Introduction

This private day tour offers a cross-section of the Canadian Rockies, visiting Alberta's Banff and British Columbia's National Parks of Yoho and Kootenay in one action-packed, ready-made day trip itinerary.

What to Expect - Itinerary & Experience:

Stop 1: Emerald Lake (Yoho, BC) - our active anchor

• The Activity: Conditions permitting, a 5.2km (3.2-mile) hike along the shoreline loop (Difficulty: Easy, mostly flat). Our goal is to hit our furthest point first and experience the "Jewel of Yoho" through active discovery before the mid-day rush.

Stop 2: Natural Bridge (Yoho, BC)

• The Activity: A brief stop to observe the Kicking Horse River as it carves through solid rock.

Stop 3: Lake Louise (Banff, AB)

• The Activity: A visit to the most iconic basin in the range. We’ll move along the shoreline to reach the quieter vantage points of the lake and mountains, offering a better perspective of the Victoria Glacier and castle-like Fairmont Chateau alike during a 60-75 minute stop. Includes an optional brief pitstop at Lake Louise Village.

Stop 4: Marble Canyon & The Paint Pots (Kootenay, BC)

• The Activity: A two-stop trail experience featuring the bridges and waterfalls of Marble Canyon and a discovery walk to the vibrant Paint Pots. These stops highlight the unique colours and powerful river forces that define the Kootenay landscape. Winter along the Paint Pots trail is a magical snowshoe experience through forest, meadow, and river settings. While the orange ochre beds are typically tucked beneath the snow, the frozen landscape offers a serene perspective of this historic site.

Stop 5: The Return – via the Bow Valley Parkway (Banff, AB)

• The Activity: We transition to the Bow Valley Parkway, which runs parallel to the Trans-Canada Highway 1, for part of the leg back toward Banff. This route is much quieter and more relaxed, offering a different perspective of the valley and more frequent wildlife sightings. Note: certain sections are subject to seasonal closures for wildlife and to create a vehicle free experience for cyclists; during these times, we utilize the most scenic accessible portions of the route.

Premium Transit: Relax in the exclusive comfort of our vehicle while your guide handles all navigation, storytelling, and park logistics.

Lunch: We pause at a scenic vantage point for a fresh mid-day refuel. Field lunches are prepared by a local deli partner the morning of your tour (see FAQ for more details).

Key Details (From Calgary/Cochrane):

• Duration: ~10 Hours.
• Format: 100% Private (Maximum 11 participants).
• Pickup & Drop-off: Door-to-door service, starting and ending the day at your preferred Calgary or Cochrane location.
• Booking cutoff: 24 hours before departure.
• Activity Level: Easy-Moderate.
• Languages: English primary; Spanish and Mandarin Chinese delivery also available.
• Itinerary Note: Routes and destinations may vary based on participant preferences, fitness levels, real-time mountain conditions, and safety. During the winter season, the Emerald Lake hiking route is subject to local snow and avalanche conditions. Depending on the day's safety assessment, we will enjoy either a full lake loop or an out-and-back trail along the southern and eastern shores. Snowshoes are provided should the conditions require them.
• Planning a multi-day stay? This journey pairs superbly with any of our Kananaskis-based 'Co-design' tours. Ideal for those who want to see the famous icons one day and go further off the beaten path the next.