Western Canada by Rail with Calgary Stampede

Welcome to Calgary, home of the Calgary Stampede! Your Tour Director is on hand from 3-6:00 p.m. to answer any questions.

Welcome to the Calgary Stampede grounds to witness “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.” 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 maybe 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.

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.

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.

Enjoy the day exploring Banff, Canada's first national park. Hike the many wilderness trails, horseback ride, golf, 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. The most commonly seen are deer, elk, and big horn sheep. For a different, and thrilling, perspective take an optional helicopter ride for breathtaking aerial views of the Canadian Rockies. Or if you prefer keeping your feet on the ground, join the Panoramas & Peaks* optional excursion to visit breathtaking Moraine Lake in the famed Valley of the Ten Peaks.

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 another 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.

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.

An exciting morning as you board the Rocky Mountaineer for a 2-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)

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. After an evening arrival in Vancouver, transfer to your hotel. (B/L)

Morning sightseeing focuses on Vancouver's Chinatown, Gastown, and beautiful Stanley Park. 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.

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.