Itinerary Details
Heart Of The Canadian Rockies With Calgary Stampede
Day 1: CALGARY Welcome to Calgary, home of the Calgary Stampede! Your Tour Director is on hand from 3:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. to answer any questions.
Day 2: CALGARY Welcome to the Calgary Stampede grounds to witness “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.” Dust off your 10-gallon hat and mosey through the gates of Stampede Park into a world of wonder, fun, and “Wild West” excitement with your included admission.
Walk back in time and experience the traditions and culture of Canadian First Nations at Elbow River Camp, or sample some of the Midway’s. unique food offerings. See a variety of performances on the entertainment stages, then explore international exhibits and displays of Western art.
This evening, watch the heart-pounding Chuckwagon Races as drivers dash for the finish line in a thrilling test of skill and speed. You’ll be cheering on your favorite driver during each heat. Afterward, enjoy an outdoor stage show featuring hundreds of singers, dancers, and musicians in a lavishly choreographed musical spectacular.
Day 3: CALGARY Saddle up for another day exploring the Stampede grounds and grandstands for the famous Calgary Stampede Rodeo. Fuel up for the day’s activities with a pancake breakfast at Fluor Rope Square on Stephen Avenue Mall. Return to the Stampede grounds this morning to see anything you missed yesterday and cheer on your favorite rodeo contenders.
If you haven’t already, pick up a cowboy hat, shirt, or boots at one of the many vendor stalls before heading to the Grandstand for the Calgary Stampede Rodeo this afternoon. Watch top rodeo professionals compete in events featuring bucking horses and the crowd-favorite bull riding competition.
Make the most of your time here and discover Canada’s country spirit. With square dancing, mock gunfights, country bands, bars, restaurants, agricultural exhibits, and livestock, there is plenty to do and see at the Calgary Stampede.
Day 4: CALGARY–BANFF NATIONAL PARK The discovery of oil transformed Calgary from a ranching town into a modern city. Sightseeing includes downtown Calgary, Fort Calgary, Stampede Park, the Saddledome, and Canada Olympic Park. Motor west through the foothills into Banff National Park, gateway to the Canadian Rockies. An orientation tour introduces Banff’s townsite and the surrounding scenery.
Day 5: BANFF NATIONAL PARK Banff is one of Canada’s favorite year-round resorts, with summer activities such as hiking, biking, and fishing. With a free day in Banff National Park, your Tour Director will have many suggestions, including an optional helicopter ride over the Canadian Rockies for incredible aerial views. Or if you prefer keeping your feet on the ground, join the Panoramas & Peaks* optional excursion to see gorgeous Moraine Lake in the famed Valley of the Ten Peaks.
*This optional excursion begins operating in early June.
Day 6: BANFF NATIONAL PARK–LAKE LOUISE–COLUMBIA ICEFIELD–JASPER NATIONAL PARK Enjoy a day of spectacular mountain scenery. First stop is Lake Louise, whose turquoise waters reflect the surrounding peaks. Next, stop at the Columbia Icefield to experience the Ice Explorer, an all-terrain vehicle that travels onto the Athabasca Glacier, where the ice measures 750 feet/228 meters thick!
Then, drive north into Jasper National Park, where mountain passes reveal deep gorges, snowcapped peaks, and glacier-fed lakes. Later, consider an optional float trip down the Athabasca River. Enjoy an orientation tour of the town of Jasper upon arrival.
Day 7: JASPER NATIONAL PARK Today, experience the beauty of Jasper National Park on an optional narrated cruise on the glacial waters of Maligne Lake and legendary Spirit Island* where you’ll learn about the area’s history, geology, flora, and fauna. The balance of the day is free to enjoy Jasper, from guided hikes and local shops to opportunities to spot wildlife.
*This optional excursion begins operating in late May/early June.
Day 8: JASPER NATIONAL PARK–MOUNT ROBSON–KAMLOOPS Depart Jasper and follow the Fraser River to the base of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Continue along the Yellowhead Highway, following the Thompson River with views of the Monashee Mountains before arriving in Kamloops for the night.
Day 9: KAMLOOPS–FERRY CROSSING–VICTORIA As you travel through British Columbia’s Cascade Mountains and the fertile Fraser Valley to the Pacific coast, the landscape changes from dry grasslands to a coastal temperate rainforest.
Board your ferry for the scenic crossing to Vancouver Island. Before arriving in Victoria, visit Butchart Gardens and explore its 55 acres of beautiful floral displays. Continue downtown to see the Inner Harbour, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park.
This evening, consider a relaxing stroll along the lively waterfront promenade.
Day 10: VICTORIA Today is free to explore Victoria. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for enjoying this charming city. Perhaps enjoy High Tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel, visit the Parliament Buildings or the Royal BC Museum, or choose an optional Wildlife and Whale-Watching Expedition in search of whales, porpoises, seals, and eagles.
Day 11: VICTORIA–FERRY CROSSING–VANCOUVER This morning, set sail across the Strait of Georgia, an arm of the Salish Sea, and through the scenic Gulf Islands. In Vancouver, city sightseeing includes Stanley Park and other famous landmarks.
The remainder of the day is free to explore Vancouver, known for its waterfront setting, diverse neighborhoods, and cultural attractions. Perhaps visit Robson Street, one of British Columbia’s premier shopping and entertainment districts.
Day 12: VANCOUVER Your vacation ends this morning. You may choose to extend your vacation with extra nights and explore Vancouver further.
