Glacier National Park & the Canadian Rockies with Calgary Stampede (Pre-extension)
Discover ancient glaciers, legendary icefields, and some of North America's most spectacular mountain scenery on this journey through read more the Canadian Rockies and Montana's Glacier National Park. Ride aboard a vintage Red Jammer along Glacier National Park's Going-to-the-Sun Road, venture onto the Athabasca Glacier aboard a massive Ice Explorer, and cruise across Maligne Lake to iconic Spirit Island. Along the way, explore the turquoise waters of Lake Louise and Waterton Lake, the dramatic landscapes of Banff and Jasper National Parks, and the rich Indigenous history of Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump.
From wildlife and mountain vistas to Alberta ranching traditions and seasonal huckleberry treats, this adventure showcases the landscapes, flavors, and stories that make the Rockies unforgettable.
PLUS, this tour includes your choice of excursions in Banff so you can plan your day your way.
Itinerary
Welcome to Calgary!
Your adventure begins in Calgary, the Gateway to the Canadian Rockies. Meet your Tour Director between 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. in the hotel lobby.
The Wild Frontier
Free time today to explore the Calgary Stampede grounds at your leisure with your included admission, including the First Nations village of Elbow River Camp. Join your Tour Director and travel companions for reserved seating at the Chuckwagon Races and stage show this evening.
LOCAL FAVORITE - Immerse yourself in the local First Nations culture with a visit to Elbow River Camp. Discover the local history with traditional powwows, flag-raising ceremonies plus cultural demonstrations of artisanal work and hand games, utilizing skills and traditions passed down through generations.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - Step through the gates of Stampede Park into a world of wonder, fun, and “Wild West” excitement. Explore the recreated frontier town and enjoy a wide variety of exciting talent at the many entertainment stages. Watch the heart-stopping chuckwagon races in an all-out dash for the finish line, an amazing contest of nerves and horsepower. This evening, enjoy an outdoor stage show featuring hundreds of singers, dancers, and musicians in a lavishly produced and choreographed musical variety spectacular.
Ropin' & Ridin'
Ease into the day your way with time to discover Calgary or soak up the energy of the Stampede grounds. This afternoon, buckle up for the thrilling Calgary Rodeo, complete with reserved seating and a souvenir program, then spend the rest of the day enjoying the sights, sounds, and excitement of the Calgary Stampede.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - Spend the day exploring the traditions of the Wild West. 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.
Blue Sky City
Free time today to explore the city and relax at your hotel. Consider a stroll to the Calgary Tower for spectacular views, visit to Canada's National Music Centre Studio Bell, or take a hands-on tour of Bridgeland Distillery. At 6:00 p.m., meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.
ENHANCED FREE TIME - Explore more in Calgary. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for additional sightseeing, shopping, and dining.
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. Discover the longtime relationship between the First Nations culture and the vast herds of American bison that roamed the plains of southwest Alberta. Then on to scenic Waterton Lakes National Park with a photo stop at Cameron Falls.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - Explore the remains of marked trails and an ancient burial mound where vast quantities of 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. As part of Globus family of brands Lighthouse Project, this historic site is one example of our commitment to supporting the people and places we share with you.
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 local seasonal huckleberry treat. Take a scenic ride on the Red Jammer Bus on spectacular Going-to-the-Sun Road.
LOCAL FAVORITE - 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 -: 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 6,646-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 in British Columbia before crossing into Alberta. Drive through the steep red cliffs of Sinclair Canyon and Kootenay National Park enroute to Banff National Park, the heart of the Canadian Rockies. The evening is free to enjoy the village's shops, galleries, and restaurants.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - Get ready for a spectacular adventure to explore the beauty of Rocky Mountain peaks and turquoise glacial lakes in Banff National Park, part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site. 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.
- SADDLE UP! - Explore the Banff and Bow Valley area on horseback during a one-hour guided trail ride. Ride along the tranquil Bow River, where thick marshes and grassy meadows are home to a wealth of wildlife. Note: No riding experience necessary; closed-toe shoes and long pants are required to ride.
- PEAK PERSPECTIVES - Soar to the summit of Sulphur Mountain aboard the Banff Gondola and take in breathtaking panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies. At the top, explore the interactive exhibits while taking in one of Banff's most scenic landscapes. This unforgettable experience offers the perfect blend of adventure, scenery, and alpine charm.
The balance of the day is at leisure. Consider an optional helicopter flightseeing trip for unsurpassed views of the Rockies or a cruise on Lake Minnewanka, a glacial lake surrounded by majestic mountain peaks.
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 town.
Rocky Mountain Majesty
Follow breathtaking Icefields Parkway today and head for Jasper National Park. One highlight of your vacation: a visit to the 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.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - 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.
LOCAL FAVORITE - 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 - 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 are complemented by some of the finest stargazing opportunities in the Canadian Rockies.
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.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - Travel 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.
Happy trails until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Trip Inclusions
- Attend the Calgary Stampede with reserved grandstand seats, high-energy events, lively evening entertainment and authentic Western experiences
- Discover the [LF] First Nations village at the Calgary Stampede grounds and stage shows
- Orientation tour in Calgary, the gateway to the Canadian Rockies
- Guided sightseeing of Head-Smashed-in-Buffalo Jump with a local First Nation guide, exploring one of North America's most significant Indigenous heritage sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Visit to Waterton Lakes National Park and photo stop at Cameron Falls, a popular landmark in the park's charming village
- Scenic Red Jammer Bus ride on Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park, one of North America's most spectacular mountain drives
- [LF] Seasonal huckleberry dessert and lunch at local restaurant, celebrating a beloved Rocky Mountain tradition
- Guided sightseeing of Banff and Jasper National Parks, showcasing the dramatic peaks, glaciers, lakes, and wildlife of the Canadian Rockies
- Globus Choice Excursions in Banff – Included in your tour with your choice of a guided horseback ride or ride the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain
- Visit Lake Louise, with its turquoise water and stunning mountain setting
- Journey to Maligne Lake for a [LF] narrated cruise of the glacial lake and Spirit Island
- Visit to Columbia Icefield and ride aboard the Ice Explorer onto the Athabasca Glacier
- 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 holiday. 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
Welcome Back Credit
GJ Loyalty Discount
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 Enquire. 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.
