Heart of the Canadian Rockes Calgary Stampede Special Departure

Calgary Stampede rodeo

Be a part of the 100th anniversary of the Calgary Stampede - a celebration of western values and heritage that boasts the richest outdoor rodeo in the world. Step into a world of wonder, fun, and Wild West excitement. In the evening, watch the heart-stopping chuck wagon races in an all-out dash for the finish line, an amazing contest of nerves and horsepower. Get ready for an outdoor stage show featuring nonstop entertainment by internationally acclaimed artists, and see some of the best professional riders perform a world-class rodeo display.

Your Itinerary

DAY 1: UK - Calgary.

Fly to Calgary where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.

DAY 2: Calgary.

Welcome to Calgary and 'The Greatest Show on Earth.' Step through the gates of Stampede Park into a world of wonder, fun, and Wild West excitement. Walk back in time through an authentic Indian Village or stroll the streets of a recreated frontier town. Enjoy a wide variety of exciting talent at 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 chuck wagon races in an all-out dash for the finish line, an amazing contest of nerves and horsepower. Afterwards, get ready for an outdoor stage show featuring hundreds of singers, dancers, and musicians in a musical variety spectacular.

DAY 3: Calgary.

Fuel up for the day's activities by visiting Fluor Rope Square at Olympic Plaza for a pancake breakfast. Return to the Stampede grounds this morning to see anything you missed yesterday, and cheer on your favourite rodeo contenders. If you haven't already, get suited with a cowboy hat, threads 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.

DAY 4: Calgary - Banff.

On this morning's included tour you'll see many of the Calgary's attractions, including historic Fort Calgary and the Saddledome. Then drive into Banff National Park, and the mountain resort of Banff, gateway to the majestic Canadian Rockies.

DAY 5: Banff.

The day is yours to enjoy the many pleasures of Banff, one of Canada's favourite year-round resorts. Perhaps take an optional helicopter ride high over the Canadian Rockies?

DAY 6: Banff - Lake Louise - Columbia Icefield - Jasper.

Travel first to Lake Louise, its azure-blue waters a perfect natural mirror, reflecting the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Precipitous gorges, snow-capped mountain ranges, and lakes come into view as you head through two mountain passes. After stopping at the Columbia Icefield for an exciting snowcoach ride over the 1,200-feet-thick Athabasca Glacier, arrive in the picturesque resort of Jasper, where you will enjoy an orientation tour of the town. There will also be a chance to join an optional raft trip down the Athabasca River. Note: Unfavourable weather conditions may affect the availability of the Columbia Icefield snowcoach excursion.

DAY 7: Jasper - Mount Robson - Kamloops.

The morning is yours to explore or relax. Perhaps join our optional trip to Maligne Lake? Then follow the Fraser River to the base of spectacular Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. The Yellowhead Highway continues alongside the mighty Thompson River with spectacular vistas of the Monashee Mountains. Overnight in Kamloops.

DAY 8: Kamloops - Victoria.

Enjoy more spectacular landscapes as you travel through British Columbia's lush Coast Mountain Range to its majestic Pacific coastline. Sail across the Strait of Georgia and through the spectacular Gulf Islands, to Victoria, the provincial capital and western Canada's oldest city. Your afternoon sightseeing features visits to the world-famous Butchart Gardens, Bastion Square and Thunderbird Park, with its unusual collection of totem poles. In the evening, how about a stroll around the lovely waterfront?

DAY 9: Victoria.

The day is yours to experience more of the many attractions this splendid city has to offer, including the Royal British Columbia Museum or whale watching on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. In the evening, there is a chance to join an optional tour of Chinatown.

DAY 10: Victoria - Vancouver.

Today, set sail back to Vancouver across the Strait of Georgia. On arrival, enjoy a sightseeing drive on the way to your hotel. You'll see Vancouver's Chinatown, Gastown, beautiful beaches and harbour, and tour Stanley Park.

DAY 11: Vancouver.

