Alberta
Great American Get-Together in Banff
Program No. 22397RJ
Join fellow Road Scholars in the heart of the Canadian Rockies to learn about the geology, ecology and culture of Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Emerald Lake and more.
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Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date.
Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
8 days
7 nights
What's Included
18 meals (
7B, 6L, 5D
)
5 expert-led lectures
10 expert-led field trips
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
7 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Location:
Calgary, Alberta
Meals:
D
Stay:
Best Western Plus Port O'Call Calgary Airport Hotel
Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously). Getting on/off a hotel shuttle.
Afternoon:
Arrivals and transfers to the hotel in Calgary. Program Registration: 4:00-6:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the lobby to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived.
Dinner:
At the hotel in Calgary.
Evening:
Orientation: 7:30 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This is a Road Scholar Great American Get Together (GAGT) program. GAGT programs involve a large group of participants from all over the country who get to learn about a wide variety of topics and themes from some of Road Scholar’s most acclaimed instructors. For some scheduled activities, participants will be divided into smaller groups. What follows is a representative schedule. The order of the elements each day will vary by group, but each group will have an opportunity to experience all scheduled activities. Periods in the schedule labeled “Free time and “At leisure” offer opportunities to make the program more meaningful and memorable while going out to explore on your own, engaging in available activities independently, making new friends among fellow Road Scholars, or simply relaxing. The Group Leader will always be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
2
Banff Exploration, Johnston Canyon, Geology Presentation
Location:
Banff, Alberta
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
The Banff Centre
Activity Note
Each group (max 30 participants) will depart with a Group Leader by motorcoach from Calgary to Banff, and for an exploration of Banff and area. Walking up to 2 miles, about 2 hours. Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 140 miles, approximately 3.5 hours riding time. The entire group will come together for afternoon and evening presentations.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Two groups will set out via motorcoach from Calgary, for an exploration of the Banff area, including the town and the Banff Springs Hotel, a National Historic Site of Canada and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While en route, we will learn about the importance of Canadian Pacific Railway and how it contributed to the building of Canada. As we travel the Minnewanka Scenic Route including Bankhead, an abandoned mining town and relic of Banff’s industrial past, we will see hoodoos and anthracite, notable landmarks and historic places, an underwater village, and learn about native history. We’ll stop at a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the classic Two Jack Lake of the Rockies. The other two groups will explore the Parks at Johnston Canyon, a deep rugged canyon with waterfalls and rushing waters. We’ll see how Johnston Creek has carved down into the limestone on the valley bottom, creating a spectacular and deep canyon. Along the way, we’ll make stops for interpretation, viewing, and photo opportunities. To enable animals to connect their habitats safely and protect motorists, Parks Canada has implemented wildlife crossings – underpasses and overpasses. If we’re lucky, we may spot deer, elk, mountain goats, longhorn sheep, bears, and wolves. Groups will switch activities for the morning of Day 7.
Lunch:
At the Banff Centre.
Afternoon:
We will discover the fascinating history and geology of the Canadian Rockies in a presentation at the center. Today’s glacial landscape was carved over the last 2.9 million years, during which there have been many ice advances and retreats. We’ll learn from a local geologist about mountain building, the different layers of rock and what they mean, and how the geology of the Canadian Rockies differs from the American Rockies. A second presentation will introduce us to the Banff Centre, during which we will learn from a Banff Centre insider about the state-of-the-art design and architecture of the premises as well as the art, its resident artists and leaders. Afterwards, we’ll embark on an in-depth exploration of the center – the artists in residence, recreation facilities, exhibits, and more.
Dinner:
At the Banff Centre.
Evening:
We will meet with an expert biologist and conservationist who will give a presentation on how to share the land with grizzly bears. The Bow Valley is considered an internationally significant wildlife migration corridor, contained within the Lake Louise area, it is notable for its critical grizzly bear, elk, lynx, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat habitat. As protected areas, the mountain national parks make a weighty contribution to grizzly bear conservation in the Rocky Mountain ecosystem. These parks can contribute refuge in the greater landscape but this requires special considerations for the way in which humans share the landscape with bears. During the presentation, we will also hear how Parks Canada is conducting land use and management policies.
