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| Cruising the Rockies |
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 Imagine a serene place at the top of the world where the air is crisp and clear and where mountain pinnacles dusted with snow are girded by deep, lush valleys. The extravagantly beautiful vista of neighbouring peaks stretches off into the endless blue sky and the sun glints off the polished ice of a nearby hanging glacier. From your comfortable apres ski perch on the terrace beside a glacier-fed lake you spot a silver bullet rapidly moving through the snow-clad trees in your direction. The quiet is momentarily interrupted by the throaty rumble of the 350 hp V8 engine as your ravishing companion pulls up beside you in a gleaming silver X5. You slide into the elegant interior of warm woods, rich leathers and striking trim details, slip on your sunglasses, turn up the music, and let your imagination roam free.
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Twenty spectacular weeks of winter in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Three magnificent fairytale properties of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. One sleek and refined BMW X5 4.8i. Don’t miss your one and only chance to enjoy the trip of a lifetime this winter. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, BMW Canada and Horizon & Co have teamed up to offer the unforgettable experience of exceptional cars, grand resorts and the magnificent Rocky Mountains all together in one place. With your BMW X5, spend five glorious days exploring the pristine wilderness and four equally glorious nights at the area’s historic Fairmont resorts. The itinerary for this drive allows ample time for exploring on your own. | |
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Trip Overview:
Day 1: Lake Louise
Day 2: Jasper
Day 3: Jasper
Day 4: Banff
Day 5: Calgary |
2008 Dates:
Oct-May
Summer program also available
Rockies By Z4 |
Prices from:
$3,685 usd | |
| Immerse |
Your Senses in the Rockies |
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the massive horns of the male Rocky Mountain sheep as you hike along remote mountain trails. |
the mountain air on top of the snow-capped Rockies as you stretch your legs after an exhilirating day of driving.
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the sugary-sweet sensation of fresh maple syrup, drizzled upon a liberal portion of stacked, buttery Canadian flapjacks.
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the silky scales of a powerful bass as you reel in the catch of the day from the depths of the pristine glacier-fed lake.
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the intoxicating purr of the BMW X5 as you 'drop the hammer' down the Icefields Parkway in the Rockies.
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BMW X5 In 1999, BMW introduced a whole new vehicle category to the world: the Sport Activity Vehicle. Seven years later, they expanded on a great idea. The 2007 BMW X5 4.8i boasts an impressive 350 horses and maximum torque of 350 lb-ft — an increase of 35 hp and 26 lb-ft, respectively. And yet, thanks to equally powerful technology, the engine is also fuel-efficient. The rest of the SAV didn’t go overlooked. For the first time, the X5 offers the convenience of a third-row seat, plus premium details throughout. Enjoy ventilated leather seats, four-zone climate control and a rear seat entertainment system. It’s the perfect combination of pleasure and performance. Nearly a half-litre larger than the award winning engine it replaces, the 4.8-litre V-8 engine produces 350 horsepower at 6300 rpm, and 350 lb-ft torque at 3400 rpm. The balanced and virtually unrivaled performance it delivers is achieved through ultra-precise engineering and advanced technologies including Valvetronic and Double-VANOS. Valvetronic eliminates the need for a traditional throttle, allowing the engine to "breathe" more easily via continuously variable valve lift control. This increases fuel efficiency and performance, particularly during low-load operation such as cruising at moderate speeds and idling.
"BMW" and the BMW logo are registered trademarks. Reproduced with the permission of BMW Canada Inc.
©2007 BMW Canada Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
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| Sleep |
Luxury Castle Hotels |
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Fairmont Lake Louise: Situated on the banks of a breathtaking lake with the majestic Rocky Mountains providing an astounding backdrop, The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise combines beautiful scenery with unrivaled service to make your stay a moment to cherish. Tucked deep within the Banff National Park, the Chateau invites you to escape to a retreat of welcoming grandeur. Only a two hours drive west from Calgary, The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is enveloped by some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet and is situated within UNESCO World Heritage Site Rocky Mountain Parks.
