Cycling · 6 Days
Transcription
Cycling · 6 Days
Great Explorations | 1 CANADIAN ROCKIES Cycling · 6 Days E info@great-explorations.com W great-explorations.com T 604.730.1247 | 1.800.242.1825 >>>RESERVE YOUR TRIP<<< Great Explorations | 2 ROCKY MOUNTAINS Dare to be adventurous! Come and cycle along the most spectacular road in Canada, as you journey north to the breathtaking Jasper National Park. Experience the rugged wilderness of the Canadian Rocky Mountain parks by day and enjoy the warm, luxurious comfort of mountain lodges by night. Hearts will pound as you crest tough mountain passes offering unparalleled views of snowcapped peaks. You’ll begin your exploration in Banff National Park, where towering mountains rise from the shores of turquoise-blue lakes, glaciers gleam, lakes shimmer, vistas overwhelm and forests enchant. Rewarding rides throughout this marvelous UNESCO World Heritage Site provide an exhilarating sense of accomplishment that will last a lifetime. So come along and test your legs and lungs on these eastern flanks of the Pacific Ring of Fire, protruding jagged and steep out of fertile valleys; your only concern being you don’t have more time. ITINERARY Getting there Banff: There is regularly scheduled air service to Calgary from across North America, with non-stop flights from all major Canadian and many US centres. Additionally, non-stop international flights are available from London and Frankfurt. Airport shuttle service to Banff from the Calgary Airport is available. Day 1 Banff This vibrant town is at the centre of some of the most scenic cycling routes found anywhere in the Rocky Mountain National Parks. Stroll about town searching for that perfect souvenir or visiting the excellent museums. We’ll fit bikes between 2:00-4:00 and meet at 6:00 for dinner. If you arrive early, enjoy a warm-up cycle out to The Cave and Basin the location of the first hot mineral springs discovered in 1883. Day 2 Lake Louise Pedal the scenic network of roads around Banff — exploring Tunnel Mountain and the weirdly shaped Hoodoos. Add on a loop up to Lake Minnewanka, one of the largest and deepest lakes in the Rockies. Once known as Devil’s Lake or Cannibal Lake, Minnewanka is the site of many ghostly occurrences in native legends. Then journey north along the Bow Valley Parkway to the staggeringly beautiful scenery of Lake Louise — the gem of Banff National Park. As you twist and climb along the Parkway take in the magnificent views of the Sawback, Sundance and the Massive mountain ranges. Upon arrival in Lake Louise, soak up the natural splendour, take a canoe onto the lake, or enjoy a short walk into the mountains. D2: 60 km/ 37.5 mi; approx. 345 m. E info@great-explorations.com W great-explorations.com T 604.730.1247 | 1.800.242.1825 >>>RESERVE YOUR TRIP<<< Only Great Explorations · Small groups, extraordinary · · · · · guides, and authentic experiences Dinner at the atmospheric Treehouse Restaurant, on Saltspring where you will be entertained by musicians under the stars A picnic at Lighthouse Park on Mayne Island, where whales may be spotted offshore Order off the menu at restaurants you won’t find in guidebooks Distinctive, charming hotels too small for larger groups We design and operate our own trips so there are only good surprises Dates 2016 June 12-17 June 20-25 July 10-15 July 26- 31 August 7-12 2017 June 11-16 June 19-24 July 9-14 July 25-30 August 6-11 Level You’re cycling the Rocky Mountains so you can guarantee some challenging terrain. Moderately-challenging 60-100km daily (35-60 miles) Van supported Trip Size 8-16 participants Total Days 6 days/5 nights Arrive/Depart Banff/Jasper Great Explorations | 3 Jasper FINISH WEATHER (BANFF) Columbia Icefield MT. WILSON Bow Lake BANFF NATIONAL PARK Lake Louise CALGARY Banff START VANCOUVER CALGARY Day 3 Bow Lake Cycle up to Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks (considered by many to be even more beautiful than Lake Louise) and then opt for a ride along the Great Divide Road. No longer accessible to cars, this bike route will take you over the continental divide where you can check out the monument that marks this watershed divide on the summit of the Kicking Horse Pass. Continue your journey north to the splendid Num-Ti-Jah Lodge on the shores of Bow Lake. D3: 79 km/ 49.5 mi; approx. 645 m. Day 4 Columbia Icelfield Cycle along the splendid Icefields Parkway, soon cresting Bow Summit, the second highest point reached by a public highway in Canada. Take in the Peyto Lake viewpoint, or stop for a short hike into the Mistaya Canyon. Pedal past the braided streams of the North Saskatchewan River on your way to the Athabaska Glacier. Look out for moose grazing on the succulent water-plants in the Rampart Pond area. Relax beside the Weeping Wall of the Cirrus Mountain before you head up the challenging Big Bend and over the Sunwapta Pass. Coast down to the foot of the glacier at the Columbia Icefield, where you will spend the night. If you arrive early, take the time to explore the glacier on one of the guided glacier walks or ‘Snocoach’ buggy tours. D4: 98 km/ 61 mi; approx. 