• Early departures may not be able to visit Columbia Icefield which opens in early May, take the Maligne Lake & Spirit Island optional excursion which opens in late May to early June, or take the Moraine Lake optional excursion which opens in early June. Visiting and participating in other activities in this region may be subject to favorable weather conditions and vendor dates of operation.• Maximum elevation on tour: 7,500 ft.
Itinerary
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.CALGARY-SADDLEDOME.jpg
Day 2 CALGARY
Welcome to the Calgary Stampede grounds to witness “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 10-gallon hat and mosey through the gates of Stampede Park into a world of wonder, fun, and “Wild West” excitement with your included admission. Walk back in time and experience the traditions and culture of Canadian First Nations at Elbow River Camp or go try some of the interesting food at the Midway. Enjoy a wide variety of exciting talent on the many entertainment stages, and then perhaps 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.CALGARY-STAMPEDE-FIRST-NATION-VILLAGE.jpg
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 to see anything you missed yesterday, and cheer on your favorite rodeo contenders. If you haven’t already, get suited with a cowboy hat, shirt, and boots at one of the many stalls before heading to the Grandstand for the Calgary Stampede Rodeo 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 rodeo’s most famed event—bull riding! You will be in awe of the talent as you sit on the edge of your seat. Make the most of your time here and discover Canada’s country core. With square dancing, mock gun fights, country bands, bars, restaurants and livestock, there is loads to see.CALGARY-STAMPEDE.jpg
Day 4 CALGARY–BANFF NATIONAL PARK
This morning, take a city tour of Calgary. Highlights include downtown, Fort Calgary, Stampede Park, the Saddledome, and Canada Olympic Park. Then travel west into the majestic Canadian Rockies and beautiful Banff National Park where you’ll spend the next two nights. Have an orientation tour upon arrival.BANFF-BOW-RIVER-SCENIC.jpg
Day 5 BANFF NATIONAL PARK
Enjoy your day exploring Banff, one of Canada’s favorite year-round resorts, with summer activities including hiking, horseback riding, golfing, and fishing. Your Tour Director will have lots of suggestions. Lift your sights higher on an exhilarating optional helicopter ride with spectacular views over the Canadian Rockies. Or if you prefer staying closer to the ground, join the Panoramas & Peaks* optional excursion to breathtaking Moraine Lake in the famed Valley of the Ten Peaks.*This optional excursion begins operating in early June.BANFF-ELK.jpg
Day 6 BANFF NATIONAL PARK–LAKE LOUISE–COLUMBIA ICEFIELD––JASPER NATIONAL PARK
As we journey north, view precipitous gorges, snowcapped mountain ranges, and lakes of exquisite blues and greens. Stop at Lake Louise, its turquoise waters perfectly mirroring the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Continue to the Columbia Icefield to experience a ride to Athabasca Glacier on the Ice Explorer, an all-terrain vehicle that travels on ice measuring 750 feet thick! Winding our way up the western fringe of Alberta, our journey takes us through some of the Canadian Rockies’ most breathtaking wilderness. Later, go with the flow on an optional float trip down the Athabasca River. Arrive in Jasper and take an orientation tour that showcases the area’s unspoiled beauty.LAKE-LOUISE-BANFF.jpg
Day 7 JASPER NATIONAL PARK
Make your day magical with an optional narrated cruise on the gorgeous blue waters of Maligne Lake and see much-photographed Spirit Island*. The balance of the day is free to enjoy everything Jasper has to offer, from guided hikes and quaint shops to meandering wildlife.*This optional excursion begins operating in late May/early June.JASPER-NATIONAL-PARK-SPIRIT-ISLAND.jpg
Day 8 JASPER NATIONAL PARK–MOUNT ROBSON–PRINCE GEORGE
Depart Jasper and follow the Fraser River to the base of Mount Robson, the highest of Canada’s Rockies at almost 13,000 feet. Continue to Prince George, the province’s “northern capital” for an overnight stay.MOUNT-ROBSON.jpg
Day 9 PRINCE GEORGE–SMITHERS–VIA RAIL THE SKEENA–PRINCE RUPERT
Today board VIA Rail’s Skeena train for the trip of a lifetime. Sit back and enjoy an all-daylight journey that winds its way through the majestic Coast Mountains and follows the mighty Skeena River—often referred to as the “River of Mists.” Retrace the steps of the ancient First Nations trading routes and follow the paths of the earliest fur traders. Along the way, keep an eye out for soaring bald eagles, black bears, moose, and other wildlife. Disembark in Prince Rupert for a two-night stay.NOTE:Train travel is subject to unforeseen delays.VIA-RAIL-SKEENA-TRAIN.jpg
Day 10 PRINCE RUPERT
After an orientation of Prince Rupert, enjoy a visit to the North Pacific Cannery National Historic Site for a guided tour of British Columbia’s oldest cannery village. Learn of the canning process and what life was like in the village in the last century during peak production. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.PRINCE-RUPERT.jpg
Day 11 PRINCE RUPERT–INSIDE PASSAGE CRUISE–PORT HARDY
Early this morning, embark on one of the world’s most beautiful ocean voyages! The scenery is spectacular, with towering mountains, roaring waterfalls, endless islands, and virgin rainforests. Marine life abounds, often with sightings of sea lions and porpoises—you may even spot a killer whale! Late-evening arrival into Port Hardy.NOTE:Cruising time through the Inside Passage is approximately 16 hours. Please come prepared with all medications, eyeglasses, and any other items you will need.INSIDE-PASSAGE-WHALE.jpg
Day 12 PORT HARDY–CHEMAINUS–VICTORIA
An early departure from Port Hardy follows the eastern coastline of Vancouver Island, through the port of Campbell River, the “Salmon Capital of the World.” Continue south with a stop in Chemainus, a unique village with more than 30 murals depicting pioneer settlement of the area. Late afternoon arrival into Victoria.VICTORIA.jpg
Day 13 VICTORIA
Morning sightseeing includes the Inner Harbour, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park with its unusual collection of totem poles. The rest of the day is yours to explore this charming city. Perhaps have high tea at the Empress Hotel, visit the Royal British Columbia Museum, or stop to smell the roses and countless other gorgeous blooms on an optional excursion to Butchart Gardens with its 55 acres of magnificent floral displays. This evening, consider taking a relaxing stroll along the lovely Waterfront Promenade.VICTORIA-PARLIAMENT.jpg
Day 14 VICTORIA–FERRY CROSSING–VANCOUVER AREA
Today we set sail across the Strait of Georgia through the spectacular Gulf Islands, an area known for its Mediterranean-like climate. Arrive in Vancouver and take a city tour that includes Stanley Park, Chinatown, the harbour, and more. This evening is at leisure. Perhaps venture out to explore Vancouver’s diverse culinary scene for dinner.VICTORIA-FERRY.jpg
Day 15 VANCOUVER AREA
Today is at leisure. Maybe take a water taxi to lively Granville Island with its bustling Public Market, street musicians, and waterfront cafés, or visit historic Gastown with its cobblestone streets, antique shops, art galleries, and iconic Gastown Steam Clock. Your Tour Director will have lots of suggestions.VANCOUVER-SKYLINE.jpg
Day 16 VANCOUVER AREA
Your vacation ends this morning. You may choose to extend your vacation with extra nights and explore Vancouver further.VANCOUVER-GASTOWN-CLOCK.jpg