - The Crossing - Bow Lake (20 mins) - Banff, hotel check-in

Depart from your hotel in Jasper and pass by [Medicine Lake]. At the far end lies [Maligne Lake], the world’s second-largest glacial lake. Take the self-paid seasonal [Maligne Lake Cruise*] to drift across the 22-kilometre-long lake and slowly approach [Spirit Island], known as "the meeting place of gods". After the self-paid lunch at Maligne Lake, proceed to [Maligne Canyon*], the longest and deepest canyon in the Rocky Mountains. (Due to the 2024 wildfires, this stop may be replaced with Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and Bow Lake depending on the national park’s opening status.) Carved by glacial erosion, the canyon features deep, craggy rock formations that captivate all visitors. Afterwards, travel south along the Icefields Parkway, stop for a rest at [The Crossing] rest area, then arrive at [Bow Lake] for sightseeing before heading further south back to Banff.

*Operating hours for the self-paid Maligne Lake Cruise: May 29 – October 11. Schedules are subject to adjustment based on lake ice melt conditions. When the cruise is unavailable, the alternative itinerary includes Pyramid Lake (45 mins) and Patricia Lake (15 mins).

## Pyramid Lake

It gets its name from its symmetric triangular mountain backdrop. The mountain rock contains pyrite, which weathers into pink and orange hues resembling gilded gold. Compared with crowded Maligne Lake, Pyramid Lake boasts greater tranquility and pristine natural beauty. On sunny days, its still waters perfectly mirror the towering Pyramid Mountain, forming a natural landscape painting. Stroll along the wooden bridge connecting to the small islet as gentle breezes ripple across the lake, with distant snow-capped peaks and pine forests blending into an endless scenic vista. It is Jasper’s ideal spot to slow down and soak in the serene charm of the Rockies.

## Maligne Canyon*

Due to the 2024 wildfires, this attraction may be substituted with Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and Bow Lake (30 minutes total) subject to national park opening arrangements.

## Bow Lake

Like an emerald gem hidden deep within the forest, the lake’s distinctive turquoise water shifts shades constantly as light changes. Less crowded than other famous lakes, it offers equally breathtaking lake and mountain scenery. Its glassy surface reflects surrounding snow peaks and pine woods, making it a secluded paradise beloved by photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.

• Breakfast: Available for additional booking; Lunch: Available for additional booking; Dinner: At your own expense
• Mount Royal Hotel, Banff Inn, Canalta Lodg, Caribou Lodge, Rundlestone Lodge in Banff Town or similar

Day 5: Banff - Lake Louise - Moraine Lake - Yoho National Park - Emerald Lake - Natural Bridge - Calgary

Lake Louise

Moraine Lake

Emerald Lake

Yoho National Park

Emerald lake

Natural Bridge Banff

Calgary

Lake Minnewanka

# Itinerary Arrangement:

Banff - Lake Louise (75 mins) - Moraine Lake (60 mins) - Lunch at Lake Louise Village (self-paid; Grill & Bar lunch add-on available, 45 mins) - Emerald Lake (20 mins) - Natural Bridge (15 mins) - Banff - Calgary

Depart from the hotel early in the morning and head west along Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway). The steep and rugged Castle Mountain comes into view, and shortly after, you will reach Lake Louise, the most renowned lake in the Rocky Mountains. Bathed in sunlight, its mineral-rich waters shimmer with an intoxicating sapphire blue, enclosed on three sides by the towering Victoria Glacier. Resembling an emerald scattered among the mountains, it has earned the moniker "Jewel of the Rockies". Glancing back from the lakeshore, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise stands serenely amid pine forests, welcoming visitors. Afterwards, hike to the top of the trail, where the crystal-clear turquoise waters of seasonal Moraine Lake mirror the jagged Ten Peaks. Standing at the elevated viewpoint, you can take in the full grandeur of the lake and mountain scenery, losing all sense of time. After leaving Moraine Lake, proceed to Lake Louise Village for lunch (self-paid; Chinese or Western plated meals are available as add-ons). Following lunch, continue westward, passing the Spiral Tunnel, built through the blood, sweat and tears of Pacific Railway labourers, to enter Yoho National Park and arrive at the tranquil Emerald Lake, where red canoes trail ripples across the calm water surface. Next, visit Natural Bridge, carved over millennia by the Kicking Horse River. The waterway, ancient pine trees, distant mountain ranges and shallow sandbars combine to form a stunning natural landscape painting. On the return journey, stop over at Banff Town before driving back to Calgary.

*Moraine Lake: Seasonal access. Tentative opening period: Victoria Day long weekend in May through late September / early October each year, subject to official notices from Parks Canada. If the lake is closed and inaccessible, the substitute attractions will be Lake Minnewanka (30 mins) and Two Jack Lake (15 mins), and the mandatory fee for Moraine Lake will be waived.

