Glacier, Waterton & Banff National Parks
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For details or to reserve: http://wlu.orbridge.com (540) 458−8723 JUNE 27, 2016 – JULY 06, 2016 GLAGLACCIER,IER, WWAATERTON & BANFF NATINATIONONALAL PPARKARKSS Explore the great Northwest, where majestic American and Canadian Rockies meet and share a distinguished history, breathtaking scenery, and one of the largest ecosystems in North America. Dear W&L Alumni, Parents, and Friends, I’m pleased to invite you to join us as we head north for a peak-season journey to the glorious national parks of the United States and Canada, including stays at the legendary resorts of Fairmont Banff Springs and Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Highlights abound: at Glacier National Park in Montana, we’ll take the renowned Red Jammer bus for a spectacular tour of park; we’ll enjoy a traditional afternoon tea during your stay at the palatial Prince of Wales Hotel at Waterton; and, at Banff National Park, we’ll admire the magnificent beauty of the Canadian Rockies from a gondola. Each stop on this tour offers a variety of outdoor activities to choose from, including hikes through inspiring landscapes and numerous opportunities to observe Rocky Mountain wildlife. Our rates for W&L Travellers on this departure offer a significant savings (more than $800 per couple) over that of non- affiliated guests. We urge you to reserve your spot today and share this brochure with family and friends who may be interested in traveling with you. Indeed, this is a perfect family adventure itinerary, so consider bringing your children and/or grandchildren. You can reserve your space online at http://wlu.orbridge.com or by calling (540) 458-8723 or by returning the enclosed reservation form. Sincerely, Robert Fure Director The W&L Traveller Please note: The information contained in this document is current as of 1/29/2016 Program Highlights: Discover the epic natural beauty of America and Canada’s National Parks, concluding at breathtaking Lake Louise. Embark upon an unforgettable boat cruise on Lake McDonald. Partake in a historic Red Jammer bus tour on Going-to-the-Sun Road. Enjoy the natural attractions at Waterton Lakes National Park, including optional hiking and boating. Ascend Sulphur Mountain on a scenic gondola ride. Find luxurious comfort in the pristine wilderness at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Delight in the timeless beauty and Old World charm at the famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. What's Included: 9 nights accommodations, a welcome reception, 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 4 dinners, full guiding services of two Orbridge Expedition Leaders, all gratuities, and airport transfers for guests arriving and departing during the suggested times. Day-by-Day Itinerary*: Day 1: Arrive in Kalispell, MT Welcome to Kalispell -- the gateway to Glacier National Park! After settling in to your hotel located in Whitefish, Montana, meet your traveling companions and Orbridge Expedition Leaders for a welcome reception at your hotel. Overnight: Grouse Mountain Lodge (R) Day 2: Glacier National Park / Lake McDonald Following breakfast, begin your exploration of Glacier National Park. At Lake McDonald, enjoy a scenic cruise on a historic wooden boat. Bask in the beauty of your surroundings as the captain shares the local history and folklore. Enjoy the Lake McDonald area on your own before returning to your resort in Whitefish. Overnight: Grouse Mountain Lodge (B) Day 3: Glacier National Park / Going-to-the-Sun Road Continue your discovery of Glacier National Park's breathtaking scenery. Board a vintage Red Jammer bus for the journey along one of North America’s most spectacular highways: Going-to-the-Sun Road. After crossing 6,664- foot-high Logan Pass, enter a wonderland of alpine scenery, where jagged mountain peaks, deep-green forests, pristine lakes, and meadows dominate the landscape. End the day on the eastern edge of the park in perfect preparation for more exploring tomorrow. Enjoy dinner at the lodge this evening. Overnight: St. Mary Lodge & Resort (B,D) Day 4: Glacier National Park Spend the day in the Swiftcurrent Lake area, including a picnic lunch. There are numerous optional activities available at this location – including boat cruises, horseback rides and park ranger programs. Overnight: St. Mary Lodge & Resort (B,L) Day 5: Glacier National Park / Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta Following breakfast at the lodge, spend the morning at the Museum of the Plains Indian in Browning, Montana, before traveling north to scenic Waterton Lakes National Park. Bordering Glacier National Park, Waterton Lakes National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is recognized as an International Peace Park. Overnight: Prince of Wales Hotel (B,D) Day 6: Waterton Lakes National Park Enjoy the morning exploring the natural attractions in Waterton, including Cameron Lake, one of the jewels of the park. Opt to take a hike, rent a boat or visit the Remington Carriage Museum. This afternoon the group will relax at the famous Prince of Wales Hotel for traditional afternoon tea. Enjoy a laid-back evening in the small town of