Canadian Rockies

July 18 - 24, 2009 OR July 25 - 31, 2009
$2,495.00

The grandeur of the Canadian Rockies stuns even the well traveled. The popularity of this trip is the reason we offer two departures. Against this majestic backdrop of soaring snowcapped peaks, we engage in a wonderful variety of fun-filled activities including hiking, canoeing, walking a glacier, white water rafting and soaking in hot pools. Scattered like gems among these glorious mountains are soft turquoise lakes which have spilled down from the hundreds of glaciers, looking almost surreal. Bears, eagles, elk, mountain goats and big horn sheep call this patch of heaven home. It is our good fortune to be able to share it with them for this one glorious week. Enjoy the friendly Canadians and discover why their Rockies truly are a World Heritage Site.

Suzy C, MA “I will sleep when I’m 70!  Such an Oh My God week!  The Canadian Rockies truly exceeded my expectations of beauty.  You always provide the much needed laughter and fun that is the heart of your adventures and it you give the women who travel with you the gift of your spirit of adventure.  Thank you.”

Sherryann, PA  “On this my third Canyon Calling adventure, I finally realized what I love best.  Your trips give me the opportunity to play like a little girl.  Swimming in Emerald Lake, lying on the glacier, laughing till my sides hurt – these are the things that I will remember always.”

Sue W, OK  “ These trips allow me to grow as a woman.  I can put life in perspective as I’m hiking, seeing the most incredible scenery ever.  I appreciate and value these opportunities to see the world.”

Alyssa Z, MD  “Each day held wonders more magnificent than the last.  I thought Spirit Island was the most amazing view ever and then came Moraine Lake!  We hiked halfway to heaven from Lake O’Hara to Lake Oesa.  Could there be any more amazing way to spend a vacation.”

Carol S, WI  “I haven’t had an overnight with the girls in 40 years so this was absolutely fantastic!  Thanks for all your wonderful planning and taking care of us.  The scenery was gorgeous.”

Cathy C, CA  “ You are the consummate guide, an exceptional conversationalist and a magical group alchemist.  We all trusted you completely and clerly will follow you anywhere!”

Saturday
Assemble at Calgary International Airport, 3pm. Drive to Banff, check into our hotel. Visit Bow Falls in town. There will be time for an hour’s shopping before dinner.

Sunday
After breakfast we’ll spend the morning canoeing the Bow River. Lunch in town. Ride the gondola up Sulphur Mountain for incredible views. Drive up Bow Valley and walk up to waterfalls at Johnston Canyon. Visit glacial Peyto Lake on the way to lodging and dinner near the Saskatchewan River.

Monday
Drive to the Athabasca Glacier and experience the excitement of a private ice walk with crampons provided. The scenery on this day is the most spectacular of any drive in North America. The miles of glaciers and snow-covered mountains are truly majestic. We’ll lunch at Sunwapta Falls. Drive to Mt Edith Cavell trailhead and hike a short but dramatic trail to a glacial pool. Head on to a hot springs resort up in the mountains for a relaxing soak, dinner and lodging.

Tuesday
Breakfast at our resort and return to Jasper where we'll drive up to Maligne Lake. We'll join a boat trip on this huge glacial lake taking us past beautiful Spirit Island for some great photo opportunities. Lunch in Jasper. Drive back along the magnificent Icefields Parkway and spend the evening at the same lodging as Sunday night.

Wednesday
After breakfast drive south and visit the heralded Lake Louise and its Chateau. Spend a couple of hours enjoying Moraine Lake, perhaps the most beautiful place on earth! Drive into Yoho National Park and visit Takakaw Falls, the second highest falls in Canada. At Emerald Lake we’ll take in the stunning scenery while canoeing on the lake. Lodge accommodation in Golden, BC and a two-night stay.

Thursday
We’ll have a relaxing morning to wander the beautiful town of Golden. Our white-water rafting trip on the Kicking Horse River is a tour highlight! Float a section of the river before lunch at riverside, and then raft the upper gorge in the early afternoon. Rapids are rated 3’s. Later you'll have an option to raft the lower gorge which includes some rapids rated 4's. This is a $50 add-on and involves a walk down a steep road to the river put-in. Dinner in Golden.

Friday
Early start for our six-mile hike at Lake O’Hara – the hiking jewel of the Canadian National Parks. Hike a gentle trail around the lake and a more challenging trail up to Lake Oesa feasting on scenery you won’t believe. Lunch on trail. Return by bus from Lake O’Hara. Drive to Canmore for our farewell dinner. Return to Calgary for lodging near the airport. Book your return flight for Saturday.