Off the Beaten Path in the Canadian Rockies

Day 1: Calgary to Kananaskis

After arriving in Calgary and picking up your rental car, you’ll head toward the mountains to begin your ultimate road trip getaway. The road to Mount Engadine Lodge is one of the most scenic in the country. You’ll pass through Kananaskis and Canmore before turning into the Spray Valley and heading down the Smith Dorrien Trail. Jaw-dropping mountain scenery awaits. Look out for wildlife, such as moose, along the way.

Mount Engadine Lodge is a remote and rustic backcountry lodge perfect for those looking to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature and each other. With the exception of a satellite phone for emergencies and satellite wi-fi in the main area, the lodge is fully disconnected from the world – there is no cell reception, no computer jacks, no televisions and no in-room telephones. In the evenings, head outside to see the stars and warm up by the outdoor fire.

As an overnight guest at the lodge, your breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner are all included. The menu at the lodge changes daily and features ingredients sourced from local farms and producers.

Accommodation: Mount Engadine Lodge

Day 2: Explore Kananaskis

Wake up to the glorious views of the Kananaskis backcountry. Although winters in the Rockies can be cold, the east side of the Canadian Rockies is home to relatively mild and sunny weather due to a unique system, known as a Chinook, that brings warm and dry winds from the Pacific.

At the lodge, you’ll be far off the track of most visitors to the Rockies and you’ll have access to amazing and quiet trails for snowshoeing, cross country skiing, fat biking or ice fishing. The lodge offers snowshoes, fat bikes and yak-tracks rentals. Cross-country skis can be picked up in Canmore or Calgary.

Accommodation: Mount Engadine Lodge

Day 3: Explore Kananaskis

Use your leisure time to further explore the region. Head into the surrounding forest trails on foot (snowshoe or cross country ski), enjoy winter hikes in the mountains of the nearby parks or take a car ride along the scenic road to unbeatable views. If you’re looking to relax, you can choose to spend the day at the lodge, soaking in the epic views and fresh mountain air. Wildlife sightings are common from the lodge.

Accommodation: Mount Engadine Lodge

Day 4: Explore Banff National Park

After one last delicious breakfast at the Mount Engadine Lodge, you’ll head north towards beautiful Banff National Park.

On the way, you’ll stop for your included flight over the mountains. See the surrounding glaciers from a different perspective as you soar overhead on an unforgettable helicopter tour. This is the best way to take in the full beauty of the area. You’ll fly over the famous Three Sisters Peaks and head further into the backcountry to see Mount Assiniboine – known as the Matterhorn of the Canadian Rockies because of its resemblance to the famous mountain peak in the European Alps. You’ll also get a close-up look at the Gloria Glacier as it tumbles off the 11,870-foot-high Mt. Assiniboine. A truly amazing experience that offers plenty of panoramic views and photo opportunities.

Banff was the first area in Canada designated as a national park and it is still one of the country’s most visited – and for good reason. Banff enjoys a spectacular location in the Canadian Rockies and is a great base for exploring the best of the region.

You’ll be staying at the Buffalo Mountain Lodge, nestled in the quiet trees of Tunnel Mountain, but just minutes away from the Banff town centre. This lodge offers a peaceful retreat in the mountains, with cozy fireplaces and amazing food.

Accommodation: Buffalo Mountain Lodge (or similar)

Day 5: Explore Banff National Park

A five-minute drive from the Buffalo Mountain Lodge will land you in Banff town proper, where you’ll find shopping, dining and plenty of attractions. Take the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain for panoramic views of six mountain ranges or enjoy a therapeutic soak in the Banff Hot Springs. There are plenty of winter-friendly hiking trails in the area. You can also visit nearby Lake Louise, search for wildlife or see the frozen waterfalls at Johnston Canyon on an optional guided tour.

The Buffalo Mountain Lodge is well-known for its farm-to-table cuisine and is an excellent place to enjoy a meal. If you’d like to go further afield, the Fairmont Banff Springs has excellent options and the Eden at the Rimrock Resort Hotel has an amazing fine-dining experience. For a meal with the most incredible view, opt to eat at the Sky Bistro at the top of the Banff Gondola.

Accommodation: Buffalo Mountain Lodge (or similar)

Day 6: Banff National Park to Calgary

The drive from Banff to Calgary will only take an hour and a half but you’ll want to budget more time for scenic stops and photos along the way.

In Calgary, stay at the trendy Hotel Arts, a local favourite. You can enjoy exploring the city on foot on nearby 17th Avenue and Stephen Avenue, where plenty of shopping and dining options are available. Or opt to drive to one of Calgary’s other trendy downtown neighbourhoods. A popular local spot to visit is Hayden Block Smoke and Whisky, a whisky bar and smoked meat spot with a great western vibe.

Accommodation: Hotel Arts Calgary Downtown (or similar)

Day 7: Departure

Return your rental vehicle and bid goodbye to Calgary and the Canadian Rockies.