Arrive in Calgary, where a private transfer will whisk you from the airport to your downtown digs. As night falls, mingle with your fellow adventure-seekers at Craft Beer Market, a lively gastropub boasting an incredible array of Canadian craft brews on tap—the perfect prelude to your mountain escapades. Sip suds, swap stories, and toast to the exciting journey ahead!

After a transfer to Dinosaur Provincial Park, a UNESCO-recognised treasure trove of dinosaur fossils, tuck into a picnic lunch before heading out on a fossil hunt. Next, explore the park's breathtaking Badlands Trail, a gentle 1.3km loop winding past striking hoodoos and sandstone ridges. Linger and revel in the marvelous scenery before continuing to Brooks Aqueduct, once the world's longest elevated concrete structure, offering a glimpse into Alberta's agricultural heritage.

Start the day with a visit to the Atlas Coal Mine, where we’ll delve into the history of an industry that helped shape the region. Next, we continue to the nearby Hoodoos Trail for a short hike amidst the otherworldly, chimney-like rock formations that give the trail its name. Lunch today is at the historic Last Chance Saloon, an antique-filled, bullet hole–riddled bar in the ghost town of Wayne. After a visit to Little Church, we take a scenic drive to Mountain View County, located on the legendary Cowboy Trail, and settle in for the night at Painted Warriors Ranch.

After an archery session through an indigenous lens at Painted Warriors Ranch, trade prairies for peaks as you journey into Banff National Park for some of the world’s most spectacular lake-side scenery. En route, meet the majestic residents of Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary on an intimate guided tour. Get acquainted with these captivating wolf-dog hybrids and learn about the sanctuary's noble mission of rescue and education. After tucking into a scenic picnic lunch, prepare for an afternoon reveling in nature's sublime beauty. Will it be the jaw-dropping turquoise expanse of Moraine Lake or the equally iconic Lake Louise that enchants you first? Lace up your hiking boots for a myriad of trail possibilities ranging from gentle lakeshore strolls to invigorating alpine ascents like Sentinel Pass or the iconic Tea House trek. Whichever path you choose, eye-popping panoramas await!

We begin our day at the Spiral Tunnels, an impressive engineering feat that enabled railroads to conquer these mighty mountains. Then, set off on an easy jaunt to the roaring Takakkaw Falls, one of the region's most spectacular sights. For those craving more vertical drama, you can also tack on a visit to the chuckling Laughing Falls. Come afternoon, amble around the pristine shores of Emerald Lake on a lakeshore loop trail. Dip in and out of the forest, drinking in dazzling views of the jewel-toned waters set against a gnarly mountain backdrop. With every twist and turn, prepare to be wowed by Yoho's epic landscapes.

Grab your camera. Today's drive along the legendary Icefields Parkway promises to be a showstopper! Leaving Lake Louise, you'll wind your way towards Jasper through some of the planet's most staggering alpine scenery. Your first pit stop? Dazzling Bow Lake, whose waters take on an ethereal blue hue from glacial runoff, set against the dramatic backdrop of Crowfoot Mountain. Next up is Peyto Lake. Be prepared to have your breath stolen by its blazing turquoise waters. The grand finale comes at the mighty Columbia Icefield, where you'll go off-road in an explorer vehicle to experience a tongue of the glacier up close and personal. From sipping glacial waters to walking atop ancient ice, it's a pinch-me experience. And you’re not done yet. Conclude by testing your nerves on the glass-floored Skywalk jutting out over the valley far below. The town of Jasper awaits at day's end for a well earned rest.

Rise and shine for a quintessential Canadian Rockies experience: cruising the glassy waters of Maligne Lake. Sail past towering peaks and glaciers towards the area's crown jewel, Spirit Island. As you glide across the turquoise expanse, knowledgeable guides will share tales of the lake's earliest explorers and the unique geology and wildlife that make this alpine wonderland so special. Disembark to wander the short trail out to a viewpoint overlooking Spirit Island's jaw-dropping beauty. With cameras filled with postcard-perfect snapshots, the afternoon invites you to lace up your boots once again and experience Jasper's grandeur on foot. Will you opt for the moderate climb through Edith Cavell's wildflower-studded meadows? The easy amble along the dramatic limestone gorges of Maligne Canyon? Or perhaps the panoramic vistas from atop Parker Ridge will call your name. However you choose to explore, Jasper's magic is sure to cast its spell.

Bidding Jasper farewell, you'll wind your way to Banff, the Canadian Rockies' crown jewel. But first, a historic detour to the abandoned mining town of Bankhead. Wander the crumbling remains of this once-bustling company settlement established by the Canadian Pacific Railroad in 1903. Interpretive trails and signage conjure vivid tales of the 300 miners who once extracted 200,000 tons of coal yearly from beneath these very mountains. Come afternoon, you'll encounter an altogether different curiosity: the fabled Banff Merman! This quirky taxidermy man-beast hybrid beckons from the Banff Trading Post's curio collection. After snapping selfies with this local legend, stretch your legs on a stroll through Banff's quaint downtown. Soak up the infectious alpine energy as you weave through streets lined with cozy pubs, stylish boutiques, and lively restaurants.

Spend your final morning delving into Banff's rich indigenous heritage at the historic Cave and Basin. This thermal spring oasis has lured indigenous peoples to its restorative waters for over 10,000 years. It was also the celebrated "discovery" of this breathtaking land by railway workers in 1883 that kicked off the creation of Canada's very first national park. Next, soar to Sulphur Mountain's lofty summit via a thrilling gondola ride. At the top, follow the boardwalk trail out to Sanson's Peak for a panoramic finale: jagged, snowy peaks as far as the eye can see in this Rocky Mountain wonderland. Soak it all in before descending for one last afternoon at leisure in charming Banff town. Then, gather your newfound trail mates for a memorable farewell feast at the Grizzly House. This landmark loghouse serves up regional specialties like piping hot fondue and Alberta beef, with adventurous options like alligator and rattlesnake for the truly daring! Raise a glass and celebrate our time together during a festive farewell dinner.

Our epic journey comes to an end today with a transfer back to the Calgary Airport. Should you wish to spend more time exploring Canada’s myriad of wonders, check out the Atlas Obscura Guide to Canada for itinerary inspiration. Until our next adventure!