Canadian Rockies & Calgary Stampede

Day 1 – Welcome to Calgary!

Optional transfers from our departure points will have us at LAX this morning for a scheduled, non-stop flight arriving in Calgary, Alberta this afternoon. Those guests making their own flight arrangements can request the group’s flight schedule (subject to change) to coordinate a flight arrival time that would allow them to be included on the complimentary transfer to the hotel. Upon arrival, we’ll board a deluxe motorcoach and continue to downtown Calgary to begin a two-night stay at an upscale hotel.

Day 2 – Calgary Stampede

After an included breakfast, we’ll join a local guide for a driving tour of Calgary. Nestled in the rolling foothills of the Canadian Rockies, this former fur trading post burst onto the world scene with the 1988 Winter Olympics and is now a bustling metropolis. This afternoon we’ll arrive at the Calgary Stampede, known as “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.” Enter a whole world of wonder, fun, and “Wild West” excitement while visiting a dazzling array of international exhibits, competitions and livestock shows. We have reserved grandstand seats for the afternoon Stampede Rodeo featuring saddle bronc riding, bull riding, and barrel racing and more in the world’s most competitive tournament-style rodeo. This evening we’ll have reserved seating for the thrilling chuckwagon races followed by the Evening Show featuring a musical spectacular and a fireworks finale. (Breakfast)

Day 3 – Calgary to Banff

Following an included breakfast, we’ll travel west into the Canadian Rockies and arrive in Banff, the idyllic mountain town nestled in Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy time at leisure exploring Banff’s charming townsite filled with vibrant streets lined with a number of incredible restaurants, cosmopolitan art galleries and charming boutiques. Later, we’ll board the Banff Gondola for a ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain (elevation 8,000 feet) and a panoramic, 360 degree view of six mountain ranges! This evening we'll begin a two-night stay at an upscale hotel in Banff. (Breakfast)

Day 4 – Banff National Park

Following an included breakfast, we’ll join a local guide for a sightseeing tour of Banff National Park including Bow Falls, Hoodoo Lookout and Surprise Corner. Enjoy the balance of the afternoon and evening at leisure exploring the Banff village. (Breakfast)

Day 5 – Banff to Jasper, Ice Explorer

After an included breakfast we’ll continue north along one of the world’s most spectacular mountain highways – the Icefields Parkway. Often described as “the most spectacular stretch of highway” in all of North America, this roadway parallels the Continental Divide as it traverses an unspoiled wilderness of more than 100 glaciers, pristine lakes, rushing streams, tumbling waterfalls, and some of the highest peaks in the Rockies. Stay alert for possible sightings of mountain goats, bighorn sheep, moose, marmots and elk. We’ll make several stops along the way to take in the views of the soft baby blue waters of Peyto Lake, Bow Lake and Crowfoot Glacier. At the vast Columbia Icefields we’ll board the massive Ice Explorer, a specially-designed vehicle that will allow us to walk on, touch and drink from the Athabasca Glacier, one of the largest glaciers in North America! Continuing north we’ll make photo stops to admire Athabasca Falls and Sunwapta Falls before we begin a two-night stay at an upscale hotel in the charming mountain town of Jasper. Transportation will be available this evening to downtown Jasper to enjoy dinner at leisure at a variety of restaurants. (Breakfast)

Day 6 – Jasper National Park

Following an included breakfast, we’ll join a local guide for a sightseeing tour of Jasper National Park including Pyramid Lake, Patricia Lake and the beautiful Maligne Canyon. We'll travel through Maligne Valley and past the incredible disappearing Medicine Lake to Maligne Lake, the largest (and perhaps the prettiest) lake in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The lake is 14 miles long, ringed by dramatic snow-capped peaks and features picturesque Spirit Island. Be on the lookout for wildlife while enjoying a narrated Maligne Lake cruise. (Breakfast)

Day 7 – Jasper to Lake Louise

Following an included breakfast, enjoy time at leisure to wander amongst the shops and boutiques in downtown Jasper, or take advantage of an optional Athabasca River float trip for an additional $95 per person (including taxes, fees and customary gratuity; payable with your tour payment). This leisurely experience offers a unique perspective of Jasper National Park and passes through many small sets of rapid and calm stretches. This afternoon we'll travel south along the Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise – set in the midst of Banff National Park. Known as the “Diamond in the Wilderness,” here the majestic mountains soaring skyward are reflected in the vibrant blue of the glacier-fed, Lake Louise. Enjoy time at leisure strolling the spectacular grounds of the Fairmont Château Lake Louise, the château-style, grande dame hotel considered by some to be a "Wonder of the World." One of the world’s most photographed hotels and one of Canada’s most renowned resorts, Fairmont Château Lake Louise is located on the shores of the emerald waters of Lake Louise and offers spectacular views of Victoria Glacier. This evening, enjoy an included dinner followed by an overnight stay at this elegant AAA Four Diamond hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 8 – Yoho National Park, Journey Home

Following an included breakfast at the hotel we'll be joined by a local guide and travel the short distance into British Columbia for a tour of Yoho National Park, including the Spiral Tunnels of the Canadian Pacific Railway, the Natural Bridge on the Kicking Horse River and Emerald Lake which is filled with glacial run-off water that makes it glisten with the blue-green hue of an emerald. We’ll enjoy an included boxed lunch and then travel south to Calgary to board a scheduled, non-stop flight arriving in Los Angeles this evening. Those guests making their own flight arrangements can request the group’s flight schedule (subject to change) to coordinate a similar flight departure time that would allow them to be included on the complimentary transfer to the airport. Back in Los Angeles, those guests with pre-arranged transfers will be returned to their respective drop-offs. (Breakfast, Lunch)

While we make every effort to operate our tours as outlined in the itinerary, we ask for your patience, understanding and flexibility and to retain a sense of adventure while traveling with us. Situations may arise that necessitate changes to the itinerary. Should we need to adjust the itinerary either prior to or while on tour, these changes will be communicated to you and only done when absolutely necessary.