Day
3
Cave & Basin National Historic Site, Free Time
Location:
Banff, Alberta
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
The Banff Centre
Activity Note
For Days 3, 4, 5, 6, each group (max 30 participants) will depart with a Group Leader by motorcoach to attend the daily field trips. The order of the days will change per group. Driving less than 1 hour on this day. Walking up to 1 mile, about 1 hour on pavement and boardwalks; some stairs at Cave and Basin site. Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 90 miles, approximately 1.5 hours riding time. Extent and duration of walking and other free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the Banff Centre.
Morning:
We’ll transfer by motorcoach from the centre to the Cave and Basin National Historic Site to explore the birthplace of Canada's first National Park with a Parks Canada expert. The warm waters issuing from Sulphur Mountain have been long-known to aboriginal peoples and eventually these same hot springs became the centerpiece of Canada’s first national park (and the world’s fourth). While here, we will also stroll down to the warm marshes below the springs, easily accessible along a boardwalk, to see introduced tropical fish and warm-water plants. Bring binoculars! We’ll then return to the Banff Centre.
Lunch:
At the Banff Centre.
Afternoon:
Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Yoho National Park, Emerald Lake
Location:
Banff, Alberta
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
The Banff Centre
Activity Note
For Days 3, 4, 5, 6, each group (max 30 participants) will depart with a Group Leader by motorcoach to attend the daily field trips. The order of the days will change per group. Walking up to 2 miles, approximately 2.5 hours over the course of the day; well-maintained trails and pathways; easy, flat lakeside trail at Emerald Lake with no elevation gain. Stops along the way for interpretation. Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 150 miles, approximately 3 hours riding time.
Breakfast:
At the Banff Centre.
Morning:
We’ll transfer by motorcoach to experience some of the foremost geological highlights of the Rockies on an expert-led walking field trip with our Group Leader to Yoho National Park. We’ll learn about the geology of the area in trailside discussions, and see some textbook examples of topics that were covered in the presentations.
Lunch:
At a scenic spot, we'll enjoy boxed lunches.
Afternoon:
Next, we’ll continue to Emerald Lake with a stop at the Spiral Tunnels on the way where we’ll hopefully see a train loop on top of itself like a snake as the front of the train goes 180 degrees in the opposite direction of the back of the train. At Emerald Lake, another jewel of the Canadian Rockies, we’ll go on an expert-led trail walk with our Group Leader to learn about the interesting plant species found here and at the Burgess Shale quarries along Fossil Ridge. Thanks to its position on the west side of the Great Divide in Yoho National Park, a 360-degree view from Emerald Lake showcases four very different environments: a huge avalanche path, the pine forest, a dry and dramatic alluvial fan and the towering trees of the rainforest. We’ll then return to the center.
Dinner:
At the Banff Centre.
Evening:
At your leisure.
Day
5
Lake Louise, Grizzly Bears, Gondola, Moraine Lake
Location:
Banff, Alberta
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
The Banff Centre
Activity Note
For Days 3, 4, 5, 6, each group (max 30 participants) will depart with a Group Leader by motorcoach to attend the daily field trips. The order of the days will change per group. Walking up to 2 miles; about 2 hours; pavement and/or groomed trails. Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 75 miles, approximately 1.5 hours total riding time.
Breakfast:
At the Banff Centre.
