Itinerary Details
Majestic Rockies With The Calgary Stampede
Day 1 ARRIVE IN VANCOUVER, BCWelcome to Vancouver! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.
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Day 2 VANCOUVER–VICTORIABritish Columbia Treasures Tour Vancouver, including the waterfront, Chinatown, and Stanley Park with its old-growth evergreen forests and totem poles. Catch the BC Ferry over to Vancouver Island and Victoria. See major attractions on your city orientation tour including the Fairmont Empress Hotel, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park. Later, visit world-famous [LF] Butchart Gardens, followed by a special dinner in the former historic greenhouse. (B,D)
LOCAL FAVORITE
PICTURE PERFECT Butchart Gardens, named for the woman who founded this botanical oasis of blooming shades and horticultural design, is a National Historic site for its legacy and lush treasure of millions of flowering beds and over 900 varieties of plants in exquisitely landscaped gardens bring fairytales to life.
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Day 3 VICTORIACity of Gardens The day is free to explore on your own. (B)
FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE in Victoria with a stroll in the quaint downtown area with its British colonial architecture to shop and admire its heritage buildings and stunning gardens, then relax over proper British afternoon tea. Your Tour Director may suggest an optional marine wildlife and whale-watching trip. Shoppers will love Government Street’s elegant shops and Market Square’s specialty stores. Your GlobusGO mobile app has the maps and tips for the perfect day.
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Day 4 VICTORIA–WHISTLERGulf Dreams Board a BC Ferry crossing the Strait of Georgia through the spectacular Gulf Islands, an archipelago known for its Mediterranean-type climate. En route to Whistler, stop at Shannon Falls, where a boardwalk leads to a viewing platform near the base of the roaring falls. On to the alpine resort of Whistler at the base of the magnificent Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Time to explore the 2010 Winter Olympics sites, paddleboard, hike, explore Whistler Village or play pickleball. Enjoy a 2-night stay at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, with classic elegance in a modern alpine setting. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Nestled at the base of breathtaking Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, the luxurious Fairmont Chteau Whistler brings old and new together in a seamless blend of historical style and modern beauty. Enjoy impeccable service and outstanding cuisine in this pristine mountain wilderness.
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Day 5 WHISTLERAlpine Adventures Full free day to explore all that Whistler has to offer. (B)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE in Whistler to experience amazing views on the lofty Peak2Peak Gondola, the longest unsupported gondola span in the world, connecting Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Enjoy spectacular scenery and incredible photo opportunities as you explore via suspension bridges, boardwalks and trails on a canopy walk in the treetops. Other options include a floatplane sightseeing excursion, ziplining adventure, shopping in the village, or just relaxing at your resort.
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Day 6 WHISTLER–SUN PEAKSAncient Traditions This morning, enjoy a visit and breakfast at the [LF] Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, dedicated to the history and culture of the First Nations people. Then, journey north through the heart of the magnificent Cariboo region. Spectacular scenery abounds as you pass by rolling hills, deeply incised rivers, and sparkling lakes. Afternoon arrival in Sun Peaks with the balance of the day at leisure. Free time this evening. (B)
LOCAL FAVORITE
CULTURAL GEMS Visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre before opening hours where you will be greeted with a First Nations welcome followed by breakfast. Take in this spectacular setting, which brings to life the history of Native people whose traditions and beautiful culture still resonate today.
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Day 7 SUN PEAKS–JASPER, ALBERTASun, Snow & Stars Continue north, following Yellowhead Highway and hugging the mighty North Thompson River, into the province of Alberta. See the base of 12,972-foot Mount Robson (the highest point in the Canadian Rockies) before entering Jasper National Park. Marvel at the precipitous gorges, snow-capped summits, and lakes of exquisite blues and greens in this wild mountain wilderness. Before arriving at your hotel, you may wish to take an optional float trip down the historic Athabasca River, where your experienced rafting guide will navigate as you absorb the splendor of Jasper National Park. Tonight, explore the entertainment and culinary choices downtown, then look to the skies for remarkable stargazing when night falls. Jasper was designated as a Dark Sky Preserve by the Royal Astronomical Society in Canada and is one of the largest in the world. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Spanning nearly 4,250 square miles (11,000 square kilometers) 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.
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Day 8 JASPER. EXCURSION TO MALIGNE LAKESpectacular Jasper National Park Travel through Jasper’s unspoiled beauty to glacial Maligne Canyon for lunch at the Wilderness Kitchen. Continue to stunning Maligne Lake for a narrated scenic cruise to Spirit Island. Return to Jasper where the balance of the day is at leisure to explore Jasper on your own. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
EPIC RIDE 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. The tranquil Spirit Island has deep significance for the Indigenous Stoney Nation.
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Day 9 JASPER–COLUMBIA ICEFIELD–LAKE LOUISE–BANFFRocky Mountain Majesty Head south through Jasper National Park on Icefields Parkway to the Columbia Icefield for a thrilling Ice Explorer ride on Athabasca Glacier. Climb Sunwapta Pass to savor stunning vistas of alpine meadows, waterfalls, and massive glaciers. Next, stop at Lake Louise, whose green-blue waters form a perfect mirror reflection of Mount Victoria. Continue into Banff for a free 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.
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Day 10 BANFFHeavenly Heights Breakfast this morning is served on top of Sulphur Mountain. Take a scenic ride on the [LF] Banff Gondola to the top of the mountain and enjoy spectacular views of the valley below as you savor a flavorful meal. Additional sightseeing in Banff includes a visit to Bow Falls. The balance of the afternoon is at leisure. Consider an optional flightseeing trip for a bird’s-eye view of the Rockies. This evening, join your Tour Director for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
LOCAL FAVORITE
EPIC RIDE Soar to the top of the world on the Banff Gondola ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. Enjoy breakfast and be in awe of the magnificent, natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies with breathtaking views you’ll never forget.
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Day 11 BANFF–CALGARYStetsons & Skyscrapers Morning drive to Calgary where you’ll have the afternoon and evening free. (B)
FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE in Calgary with recommendations from your Tour Director to explore the traditions and tastes in the cosmopolitan city with skyscrapers rising above a western culture that earned it the nickname “Cowtown.” Tap your GlobusGO Mobile app for maps, tips, and more!
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Day 12 CALGARY The Wild Frontier Free time this morning to explore the Calgary Stampede grounds with your included admission, including the First Nation village of [LF] Elbow River Camp. Free time this afternoon before Chuckwagon Races and stage show this evening. (B)
LOCAL FAVORITE
ANCIENT TRADITIONS Step back in time with a visit of 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. Enjoy 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 13 CALGARY Ropin’ & Ridin’ Free time this morning. Watch the Calgary Rodeo this afternoon and receive the souvenir program. The remainder of the day is free to enjoy 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.
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Day 14 CALGARYHappy trails until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
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