Waterton. Overnight: Prince of Wales Hotel (B) Day 7: Waterton Lakes National Park / Banff National Park After departing Waterton Lakes, our first stop today is Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Head-Smashed-In is one of the world's oldest, largest and best-preserved buffalo jump sites. Afterward, visit the Bar U Ranch National Historic Site—dedicated to commemorating the history and importance of ranching in Canada. Enjoy a guided tour and perhaps take time for a late lunch at the Bar U Café. Continue on to Banff National Park, arriving in the late afternoon. Overnight: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel (B,D) Day 8: Banff National Park This morning, take a scenic ride on the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain and enjoy the spectacular views of the valley below. Additional morning sightseeing includes stops at Bow Falls and the spire-like Hoodoos. The balance of the day is at leisure or you can join an optional helicopter flightseeing trip for unsurpassed views of the Rockies. Overnight: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel (B) Day 9: Banff National Park / Lake Louise We saved the best for last: time spent at stunning Lake Louise, nestled in Banff National Park. Enjoy a guided stroll along the lake's shoreline and learn about the area’s first settlers, view spectacular scenery, and experience the natural wonders of Banff. Spend the remainder of the day as you choose: experience the rapids on a rafting trip, explore the shops in the town of Banff, or just relax at this historic Canadian resort. This evening cap off your vacation with a special farewell dinner with your traveling companions. Overnight: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (B,D) Day 10: Lake Louise / Depart Calgary, Alberta After breakfast, take the complimentary transfer to the Calgary airport for your flight home. (B) *Itinerary subject to change What’s Included: 9 nights in unique and stand-out accommodations, concluding at the luxurious Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise 1 welcome reception, 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 4 dinners including a farewell dinner Admission to Glacier, Waterton and Banff National Parks Historic Red Jammer Bus tour on Going-to-the-Sun Road Cruise on Lake McDonald Visit to Cameron Falls, and gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain Private deluxe motor coach with air-conditioning while touring Gratuities to Orbridge Expedition Leaders, local guides, drivers, porters, and wait staff for included meals Airport transfers for guests arriving and departing during the suggested times, including luggage porterage Your Guide(s): Two Orbridge Expedition Leaders On this program you will have the benefit of two expert Expedition Leaders. With their extensive local knowledge and experience as naturalists and historians, enjoy cultures and locations you encounter with added confidence, understanding, and appreciation. Program Accommodations: Grouse Mountain Lodge Enjoy the well-appointed rooms and wilderness setting of this comfortable hotel located in the laid-back mountain town of Whitefish, Montana. Room Amenities: Climate control, flat screen cable TV, radio alarm clock, telephone, iron and ironing board, mini-fridge, coffee-making facilities, and en suite bathroom with sundries and hair dryer. St. Mary Lodge & Resort An extraordinary setting for enjoying nature's beauty, this rustic lodge offers a refreshing atmosphere, outdoor activities and is located just outside the east entrance of Glacier National Park. Room Amenities: Television, telephone, alarm clock, and en suite bathroom with sundries. Prince of Wales Hotel Opening its doors in 1927, this historic hotel was built to resemble French and Swiss chalets. Overlooking Waterton, it was named after the admired and adored Prince Edward, who became King Edward VIII. Along with its unique decor and Windsor Lounge restaurant serving traditional English fare, Prince of Wales Hotel offers daily afternoon tea as a sophisticated highlight that enhances its delightful English ambiance. Room Amenities: Telephone, alarm clock, and en suite bathroom with sundries. Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel With its unique blend of opulence and seclusion, the Fairmont Banff Springs has been a favorite spot in the Canadian Rockies for over a century. Styled after a Scottish baronial castle, Banff Springs offers stunning vistas, an award-winning spa, and luxurious comfort in a pristine wilderness. Room Amenities: Cable TV, wireless internet access (additional cost), phone, coffee and tea-making facilities, and en suite bathroom with hair dryer. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Situated in one of the world’s most breathtaking settings, Chateau Lake Louise evokes a sense of timeless beauty, warmth, intimacy, comfort, and Old World charm. Located next to majestic mountains and the vibrant blues and greens of glacier-fed Lake Louise, the resort affords incredible opportunities for sightseeing, recreation, photography, shopping, and dining. Room Amenities: Cable TV, wireless internet access (additional cost), phone, coffee and tea-making facilities, and en suite bathroom with hair dryer.