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Alberta

Best of Banff: Our Mountain Heritage

Program No. 13178RJ

Delve deep into Canada’s history as you visit Banff National Park, and take expert walks through the Canadian Rockies to learn about artists and outdoorsmen.

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We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

Program

At a Glance

Duration

6 days

Program Begins

Banff, Alberta

Program Concludes

Banff, Alberta

Group Type

Small Group

Meals

11 ( 5B, 3L, 3D )

Activity Level

Established in 1885, Banff National Park is Canada’s oldest national park. Join us in Banff and Lake Louise, where history echoes through its pine forests and mountain peaks. Hear about the colonists who arrived in the 19th century and learn how the Canadian Pacific railway was instrumental in transforming the pristine landscapes of Banff into a Victorian resort. Explore rocky peaks and vast forests, and experience expert-led walks to see how this natural paradise inspired voyagers, artists and outdoorsmen alike. Discover the incredible geological history and rich ecology at the Cave and Basin Historic Site, and leave mesmerized by the ubiquitous beauty of the land.

Best of all, you'll...

Celebrate the environmental efforts that led to the establishment of Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park, and its unique geothermal hot springs.
Witness the Whyte Museum’s collection of art dedicated to the cultural heritage of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Uncover the geological history of the Canadian Rockies on an in-depth field trip with a local expert.

View Full Itinerary

Cory Gross

Cory grew up in the Calgary area, living both in the city and on the ranches where his father worked. In 2005 he received a bachelor’s in Museum and Heritage Studies from the University of Calgary and currently works as an educator at the Glenbow Museum. Cory is also a volunteer with the Western Art Gallery at the Calgary Stampede and with several other heritage organizations throughout the city.

Please Note:

This expert may not be available for every date of the program

View All Experts

Brent MacDonald

Brent Macdonald has been a resident of the Canadian Rockies for almost 30 years. As a geology expert, he provides a wealth of knowledge about geography and geomorphology. Brent has had a diverse career as a freelance natural history interpreter, also working as a consultant for a geotechnical engineering company. He has shared his knowledge of geology and natural history as an interpreter and guest lecturer. Brent is also a certified mountain leader and ski instructor.

Greg Allemang

Greg Allemang is an Alberta-based outdoor guide and educator with a global perspective. A lifelong adventurer, he has explored five continents and lived across Canada and in South Korea. Greg is certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, the Interpretive Guides Association, and the Outdoor Council of Canada, with advanced wilderness first aid training. Since 2012, he has led hiking, backpacking, and snowshoeing trips in the Canadian Rockies, and has been a group leader with Road Scholar since 2014.

Michele LaPointe

Michele LaPointe was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, and later moved to Banff to fulfill her dreams of being an outdoor enthusiast. She has worked in the travel industry for many years as a ski instructor and interpretive expert. Michele now splits her time between Calgary and Golden. She is a director in the Golden Rotary Club and is on the board of directors for the Kicking Horse Country Chamber of Commerce. Michele is an avid skier, mountain biker and hiker.

Routes Adventures Mobile Phone

Please call the toll free line at 1-866-745-1690 during regular business hours or for non-urgent matters (Mon - Fri 8:30 - 4:30 EST). The mobile phone #1-613-331-5777 is for after hours and weekends for emergency use only. The phone is carried by a staff member.

Pamela Manning

Pamela Manning grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa. She studied tourism and business management at the Cape Technicon; she also attended the University of the Witwatersrand, where she studied zoology, botany and geology, and later worked as a technician in the biology department. Pamela moved to Canada in 1993 and settled in the Canadian Rockies, where she obtained her Professional Guides License in 1994. In 2009, she was awarded the Outstanding Heritage Interpretive Award by the Interpretive Guide Association.

Pamela Schewe

Pam Schewe grew up in the beauty of the West Kootenay region but left for the big city life, working as a radio DJ in Vancouver for more than 25 years. Pam gave herself the challenge of seeing 60 countries by the time she was 60, which seemed attainable; she later decided to use her passion for travel to make a living instead, becoming a full-time group leader. She has now visited more than 85 countries, still before reaching the age of 60.

Linda Craig

Linda Craig was born in Vancouver and grew up in Calgary. She worked for 17 years with WestJet Airlines, gaining invaluable experience in customer service. She more recently worked as a concierge and valet team manager at two prestigious Calgary hotels. Linda loves to explore the outdoors, whether in her kayak or on her Harley.

Sharon Imlah-Matheson

Sharon Imlah-Matheson is from Winnipeg, Manitoba and has worked in different aspects of the travel industry for two decades. She enjoys running, hiking, helping friends and spending time with her family, especially her two grandsons, Jake and Cooper. One of her favorite quotes is the African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

Activity Level

Keep the Pace

Walking up to two miles, some stairs, standing. Elevations up to 5,700 feet.

Small Group (13 to 24)

Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Suggested Reading List

View Full List (5 Books)

You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.

HAVE QUESTIONS?

Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?

We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!

Call 800-454-5768

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Enroll with Confidence

Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
Assurance Plan

Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.
Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

Best of Banff: Our Mountain Heritage

Enroll with Confidence

Protecting the Environment

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