Exploring Canada's Rockies
Olivia, Trainee Travel Consultant at our Jarrolds, Norwich shop, enjoyed an amazing week in Alberta as a guest of Trafalgar Travel, on their Discover Canada’s Rockies itinerary. This 7-day journey get to the heart of the sweeping mountains, glaciers and lakes of South West Alberta’s National Parks, with a swathe of authentic experiences that give a real sense of Canada’s wonderful highglights:
“What an unforgettable week in Canada. From the moment we landed in Calgary, the trip was filled with incredible experiences, brilliant people, and memories I’ll genuinely cherish for a long time.
I travelled as a guest of Trafalgar Travel, operating since 1947, who offer over 300 escorted tours globally. Each holiday has a Travel Director who travels with you and organises everything from start to finish, which makes it such a relaxing way to experience a country – no logistics, no worries, just sitting back and letting a country unfold before you. The entire journey felt effortless and well paced, with time to enjoy each stop properly without ever feeling rushed.
We began our adventure in Calgary before heading into the stunning Canadian Rockies. Our first major stop was the breathtaking Lake Louise, where the views were absolutely unreal, with the water a vivid turquoise colour due to its glacial mineral content - photos really don’t do it justice. We also visited the iconic Fairmont Chateau hotel overlooking the lake, before continuing through dramatic landscapes of glaciers, waterfalls, and mountain viewpoints on our way to Jasper, much of which sits within Jasper National Park.
While in Jasper, we spent an evening at a local speakeasy and saw first-hand how the community is continuing to rebuild after the 2024 wildfires. We also went white-water rafting on the Athabasca River, getting completely soaked while surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery imaginable. One of the standout moments was cruising across Maligne Lake to Spirit Island - one of the most picturesque places I’ve ever seen, with the lakeshore flanked by three glaciers.
We then continued on to Banff, stopping at the incredible Columbia Icefield along the way. Riding the Ice Explorer onto the Athabasca Glacier, tasting fresh glacier water, and even sampling a little maple whisky made it a real highlight. We were also lucky enough to spot a black bear walking right alongside the highway - a surreal moment that won’t be forgotten.
Banff itself was full of unforgettable experiences. I loved exploring the town, picking up a cowboy hat, taking the gondola up into the mountains, trying the famous BeaverTails, and most importantly learning to play ice hockey - fully kitted out, skates on, and stepping onto the ice was a true bucket list moment. All of it set against the backdrop of Banff National Park made it even more special.
Before heading home, we returned to Calgary for some final sightseeing and a last chance to soak up the atmosphere of this incredible country.
Travelling with Trafalgar was a genuinely excellent experience. From the moment I arrived, everything was seamless and well organised - it really felt like I was on holiday straight away. The logistics throughout were handled brilliantly, with smooth transitions, clear communication, and no stress at any point. The accommodation was consistently beautiful and comfortable, and the handpicked excursions were particularly memorable, giving a real sense of the destination rather than just ticking off a list of sights.
Canada, you’ve been unforgettable. Until next time.”