## Lake Minnewanka

As the largest and deepest lake within Banff National Park, it is famed for its vivid blue waters and breathtaking natural vistas. Its name translates to "Lake of the Spirits" in Indigenous languages. Stretching more than 20 kilometres along the valley, the lake boasts magnificent, sweeping scenery. Take a boat tour deep into the lake basin to admire dramatic canyon formations and rolling mountain ranges, while learning tales of the old village submerged beneath the water, lending an air of mystique to this body of water.

• Breakfast: available for additional order; Lunch: available for additional order; Dinner: at your own expense
• Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel in Calgary or similar
• Things to Know
  • You may tick to add a gourmet package if needed. **Lunch featuring Chinese or Western plated meals will be served at [Lake Louise Village Grill & Bar]in Lake Louise Village.**
  • Please understand that the arrival times in Banff and Calgary are subject to change according to the schedule of activity programs.

Day 6: Calgary - Prince of Wales Hotel - Waterton Lake Cruise - Cameron Falls - Calgary

Waterton Lake National Park

Cameron Falls

Calgary

# Itinerary Arrangement:

Calgary – Waterton Lakes National Park (60 mins) – Prince of Wales Hotel (self-paid; hotel afternoon tea add-on available, 60 mins) – Waterton Shoreline Cruise (self-paid, 90 mins) – Cameron Falls (15 mins) – Calgary, check in to hotel

Early in the morning, head south along Queen Elizabeth II Highway to Waterton Lakes National Park, the most renowned ecological reserve in southern Alberta situated on the Canada-US border. Afterwards, arrive at the Prince of Wales Hotel, named after the Prince of Wales (afternoon tea add-on available). After tea, you may stroll along the lakeshore of Waterton Lake or take a lake cruise (self-paid) that crosses the Canada-US border. After visiting Cameron Falls, drive back to Calgary by coach.

## Optional Upgrade Experiences:

Prince of Wales Hotel – Afternoon Tea (advance reservation required, subject to hotel booking availability): (Approx. 60 minutes of stay)

This classic British afternoon tea features premium Tea Fort teas paired with an assortment of savoury sandwiches, sweet and savoury pastries. Guests can savour royal-style service while overlooking Waterton Lake and marvelling at the spectacular surrounding landscapes. This experience is available daily from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m.

Waterton Shoreline Cruise – Scenic tour of Waterton Lake and Glacier National Park in the United States (no shore landing included) (self-paid): (Approx. 90 minutes of stay)

• Breakfast: Available as an add-on; Lunch: Available as an add-on; Dinner: At your own expense
• Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel in Calgary or equivalent hotel
• Things to Know
  • You may tick the box to add a gourmet package if needed. Enjoy afternoon tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel, where you can overlook Waterton Lake and admire the spectacular surrounding scenery.
  • The arrival time in Calgary is subject to change based on the schedule of activity programs, and we appreciate your understanding.

Day 7: Calgary – Badlands – Drumheller "Dinosaur Valley" – Horseshoe Canyon – Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology – CrossIron Mills Outlet Mall – Calgary

Royal Tyrrell Museum

Horseshoe Canyon

Hoodoos Trail

# Itinerary Arrangement:

Calgary – Horseshoe Canyon (30 mins) – Royal Tyrrell Museum (self-funded admission and lunch, 150 mins) – The World’s Smallest Church (15 mins) – World’s Largest Dinosaur Model (view via coach) – Hoodoos Trail (30 mins) – CrossIron Mills Outlet Shopping (120 mins) – Calgary, end of itinerary.

Depart east by coach in the morning. After travelling across vast, boundless grasslands, the rolling hilly terrain of Horseshoe Canyon in Drumheller comes into view. Weathered fissures and alternating red-and-white rock strata fully showcase the magnificent craftsmanship of nature. Next, arrive at the Royal Tyrrell Museum, home to abundant dinosaur fossils (self-funded admission), where the overlords of prehistoric Earth come to life before your eyes. After a self-paid lunch, continue onward to visit popular quirky local landmarks. This church can only hold roughly six people at a time, yet it boasts a complete church structure and solemn ceremonial atmosphere, earning it the title of "The World’s Smallest Yet Coziest Little Church". Afterwards, catch sight of the World’s Largest Dinosaur Model along the route from the coach. Shortly after, you will reach Hoodoos Trail, where countless wind-carved mushroom-shaped stone pillars of varied forms stand tall in the valley. Wandering through these rocky mounds, one cannot help but marvel at how tiny humankind is. On the drive back, shop at Alberta’s largest integrated shopping centre and enjoy the pleasure of shopping with the lowest provincial sales tax rate in Canada. Finally, head back to Calgary by vehicle.

• Breakfast: Available as an add-on; Lunch: At your own expense; Dinner: At your own expense
• Things to Know
  • The arrival time in Calgary is subject to change depending on the schedule of activities, thank you for your understanding.
  • If you need to catch a flight departing Calgary on the same evening, please book flights taking off after 21:30 for domestic Canadian routes and flights departing after 22:30 for international routes to avoid disrupting your travel plans.