Calgary Stampede

Centred around Calgary’s famous annual Stampede, this holiday is a celebration of all things rodeo. Paired with all the best destinations in the Rockies, you won't miss a beat on this epic 14-day adventure. See the ‘Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth’, travel aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, and meet one of Canada’s renowned Mounties.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Victoria

We’ll meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel, where a welcome dinner awaits later in the evening.

Day 2: Victoria, The Butchart Gardens

After this morning’s Signature Experience, the rest of the day is free to spend as you like. 

Signature Experience – The Butchart Gardens Before Hours

Visit The Butchart Gardens before the public is granted access and enjoy breakfast in the original Butchart residence. More than 100 years in the making with a former quarry as the initial canvas, this space was transformed by Jennie Butchart into a haven overflowing with lush greenery and colourful blooms. Relish the opportunity to wander among the floral displays without the crowds. 

Day 3: Victoria, Georgia Strait, Whistler

Pay a quick visit to Chemainus before taking your BC Ferries service across the Georgia Strait. Then, continue to the beautiful town of Whistler, stopping at Shannon Falls on the way. 

Day 4: Whistler, Kamloops

Today, depart Whistler and set off for Kamloops. On the way, you’ll travel past Duffey and Seton Lakes, as well as the rural towns of Pemberton and Lillooet. Once you’ve arrived, enjoy time to settle in and become familiar with the inn. Set at the base of rocky cliffs, you’ll get a real sense of what it’s like to be in the heart of Canada’s countryside. 

Day 5: Kamloops, Mount Robson, Jasper

On the way to Jasper, you’ll pass towering Mount Robson before crossing from British Columbia into Alberta. Later, arrive in breathtaking Jasper National Park and take in the spectacular surrounds. Tonight, choose from one of the lodge’s restaurants for dinner. 

Day 6: Jasper, Athabasca Glacier, Lake Louise

Travel along the Icefields Parkway through the iconic Canadian Rockies. See Athabasca Falls before stopping at the Columbia Icefield, where you’ll board an Ice Explorer vehicle and journey onto the Athabasca Glacier. Then, continue to Lake Louise, the magnificent ‘Jewel of the Rockies’. Choose which of your hotel’s restaurants you’d like to dine at this evening. 

Day 7: Lake Louise, Calgary

It’s a pleasure to see what all the commotion is about at the famous Calgary Stampede, and you’ll stay right near the heart of the action for two nights at the iconic Fairmont Palliser.  

Signature Experience – Calgary Stampede

Grab your cowboy hat and spurs and get into the swing of things at the annual Calgary Stampede. With its roots tracing all the way back to 1886 when Calgary’s first exhibition took place, the Stampede eventually grew into one of the world’s largest outdoor rodeos and exhibitions. Today, it’s often dubbed the ‘Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth’. 

Day 8: Calgary

Return to the excitement of the Calgary Stampede today. Celebrating Calgary’s western heritage and values, the Stampede attracts over one million visitors to the town every year. Some of today’s events include bareback riding and steer-wrestling, as well as chuckwagon racing, stage shows, parades, concerts, agricultural competitions and First Nations exhibitions. 

Day 9: Calgary, Banff

Sights set on the Canadian Rockies, travel to Banff and be guided through the town. Then, a Signature Experience awaits. Choose from one of your hotel’s restaurants for dinner this evening. 

Signature Experience – Meet a Mountie

In beautiful Banff National Park, you’ll have the chance to meet one of Canada’s renowned Mounties and hear tales from the iconic Royal Canadian Mounted Police. 

Day 10: Banff

Explore Banff on your chosen activity today.  

Freedom of Choice – Banff Experience

It’s Banff’s people, alpine architecture and wildlife that make it so unique, and this is your chance to hear about it all. You will also visit the Cave and Basin National Historic Site. 

Freedom of Choice – Gondola Ride

Head to the top of Sulphur Mountain and take in Banff from above, climbing nearly 700 metres in elevation as you are carried through the pines. Once you reach the peak, you can head off for a stroll along the boardwalk. 

Freedom of Choice – Heli-Sightseeing

Take to the skies for a bird’s-eye view of the Rocky Mountains. Soar past snowy peaks and jagged mountains, enjoying breathtaking views of pristine lakes and alpine meadows. 

Freedom of Choice – Bow River Float Trip

Ah yes, the relaxation of the river! Spend some time floating down the Bow River, keeping your eyes peeled for any signs of cheeky wildlife on the banks. This activity is suitable for most fitness levels. 

Freedom of Choice – Ice Hockey Player for a Day

When in Canada, it’s only fitting that you experience a day in the life of an ice hockey player. Get to know the Canmore Eagles as you tour their dressing rooms, try on their gear and step onto the ice.  

Freedom of Choice – Fairmont Spa

Harking back to the hot spring that first called travellers some 100 years ago, soothe your tired muscles in the mineral pool and pulsating waterfalls at Fairmont Banff Springs. 

Day 11: Banff, Rocky Mountaineer, Kamloops

Board the Rocky Mountaineer and soak up the views from the bi-level glass-dome carriage in GoldLeaf Service. Traverse Kicking Horse Pass and see the engineering marvel of the Spiral Tunnels. Arrive later in Kamloops.

Day 12: Kamloops, Rocky Mountaineer, Vancouver

Travel past Hell’s Gate and the Coast Mountains, coming to a stop in Vancouver.

Day 13: Vancouver

After a fantastic Signature Experience this morning, you’ll experience the best of Vancouver on a fantastic half-day sightseeing tour. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll soak up the scenery at the vast Stanley Park, explore the trendy Granville Island, and immerse yourself in the historic neighbourhood of Gastown. Tonight, enjoy a special farewell dinner with your fellow travellers. 

Signature Experience – Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Enjoy a sensational visit to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park on the beautiful outskirts of Vancouver. After breakfast at the Cliff House Restaurant, you’ll join an insightful nature exploration through the grounds and across the suspension bridge. 

Day 14: Depart Vancouver

Your journey comes to an end today.