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Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge: On the shores of Lac Beauvert in the Canadian Rockies, and bounded on two sides by Lake Mildred, Lac Beauvert, untouched forest, snow-capped mountains, untamed rivers, and a world-class 18-hole golf course, this remarkable heritage resort seems to offer everything for a traveller seeking adventurous activity in pristine environs, international cuisine and luxurious hospitality. |
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The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel: Few hotels in the world can rival the majesty, hospitality and scenery of The Fairmont Banff Springs. Its unique blend of opulence and seclusion has been a symbol of Rocky Mountain magnificence for more than a century. Styled after a Scottish baronial castle, The Fairmont Banff Springs offers stunning vistas, championship golf courses, unparalleled skiing, classic cuisine and Willow Stream, a world class European-style spa. Experience timeless beauty and luxurious comfort in a pristine wilderness. |
| Experience |
Nature, Wildlife & Culture | |
WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS
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 The male Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep has a muscular body with a thick neck and massive horns that curl close to the head, back over the ears and around below the cheeks, tapering at the end. It has a dark grayish-brown coat. The bighorn sheep lives near rocky cliffs, on mountain ridges, alpine meadows and foothills and can be found throughout the Rockies of British Columbia and Alberta as well as in the Rockies of Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado and other isolated areas.
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CULINARY DELIGHTS
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 The Waldhaus is The Fairmont Banff Springs’ ‘House in the Forest’. The menu consists of authentic German and Swiss dishes such as venison ragout, mountain smoked meat platter, mimosa salad, roasted beet salad, goulash soup, sweet potato veloute, Swiss cheese fondue, farmer fondue, beef fondue, jager schnitzel, wiener schnitzel, roasted duck, braised lamb shank, roasted pheasant breast, pan fried rainbow trout filets, Alberta beef short rib, chocolate fondue, dark chocolate pudding, mixed berry cobbler and warm apple strudel.
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NATURAL WONDERS
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 The Athabasca Glacier is a 7-km (4½-mi) tongue of ice flowing from the immense Columbia Icefield almost to the highway. A century ago the ice flowed over the current location of the highway; signposts depict the gradual retreat of the ice since that time. Several other glaciers are visible from here; they all originate from the Columbia Icefield, a giant alpine lake of ice covering 325 square km (125 square mi), whose edge is visible from the highway.
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DAY 1 - Calgary to Lake Louise (200-250 kms)
Arrive in Calgary, pick up your BMW and drive off into the magnificent panorama of the Canadian Rockies. Continue to Emerald Lake, a beautiful glacial lake in a stunning setting. Depending upon your arrival time, consider enjoying lunch at the magnificent post and beam Emerald Lake Lodge, where you can peruse the gourmet delights of Rocky Mountain cuisine, the roots of which go back to the lavish Victorian cooking from the CPR rail cars.
In the afternoon, strap on some skates to test out your slap shot on the lake’s impromptu hockey rink, or set off on the groomed cross country skiing trails through the magical forests surrounding the lake. Alternatively, hop into your X5 and drive a short distance to the base of Lake Louise mountain. With 4200 skiable acres, Lake Louise is one of the largest ski areas in North America. The unique layout allows families and groups of varying abilities to ski together; there are beginner, intermediate and expert runs down from every chair.
In the late afternoon, drive to your hotel for the night, the romantic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Check in to your room and then consider treating yourself after a vigorous day in the captivating wilderness and relax in the calming ambiance at Escape Spa & Salon, where you can choose from an extensive selection of Aveda products and treatments that will leave you relaxed, refreshed and revitalized.
Dinner tonight is in the Chateau’s Fairview dining room. Using the soaring mountains and shimmering lake as an enchanting backdrop to one of Lake Louise’s premier dining experiences, the Fairview dining room celebrates the freshest treasures of North America’s fields, seas and rivers. Choose from distinctive and modern dishes like Cream of Jerusalem Artichoke or Roasted Venison Loin in elderberry demi glace.
Overnight: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Meals: D. Driving: 2-3 hours
DAY 2 - Lake Louise to Jasper (300-350 kms)
After sampling the delights of the morning breakfast buffet, climb into your BMW X5 and set off for one of the most spectacular drives in the world along the Icefields Parkway between Lake Louise and Jasper. The Parkway is virtually unparalleled for beauty as it runs alongside a chain of massive icefields straddling the Continental Divide. Consider stopping at tranquil Bow Lake for a relaxed snowshoeing excursion across the frozen expanse of the glacial blue lake, then treat yourself to lunch at the majestic Num-Ti-Jah Lodge, where the chefs use local organic produce to create original Canadian cuisine against a stunning backdrop of mountains.
