Overview
From rugged gold rush territory to the sparkling turquoise waters of Banff and Jasper National Parks, there are so many gems to sink your teeth into on this Canadian Rockies holiday. We suggest starting with a tender filet of Alberta beef and a heavenly slice of homemade huckleberry pie. It’s only fitting to add the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” to your great outdoors Canadian Rockies tour. Break in your boots and break out your 10-gallon hat for the Calgary Stampede, a “Wild West” festival that tips its Stetson to more than a century of cowboy culture and heritage. From bucking broncos to daring dishes, the world’s largest rodeo – and one of Canada’s largest music festivals – promises a delicious feast for your eyes, ears, and taste buds.
Itinerary
Welcome to Calgary!
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.
Native Traditions
Before departing Calgary, enjoy an orientation tour of the city's highlights. Travel south along the Macleod Trail. Tour Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a local First Nation's guide. Then, on to scenic Waterton Lakes National Park with a photo stop at Cameron Falls. (B/D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURE & TRADITION: Discover the longtime relationship between Native people and the vast herds of American Bison that roamed the plains of southwest Alberta. See the remains of marked trails and an aboriginal camp, and an ancient burial mound where vast quantities of buffalo (American Bison) skeletons can still be found at Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump - evidence of a custom used by aboriginal peoples of the North American plains for nearly 6,000 years. Using their excellent knowledge of the topography and of buffalo behaviour, the Plains people skillfully chased the Bison over a precipice to quickly kill their main source of sustenance, clothing, and products.
Peak Perfection
Enter Montana through Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and behold the awesome snow-capped peaks of Glacier National Park. Next, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant featuring a made-from-scratch piece of huckleberry pie or ice cream tasting. Take a scenic ride on the Red Jammer Bus on spectacular Going-to-the-Sun Road. (B/L)
LOCAL FAVOURITE - THE SWEET LIFE: Each summer and fall, the aptly named Huckleberry Mountain bursts forth with a purple bounty of berries for which it is named. These Huckleberries are a Favourite of bears who live in Glacier National Park, but you can enjoy the sweet rewards of summer with a homemade piece of traditional huckleberry pie or ice cream with lunch at a local restaurant-our treat!
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - EPIC RIDE: A highlight of your visit to Glacier National Park awaits you as you board the famous vintage Red Jammer bus that will take you along one of North America's most spectacular highways: Going-to-the-Sun Road. After crossing the 6,664-foot-high Logan Pass, you'll enter a geographical wonderland of alpine scenery where jagged mountain peaks dominate the landscape.
Life in the Wild West
Re-enter Canada this morning, with a stop in British Columbia before crossing into Alberta. Drive through the steep red cliffs of Sinclair Canyon and Kootenay National Park before entering Banff National Park, the heart of the Canadian Rockies. The evening is free to enjoy the village's shops, galleries, and restaurants. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - PICTURE PERFECT: Get ready for a spectacular adventure to explore the beauty of Rocky Mountain peaks, turquoise glacial lakes in Banff National Park - Canada's first national park. This awe-inspiring natural wonder, where soaring peaks and sapphire lakes meet the heavens for a breathtaking experience like no other on Earth!
Breathtaking Banff
This morning, sightseeing includes a stop at beautiful Bow Falls. The balance of the day is at leisure. You may choose to join an optional helicopter flightseeing trip for unsurpassed views of the Rockies. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - PICTURE PERFECT: Get ready for a spectacular adventure to explore the beauty of Rocky Mountain peaks, turquoise glacial lakes in Banff National Park - Canada's first national park. This awe-inspiring natural wonder, where soaring peaks and sapphire lakes meet the heavens for a breathtaking experience like no other on Earth!
Rocky Mountain Majesty
Follow breathtaking Icefields Parkway today and head for Jasper National Park. One highlight of your holiday: a visit to famous Lake Louise. Then, climb to Sunwapta Pass to savour stunning vistas of alpine meadows, waterfalls, and glacier masses. There's time this afternoon for an optional float trip down the historic Athabasca River. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - NATURAL WONDER: Lake Louise is world famous for its turquoise lake in the setting of Victoria Glacier, with a soaring mountain backdrop, palatial Fairmont Chateau hotel, and jaw-dropping sights in the Canadian Rockies. The spectacular beauty of Lake Louise is a rare treasure that must be seen to be believed!
