Itinerary Details
Western Canada By Rail With Calgary Stampede
Day 1: CALGARY Welcome to Calgary, home of the Calgary Stampede! Your Tour Director is on hand from 3-6:00 p.m. to answer any questions.
Day 2: CALGARY Welcome to the Calgary Stampede, “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.” Your hotel is ideally located on the train line that will take you to Stampede Park, allowing you to come and go as you please! Dust off your cowboy boots and mosey through the gates of Stampede Park into a world of wonder and “Wild West” ropin’-n’-ridin’ with your included admission. Step back in time to experience the traditions and culture of Canadian First Nations at Elbow River Camp or sample savory and sweet Western fare at the Midway. Enjoy a wide variety of exciting talent on the many entertainment stages, and head into the dazzling array of international exhibits and displays of Western art. This evening, watch the heart-stopping Chuckwagon Races in an all-out dash for the finish line, an amazing contest of nerves and horsepower. You’ll be out of your seats cheering on your favorite driver during each heat! Afterward, get ready for an outdoor stage show featuring hundreds of singers, dancers, and musicians in a lavishly produced and choreographed musical variety spectacular.
Day 3: CALGARY Saddle up for another rip-roaring day exploring the Stampede grounds and grandstands for the famous Calgary Stampede Rodeo. Fuel up for the day’s activities by visiting Fluor Rope Square at Stephen Avenue Mall for a pancake breakfast. Return to the Stampede grounds this morning—a great opportunity to see anything you may have missed the day before. Complete your western look with cowboy hats, shirts, or boots from one of the many vendors. Then take your seat in the grandstands and cheer on your favorite rodeo contenders at the Calgary Stampede Rodeo this afternoon. See the best of the best as they saddle up for world-class rodeo action where top riders and ropers take on the West’s wildest horses—and experience edge-of-your-seat bull riding action! Outside the ring, get in the rhythm of Western tradition with square dancing, mock gun fights, country bands, bars, restaurants, and livestock. So much to see!
Day 4: CALGARY–BANFF NATIONAL PARK The discovery of oil converted this cattle-ranching town into a thriving, sophisticated city. Sightseeing highlights downtown, Fort Calgary, Stampede Park, the Saddledome, and Canada Olympic Park. Next, drive west through the foothills of the Rockies into Banff National Park. Enjoy an orientation tour upon arrival. Evening is at leisure.
Day 5: BANFF NATIONAL PARK Enjoy the day exploring Banff, Canada’s first national park. Hike the many trails, stroll through Banff townsite, or simply relax at the hot springs. The park is also the perfect place for wildlife watching as it is home to 53 species of mammals. Most commonly seen are deer, elk, and big horn sheep. For a uniquely thrilling perspective, take an optional helicopter ride for breathtaking aerial views of the Canadian Rockies. If you prefer your feet on the ground, join the Panoramas & Peaks* optional excursion to visit breathtaking 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 First stop is stunning Lake Louise, the crown jewel of Banff National Park, with its turquoise waters reflecting the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Then precipitous gorges, snowcapped mountain ranges, and more exquisite lakes come into view as your motorcoach scales three mountain passes. Stop at the Columbia Icefield for a special trip highlight and experience the Ice Explorer, an all-terrain vehicle that travels on ice measuring 750 feet thick! Late this afternoon, go with the flow on an optional float trip down the Athabasca River. Upon arrival in Jasper National Park, take an orientation tour showcasing the area’s unspoiled beauty.
Day 7: JASPER NATIONAL PARK A day at leisure to explore the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. This morning, consider joining the optional narrated cruise on magical Maligne Lake to Spirit Island*. On the return journey, view picturesque Medicine Lake and Maligne Canyon keeping an eye out for native wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, and elk. Then perhaps do some hiking or peruse the shops in town.
*This optional excursion begins operating in late May/early June.
Day 8: JASPER NATIONAL PARK–ROCKY MOUNTAINEER–MOUNT ROBSON–KAMLOOPS An exciting morning as you board the Rocky Mountaineer for a two-day, all-daylight, classic rail journey from the Canadian Rockies to the Pacific Coast. En route, pass Mount Robson, the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies. Follow the North Thompson River and enjoy vistas of the Monashee Mountains. Enjoy free time in Kamloops this evening. (B,L)
Day 9: KAMLOOPS–ROCKY MOUNTAINEER–VANCOUVER This morning, your train adventure continues as you head through the ranchlands along the Thompson River. View the stark beauty of Fraser Canyon and the turbulence of mighty Hell’s Gate creating whitewater on the Fraser River. After an evening arrival in Vancouver, transfer to your hotel. (B,L)
Day 10: VANCOUVER–FERRY CROSSING–VICTORIA Morning sightseeing focuses on Vancouvers' beautiful Stanley Park and other famous landmarks. Afterward, sail through the spectacular Gulf Islands, known for their Mediterranean-like climate, to the charming city of Victoria, capital of British Columbia. Stop at world-famous Butchart Gardens with its 55-acres of floral displays, then enjoy sightseeing in Victoria that includes Bastion Square, the Parliament Buildings, and Thunderbird Park with its collection of totem poles. This evening, perhaps enjoy a walk and a fresh seafood dinner along the harbourfront while you savor the view.
Day 11: VICTORIA–FERRY CROSSING–VANCOUVER Sail via ferry across the Strait of Georgia this morning to Vancouver. After arriving, drive to Vancouver International Airport where your vacation ends. Please schedule flights after 2:00 pm. You may choose to extend your vacation with extra nights and explore Vancouver further.
