Glacier National Park & Canadian Rockies Adventure

Day 1 – Welcome to the Inland Northwest: Spokane, Coeur d'Alene & Historic Wallace

Your adventure begins with flights from Tucson or Albuquerque to Spokane, Washington, where you’ll be welcomed by your local transportation team before beginning your journey into the spectacular landscapes of the Inland Northwest. Traveling east into Idaho, arrive in beautiful Coeur d’Alene, a lakeside community known for its sparkling waters and mountain scenery. Here you’ll enjoy an included lunch (or dinner if flight schedules require) while meeting your entertaining local guide, Rick Shaffer—better known as the self-proclaimed “Prime Minister” of Wallace.

Continue through the scenic Silver Valley to the wonderfully preserved mining town of Wallace, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Along the way, hear colorful stories of the area’s rich mining heritage before touring the fascinating Oasis Bordello Museum, one of the country’s best-preserved former bordellos. After checking into the Wallace Inn, relax with a complimentary wine and cheese welcome social before enjoying an evening at your leisure in this charming historic community.

Overnight: Wallace Inn, Wallace, Idaho

Meals included: Dinner

Day 2 – Flathead Lake Cruise & Whitefish

After breakfast, travel through the forested mountains of northern Idaho into western Montana, enjoying ever-changing scenery of rivers, lakes, and towering pine forests. Following a comfort stop in St. Regis, continue to the picturesque community of Lakeside on the shores of magnificent Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River.

Following lunch at a favorite local restaurant or brewery, board the beautifully restored Far West, a classic wooden excursion boat, for a relaxing cruise across the crystal-clear waters of Flathead Lake. Admire panoramic views of the Mission and Swan mountain ranges while learning about the area’s history, wildlife, and Native American heritage. Later this afternoon, continue to the charming alpine town of Whitefish, where you’ll enjoy two nights in the heart of Montana’s spectacular Glacier Country.

Overnight: Hampton Inn Whitefish (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3 – Glacier National Park & the Historic Red Buses

Today is one of the true highlights of your journey as you spend the day exploring the breathtaking beauty of Glacier National Park, one of America’s most spectacular national parks. With over one million acres of pristine wilderness, soaring mountain peaks, alpine meadows, crystal-clear lakes, and abundant wildlife, Glacier offers unforgettable scenery around every turn.

Your adventure continues aboard one of the park’s legendary vintage Red Buses, whose signature roll-back tops provide unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains and Big Sky country. Depending on availability, you’ll travel either the dramatic Going-to-the-Sun Road to Logan Pass or explore the quieter Two Medicine Valley, with opportunities to admire waterfalls, glaciers, and spectacular mountain vistas. Throughout the excursion, experienced park guides bring Glacier’s fascinating geology, wildlife, and history to life. After free time for lunch within the park, return to Whitefish for a delicious dinner with your fellow travelers.

Overnight: Hampton Inn Whitefish (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 – Into Canada: Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, Calgary & Banff

Following breakfast, cross into Alberta and begin an unforgettable day combining Indigenous history, prairie landscapes, and the majestic Canadian Rockies. Your first destination is Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, one of Canada’s most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites and among the oldest, best-preserved buffalo jumps in North America.

During your guided visit, discover how Indigenous peoples skillfully hunted buffalo here for thousands of years, and enjoy panoramic views from the dramatic cliff-top overlook while savoring a boxed lunch. Continue to Calgary, where a knowledgeable local guide introduces the city’s fascinating blend of western heritage and modern urban life, highlighting landmarks including Stampede Park, Heritage Park, Fort Calgary, and Canada Olympic Park. By late afternoon, the scenery transforms as you enter Banff National Park, arriving beneath towering mountain peaks for a relaxing two-night stay.

Overnight: Moxy Banff

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 – Banff National Park & Sulphur Mountain Gondola

Enjoy a leisurely morning to experience Banff at your own pace. Browse unique boutiques, art galleries, and cafés along Banff Avenue, stroll beside the Bow River, or simply relax while surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Canada’s oldest national park. Lunch is independent, giving you the flexibility to sample one of Banff’s many excellent restaurants.

This afternoon, board the famous Banff Gondola for an unforgettable ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. As you ascend, spectacular views unfold in every direction, revealing six mountain ranges, the Bow Valley, and the charming town of Banff nestled below. At the summit, enjoy the observation decks, interpretive exhibits, and scenic boardwalk before returning to town for another relaxing evening in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.

Overnight: Moxy Banff

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6 – Icefields Parkway & Columbia Icefield Adventure

Today you’ll travel one of the most scenic drives in the world—the legendary Icefields Parkway. This extraordinary route through Banff and Jasper National Parks showcases an ever-changing panorama of glaciers, waterfalls, turquoise lakes, alpine forests, and rugged mountain peaks that many consider the most beautiful highway in North America.

Pause throughout the day at iconic viewpoints including Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, and Waterfowl Lake before arriving at the Columbia Icefield. Following lunch overlooking the mountains, board the specially designed Ice Explorer vehicle for an unforgettable drive directly onto the ancient Athabasca Glacier. Afterwards, step onto the dramatic Glacier Skywalk, where a glass-floored observation platform extends high above the Sunwapta Valley below. Continue north through Jasper National Park, stopping at the thundering Athabasca Falls before arriving in Jasper for the evening.

Overnight: Whistler’s Inn, Jasper

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7 – Jasper National Park, Lake Louise & Radium Hot Springs

Following breakfast, continue your journey through the heart of Jasper National Park, beginning with a visit to spectacular Maligne Canyon. Here, rushing glacial waters have carved deep limestone walls and dramatic rock formations over thousands of years. Continue to beautiful Sunwapta Falls, where powerful mountain waters tumble through a narrow gorge surrounded by towering evergreens.

After free time for lunch at Saskatchewan River Crossing, travel south to iconic Lake Louise, one of Canada’s most photographed destinations. Marvel at the lake’s famous turquoise waters, framed by Victoria Glacier and the elegant Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Later, continue into British Columbia through spectacular mountain scenery before arriving in Radium Hot Springs. Those wishing to relax may enjoy an optional soak in the area’s naturally heated mineral pools before gathering for dinner.

Overnight: Prestige Radium Hot Springs Resort

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8 – Sandpoint, Spokane & Farewell Celebration

After breakfast, begin your return journey to the United States, crossing the border at Eastport before traveling through the scenic forests and mountain valleys of northern Idaho. Arrive in the delightful lakeside town of Sandpoint, where you’ll have free time to explore the charming downtown, browse local shops, or enjoy lunch overlooking beautiful Lake Pend Oreille.

This afternoon, continue to Spokane and check into the elegant Davenport Historic Hotel, one of the Pacific Northwest’s most celebrated historic hotels. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a memorable farewell dinner at the acclaimed Mizuna Restaurant (or similar), complete with your choice of wine, beer, or cocktail as you celebrate an incredible journey through Glacier National Park and the Canadian Rockies.

Overnight: Davenport Historic Hotel, Spokane

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9 – Homeward Bound

After a final breakfast together, transfer to Spokane International Airport for your flights home. As your remarkable journey comes to a close, take with you unforgettable memories of Glacier National Park, the Canadian Rockies, sparkling alpine lakes, towering glaciers, charming mountain towns, and the wonderful friendships made along the way. Few regions in North America offer such an extraordinary combination of natural beauty, history, and unforgettable experiences.

Meals included: Breakfast