BESPOKE ALBERTA HOLIDAYS AND TOURS

On a tailor-made Alberta tour, you’ll have the freedom to experience everything you want, when you want to – even incorporating the occasional private guide or intimate small-group experience to enrich your journey. Unlike a traditional group tour, where you’re typically bound to a fixed itinerary and the pace of fellow travellers, tailor-made travel puts you firmly in control. That means you won’t have to compromise on moments that matter, whether it’s adding an extra night in Jasper or waiting for that perfect photograph of Lake Louise in the ideal light.

Choosing a tailor-made or bespoke travel experience offers a level of flexibility and personalisation that simply isn’t possible with pre-packaged trips. Every element is thoughtfully designed around your preferences, interests and travel style – from accommodation and excursions to the pace of your days. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a blend of both, your journey is created for you, with you, ensuring a more meaningful and seamless exploration of Alberta’s breathtaking landscapes.

July and August are peak tourist season, and you can expect particularly large crowds around midday at popular hotspots such as Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Johnston Canyon, and along Banff Avenue in the town of Banff. Travelling outside of these months, or visiting these locations earlier in the morning or later in the evening, can make a significant difference if you’re hoping to avoid the busiest periods.

If avoiding crowds is important to you, our Travel Experts can also recommend alternative or complementary destinations and experiences. These often include lesser-known hidden gems that offer equally stunning scenery and memorable experiences, but with fewer visitors and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Definitely. Alberta is home to hundreds of species of wildlife including grizzly bears, mountain goats, elk, moose and bison, and chances are you might just spot these animals grazing along roadsides in towns like Banff, Canmore and Jasper.

Alberta’s vast network of both provincial and national parks ensures the animals are well protected and allowed to roam at their leisure, so whether you’re driving on the scenic roads or just taking an easy hike, you are likely to see wildlife in its natural habitat.

Yes, the Canadian Rockies are perfectly suitable for non-skiers in winter. There are many alternative winter activities including gondola rides, ice skating, snowshoeing, sledding, sleigh rides, hot springs in Banff and stargazing in Jasper National Park. It’s also a great time of year to enjoy the numerous ice festivals and cosy atmosphere across the mountain towns. 
 

The driving distances depend on the start and end locations. Calgary to Banff is around 1.5 hours; Banff town to Lake Louise in Banff National Park is half an hour; and Banff to Jasper is 3.5 hours.

While distances can seem significant, the drives themselves are all part of the Alberta experience – none more so than the iconic Icefields Parkway (between Banff and Jasper), widely regarded as one of the most scenic routes in the world.

All of the driving times are carefully considered, with your Journeyscape Travel Expert factoring them into your tailor-made itinerary to ensure you spend more time out of the car than in, while still enjoying the journey along the way.

Having your own car allows you to stop at scenic viewpoints whenever you like and explore at your own pace — something that’s particularly valuable in such a spectacular region. 

While it is possible to travel to and through parts of Alberta by train, the network is limited. Rail travel here is primarily geared towards scenic journeys through the Canadian Rockies, rather than offering a comprehensive transport system that connects all towns and cities.

Relying solely on transfers will reduce your flexibility, require significantly more travel time between destinations, and can often lead to higher overall costs.

Yes. For those looking for an even more peaceful getaway, just south of Banff lies the stunning town of Canmore. The town is the gateway to Kananaskis Country which features multiple lush valleys and lakes, and offers over 100km of hiking, biking and cross-country skiing trails, as well as horse-riding and whitewater rafting.   

In terms of national parks, Waterton Lakes National Park is quieter and lesser known that Banff and Jasper, but no less beautiful. Bordering the US state of Montana in the south of Alberta, Waterton Lakes boasts a tiny town right on the lakes, and striking scenery where the wildflower filled prairies rise to the Canadian Rockies. 

What you pack for your holiday in Alberta will definitely depend on the season in which you travel. Layers are always a good idea when visiting the Canadian Rockies, and even in the warmer months we recommend a light base layer, a fleece and a waterproof/windproof shell jacket as the day can start warm and become chilly as the sun sets or as you gain altitude. Hiking boots or sturdy shoes are a must as are shorts or comfortable trousers. If you visit Alberta in winter, you must bring heavy layers and snow boots in preparation for freezing temperatures and potentially adverse conditions. 

A tailor-made holiday with Journeyscape begins with your interests, not a fixed itinerary. You share the places, experiences, wildlife and pace you’re drawn to, and your Travel Expert designs a route that brings those elements together. Every detail, from accommodation and travel days to excursions and local guides, is shaped around your preferences. Once you’re happy with the plan, everything is confirmed in advance, so your holiday feels smooth and effortless from the moment you leave home.