Tour Code: 26WCA

Tour Manager: Darren Frazier

Tour Leaders: Joel Kvarnberg & Darren Frazier

Discover the Beauty of the Canadian Rockies. Over 14 days, explore the stunning Canadian Rockies along the border between Alberta and British Columbia. Begin your adventure in Calgary, delving into its rich history with visits to Drumheller and Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump. Journey along the famous Highway 1 to Banff, where you'll enjoy panoramic views from a gondola ride, visit the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, and relax in the Upper Hot Springs Pool.

As you travel, marvel at the breathtaking landscapes of Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Peyto Lake, and more.  A must-see is the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, where you can walk on an actual glacier.

In Jasper, take a cruise on Maligne Lake to see the picturesque Spirit Island, and stop by a local town to observe beavers. Bid farewell to the Rockies as you head to Edmonton, home to Ft. Edmonton Park, the Alberta Legislature, and the Edmonton Association of the Deaf.

Take a side trip from Edmonton to Elk Island National Park to view the majestic bison herd and visit the Ukrainian Cultural Centre. Conclude your journey with a farewell dinner before transferring to Calgary Airport the next day for your return flight.

This unforgettable adventure will leave you longing for more.

• 13 nights in 3 to 4 star accommodations.
• 15 meals: Breakfast (13), Dinner (2)
• Services of a deaf Tour Leader on call 24 hours a day.
• Services of local deaf guides.
• All transportation expenses.
• All city and/or tourist taxes. 
• All admission fees for attractions and museums mentioned in the itinerary.
• Informative travel preparation packet.
• $100 Repeat Customer Discount per person on your next regular tour.

IMPORTANT TO KNOW:  The itinerary and price are subject to change.

• Domestic and/or international airfares.
• Airport transfers at beginning and end of tour.
• All other meals not mentioned in the itinerary and personal expenses.
• Travel Insurance.
• All types of transit and tourist visas (if applicable) - e.g. ETA, ETIAS, etc.
• Tips for your Tour Leader, Tour Assistant(s) and/or Local Guides.

● Tour begins in and ends in Calgary, Canada.

● Tour will be confirmed when we meet the minimum number of participants. 

● When the tour is confirmed, additional deposits/payments may be required. 

● Significant walking expected during the tour.  Moderate physical fitness is required. 

● Please consult the most recent version of the HOT terms and conditions. 

● Hands on Travel recommends that you purchase a travel insurance plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected.

Joel, a proud Edmonton, Alberta native, grew up in a Deaf family and has always been passionate about exploring the world. A lifelong Oilers fan and VW enthusiast, he loves hitting the road to discover new places. Now based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Joel is known for his expertise with cars and his curiosity about world history. His first experience in the travel industry was as a Tour Assistant with Hands On Travel in Alberta, exploring the stunning landscapes of Banff and Jasper. This sparked his passion for travel, and he’s now eager to lead more tours and share his love for adventure.

John, born and raised in British Columbia, Canada, is the proud father of four adult daughters and a grandfather. In retirement, he leads tours for people eager to explore the stunning geography and rich Aboriginal culture of B.C.’s coastal regions. His favourite place to wander is the rainforest, where towering ancient trees rise above moss-covered ground.  John’s enthusiasm keeps him youthful and fuels his love for breathtaking landscapes—mountains, islands, and vast ocean views. He has travelled to China twice, as well as throughout Europe, Israel, Mexico, and the United States. The Canadian Rockies remain one of his favourite places to unwind.  Currently, he resides in White Rock, British Columbia.

Updated as of 01/11/2025

Sunday, August 2

Afternoon arrival into Calgary aka “Cowtown” due to its cattle industry. Your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. Rest and recover. Enjoy a welcome dinner. Stay in Calgary for 3 nights.

Monday, August 3

A whole day exploring the sights and learning the history around Calgary: Stevens Avenue, Calgary Tower, Heritage Park, Eau Claire Market, Peace Bridge, Kensington Village, The Bow, Central Library, Calgary’s skyline view, and more.

Tuesday, August 4

A day trip to Drumheller. See the unique landscape, aka “The Badlands” or “Hoodoos.” Ride through many bridges to Wayne, a town that’s part of the historic mining region. Get scared inside the Royal Tyrell Museum, supposedly the best dinosaur museum in the world. Return to Calgary.

Wednesday, August 5

Check out of the hotel and head south toward the U.S. border. Visit the fascinating Frank Slide. See the famed Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump site. View the picturesque Pincher Creek. See the massive Lethbridge. Time permitting, explore Fort Macleod or Waterton Lakes National Park. Overnight in Pincher Creek.

Thursday, August 6

Finally, we hit the road to Banff, home to the 1991 Winter Deaflympics. Stop by Bar U Ranch, one of the oldest and most successful ranching sites. Get on the famed Highway 1, the gateway to the Canadian Rockies! Visit an adorable town, Canmore, for shopping and light bites. See the Three Sisters peaks. Arrive in Banff. Stay in Banff for 3 nights.

Friday, August 7

View the Vermillion Lake before a morning drive through Bow Valley and catch any wildlife, if lucky. Return to town but stop at the Cave and Basin National Historic Site. During the afternoon, we check out the Bow Falls and the famous Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.

Saturday, August 8

Go up in a gondola in Banff in the morning and enjoy the panoramic view of the Rockies. Free time for the rest of the day. Optional with a fee: take a dip in the Upper Hot Springs Pool during late evening before it closes.

Sunday, August 9

Back on the highway to stop at the amazing Columbia Icefields. Ride in a behemoth ‘Star Wars’-like vehicle to the glacier. Step and walk on the actual glacier. Dare to walk the Skywalk. Continue to Jasper. Stay in Jasper for 3 nights.

Monday, August 10

Hop on a tramway to the top and view Jasper from above. In the afternoon, we board on a lake cruise and see the picturesque Spirit Island in Lake Minnewanka.

Tuesday, August 11

Take an easy to moderate hike through the stunning Maligne Canyon with its narrow gorges, waterfalls, and limestone formations. Return to town with free time afterward. Optional with a fee: dip in a local hot spring in the evening.

Wednesday, August 12

Say goodbye to the Rockies. Check out of the hotel early for a long drive to Edmonton (4 hours) with a few quick stops. Visit Alberta School for the Deaf. Meet and greet Deaf Canadians at Edmonton Association of the Deaf. Have dinner at Craft Beer Market, home to 100 Canadian microbrews. Stay in Edmonton for 2 nights.

Thursday, August 13

After a hearty breakfast, head to Elk Island National Park for wildlife viewing: bison, deer, beaver, and more. Nearby, make a quick stop at this unique Ukrainian Cultural Center where Ukrainians settled from 1890 to 1930. Return to Edmonton and visit the historic Ft. Edmonton Park. Ride on a vintage streetcar and enjoy our farewell dinner.

Friday, August 14

Check out of your Edmonton hotel in the morning and drive to Calgary, stopping along the way at the fascinating Reynolds-Alberta Museum to explore Alberta’s rich transportation and aviation history. Enjoy a leisurely farm-to-table lunch at a ranch, savoring fresh, locally-sourced cuisine in a peaceful countryside setting. Continue the drive to Calgary, arriving in the afternoon to check in at your hotel. In the evening, come together for a memorable farewell dinner, sharing stories and reflections from the journey. Overnight in Calgary.

Saturday, August 15

Transfer to Calgary airport for your flight destination at any time.