Rocky Mountain Explorer
About the Trip
September 8–14, 2027 | 7 Days
Spend 7 days on an immersive adventure that invites you to connect with the beauty that the Rocky Mountains have to offer. Travel to Kananaskis Country, and delight in an authentic ranch experience. Travel through iconic scenery, including the Tunnel Mountain, Hoodoos and Bow Falls. Take the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain for panoramic views of the Rockies. Walk along the suspended pathways and waterfalls of Johnston Canyon. Connect with Indigenous culture and the natural world in a meaningful way on the Indigenous Ranch Experience. Cruise Lake Minnewanka for views of the shimmering water. Wrap up your adventure with a tour at the famous Fairmont Banff Springs and learn it's history before savouring a delicious dinner with a panoramic view of the Rockies.
Activity Level: Moderate
If you’re somewhat active and have a zest for adventure, then this is the trip level for you. These trips may involve more activities or longer touring days with a full schedule. Excursions will include walking and standing for extended periods, walking tours on uneven surfaces or trails, more actively inclined itineraries and may include coach, boat and rail travel.
Member Exclusive Benefits
We reward all our CAA Members on our Extraordinary Explorations® tours/cruises.
- Plaza Premium Lounge pass†
- 50 CAA Dollars®^
- 25% savings on CAA Travel Insurance◊
Extraordinary Experience
CAA has curated an exceptional experience unique to your tour. Details of this experience are listed below:
Indigenous Ranch Experience
Express your creativity in this unique Extraordinary Experience: a hands-on ceramic painting workshop led by An immersive adventure that invites you to connect with Indigenous culture and the natural world in a meaningful and memorable way. Guided by knowledgeable Indigenous hosts, this hands-on experience introduces traditional skills such as hunting, gathering and archery. Through storytelling, demonstrations and personal teachings, gain insight into the deep spiritual relationships tied to the land. This experience includes a homemade, Indigenous-inspired lunch, featuring traditional elements such as wild mint and juniper berries, tea, Bannock, and 3 sisters’ soup, a cherished family recipe.
Package Includes:
- Return airfare from Toronto or Winnipeg to Calgar
- 1-night stay in first-class accommodation in Calgary
- 5-night stay in first-class accommodation in Banff
- 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners
- Land transportation via first-class motorcoach
- Sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary
- Local English-speaking guides
- Destination transfers
Rocky Mountain Explorer
Spend 7 days on an immersive adventure that invites you to connect with the beauty that the Rocky Mountains have to offer. Spend 7 days on an immersive adventure that invites you to connect with the beauty that the Rocky Mountains have to offer. Travel to Kananaskis Country, and delight in an authentic ranch experience. Travel through iconic scenery, including the Tunnel Mountain, Hoodoos and Bow Falls. Take the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain for panoramic views of the Rockies. Walk along the suspended pathways and waterfalls of Johnston Canyon. Connect with Indigenous culture and the natural world in a meaningful way on the Indigenous Ranch Experience. Cruise Lake Minnewanka for views of the shimmering water. Wrap up your adventure with a tour at the famous Fairmont Banff Springs and learn it's history before savouring a delicious dinner with a panoramic view of the Rockies.
Day 1
Calgary – Fly from Toronto or Winnipeg to Calgary. Upon arrival at Calgary International Airport, a guide will take you sightseeing with a stop for lunch. Afterwards, settle in at the hotel before the welcome dinner. (L/D)
Day 2
Banff – After breakfast, travel to Kananaskis Country for an authentic ranch experience with a horse-drawn wagon ride along scenic trails, and a rustic western BBQ. Afterwards, continue to Banff to check-in to your hotel. (B/L)
Day 3
Banff – After breakfast, travel through Tunnel Mountain, the Hoodoos and Bow Falls at Banff National Park. In the evening, take the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain for dinner with views of the vistas. (B/D)
Day 4
Banff – Following breakfast at the hotel, hike Johnston Canyon walking along suspended pathways and cascading waterfalls. Next, stop at Lake Louise for a group lunch. In the afternoon, return to Banff for the rest of the day at leisure. (B/L)
Day 5
Banff – Have breakfast at the hotel before your Extraordinary Experience at an Indigenous Ranch – helping you connect with Indigenous culture and the natural world. Indigenous hosts introduce traditional skills such as hunting and archery and offer insight into the deep relationships tied to the land. Experience a homemade Indigenous-inspired lunch. Return to Banff with the evening at leisure. (B/L)
Day 6
Banff – After breakfast, cruise on Lake Minnewanka for stories of the submerged ghost town. In the evening, visit the Fairmont Banff Springs for a tour before dinner with a view. (B/D)
Day 7
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B)
B - Breakfast | L - Lunch | D - Dinner
Terms & Conditions
*All CAA Member prices are per person, based on double occupancy, in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated and are subject to change without prior notice until final payment is paid. All prices are correct at press time and apply to new bookings only, based on availability at time of booking. To receive CAA Member-exclusive benefits, there must be one valid CAA Member travelling per booking. Non-members booking Extraordinary Explorations will not receive Member-exclusive benefits.
†Plaza Premium Lounge is based on one voucher per person and applies to departures from Canadian airports where applicable. Subject to availability.
