55 Plus | Rockies | Forgotten Frontiers | Off the Beaten Path
Active
10h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
For early pioneers to the Rockies, facing winter was a true battle for survival, with no room for error many describe it as a "frozen hell". Settler and iconic Guide like Jimmy Simpson had to insulate his cabins using a mixture of mud, moss, straw, and horsehair. The gaps in the logs allowed cold wind to whistle through, proper insulation was a matter of life or death.
Experiencing the Canadian Rocky Mountains in the winter feels like a completely different experience from the summer as the winter transforms the visual color palette.
No drive is ever the same on the Columbia Icefields Parkway before reaching an old Simpson and Wilson cabins. The scenic drives turn into a winter wonderland. A compelling stillness settles that transforms everything around into a beautiful world of solitude and wonder. Ancient glaciers shifting and growling, and cascading waterfalls become icefalls.
Available options
55 Plus | Rockies | Forgotten Frontiers | Off the Beaten Path
Pickup included
What's included
Parking Fees
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
In winter, the Crowfoot Glacier is visible from a roadside viewpoint on the Icefields Parkway, offering spectacular snow-covered views.
2
Stop 2
Bow Lake is a frozen wonderland, completely covered in snow and ice, offering a serene and beautiful experience
3
Stop 3
Peyto Lake in Banff National Park becomes a frozen, with the blanket of snow and ice and the surrounding peaks dusted in white
4
Saskatchewan River Crossing is a remote and scenic area along the Icefields Parkway. This is a significant location where three rivers meet: the mighty North Saskatchewan, the Howse and the Mistaya. The North Saskatchewan River rises in the Canadian Rockies and empties into Lake Winnipeg over 1,600 kilometers (1,025 miles) east across the country.
5
Kootenay Plains mean a lot to First Nation, Metis and Non-Indigenous people. Many developed their own sacramental relationship with this strip of land.
"Ice Bubbles" on Abraham Lake are created by the natural process of decomposition.
6
Crescent Falls is a scenic, two-tiered waterfall. In winter these waterfalls turn into a wall of ice.
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
About Alberta
Alberta is a vast and diverse province in western Canada, known for its stunning Rocky Mountain landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage. From the towering peaks of Banff National Park to the bustling streets of Calgary, Alberta offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and urban sophistication.
Top Attractions
Banff National Park
Banff National Park is Canada's oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is known for its stunning mountain landscapes, turquoise lakes, and abundant wildlife.
Nature
1-3 days
Park entry fee: $10.50 CAD per adult for a day pass
Calgary Stampede
The Calgary Stampede is an annual rodeo, exhibition, and festival held in Calgary. It is one of the largest events of its kind in the world, attracting visitors from around the globe.
Cultural
10 days
Free entry to some areas; tickets required for certain events
Jasper National Park
Jasper National Park is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, offering breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, and outdoor activities.
Nature
1-3 days
Park entry fee: $10.50 CAD per adult for a day pass
Royal Tyrrell Museum
The Royal Tyrrell Museum is a paleontology museum located in Drumheller, Alberta. It houses one of the world's largest displays of dinosaur skeletons and fossils.
Museum
Half to full day
Adult admission: $21.00 CAD
Must-Try Local Dishes
Alberta Beef
Alberta is famous for its high-quality beef, which is often served as steaks, burgers, or in stews.
Dinner
Contains meat
Bison
Bison is a lean and flavorful meat that is often grilled or roasted and served with local vegetables.
Dinner
Contains meat
Poutine
A Canadian classic, poutine consists of fries topped with cheese curds and gravy.
Snack
Contains dairy and meat
Popular Activities
Hiking
Skiing
Mountain biking
Whitewater rafting
Rock climbing
Hot springs
Spa treatments
Scenic drives
Best Time to Visit
June to August
This is the best time to visit Alberta for outdoor activities, hiking, and exploring national parks. The weather is warm, and the days are long, providing ample time for sightseeing.
15°C to 30°C
59°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English, French
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Time Zone
Mountain Time Zone (MT) (GMT-7)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Alberta is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, it's always important to stay aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
- • Be cautious when sharing personal information with strangers
Getting there
By air
- Calgary International Airport • 17 km from downtown
- Edmonton International Airport • 30 km from downtown
By train
Calgary Station, Edmonton Station
By bus
Calgary Downtown Office, Edmonton Downtown Office
Getting around
Public transport
Calgary Transit operates an extensive bus network throughout the city, including the C-Train light rail system. The system is efficient and covers most major attractions.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Downtown Calgary
Old Strathcona
Banff Town
Day trips
Drumheller
135 km from Calgary • Full day
Drumheller is known as the 'Dinosaur Capital of the World' and is home to the Royal Tyrrell Museum, as well as the unique landscapes of the Canadian Badlands.
Canmore
100 km from Calgary • Full day
Canmore is a charming mountain town located near Banff National Park, offering stunning views, outdoor activities, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Lake Louise
185 km from Calgary • Full day
Lake Louise is one of the most iconic and picturesque destinations in the Canadian Rockies, known for its turquoise waters and stunning mountain backdrop.
Festivals
Calgary Stampede • July
Edmonton Folk Music Festival • Early August
Banff Mountain Film Festival • Late October to early November
Pro tips
- Visit popular attractions like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake early in the day to avoid crowds and secure parking.
- Consider purchasing a park pass for Banff National Park if planning multiple visits.
- Layered clothing is essential for Alberta's variable weather conditions, especially in the mountains.
- Book accommodations well in advance, especially during peak season and major events like the Calgary Stampede.
- Explore beyond the cities and national parks to discover Alberta's hidden gems, such as Drumheller and the Badlands.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