Morning:
Arriving by motorcoach at Lake Louise, we’ll meet with an expert biologist and conservationist who will give a presentation on how to share the land with grizzly bears. The Bow Valley is considered an internationally significant wildlife migration corridor, contained within the Lake Louise area, it is notable for its critical grizzly bear, elk, lynx, bighorn sheep, and mountain goat habitat. As protected areas, the mountain national parks make a weighty contribution to grizzly bear conservation in the Rocky Mountain ecosystem. These parks can contribute refuge in the greater landscape but this requires special considerations for the way in which humans share the landscape with bears. During the presentation, we will also hear how Parks Canada is conducting land use and management policies. Next, we will board the Lake Louise Gondola – one of the best places for a chance to see grizzly bears in their natural environment. If we’re lucky, we may experience this rare and awesome spectacle of nature from the comfort of an enclosed gondola. From atop a mountain, we’ll enjoy views of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake surrounded by peaks and a deep teal color – nothing less than stunning as it sits in the gorgeous Valley of the Ten Peaks.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Afterwards, we’ll take an expert-led trail walk with our Group Leader around Lake Louise and explore the grounds of the Chateau Lake Louise. Strolling along the lake shore, we’ll take in the beautiful views of the water and mountain peaks and visit Moraine Lake, one of the most photographed lakes in the area. We’ll then return to the Centre.
Dinner:
On your own in Banff to enjoy the local fare, or you may wish to join the Group Leader at a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
6
Icefields Parkway
Location:
Banff, Alberta
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
The Banff Centre
Activity Note
For Days 3, 4, 5, 6, each group (max 30 participants); the order of the days will change per group. Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 235 miles throughout the day, approximately 5 hours total riding time.
Breakfast:
At the Banff Centre.
Morning:
We’ll embark on a scenic journey along the Icefields Parkway, one of Canada’s most stunning routes. Travelling by motorcoach with a local expert, we’ll pass through unparalleled sights of a lake-lined valley traveling the Continental Divide. We will view the Main Ranges: home to the highest and most dramatic peaks of the Rockies. Along the way, there will be stops at unique spots such as Peyto Lake, Vow Valley, and Kootenay National Park. Our local expert will share fascinating insights about these natural wonders
Lunch:
At a scenic spot along the Parkway, we will stop for boxed lunches.
Afternoon:
This motorcoach exploration of the fascinating environment will continue on the journey back to Banff. The return route will make stops at scenic overlooks that will allow us to experience the turquoise lakes, mountain-framed valleys, and raging waterfalls.
Dinner:
At the Banff Centre.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
7
Early Explorers, Johnston Canyon, Banff Film Screening
Location:
Banff, Alberta
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
The Banff Centre
Activity Note
Scenic canyon trail walk is approximately 1.5 miles to the waterfall and back (with time to rest in between). Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 100 miles, approximately 2 hours riding time. The entire group will come together for the Film Screening from the Banff International Film Festival.
Breakfast:
At the Banff Centre.
Morning:
An expert from the Whyte Museum will join us at the Banff Centre for a presentation focused on the early explorers of the region. We’ll learn about the historical and current figures that have shaped the mountain culture landscape, including the women whose lives are part of a legacy of backcountry travel, ranching, climbing, scientific research, writing, drama, and art. Afterwards, we’ll transfer via motorcoach with our Group Leader for an exploration of the Bow Valley and Johnston Canyon. The entire area is rich with wildlife; watch the cliffs for bighorn sheep and the swamps for elk and wolves. Exploring Johnston Canyon with our Group Leader on foot, we’ll hike through a deep rugged canyon with waterfalls and rushing waters and see how Johnston Creek has carved its way into the limestone on the valley bottom and created a remarkable canyon in a relatively short period of time. Along the way, we’ll make stops for interpretation, viewing, and photo opportunities. Groups will switch field trips the same as Day 2. We’ll then return to the Centre by motorcoach.
Lunch:
At the Banff Centre.
Afternoon:
We will attend a screening at the Banff Centre of short films from the Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival; the works are bursting with stories of profound journeys, unexpected adventures, and groundbreaking expeditions told by renowned authors, photographers, adventurers, and filmmakers from around the globe. There will be pre- and post-viewing discussions about the festival and the film with an expert from the Banff Centre.
Dinner:
At the Banff Centre. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer to Calgary Airport in the morning.
Day
8
Transfer to Calgary Airport, Program Concludes
Location:
Banff, Alberta
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
At the Banff Centre.
Morning:
Departing Banff, group transfers to Calgary International Airport will start at 7:30 a.m. Our earliest expected arrival time is 9:30 a.m. This concludes our program. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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