Spectacular Jasper
The morning is at leisure. Nearby activities include hiking, canoeing, and strolling the streets of Jasper. Later, journey to Maligne Lake for a narrated cruise of the glacial lake and Spirit Island. Afterward, enjoy a lakeside dinner with incredible views and local fare including famous Alberta beef. (B/D)
LOCAL FAVOURITE - SPIRIT IN THE SKY: A cruise to Spirit Island on the turquoise waters of Maligne Lake is a spectacular sight to behold as one of the most photographed locations in the world for its jaw-dropping beauty.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - NATURAL WONDERS: Spanning nearly 4,250 square miles of spectacular natural beauty, Jasper is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. Its vast wilderness, majestic peaks, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking panoramic sights lie below an incredible Dark Sky to thrill stargazers as well.
Campfire Stories
This morning, visit Athabasca Falls and then retrace the route south along Icefields Parkway. Stop at the Columbia Icefield for a memorable ride aboard an Ice Explorer. Continue to Calgary, where your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner. Over dessert, be entertained by a local cowboy poet who will bring the region's Western heritage to life through stories and songs-a perfect ending to your holiday. (B/D)
LOCAL FAVOURITE - CULTURAL GEM: Follow the songs of the prairie back to the days of the Wild West with an exclusive experience included with your farewell dinner in Calgary. Feel the nostalgic folklore and romance of ranching and roping with cowboy poet's stories and songs that paint a portrait of the cowhands' home on the range.
The Wild Frontier
Free time this morning to explore the Calgary Stampede grounds at your leisure with your included admission, including the First Nation village of Elbow River Camp. Free time this afternoon before Chuckwagon Races and stage show this evening. (B)
LOCAL FAVOURITE - ANCIENT TRADITIONS: Step back in time with a visit to Elbow River Camp, an authentic First Nation's Village, where you'll learn more about the Native people.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURE & TRADITION: Step through the gates of Stampede Park into a world of wonder, fun, and "Wild West" excitement. Stroll the streets of a recreated frontier town and enjoy a wide variety of exciting talent at the many entertainment stages. This evening, watch the heart-stopping chuckwagon races in an all-out dash for the finish line, an amazing contest of nerves and horsepower. Afterward, get ready for an outdoor stage show featuring hundreds of singers, dancers, and musicians in a lavishly produced and choreographed musical variety spectacular.
Ropin' & Ridin'
Free time this morning. Watch the Calgary Rodeo this afternoon and receive the souvenir program. Remainder of the day is free at the Calgary Stampede grounds. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT: Spend another day exploring the traditions of the Wild West on the Calgary Stampede grounds. Visit Rope Square with its variety of Western entertainment and fun. This afternoon, see the best of the best as they saddle up for world-class rodeo action. Top professionals take on the West's wildest horses. You'll also enjoy the rodeo's most famed event-bull riding! Take home a souvenir program to remind you of your time in Calgary.
Happy trails until we meet again!
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- 10 Breakfasts
- 1 Lunches
- 3 Dinners
- Calgary Delta Calgary Downtown (Superior First-Class)
- Waterton Lakes Park Bayshore Inn (First-Class)
- Whitefish Grouse Mountain Lodge (Superior First-Class)
- Banff Royal Canadian Lodge Banff (Superior First-Class)
- Banff Banff Centre Hotel (Moderate First-Class)
- Banff Banff Ptarmigan Inn (Superior Tourist-Class)
- Jasper Chateau Jasper (First-Class)
- Jasper Forest Park Hotel (First-Class)
- Jasper The Jasper Inn & Suites (First-Class)
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- The Calgary Stampede grounds area is large, and guests should be prepared for easy but sustained walking and independent exploration. For grandstand events, there is limited elevator access and limited wheelchair assistance.
- Visiting and participating in activities in this region may be subject to favourable weather conditions.
- The visit to Logan Pass, in Glacier National Park, is normally possible from mid-June to mid- September. If unable to travel to Logan Pass, alternative sightseeing by Red Jammer bus will be done.
Globus includes all must-see sites, with special VIP access that lets you skip to the front of the queue. Read more
Globus has the recipe for a great holiday. Savour the flavours of Canada & Alaska through its regional cuisine. Read more
Travel with expert Tour Directors and Local Guides who share their vast knowledge of Canada & Alaska. Read more
Globus' selection of hotels in unforgettable places ensure you stay right in the heart of each destination. Read more
Globus' coaches offer one of the most comfortable, stress-free and eco-friendly ways to travel. Read more
Do as the locals do and enjoy unique experiences that you wouldn't find touring on your own. Read more
Availability
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Globus. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Globus. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
