Itinerary Details
Great Resorts Of The Canadian Rockies With The Calgary Stampede
Day 1 ARRIVE IN CALGARY, ALBERTA Stetsons and Skyscrapers Welcome to Calgary, where cowboys still ride tall in the saddle below the skyline of Alberta’s “Cow Town.” At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.
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Day 2 CALGARY–LAKE LOUISE City Slickers and Sapphire Shores Take an orientation drive through cosmopolitan Calgary before heading to Lake Louise. Upon arrival, take a leisurely [LF] guided heritage walk along the legendary lakeshore. Free time this afternoon and evening at the exclusive Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. (B,D)
LOCAL FAVORITE
WILDERNESS IN WATERCOLOR Explore the breathtaking shores of Lake Louise where its bright blue surface mirrors the sky between Banff’s high peaks. Hear the storied history-from the early Stoney Nakoda First Nations people who named it “lake of the little fishes” to the bold railroad barons of the Canadian Pacific Railway. Learn fascinating stories of frontiersmen and First Nations who first discovered the exquisite waters of Lake Louise.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Named for a Victorian princess, Lake Louise is the perfect setting for the architecture, amenities, and atmosphere of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise-designed to pamper the heartiest of alpine adventurers. Slip into the indoor pool and hot tub, soothe the soul at the fitness center and spa, hike in the lush green forest, canoe on Lake Louise’s famous turquoise blue water or enjoy horseback riding on a nearby trail. With attention to your comfort and enjoyment amid the rugged Rocky Mountains, you’ll enjoy concierge service, gift shops plus a variety of restaurants and activities.
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Day 3 LAKE LOUISE–JASPER Natural Wonders in the Rockies Scenic drive on Icefields Parkway reveals spectacular vistas, including the picturesque Peyto Lake (weather permitting). Next stop, Jasper National Park, a Dark Sky Preserve and the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. Enjoy free time this afternoon. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT Nestled between the pines and peaks, see for yourself why Peyto Lake is one of the most photographed natural beauties in North America. This azure alpine lake strikes the pose as a model of perfection, delivering a visual feast you must see to believe!
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Settle in for a cozy cabin-style 2-night retreat in superbly appointed guest rooms. The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge delivers all the comforts of home with a touch of luxury in the wilderness. Set deep in the Canadian Rockies, the lodge’s rugged elegance makes it the embodiment of peace, tranquility, and natural beauty. Enjoy a wide variety of onsite amenities to welcome you home from a day of exploring with views of surrounding mountains and Beauvert Lake.
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Day 4 JASPER. EXCURSION TO MALIGNE LAKE The Wilderness Spirit A scenic cruise on Maligne Lake to Spirit Island reveals the wild beauty of an alpine wonderland. Free time this afternoon and evening in Jasper National Park. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Between the silver and green glacial peaks, experience the views from the largest natural lake in Jasper National Park on a cruise across the waters of Maligne Lake. Glide on the water to Spirit Island, one of the most photographed spots on Earth. Keep your camera ready for further chances to capture a photo of deer, moose, eagles, or bears in this Rocky Mountain paradise.
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Day 5 JASPER–COLUMBIA ICEFIELD–BANFF Moving Mountains and Lifting Hearts Depart Jasper with a scenic drive on Icefields Parkway en route to Columbia Icefield. Explore how landscapes are shaped with an epic ride aboard the mighty Columbia Ice Explorer all-terrain vehicle. Continue through Banff National Park to discover breathtaking beauty beyond imagination. Drive through Banff’s mountain cathedrals that tower above Natural Bridge, Kicking Horse River, and Emerald Lake. Free time this evening. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
EPIC RIDE Be moved by an expedition across the Athabasca Glacier. Traverse this massive glacier aboard the all-terrain Columbia Ice Explorer and walk on the surface where the Earth’s geology is changing beneath your feet. Feel the force of nature’s strength on an ancient glacier that still carves the face of the Rocky Mountains today.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT For over a century, the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, has been the destination for luxury in the heart of Alberta’s Canadian Rockies. The Scottish-style “Castle of the Rockies” welcomes guests to retire each night and enjoy delightful dining choices and lounges plus activities at the hotel. Walking history tours, glowing evening campfires, wilderness or twilight walks, and guided bike rides showcase the hotel grounds. In Scottish tradition, a 27-hole golf course offers, with added diversions of a spa, tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pool, hot tub, horseback riding, gift shops, convenience store, and concierge service.
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Day 6 BANFF Peak Perfection and Royal Tradition Explore Banff National Park with a scenic drive around Tunnel Mountain and witness the wonder of Bow River Falls with views of the peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Later, take advantage of an optional helicopter flightseeing trip with dramatic aerial views of the Rocky Mountains and Banff, or stroll the town’s colorful streets. Meet an [LF] officer of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to hear tales in true Mounties tradition. Farewell dinner this evening. (B,D)
LOCAL FAVORITE
HEROES ON HORSEBACK As the song goes, Canadian Mounties “always get their man.” Since the early days of the Northwest Territory, the brave members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police have patrolled the mountains of Alberta and beyond with dignified duty. While visiting Banff, visit with a Canadian Mountie as a tip of the signature wide-brimmed hat begins the tales of adventure including the tradition behind the famous red jackets and regulation jodhpurs”
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Day 7 BANFF–CALGARYBack in the Saddle Depart Banff with a morning drive to Calgary for a free afternoon and evening. (B)
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Day 8 CALGARY The Wild Frontier Start your day with a morning sightseeing tour to get acquainted with Calgary. Then, explore the Calgary Stampede grounds at your leisure with your included admission, including the First Nation village of [LF] Elbow River Camp. (B)
LOCAL FAVORITE
LEGENDS & LORE Stroll the streets and visit Elbow River Camp, an authentic First Nation village, where you’ll learn more about culture and history of the Kainai, Piikani, Siksika, Stoney Nakoda, and Tsuut’ina.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION Step through the gates of Stampede Park into a world of wonder, fun, and “Wild West” excitement. Enjoy a wide variety of exciting talent at the many entertainment stages and taste fresh regional specialties. Get ready for an outdoor stage show featuring hundreds of singers, dancers, and musicians in a lavishly produced and choreographed musical variety spectacular.
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Day 9 CALGARYRopin’ & Ridin’ A day at leisure to explore the 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.
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Day 10 CALGARYHappy trails until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
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