^CAA Dollars awarded per adult Member. To earn and redeem CAA Dollars, you must be a current CAA Member in good standing (CAA Membership dues paid in full by membership expiry date). CAA Dollars will be credited at time of departure. For more information on CAA Dollars, please visit www.caasco.com/caadollars.
◊CAA Travel Insurance, an Orion Travel Insurance product, is underwritten by Echelon Insurance. Twenty-five percent (25%) Member savings is made up of a ten percent (10%) Member savings as well as a promotional fifteen percent (15%) savings when you purchase an Extraordinary Explorations tour through CAA Travel, applies to CAA South Central Ontario and CAA Manitoba Members in good standing (CAA Membership dues paid in full by membership expiry date). This promotional offer is valid until December 31, 2027. Ten percent (10%) Member savings applies to Members in good standing of all other CAA clubs. Savings apply to the total premium excluding applicable taxes. Minimum premium applies. Visitors to Canada Insurance is limited to the promotional savings. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. Subject to change without notice. A Medical Questionnaire may be required to purchase travel insurance.
Extraordinary Explorations vacations are organized and booked by CAA Travel (South Central Ontario) Inc. and CAA Manitoba (“CAA Travel”) on behalf of CAA Club Group (o/a CAA South Central Ontario and CAA Manitoba). In the event of an increase in any of the cost factors, CAA Travel reserves the right to increase the price whereby the provisions of the Travel Industry Act shall prevail. Deposit is non-refundable at the time of booking. Final payment is due 120 days before departure. Cancellation Terms: Up to 121 days before departure – Deposit; 120-91 days – 50% non-refundable;90-61 days – 75% non-refundable; 60-0 days – 100% non-refundable. CAA Travel service fee for cancellation prior to final payment varies by program. For full payment terms and conditions, please ask your CAA Travel Consultant. CAA Travel reserves the right to cancel or re-schedule any tour departure in accordance with operating requirements (minimum number of participants) or circumstances beyond its control. Additional fees for checked luggage or other incidentals may be incurred and vary according to itinerary and airline. Air schedules with some tours are not available at press time and may include several connections or forced overnight at passenger’s expense. CAA Travel strongly recommends the purchase of trip cancellation and emergency travel and emergency medical insurance at the time of booking.
Flight
IncludedTour Itinerary
Day 1
Calgary
Fly from Toronto or Winnipeg to Calgary. Upon arrival at Calgary International Airport, a local guide will meet the group and embark on a sightseeing tour of Calgary, with a stop for lunch. Afterwards, transfer to the hotel to settle in before enjoying a group welcome dinner this evening. (L/D)
Day 2
Banff
After breakfast, depart Calgary and leave the city skyline behind as you journey toward the rolling foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Travel into the heart of Kananaskis Country, where pristine wilderness and sweeping alpine views set the tone for the day. Enjoy an authentic ranch experience featuring a horse-drawn wagon ride along scenic trails, accompanied with a traditional western BBQ feast in a rustic setting. Afterwards, continue to the charming town of Banff to check-in to your hotel and spend the evening at leisure, with time to explore or simply relax amid the stunning surroundings. (B/L)
Day 3
Banff
Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel before setting out to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Banff National Park. The area became Canada's first national park in 1885 to protect its natural hot springs. Travel through the park’s iconic scenery, including the Tunnel Mountain, Hoodoos and Bow Falls. Return to the town of Banff, where you will have free time to enjoy lunch at your leisure and explore the downtown area. In the evening, ascend Sulphur Mountain aboard the Banff Gondola for sweeping panoramic views of the Rockies. At the summit, cap off your day with a memorable dinner, surrounded by stunning mountain vistas. (B/D)
Day 4
Banff
Following breakfast at the hotel, depart for a picturesque hike at Johnston Canyon, where you can take a walk along the canyon’s suspended pathways and take in views of its cascading waterfalls. Next, stop at one of the Rockies’ most iconic lakes - the world-famous Lake Louise – with time set aside for a group lunch. In the afternoon, return to Banff and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. (B/L)
Day 5
Banff
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Today features an Extraordinary Experience at an Indigenous Ranch – a half day immersive adventure that invites you to connect with Indigenous culture and the natural world in a meaningful and memorable way. Guided by knowledgeable Indigenous hosts, this hands-on experience introduces traditional skills such as hunting, gathering and archery. Through storytelling, demonstrations and personal teachings, gain insight into the deep spiritual relationships tied to the land. This experience includes a homemade, Indigenous-inspired lunch, featuring traditional elements such as wild mint and juniper berries, tea, Bannock, and 3 sisters’ soup, a cherished family recipe. Depart the ranch with a sense of connection and newfound appreciation for the land. Return to Banff with the evening at leisure. (B/L)
Day 6
Banff
After breakfast, set out for a scenic morning boat cruise on Lake Minnewanka – the largest lake in Banff National Park. Take in sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains, shimmering emerald waters, and hear fascinating stories of the submerged ghost town beneath the lake’s surface. Return to shore and enjoy the afternoon at leisure. In the evening, visit the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs, often called the “Castle in the Rockies” for a private guided tour to uncover the hotel’s rich history, grand architecture, and legendary tales, before a delicious dinner with a panoramic view of the Rockies. (B/D)
Day 7
After breakfast, depart Banff with an assisted transfer to Calgary International Airport for your return flight home. (B)
B - Breakfast | L - Lunch | D - Dinner