Overview
From rugged gold rush territory to the sparkling turquoise waters of Banff and Jasper National Parks, there are so many gems to sink your teeth into on this Canadian Rockies vacation. We suggest starting with a tender filet of Alberta beef and a heavenly slice of homemade huckleberry pie.
It’s only fitting to add the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” to your great outdoors Canadian Rockies tour. Break in your boots and break out your 10-gallon hat for the Calgary Stampede, a “Wild West” festival that tips its Stetson to more than a century of cowboy culture and heritage. From bucking broncos to daring dishes, the world’s largest rodeo – and one of Canada’s largest music festivals – promises a delicious feast for your eyes, ears, and taste buds. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Banff so you can plan your day your way.
Itinerary
Welcome to Calgary!
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.
Native Traditions
Before departing Calgary, enjoy an orientation tour of the city's highlights. Travel south along the Macleod Trail. Tour Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a local First Nations guide. Then on to scenic Waterton Lakes National Park with a photo stop at Cameron Falls. (B/D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURE & TRADITION: Discover the longtime relationship between the First Nations culture and the vast herds of American bison that roamed the plains of southwest Alberta. See the remains of marked trails and an ancient burial mound where vast quantities of buffalo (American Bison) skeletons can still be found at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump - evidence of a custom used by the Plains People. Using their excellent knowledge of the topography and of buffalo behavior, they skillfully chased the bison over a precipice to quickly kill their main source of sustenance, clothing, and products.
Peak Perfection
Enter Montana through Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and behold the awesome snow-capped peaks of Glacier National Park. Next, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant featuring a made-from-scratch piece of huckleberry pie. Take a scenic ride on the Red Jammer Bus on spectacular Going-to-the-Sun Road. (B/L)
LOCAL FAVORITE - THE SWEET LIFE: Each summer and fall, the aptly named Huckleberry Mountain bursts forth with a purple bounty of berries for which it is named. These Huckleberries are a favorite of bears who live in Glacier National Park, but you can enjoy the sweet rewards of summer with a homemade piece of traditional huckleberry pie with lunch at a local restaurant—our treat!
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - EPIC RIDE: A highlight of your visit to Glacier National Park awaits you as you board the famous vintage Red Jammer bus that will take you along one of North America's most spectacular highways: Going-to-the-Sun Road. After crossing the 6,664-foot-high Logan Pass, you'll enter a geographical wonderland of alpine scenery where jagged mountain peaks dominate the landscape.
Life in the Wild West
Re-enter Canada this morning, with a stop at the Ktunaxa Interpretive Centre in British Columbia to learn of the history and culture of the Ktunaxa Nation of British Columbia, before crossing into Alberta. Drive through the steep red cliffs of Sinclair Canyon and Kootenay National Park before entering Banff National Park, the heart of the Canadian Rockies. The evening is free to enjoy the village's shops, galleries, and restaurants. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - PICTURE PERFECT: Get ready for a spectacular adventure to explore the beauty of Rocky Mountain peaks, turquoise glacial lakes in Banff National Park - Canada's first national park. This awe-inspiring natural wonder, where soaring peaks and sapphire lakes meet the heavens for a breathtaking experience like no other on Earth!
Spend your day your way in Banff
This morning, sightseeing includes a stop at beautiful Bow Falls.
Explore more of Banff with your choice of included Globus Choice Excursions.- PEAKS & VALLEYS - Take your experience higher on a docent-led tour at Whyte Museum to explore the history, culture, and environment of Banff and the Bow Valley area. Learn about the influence of the mountains and landscape, plus view collections illustrating life in the Canadian Rockies, Indigenous people, and early settlers.
- A NATURAL HIGH - Discover Banff National Park on foot with a guided hike on Tunnel Mountain Summit Trail. Enjoy an immersive nature experience and watch for wildlife, natural wonders and wildflowers on the gentle hike. Explore panoramic views of the valley and Sulphur Mountain and pause at rocky outcrops for photo stops.
ENHANCED FREE TIME - EXPLORE MORE: in Banff with a visit to the Cave and Basin National Historic Site or walk through downtown Banff, an idyllic mountain ski town. Your Tour Director has suggestions for your free time, and your GlobusGO mobile app puts all the possibilities right at your fingertips.
Rocky Mountain Majesty
Follow breathtaking Icefields Parkway today and head for Jasper National Park. One highlight of your vacation: a visit to famous Lake Louise. Then, climb to Sunwapta Pass to savor stunning vistas of alpine meadows, waterfalls, and glacier masses. There's time this afternoon for an optional float trip down the historic Athabasca River. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - NATURAL WONDER: Lake Louise is world famous for its turquoise lake in the setting of Victoria Glacier, with a soaring mountain backdrop, palatial Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise hotel, and jaw-dropping sights in the Canadian Rockies. The spectacular beauty of Lake Louise is a rare treasure and bucket list experience!
Spectacular Jasper
The morning is at leisure. Nearby activities include hiking, canoeing, and strolling the streets of Jasper. Later, journey to Maligne Lake for a narrated cruise of the glacial lake and Spirit Island. Afterward, enjoy a lakeside dinner with incredible views and local fare including famous Alberta beef. (B/D)
LOCAL FAVORITE - SPIRIT IN THE SKY: 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.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - NATURAL WONDERS: Spanning nearly 4,250 square miles 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.