Your sightseeing tour will surely have whet your appetite to see more of the 'Gem of the Pacific'. Choose from a variety of great-value optional excursions. Perhaps take the scenic 'Sea to Sky Highway' to the fabulous mountain resort of Whistler? Or how about re-visiting the beautiful gardens and inviting beaches of Stanley Park? Keen shoppers can take a water taxi to lively Granville Island with its outdoor markets, street musicians and waterfront cafés. Or perhaps visit historic Gastown with its steam-powered clock, antique shops and art galleries.

DAY 12: Vancouver - UK.

Transfer to airport for your flight to the UK.

DAY 13: Home landing in the UK.

Maximum elevation on this tour is 7,500 ft

Accommodation on Tour

Calgary: Comfort Inn & Suites South Calgary; Banff: Homestead Inn; Jasper: Marmot Lodge; Kamloops: Hotel Five540Forty; Victoria: Royal Scot Hotel & Suites; Vancouver: Sandman Hotel Downtown.

Whale Watching

Enjoy a fascinating optional cruise that will be remembered for a lifetime. Whilst watching for whales and marine life in their natural habitat, you are likely to see the orca (killer whale), and perhaps spot porpoises, sea-lions, osprey and eagles.

Your Holiday Map

Heart of the Canadian Rockes Calgary Stampede Special Departure

Itinerary Map

Optional Excursions

To help you plan and make the most of your holiday, below is a list of optional excursions available to you.

Banff Gondola

The adventure begins with an eight minute journey to the summit of Sulphur Mountain in a modern, fully-enclosed four passenger gondola cabin. The views become increasingly spectacular as you climb 698m (2,292 ft) to an elevation of 2,281m (7,486 ft) at the Summit Upper Terminal. Stay on the look out for wildlife and birds that frequent the Banff Gondola. This is nature's wild playground, so a camera is a must! You can encounter the local wildlife including Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, Golden mantled ground squirrels, Hoary marmots, Clark's nutcracker and the Canada (Gray) jay. Afterwards, we'll visit thundering Bow Falls where plenty of great photo opportunities await you. Be sure to bring a sweater or light jacket as the wind can become quite cool at 2,285 metres above sea level.

$31 (Canadian Dollar)

Royal Canadian Helicopter Tour

Your adventure will take you past the Three Sisters Peaks as you spectacularly escape to the Spray Valley. You will see the magnificent Goat Range where you will observe the radiant aqua blue/green colors of the Spray Lakes. Next, your journey will take you to new heights through the Goat Range Pass and along the Sundance Range of Banff National Park where you will see mountain peaks, alpine meadows and pristine lakes. An extraordinary adventure not to be missed! (25 minuet flight) Flights are subject to favorable weather conditions and minimum of 2 passengers.

$240 (Canadian Dollar)

Mount Assiniboine Glacier Helicopter Tour

Your adventure will take you past the Three Sisters Peaks as you spectacularly escape to the Spray Valley. 160You will see the magnificent Goat Range where you will observe the radiant aqua blue/green colors of the Spray Lakes. Next, your journey will take you to new heights through the Goat Range Pass and along the Sundance Range of Banff National Park where you will see mountain peaks, alpine meadows and pristine lakes. Finally, you will be transported to the "Matterhorn of the Canadian Rockies" which rises majestically to 3,611 meters (11,870 feet) along the Great Divide. The surrounding glaciers and icefalls will astound you and capture your imagination where you will get up close and personal with the Gloria Glacier as it tumbles off of Mount Assiniboine. This is an experience you will not forget! (30 minute flight) Flights are subject to favorable weather conditions and minimum of 2 passengers.

$272 (Canadian Dollar)

Spray Lakes Tour - 12 Minute Helicopter Tour

This will be the most action packed 12 minutes of your life.  Your adventure will take you past the Three Sisters Peaks as you spectacularly escape to the Spray Valley.  You will see the magnificent Goat Range where you will observe the radiant aqua blue/green colors of the Spray Lakes.  Your return flight will provide views of the Bow River as it meanders back towards the Town of Canmore. (12 minute flight) Flights are subject to favorable weather conditions and minimum of 2 passengers.

