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Canadian Rockies & Northern Lights

11 days
From Edmonton to Calgary
3.5
2 traveler reviews
Mega Sale
Canadian Rockies & Northern Lights - Intrepid Travel
From
$5,570
-20%
US $4,456
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Price based on per person for departure 02 March 2025

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Plan your adventure:
Fully Guided
An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Guided in English
Max Group Size 12
Age range 15 to 99
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Highlights

  • Navigate the frozen waterfalls, ice caves and ice formations of Maligne Canyon
  • Gaze at the clear night skies of Peace River and witness the Northern Lights
  • Discover the natural beauty of Lake Louise and admire its snow-covered banks

Itinerary

Expand All
  1. Introduction
  1. Day 1 Edmonton
  2. Day 2 Métis Crossing, Smoky Lake
  3. Day 3 Métis Crossing, Smoky Lake
  4. Day 4 Jasper
  5. Day 5 Jasper
  6. Day 6 Lake Louise
  7. Day 7 Lake Louise
  8. Day 8 Banff
  9. Day 9 Banff National Park
  10. Day 10 Banff/Canmore
  11. Day 11 Calgary
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What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Optional
  • Additional Services

Operated by

Intrepid Travel

Number of tours

1,225

Age Range

5 to 99 years old

Response time

7 hours

Response rate

96%

Back in 1989, two guys from Melbourne, Australia by the names of Darrell and Manch set off on an adventure to the other side of the world. They travelled to Africa and without air conditioning on their modified truck, they filled it with supplies, some beer, a bunch of aviator sunglasses, and...

Read more

Sustainability Initiatives

Reduce Carbon Emissions

Animal Welfare

Supporting Destinations

Sustainability Programs

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Customer Reviews

  • Overall Rating
    Good
    3.5
  • Itinerary
    Good
    4.0
  • Guide
    Excellent
    5.0
  • Transport
    Excellent
    4.5
  • Accommodation
    Average
    3.0
  • Food
    Good
    3.5
  • 4.6
  • CC
    · February 25th, 2024
    Overall: Overall, the Canadian Rockies are spectacular. All of the people in our group were fun to be with, and we made some great friends. Our tour guide was knowledgeable, patient, and flexible given the physical abilities (or inabilities) of the members of the group and tried to tailor the tour to accommodate as many people in the activities as possible. My issue was with Intrepid's misrepresentation of the physical activity level rating, the inaccurate pricing of optional activities, the required travel insurance policy, the sub-par lodging, and the labeling of the trip as a Northern Lights trip when there were only 2 nights out of 10 listed in the itinerary that gave us an opportunity to see them. Lodging: The hotels were sub-par. The Metterra in Edmonton didn’t have a functioning hair dryer and the TV didn’t work (during the SuperBowl) The Holiday Inn Express in Slave Lake didn't have a functioning fireplace in the lobby, where we gathered to eat dinner. It was cold as it was adjacent to the front doors the were constantly opening and closing. The TV in the breakfast room and where we met to eat take out dinner was on a political station and the volume was loud. The person working at the front desk stated that the remote control had been stolen, so we couldn't turn it off or adjust the volume. The Lake Louise Inn had disgusting carpeting that we didn’t even want to walk on with bare feet. The Rundlestone Lodge in Banff did not have any food or drink options in the hotel and we had to walk to another hotel to get our included breakfast. The breakfast at that hotel was also sub-par. The eggs were powdered eggs. The bread, bagels, and pastries were all stale and hard. Everyone had a room where the window looked DIRECTLY into the pool area. It was noisy with kids screaming at the pool. One of the members of our group had to pay to upgrade her room, so she wouldn't have to hear the noise from the pool area until 10:30 PM. Intrepid Activity Level rating: Intrepid listed this physical activity level rating as a 2/5, which is one step above sunbathing. It said that the activities were easy and no prior physical fitness was necessary to do most of the activities. First, many of the activities were done at higher altitudes than most were accustomed to, which makes any activity more challenging. Second, walking on ice, hiking on steep mountain trails, and snowshoeing in deep snow require a much higher level of fitness than casual walking. Itinerary: The itinerary was labeled a Canadian Rockies and Northern Lights tour. There were only 2 nights listed on the itinerary (in Slave Lake) that there was even an opportunity to go out to see them. The northern lights and weather conditions are unpredictable, so it should not be listed as a “northern lights tour” unless there would be an opportunity to see them every night. The tour guide had drive time restrictions and couldn’t take us out every night to remote areas to get the chance to see the northern lights. On an Iceland tour, we had our lodging (with restaurant and bar) in remote areas with minimal light pollution, so I could set my alarm a few times throughout the night to go outside to see if the lights were visible. The quality of northern lights can change on an hourly basis and it is not reasonable to expect to stay outside in a remote area without light pollution all night to see them. All the hotels we stayed at had significant light pollution preventing us from going outside the hotel to check the quality of the northern lights. Don’t label it a northern lights tour. It was a Canadian Rockies tour. Slave Lake activities: The ice fishing listed as a possible alternate activity was never discussed. No one said the lakes were safe or not safe for fishing. It was not discussed as an option at all. Snowshoeing was also listed as an activity at this location, but was not given as an option. Jasper activities: Walking on ice in the Maligne Canyon was challenging and risky for people who aren’t physically fit. There were a few people that had to skip the grotto for fear of injuring themselves by going further. Similarly, on the drive along the Icefields Parkway, none of us were able to hike all the way to the toe of Athabasca Glacier due to the level of fitness required. Lake Louise activites: Difficulties with the level of fitness required also impacted the hike at Johnston Canyon. Some people struggled but managed to make it to the lower bridge, but many could not go further due to the fitness level needed to hike up the steep trails. Snowshoeing was offered as an option and one group member had to insist to go snowshoeing here, since the terrain was flat. Otherwise, it was also not included as an option. Banff activities: This was the snowshoe hike at Sunshine Mountain. Despite it being listed as an option twice before on the itinerary, this was the first day we went as a group. It was challenging to say the least. Half of the group were not able to participate due to the level of fitness required that was misrepresented in the tour description rating. The next day the grotto ice walk was listed, but not offered and instead we went on a hike. Optional Activities: There was a SIGNIFICANT discrepancy of the prices listed for the optional activities on the tour description and the actual prices. It seems the prices listed by Intrepid were pre-COVID prices and had never been updated. I understand if there would be a minor difference in prices, but they were 40-70% higher than Intrepid quoted. Here are examples of the activity and price per person. Dogsledding (an anticipated highlight of the trip, which we ended up not going on due to price): Intrepid price $200 CAD and actual price was $315CAD. Lake Louise Sleigh ride: Intrepid price $37CAD and actual price was $52CAD Lake Louise Ice Skating including hockey stick: Intrepid price $20CAD and actual price was $29CAD Banff Hot Springs: Intrepid price $8CAD and actual price was $17.50CAD Travel Insurance: I have the AmEx Platinum card that has very good travel insurance coverage. Intrepid forced me to buy a separate policy stating that I needed a “policy number” and not just claims made coverage that my credit card supplies. I had to pay an extra $174USD to get travel insurance when my credit card already covers travel insurance. Then I found that one of the guests in our group used her credit card policy and did not require a separate travel insurance policy to go on this trip. That was infuriating! White Mountain Adventures: White Mountain Adventures was coordinating this trip and I felt they were at a disadvantage to plan a trip when the Intrepid itinerary and physical activity level was misrepresented prior to the trip. Scott, our tour guide, was very kind, knowledgeable, patient, accommodating, and flexible to try to meet the expectations and physical abilities of those on the tour.
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    Intrepid Travel commented on this review
    Hi Cheryl, thank you for your review. I can see that our Customer Care team has reached out to your following your above submission. We look forward to discussing all of the matters that have been brought to our attention. Your insights are appreciated,... Show more
    Trip date: February 2024
  • DM
    · January 28th, 2024
    the trip overall was good but a few things to be aware of: The Edmonton Sky shuttle has not been in service since 2020! You must take a taxi. The guide was surprised that we were told to schedule extras through her and by the time the trip started, much of what we wanted was already booked out. You must book the extras yourself. Neither intrepid nor tour radar does this. this was unclear in all the communications. you can't talk to a tour radar person. on line chat is fine if you are not in a hurry for answers. That aside, the guide was knowledgeable, pleasant, and worked hard to give all tour participants an extraordinary time.
    Show more
    Intrepid Travel commented on this review
    Hi Daniel, we would like to express our appreciation for the time you took to write your review. Your feedback is of utmost importance to us. It brings us great delight to hear that you had a fantastic experience with our team! We have shared your kind... Show more
    Trip date: January 2024

