Reader Holidays - Canada's Northern Lights from Gazette Series

Reader Holidays - Canada's Northern Lights from Gazette Series

Breathtaking wilderness and celestial wonder

Journey through Canada's vast open spaces and discover some of the Rockies' most stunning natural wonders, including majestic Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway, one of the world's largest frozen wildernesses. A fantastic opportunity to view the Aurora Borealis - the heavenly spectacle that has entranced generations - is the highlight of this wonderful trip.

What The Price Includes

• Return flights to Calgary
• Seven nights' room-only accommodation in a series of good standard hotels
• Free time in Banff, Jasper, Edmonton and Fort McMurray
• A scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway and a stop at Lake Louise
• A visit to the West Edmonton Mall
• A coach touring itinerary as described
• The services of a Newmarket Tour Manager
• Government taxes and service charges

Single rooms are available for a supplement

Itinerary

Day One

Fly to Calgary and board the coach for the scenic journey up into the Rocky Mountains, to spend two nights in the region's 'capital', Banff.

Day Two

Today's optional excursions offer the perfect way to explore one of North America's most scenic locations. Ride a cable car to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, take a trip to the breathtaking Surprise Corner viewpoint, experience an unforgettable Helicopter Ride, and don't miss the iconic Banff Springs Hotel, framed against its stunning mountain backdrop.

Day Three

Journey to beautiful Lake Louise, set against the Victoria Glacier, before continuing to the Icefields Parkway - a sublime scenic drive - and into the Rockies, passing the Columbia Icefield, one of the world's largest frozen wildernesses.Time-permitting, you'll pay a short visit to the Icefield Centre, which showcases the surrounding wonders, before heading into the Jasper National Park, to spend the night in the Rockies' town of the same name.

Day Four

Explore Jasper, and its spectacular mountain setting, this morning. This afternoon, journey to the Albertan capital of Edmonton, gateway to Canada's vast northern wilderness and a historic settlement steeped in tales of fur-trappers, and oil and gold prospectors. Why not enjoy an evening in the beautifully preserved Old Strathcona district, the city's historic heart?

Day Five

Today you'll travel north to the remote outpost of Fort McMurray, a vibrant city on the edge of the wood buffalo region. During your two-night stay, you'll have the opportunity to head out to the Aurora Viewing Site each evening, from where (clear skies permitting) the Northern Lights may be seen.

Day Six

Continue exploring Fort McMurray on our optional tours, which include a wilderness survival experience with a local guide and a visit to the Athabasca Oil Sands Discovery Centre, which tells the story of the exploitation of Alberta's vast bitumen reserves.Another evening of sky-gazing ends the visit, before you return to the comfort of the hotel.

Day Seven

Heading south once more, today you'll visit the famous West Edmonton Mall, North America's largest indoor shopping, leisure and entertainment complex. Enjoy its vast range of stores and food outlets, as well as multiplex cinemas, a Galaxyland adventure-park and even an indoor miniature golf course, before spending your last evening in Edmonton.

Day Eight

Travel back to Calgary and to the airport for the return overnight flight home.

Day Nine

Arrive back in the UK.

Further Information

Northern Lights Viewing

At the Aurora Viewing Site there will be an on-site photographer to capture the moment, an astronomer to explain the phenomenon, and a warm shelter with hot drinks, snacks and washroom facilities.

Please note that the viewing of the Northern Lights is subject to prevailing weather conditions and is not guaranteed.

Fort McMurray tours

Please note that optional wildlife and soft adventures tours can be purchased fromour local agent whilst in Fort McMurray.

Appropriate attire

Warm winter clothing is essential for the time you'll spend in the Fort McMurray region.

The following hotels are offered with this holiday (subject to availability and supplementary pricing)