$125 (Canadian Dollar)

Jasper Raft On The Athabasca River

Jasper's best rafting float trips take you down the Athabasca River for those in seek of a complete and fun filled Alberta wilderness adventure. This 16 kilometer trip passes through many small sets of rapids and calm stretches, which allows your National Park Licensed guide to point out the natural and human history of Jasper. Jasper's best rafting float trips take you down the Athabasca River for those in seek of a complete and fun filled Alberta wilderness adventure. This 16 kilometer trip passes through many small sets of rapids and calm stretches, which allows your National Park Licensed guide to point out the natural and human history of Jasper. The Athabasca River is the same route that was used by the "fur traders" many years ago, (David Thompson 1811). The specially designed rafts offer a safe, comfortable ride that any first time rafter will enjoy. This trip is for everyone from toddlers to seniors. The guides do all the rowing so you can sit back & enjoy the majestic scenery. (2.5 hours) (Subject to favorable weather and water conditions.)

$64 (Canadian Dollar)

Chinatown Dinner and Lantern Walk

A fascinating tour of Chinatown, one of the oldest in Canada. Your expert local guide will offer you the opportunity to learn about the "East meets West" portals. Themes range from Feng Shui and the Chinese Zodiac to Brave Pioneers and World Developments. Food sampling along the way with dinner in a first-class restaurant. Finally, at dusk you will be given lanterns and lead through the narrow alleys to Bastion Square. A very unique and memorable way to experience Victoria. (Approximately 3 hours)

$75 (Canadian Dollar)

Victoria Panorama

This half-hour flight is an ideal introduction to seaplane aviation and includes spectacular vistas of downtown Victoria, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca with the Olympic Mountains in the distance. Enjoy unique views of the buildings ringing the harbour and grand houses perched above the rugged coastline. The exhilarating spray of the water is always a highlight during take-off and landing.

$122 (Canadian Dollar)

Grouse Mountain & Capilano Suspension Bridge

Visit Vancouver's North Shore as you drive over Lion's Gate Bridge to world famous Capilano Suspension Bridge, one of Vancouver's most popular attractions. Capilano Suspension Bridge offers a unique mix of adventure, history and culture making this Vancouver tourist attraction a complete British Columbia experience. Afterwards, board the gondola up to the 4,000-foot level of Grouse Mountain, the peak of Vancouver. Take in a lumberjack show, visit orphaned grizzly bears and grey wolves, or enjoy a leisurely walk through the many trails. Note: This excursion is only available on multiple night stays in Vancouver. (Full Day Excursion)

$139 (Canadian Dollar)

Whistler Day Trip

Take the scenic Sea to Sky Highway with wonderful views of Howe Sound and the Gulf Islands. Make a stop at Shannon Falls. You'll have free time in Whistler to explore this world famous resort and host of the 2010 Olympics. There are restaurants, shops, galleries and plenty of other options to enjoy your day. (10 hours)

$139 (Canadian Dollar)

Please note that optional excursions and prices are subject to change.

Holiday Availability

Unfortunately we do not currently have any available departure dates for this holiday. For more information about possible future departures or suitable alternative holidays please contact us using the number at the top of the page or view one of the Other Holiday Choices

Heart of the Canadian Rockes Calgary Stampede Special Departure

What's Included

  • Flights UK - Calgary; Vancouver - UK
  • Accommodation on tour in a twin room with private facilities
  • Services of a tour director on tour and local representative at other times
  • Porterage at hotels during tour (for one suitcase per person)
  • Transfers between overseas airports and hotels
  • All local and airport taxes/service charges
  • Single share option no supplement to pay

Holiday highlights

  • Calgary Stampede
  • Calgary City sightseeing including Fort Calgary
  • Banff National Park
  • Lake Louise
  • Columbia Icefield Snowcoach ride
  • Victoria City sightseeing and visit to Butchart Gardens
  • Vancouver City sightseeing

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NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme

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