After lunch, return to your X5 and continue along the Icefields Parkway, keeping an eye out for large herds of graceful caribou. Stop at the Columbia Icefield, an area of glacial ice that is the hydrological apex of North America, covering some 200 square kms with a maximum depth of 365 m (1210 ft). Although the Icefields themselves are closed in the winter, the views from the pavilion are worth the journey as you look out over the Athabasca Glacier, a tongue of ice six kilometres long and one kilometre wide.
Arrive at the world renowned Jasper Park, one of Canada’s first national parks, home of the luxurious Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. It is difficult not to become overwhelmed by the rustic elegance and surrounding natural beauty of the hotel, which invites you to take a stroll to admire the lake, spectacular scenery and wildlife that inhabit this natural paradise. Tonight you are on your own for dinner, and thus you can either explore the hotel’s intimate restaurants or head over to Tekarra Lodge, which sits atop a ridge overlooking the convergence of the Miette and Athabasca Rivers in a mountain setting that has inspired artists, poets and countless guests. The night ends with an extraordinary evening excursion to Maligne Canyon, where you will don crampons and headlamps to explore an otherworldly landscape of frozen waterfalls (it’s easier than it sounds).
Overnight: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Meals: B. Driving: 4-5 hours
DAY 3 - Jasper (0-250kms)
This morning is at leisure, and with the extensive selection of activities you will have your hands full trying to take in all that Jasper National Park has to offer. After breakfast, explore the two groomed skating rinks on Lac Beauvert and Lake Mildred, head out of town for a half day dog-sledding adventure in Valemont, or board a helicopter to be whisked up to the top of the nearby mountains in search of pristine powder skiing. If you can’t tear yourself away from your car, you can always explore the picturesque roads in your BMW as you travel to Miette Hot Springs, the hottest outdoor baths in the Rockies.
After lunch we have planned a guided snow-shoeing expedition on the grounds of the resort featuring gently rolling hills, groomed forest trails, and beautiful glacial lakes. Your licensed interpreter will lead the 4km walk as you explore the abundant flora and fauna along the route. A great opportunity to spot wildlife! The walking pace is leisurely and perfect for all ages.
At the end of a full day of activities in the wilderness of Jasper’s National Park, relax at the Insignia Salon & Spa with a hot basalt stone massage. The heat of the stones penetrates the body gently, at a deeper level, to bring total peace and relaxation to your mind, body and spirit. Dinner tonight is in the Moose’s Nook Northern Grill, where rustic decor, wildlife paintings and artifacts create a dining atmosphere that celebrates the explorer spirit coupled with wildly inspired cuisine. Comfort foods pay homage to regional ingredients and Canadian specialities. Wild mushrooms, Arctic char and world famous Alberta beef are features of the menu.
Overnight: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Meals: BD. Driving: 1-5 (depending on preferences)
DAY 4 - Banff (300-350kms)
Enjoy breakfast in bed and then climb into the driver’s seat and head off down the pastoral Icefields Parkway for the return journey to Banff. Some people never have the opportunity to drive this road even once in their life - you get to do it twice from two different angles! Take your time stopping en route to gaze at the majestic eagles that glide high above in the vivid blue sky. Arrive in the early afternoon at your hotel for tonight, the majestic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.
In the late afternoon, indulge your senses in an interactive and informative wine and food tasting. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned connoisseur, you can benefit from learning the basic tools needed for pairing wine and food dishes by training your palette. Although the schedule is constantly changing, your tasting session could include everything from an adventurous jaunt through the classic single malts of Scotland or a walk through Spain’s most intriguing fortified wines, taking you through three different styles of sherry.
Dinner tonight is a short stroll across the grounds to the Waldhaus, Banff Springs’ "House in the Forest". The Bavarian cottage-style building was built in 1927 to be used as the Banff Springs Clubhouse and is set on the edge of the Golf Course and the Spray River. The atmosphere is reminiscent of an old hunting lodge with a large fireplace and a beautiful, temperature controlled wine cabinet which houses an excellent wine selection. The menu consists of authentic German and Swiss dishes such as venison ragout, Swiss cheese fondue, roasted pheasant breast, pan fried rainbow trout filets and warm apple strudel.
Overnight: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Meals: BD. Driving: 5-6 hours
DAY 5 - Calgary (150-200kms)
After a relaxed breakfast, and early morning stroll around the charming town of Banff, get into your X5 for the last time and drive through the mountains on your way out of the Rockies and back to the rolling hills of Calgary. Drop your car off at the Calgary airport and say goodbye as your journey comes to an end.