Geologic Gems
This morning, visit Athabasca Falls and then retrace the route south along Icefields Parkway. Stop at the Columbia Icefield for a memorable ride aboard an Ice Explorer. Continue to Calgary, where your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner—a perfect ending to your vacation. (B/D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - EPIC RIDE: Be moved across the Athabasca Glacier aboard the all-terrain Ice Explorer and walk on the surface where the Earth's geology is changing beneath your feet. Visit the Glacier Discovery Centre and feel the force of nature's strength on an ancient glacier that still carves the face of the Rocky Mountains today.
The Wild Frontier
Free time this morning to explore the Calgary Stampede grounds at your leisure with your included admission, including the First Nations village of Elbow River Camp. Free time this afternoon before Chuckwagon Races and stage show this evening. (B)
LOCAL FAVORITE - ANCIENT TRADITIONS: Immerse yourself in the local First Nations culture with a visit to Elbow River Camp. Learn more about the history with traditional Powwows, flag-raising ceremonies and cultural demonstrations of artisanal work and hand games, utilizing skills and traditions passed down through generations.
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. Afterward, get ready for an outdoor stage show featuring hundreds of singers, dancers, and musicians in a lavishly produced and choreographed musical variety spectacular.
Ropin' & Ridin'
Free time this morning. Watch the Calgary Rodeo this afternoon and receive the souvenir program. Remainder of the day is free at 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.
Happy trails until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Guided sightseeing in Calgary
- Tour Head-Smashed-in-Buffalo Jump with local First Nations guide
- Visit Waterton Lakes National Park
- Scenic ride on Red Jammer Bus on Going-to-the-Sun Road
- Visit Glacier National Park
- Visit Ktunaxa Nation Interpretive Centre
- Tour Banff National Park
- Globus Choice Excursions in Banff – included in your tour with your choice of a guided horseback riding tour or a docent-led visit to the Whyte Museum
- Visit Lake Louise
- Maligne Lake cruise
- Explore Jasper National Park and the Canadian Rockies
- Visit Columbia Icefield and ride the Ice Explorer on Athabasca Glacier
- Discover the First Nations village at the Calgary Stampede grounds and stage shows
- Attend the Calgary Rodeo
- Breakfast daily, 1 Lunch, 3 Dinner
- Calgary: Delta Calgary Downtown (Superior First-Class):
This elegant hotel is ideally located in beautiful Calgary and is minutes away from the Convention Center and entertainment. The hotel features an ATM, currency exchange, room service, indoor pool, fitness center, the popular Elements Bistro restaurant, and 398 well-appointed guestrooms. - Waterton Lakes Park: Bayshore Inn (First-Class):
Enjoy the beauty of the Canadian Rockies at the Bayshore Inn. Guests are welcome to explore hiking trails, golf, and spend time in the relaxing spa. Rooms at the Bayshore are spacious, comfortable, and have private balconies. - Whitefish: Grouse Mountain Lodge (Superior First-Class):
The Grouse Mountain Lodge located in gorgeous Whitefish Montana is a relaxing getaway with plenty of things to do. The hotel features spa services, 2 spa tubs, tennis courts, sauna, fitness facility, and indoor pool. The guestrooms have all the comforts of home including bathrobes. Guests are also welcome to enjoy libations and snacks in their restaurant or bar. - Banff: Mount Royal Hotel (First-Class):
Situated on the iconic Banff Avenue surrounded by top restaurants, shops, and nightlife, Mount Royal Hotel offers a mountain-chic style that blends heritage mountain influence with a thoroughly modern interior design. The hotel features a full service restaurant, rooftop hot tub and lounge, general store, library, and lobby museum. - Jasper: Chateau Jasper (First-Class):
The Chateau Jasper offers an excellent variety of accommodations and facilities. This conveniently located hotel offers 119 fully air-conditioned guestrooms and suites, pleasantly furnished with mountain decor in mind.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- The Calgary Stampede grounds area is large, and guests should be prepared for easy yet sustained walking and independent exploration. For grandstand events, there is limited elevator access and limited wheelchair assistance.
- Visiting and participating in activities in this region may be subject to favorable weather conditions.
- The visit to Logan Pass, in Glacier National Park, is normally possible from mid-June to mid- September. If unable to travel to Logan Pass, alternative sightseeing by Red Jammer bus will be done.
Globus includes all must-see sites, with special VIP access that lets you skip to the front of the queue. Read more
Globus has the recipe for a great vacation. Savour the flavours of Canada & Alaska through its regional cuisine. Read more
Travel with expert Tour Directors and Local Guides who share their vast knowledge of Canada & Alaska. Read more
Globus' selection of hotels in unforgettable places ensure you stay right in the heart of each destination. Read more
Globus' coaches offer one of the most comfortable, stress-free and eco-friendly ways to travel. Read more
Do as the locals do and enjoy unique experiences that you wouldn't find touring on your own. Read more
Dates & Pricing
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A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Globus. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