Dates & Availability

11 days
Canadian Rockies & Northern Lights
From Edmonton to Calgary

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What our customers ask about this tour

    The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
    • Do I need to book all excursions in advance?

      Add-on activities can be arranged on-site with your tour leader once the journey begins.

    • What is the cancellation policy for the trip?

      If the trip comes back unavailable, you will be given a full refund.

    • How much is the one-way taxi to the hotel?

      The one-way cost from the airport to the hotel is approximately $18 CAD.

    • What is the deposit required to confirm my booking?

      A deposit of 400 is required to confirm your space after the complimentary hold of 48 hours.

    • Are there dogsledding activities included in the tour?

      Dogsledding is an add-on activity and needs to be arranged in destination with the tour leader.

    • Can I avoid sharing a room?

      Yes, you can opt for a single supplement if you prefer not to share a room, subject to availability.

    • What should I pack for the tour?

      It's advisable to bring insulated boots, warm clothing, and lighter footwear for varying conditions.

    • What are the best months to see the Northern Lights?

      November through to March is usually the best time to see the lights as the skies are at their darkest.

    • Will my group stay at the same hotel for multiple nights?

      Yes, for the nights spent in the towns for 2-3 nights, you will be staying at the same hotel.

    • Is there a single supplement available?

      A single supplement is available if you prefer not to share a room, and it applies to all nights of your trip.

    Can’t find the answer to your question?
    Reach out to the experts at Intrepid Travel with your enquiry, they usually respond within 7 hours.

    Good to Know

    Tour ID: 101071

    • Currency
      $
      Canadian Dollar
      Canada
    • Plugs & Adapters

      As a traveler from England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types A, B.

      Type A
      Canada
      Type B
      Canada
    • Visa
      • Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
      • Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
    • Payment information
      • For any tour departing before March 9th, 2025 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after March 9th, 2025, a minimum payment of $400 is required to confirm your booking with Intrepid Travel. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
      • Some departure dates and prices may vary and Intrepid Travel will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
      • The following cards are accepted for "Intrepid Travel" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
    • Cancellation Policy
    • Accessibility
      Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.

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