Overnight: Fairmont Banff Springs. Meals: B Driving: 2 hours |
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| Trip Format: |
Independent Trips are designed for independent-minded travellers who like to travel on their own (without a Horizon escort), but still want to experience our superbly designed itineraries at reasonable prices. The itinerary and prices are always fixed, and the departure dates may be flexible or fixed depending on the specific trip. |
| Trip Series: |
Our Exploratory Series of trips are designed for travellers who are over 35, luxury-conscious, risk-loving, spiritually-curious and non group-travel oriented. The itineraries are built with a focus on personal freedom to allow you to savour experiences, haggle in the marketplace, linger over meals, or imbibe wine with the locals at the cafe. |
| Group Size: |
Minimum/Maximum of 2/4. Since there is only 1 car available for the 2007 summer season, the minimum group size is 2 people. If you wish to travel as a single traveller, please note that there is a significant single supplement involved since you will be paying for the entire car by yourself. |
| Guides: |
There are no guides on this trip. Local guides are available in each location for guided walks and activities. |
| Level of Activity: |
Light: Strolling through village streets, country walking, hiking, (optional...). Suitable for all ages and abilities, with some opportunities for extended walks or alternate activities. The minimum age for drivers is 25. |
| Level of Luxury |
Indulgent - This trip is designed with a focus on indulgence and creature comforts. The accommodation is the best available, which usually means a combination of well-known luxury hotels (Relais & Chateaux, Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Design Hotels, etc) and lesser known gems with plenty of regional character and charm (from wilderness lodges to converted 17th century monasteries). The food is always first rate, with a blend of haute cuisine and regional delicacies, the transportation is discrete and comfortable, the guides are knowledgeable and charming and the events are unique and memorable. |
| Start: |
Calgary, Alberta |
| Finish: |
Calgary, Alberta |
| What’s Included: |
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all accommodations on a shared twin/double room basis
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all car rental arrangements (including up to 400kms per day)
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24-hour BMW Roadside Assistance
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meals as indicated in the itinerary
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all events and tours as indicated
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all pre-departure materials, including documents wallets and destination details |
| Insurance & Security Deposits |
All drivers must have damage waiver insurance. We have negotiated a rate of $300 per person which you can purchase through Horizon; otherwise you must arrange your own coverage. In light of the value of the cars being driven, our car partners require our travellers to post a security deposit of $3,000. This amount will be approved on your credit card as a guarantee, but will not be processed unless there is a claim. |
| NOTA BENE |
We build all of our itineraries as exhaustively as possible; however, we also leave room for the spontaneity of the group, the creativity of the leader, and the unpredictability of the elements. Thus, all itineraries are subject to modest modification, dependent on local weather, new opportunities, and the desires of the group. |
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Flights: |
We generally encourage our travellers to arrive the day before the trip starts on Day 1 in order to catch your breath and get your bearings. On this trip, however, you can also arrive early in the morning on Day 1 and set out immediately from the airport in your car. Since these trips all start on a Sunday, you will have the following weekend at leisure to explore Calgary if you choose to extend your trip (which we generally recommend). |
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Travel Services: |
For the convenience of our travellers, we would be happy to assist you with flights to get to and from the trip. If you require assistance beyond the flights (i.e. if you wish to extend your journey or arrive earlier), or if you wish to make special private or custom travel arrangements, please call us to discuss your needs. Please note that a service transaction fee of $150-$250 will be charged for arrangements such as flights, transfers and hotel rooms that are outside the planned itinerary. |
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DATES:
| Year-round - Dates on request |
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| Length: 5 nights / 4 days |
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PRICES FROM
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Per Person |
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| Low Season: |
$3,685 |
| High Season: |
$4,250 |
| Insurance: |
$300 |
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Single Supplement |
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| Low Season: |
$2,075 |
| High Season: |
$2,545 | |
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Seasonality
| Low: |
May & Oct |
| High: |
Jun - Sep |
Suite Envy
Our prices are generally based on a hotel's deluxe or superior rooms (although most rooms are anything but standard, especially in the smaller boutique properties), since we find that most people don't intend to spend much time in their rooms. If you do intend to spend more time in your room (or simply prefer to have space to sprawl out in), we can easily arrange for suite upgrades at a supplemental cost. | |
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