Self-Guided Tour Planners for the Canadian Rockies

Icefields Parkway, Banff, Alberta

INTRODUCTION
For many, particularly the more experienced traveller, the idea of being part of a large group when vacationing is of little appeal. On the other hand, undertaking all the research and booking for a trip by oneself can be complex and time consuming, and without local knowledge, risky at best. Self-guided tours arranged by a tour planning company are the ideal solution; they have the expertise to arrange a truly exceptional tour that will take in the very best an area has to offer, and yet they offer total independence and freedom for the individual, couple, family, or small group.

For an area such as the Canadian Rockies, (divided between the Alberta Rockies and the B.C.Rockies) the services of a self-guided tour planning company will be particularly valuable. In such a large region, with so much to see and do, the choices and nuances of any trip can make planning very arduous. Leaving all the planning and groundwork to an expert can avoid a lot of stress. The type and style of accommodations in this area vary from camping and self-catering cabins to grand hotels and luxury resorts. A local travel planner with an intimate knowledge of the Canadian Rockies will know the best accommodations in each category. Similarly the choice of available excursions and various sights and attractions is almost overwhelming - a good independent tour planner will know all the best places to visit - some of them well-kept secrets. Certain self-guided tours even include meals. A tour planner will have first hand experience of the area cuisine and include the finest places to eat, in the appropriate budget category, in their tours.

	Cascade Shopping Centre, Banff, Alberta

ACTIVITIES TO CHOOSE FROM
The Canadian Rockies has an unbeatable selection of activities including world class shopping, a plethora of drive-in sightseeing opportunities and every type of hiking from short and easy to long overnight challenges. Horseback riding and virtually every conceivable land sport are available here in some form. With the abundance of lakes and rivers every type of inland water sport can also be enjoyed - outstanding white-water rafting, world-class fly-fishing and phenomenal kayaking to name but three. Golf is a premier summer activity in the Canadian Rockies and some of the best golf courses in the world are located here. A tour planner will be happy to offer advice and arrange a round or two of golf as part of an independent package. It is even possible to arrange a whole tour around golfing. (For further information about golfing please see our feature article The Top Five Golf Resorts in the Canadian Rockies). The mountains themselves provide a wide range of year round activities including rock climbing and heli-hiking in the summer and of course the skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports that the region is so famous for. Overall there are so many activities available in the Canadian Rockies that it would not be possible to name them all here. An individual tour planner is well equipped to help you make your choice, based on your own interests and wishes.

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

TYPES OF TOUR ITINERARIES
Most self-guided tour planners have a good range of pre-arranged tour itineraries to choose from. These usually consider different activity choices, and different types of accommodations according to taste and budget. Some of these ready-made itineraries will focus on popular tourist areas and attractions, while others will offer an itinerary concentrating on less visited places - itineraries concentrating on wilderness areas are even available. Other itineraries offer a combination of different types of accommodation and activities so that visitors can get a good sample of all that the Rockies have to offer. For example a self-guided tour itinerary could include all luxury hotels - such as the renowned Fairmont Banff Springs and the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, or intimate country lodges and inns that are quieter and more personal, such as the beautiful Westridge Country Inn in Canmore, Alberta. For some people a combination of both will be the perfect choice. For those on a more restricted budget, an itinerary utilizing some of the many good quality moderate and budget priced accommodations in the Canadian Rockies will be offered - even camping is a possibility.

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	Marble Canyon, British Columbia Rockies

CUSTOM-MADE TOURS
Many independent travellers will have specialized needs. Their desired itinerary may include a specialized area of interest or leisure activity, or there may be specific attractions that are not included in a ready-made itinerary that they want to visit. They may wish to stay in a certain accommodation, or do a tour that includes a certain type of cuisine. Many self-guided tour planners offer custom-made tours. A potential client will provide the tour planner with as much information as possible as to their personal preferences. A nominal deposit is paid, and this is credited to the cost of the tour if it takes place. The tour planner will then make a customized itinerary following the clients guidelines. The cost of the tour will be calculated and the client will pay for all aspects of the tour in advance.

Ticino Restaurant, Banff, Alberta

THE TOUR PLANNING CONCEPT
Whether the choice is for a pre-arranged self-guided tour, or a custom-made one, all the tours have the same concept. The clients travel using a rental or their own vehicle, although drivers can be provided on request. In some cases public transportation or charter buses or trains may be used as part of the itinerary. Accommodations and in many cases meals, are booked in advance. The itineraries are laid out with admissions and the cost of specified activities, meals (where applicable) and excursions included. The tour planner provides maps and as much written information as possible. Usually a voucher system is used to pay for the various accommodations and services provided as part of the tour. The tour planner will give the appropriate vouchers to their client with all the other information for the tour. A list of phone numbers and contacts is provided in case the client has any questions or concerns along the course of their tour.

	Canoeing at Lake Louise, Alberta

ADVANTAGES OF USING A TOUR PLANNER
An independent traveller enjoys this type of tour very much. As an individual or part of a small group of family or friends, a person never has the feeling of being part of the herd that is often experienced with a larger tour group. The only time that a client will be part of a larger group will be when undertaking individual activities and excursions which usually only last for a few hours. At the same time, all the advantages of a group tour are still there, everything is taken care of in advance and no time is wasted searching for accommodations every night, or deciding which of many sights to visit on a particular day. In addition there are no worries about paying for lodgings, and admissions and excursions so it is much easier to budget - there will be no surprises as everything has been prepaid to the tour planner. And of course as an independent traveller it is perfectly feasible to wander off the designated plan if necessary or desired, the only firm time commitments will be pre-purchased excursions, and travellers can arrive at the night’s pre- booked accommodation as late or as early as desired within reason.

Elk or Wapiti, British Columbia Rockies

When travelling every individual has different tastes and requirements. What may be enjoyable for one person may be quite distasteful to another. While there is nothing wrong with guided organized tours for a large number of people, they do not cater to everybody’s tastes. This is the beauty of a self-guided tour, the advantages of everything being prearranged as with a traditional guided tour, but with the independence of travelling as individuals. The Canadian Rockies with its great diversity is particularly suitable for this type of vacation, the relaxing pace of an independent vacation enhances the peaceful and natural ambience of this wonderful part of the world.

Tour Planner Directories:
Banff | Canmore | Kananaskis Country | Lake Louise | Jasper