800 m. Day 5 Jasper Today you will encounter a variety of ecological riches on your way to Sunwapta Falls Resort. Cycle past an ancient forest (more than 700 years old) along the lower slopes of Mount Wilcox. Watch for mountain goats grazing on the precarious slopes of the Sunwapta Canyon gorge. Enjoy some time off your bike as you walk a short distance to the impressive Stanley Falls. In keeping with the rest of this tour, many magnificent viewpoints await your discovery— Mount Christie, Athabasca River and Whirlpool Valley. A short detour will take you to the thundering Athabasca Falls, set against the pink-purple cliffs of Mt. Kerkeslin. Arrive in Jasper — a burgeoning little town and the site of the earliest fur trade outpost in the central Rockies. D5: 60 km/ 37.5 mi; approx. 288 m. Day 6 Departure Day Depart at your leisure (shuttle option back to Banff available). E info@great-explorations.com W great-explorations.com T 604.730.1247 | 1.800.242.1825 >>>RESERVE YOUR TRIP<<< Average Daily High °C °F June 19 67 July 22 71 August 22 72 September 16 61 Great Explorations | 4 OUR BICYCLES The majority of our bicycle fleet are Cannondale bikes; Cannondale is one of the premier bicycle manufacturers in North America and in Europe. Our hybrid bikes are typically Cannondale Quick model. Racing bikes are available in many, but not all destinations. Please state your preference on the registration form. Our hybrid bikes are Cannondale Quick with specs as follows: . . · · · . Aluminum frame with carbon seat stays Carbon fork Crank 30/39/50 Rear cogs 9 speed: 12-26 Rear Derailleur Shimano 105 Tires 700 x 32C The bikes come fully equipped with handlebar bag, seat bag, rear rack, water bottle cage, pump, spare inner tube, tire repair kit and a multi-tool. For safety and hygiene reasons, we ask that you bring your own helmet. Depending on the seat you are used to riding at home, you may wish to bring yours with you; Area Manager will switch over for you. Same goes for clipless pedals- bring these if you prefer over flat pedals, but only if you have experience using them. Cost Land Cost (current year): CAD $2680/US $2680 Includes all meals Single Supplement: CAD $480/US $480 Bike Rental: Hybrid (Cannondale Quick 2 with carbon forks) CAD $140/US $140 Racing (Cannondale Supersix 105 carbon) CAD$280/US$280 *Price before tax. Canada applies a 5% GST What’s included in cost? ·S ervices of one or more experienced Great Explorations guides and support vehicle · 5 nights lodging · All meals · Entrance fees for selected historical sites and museums · Detailed map and route instructions. · All baggage transportation · All transportation from initial meeting point to final dropoff. E info@great-explorations.com W great-explorations.com T 604.730.1247 | 1.800.242.1825 >>>RESERVE YOUR TRIP<<< Ready to reserve? ·C all or email Travel Advisor with any remaining questions and to reserve your space 1.800.242.1825 · Reserve your flights to and from the region · Book your night before hotel, if necessary · Consider travel insurance. Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. Due to cancellations and waiting lists, trip availability fluctuates daily. If you have any questions or would like to confirm space on this trip before making your reservation, please contact us at info@greatexplorations.com or by telephone at 604.730.1247 Great Explorations | 5 CLASSIC ACCOMMODATIONS Brewster’s Mountain Lodge Banff This inn is located in historic downtown Banff, surrounded by the splendour of the mountains. Here you’ll enjoy an authentic Western atmosphere with log architecture and where each guest room features handcrafted natural log furnishings. Brewster’s Mountain Lodge Mountaineer Lodge Lake Louise Nestled in a forest with tremendous views, it feels secluded, yet is a scenic five-minute walk from a variety of services and shopping. Guests can visit the whirlpool and steam room area to relax. Mountaineer Lodge Num-Ti-Jah Lodge Bow Lake This lodge has one of the most dramatic views in the Rockies. The rooms are rustic and simple but very comfortable. Guests can relax in the Nashan-esen Lounge, Elkhorn dining room or the library. *On some itineraries, we use The Crossings Resort. Num-Ti-Jah Lodge The itinerary information may vary for your specific departure as we continuously research and develop each trip. Hotel availabilities may also necessitate alterations. ©Great Explorations. Revised March, 2014. E info@great-explorations.com W great-explorations.com T 604.730.1247 | 1.800.242.1825 >>>RESERVE YOUR TRIP<<< Great Explorations | 6 CLASSIC ACCOMMODATIONS Glacier View Inn Glacier View Inn Jasper National Park The Glacier View Inn occupies the 3rd (top) floor of the Icefield Centre, which was built to incorporate the pristine environment that surrounds it. There are 32 guest rooms, and a good restaurant on site. The Athabasca Glacier is your view. *On some itineraries, we use Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge. Chateau Jasper Chateau Jasper Jasper Located on the shore of Lake Beauvert, this luxurious hotel is pleasantly furnished with mountain decor in mind. There is tennis, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and an award-winning, fine dining room. Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge, Jasper The itinerary information may vary for your specific departure as we continuously research and develop each trip. Hotel availabilities may also necessitate alterations. ©Great Explorations. Revised March, 2014. E info@great-explorations.com W great-explorations.com T 604.730.1247 | 1.800.242.1825 >>>RESERVE YOUR TRIP<<< OUR CONNECTION After finishing high school in Ontario, I decided to spend a year traveling before enrolling in university. I bought a car for $250 and drove west; my plan was to not stop until I got to the mountains. I will never forget my first glimpse of the Canadian Rockies, which required me to pull over, get out of my car and just stare in wonder. I decided right then to spend a year in Banff, Alberta, which is virtually surrounded by mountains, with turquoise lakes and infinite trails. I skied through the winter and then hiked and biked in the spring, summer. I made friends that year that are still friends today. As anyone who had enjoyed a ‘gap year’ can attest, your life is never quite the same again after this kind of experience. Although I later moved further west to Vancouver, I returned often to Banff and Lake Louise to guide hiking trips (Full Disclosure: I worked as a guide for Butterfield & Robinson for 18 years, and the Rockies was one of the trips I lead for them). When I started Great Explorations in 1997, the Banff-Jasper route was a natural to include in our trip offerings. I recently went back to cycle the route again myself to see what was new and to see if the wonder was still there. I was very impressed with the new paved cycling trails built in and around Banff but I was particularly happy to see that much of this region, being in a National Park, had not changed. It is still as pristine and special as it has ever been. North of Lake Louise, on the road known as the Icefield’s Parkway, you will see wildlife, glaciers, mountain peaks, turquoise lakes and open skies. As a cycling route, many people say it has no equal, and in terms of natural scenery that is true; but as locals know there are some hidden trails and sites that we will share with you along with our connections with local musicians, storytellers, and naturalists. And like every trip we offer, there will be some wonderful surprises. On my recent trip, as I watched a grizzly wink at me from across Moraine Lake Road (see photo), I realized how precious this environment was. Yes, the wonder is still there. Robbin McKinney, Founder and owner of Great Explorations, makes his home in Vancouver and and returns to the Rockies often. OUR GUIDES Our guests tell us time and time again that our guides are what set us apart from other companies. Caring, knowledgeable, athletic, articulate and fun-loving, each one is a natural leader… Here at Great Explorations, we are tremendously proud of our guides. A diverse group of passionate and charismatic professionals, they have the local know-how and expertise to make your vacation incredibly rewarding. Whether it’s fitting your bike, arranging a one-of-a-kind activity or being your personal interpreter, our guides wear many hats with ease. They are intimately familiar with their travel regions, having either lived or traveled there extensively. Comfortable speaking the local language and knowing all of the off-the-beaten track secrets, our guides ensure you’ll have the journey of a lifetime. Our website features detailed bios on some of the more than sixty guides who lead trips for us worldwide. Great Explorations | 8 DID YOU KNOW? Banff is the oldest and largest town in the National Parks of the Rockies. It’s also the highest town in Canada! Bow Summit is the highest point on the Icefields Parkway. In 1882, Canadian Pacific Railroad packer Tom Wilson was the first white man to see Lake Louise after being guided there by a Stoney Indian. He named it Emerald Lake, though it was later renamed Lake Louise in 1884 after the daughter of Queen Victoria. Some Douglas fir trees within the park boundaries are more than 700 years old! HOW TO GET THERE? Your tour begins in Banff, 150 kilometers west of Calgary, Alberta. There is regularly scheduled air service to Calgary from across North America, with non-stop flights to Calgary from all major Canadian and many US cities including Toronto, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Houston, Dallas & Seattle. Non-stop international flights are available from London and Frankfurt. A number of companies offer an airport shuttle service to Banff from the Calgary Airport. If you’re flying home from Calgary Airport a special transfer might be necessary to enable you to catch a flight on the same day as the tour ends. BON APPÉTIT The western-most Prairie province of Alberta, has deep roots in agriculture; producing wheat, barley and canola in abundance. With an ever-increasing farmers’ market scene Alberta farmers are producing award-winning honey, ancient Red Fife goods and outstanding cheese. There are numerous microbreweries popping up everywhere these days producing excellent stouts, pilsners and IPAs. A review of Albertan food would not be complete without a mention of the rich Alberta game meats. Thanks to extensive conservation efforts rebounded herds of bison, elk and deer graze naturally here and the resulting meat is fresh, lean and tender. E info@great-explorations.com W great-explorations.com T 604.730.1247 | 1.800.242.1825 >>>RESERVE YOUR TRIP<<<