Note: Pre-tour and post-tour nights in Calgary can be added, subject to availability. Inquire at time of booking. An 0ptional Pre-tour Excursion in Banff is also available; details are below.
Day 1 - Arrive in Calgary, Alberta
Welcome to Calgary! Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your centrally located hotel in the city center. Enjoy a welcome dinner of cowboy cuisine tonight at Buzzards Restaurant.
Accommodation: Sandman City Centre - 4 nights
Day 2 - Calgary Stampede
Following breakfast at your hotel this morning, make your way to the Calgary Stampede grounds for a full day of fun. You will have Platinum Seating (Outdoor Main Level) this afternoon. Spend time exploring the midway, art exhibits or other fascinating sights at the world’s largest rodeo and outdoor show.
Day 3 - City Tour / Chuck Wagon Races
Today you will enjoy a traditional Stampede pancake breakfast. Afterwards, take a city tour of Calgary that includes a stop at the Calgary Tower. Spend some more time at the Stampede grounds this afternoon before enjoying Gold Level Balcony seating at tonight’s Chuck Wagon races. After, enjoy the evening Grandstand show.
Day 4 - Bar U Ranch
Following breakfast today explore the history of Alberta’s ranch and cowboy community with a full-day tour of Bar U Ranch. Only one hour south of Calgary on the Cowboy Trail, Bar U Ranch is the only National Historic Site to commemorate the history and importance of ranching in Canada. Founded in the late 19th century, the ranch at its height spread across 160,000 acres. One of the early hands became the outlaw Sundance Kid. Enjoy a guided wagon tour of the park as well as a traditional “cowboy style” lunch. Return to Calgary for the evening.
Day 5 - Depart Calgary
Following breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home from Banff. Travel time is approximately 1.5 hours. Please schedule your flight to depart after 2:00 p.m.
Extend Your Canadian Adventure with a Pre-tour Optional Excursion
On this full-day guided excursion explore all of the natural attractions of Banff, Lake Louise and Yoho National Park. With an experienced driver/guide journey along the Bow Valley Parkway to Johnston Canyon where time is provided for a short walk along the canyon. Learn about Castle Mountain while on your way to Moraine Lake where you can enjoy the changing colors of a mountain lake. At Lake Louise, the "Jewel of the Canadian Rockies," you'll have time to stroll the shores and photograph the famous Victoria Glacier. Lunch is included.
In the afternoon cross the Great Divide to the Spiral Railway Tunnels where three lines of railway are laid at different elevations to cross the Kicking Horse River on four bridges. Relax and wonder around the paths at Takakkaw Falls, the highest waterfall in Canada. Free time is available in Banff prior to your journey to Calgary.
Tour price from $156 per person. 2 nights hotel accommodations at Banff Ptarmigan Inn is additional. Ask your AAA Vacation Specialist for details.