Canadian Rockies: Calgary Stampede 11 days / Special Event Tours
About This Experience
Rodeo riding and wagon racing—this is the Wild West at its most thrilling. The Calgary Stampede is the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, and the Canadian Rockies are a spectacle in their own right. See them from every angle as you explore the jewel-colored lakes and snowcapped mountains of the national parks. Just when you think the scenery can’t get any more magnificent, you’ll ride the rails through the soaring peaks and twisting valleys to the coast.
Your Tour Includes
Round-trip airfare & transfers
10 nights in handpicked hotels
Breakfast daily, 2 lunches, 4 three-course dinners with beer or wine
Multilingual Tour Director
Private deluxe motor coach
Select entrance fees
Why You'll Love It
Rodeos, stage shows & chuckwagon races
The spectacular views from Sulphur Mountain
Bears, moose, eagles & other Banff residents
Glacial lakes & mountain peaks
Soaring Mount Robson
Riding the Rocky Mountaineer
Calgary2 nights - hotel info
Day1
Descend into Calgary—Stampede City
Dinner
Your trip begins with a regularly scheduled flight aboard a major airline to Calgary, the Nashville of the North. A Go Ahead representative greets you at the airport and then accompanies you to your hotel and assists you with check-in. Meet your fellow travelers at this evening’s included dinner.
Day2
Cheer on the rodeo riders and wagon racers
Breakfast
Calgary Stampede
The world’s best rodeo riders compete on Canada’s toughest stock during the annual Calgary Stampede, a festival that combines the action of the Wild West with Native American dances, rides, food and fun. Today you’ll spend the day in the middle of the action, and feel as if you’ve just traveled back to the days when the West was still a frontier and dreams were as big as the Canadian sky. Tonight, you’ll get to experience the best and most raucous shows the Stampede has to offer, including the rodeo, live music and a chuckwagon race.
Banff2 nights - hotel info
Day3
Get in the Wild West spirit at the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth”
Breakfast, Dinner
Calgary Stampede
Return to the Stampede this morning to see everything you missed yesterday, and cheer on your favorite rodeo contenders. Later today, say goodbye to Calgary and take in the gorgeous mountain scenery on the way to Banff. Enjoy dinner with your group upon arrival.
Day4
Soar to the top of Sulphur Mountain for a panoramic view of Banff
Breakfast
Banff National Park, Sulfur Mountain gondola ride
Breathe in the crisp mountain air as you board a Sulfur Mountain gondola ride over Banff National Park’s gorgeous mountains and valleys. The birthplace of Canada’s national park system, Banff is part of the Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site. You’ll discover a landscape rich in wildlife and history against a backdrop of glaciers and towering mountain peaks. This afternoon, continue to explore Banff’s beauty on your own. This evening, opt for an enjoyable “Oh Canada Eh?” dinner and show.
Optional Excursions
"Oh Canada Eh?" Dinner Show $89* pp
With an evening in Banff, experience the revelery of Canadian culture at a showing of “Oh Canada Eh.” This dinner show features a two hour musical celebration of songs written or made famous by Canadians. You’ll meet singing Mounties, lumberjacks, hockey players, the loveable child heroine, Anne of Green Gables, and many other famous Canadian characters for a whirlwind adventure through the sights and sounds of Canada. While you are enjoying the show, our performers also serve you a delicious meal, including fresh Atlantic haddock, Manitoba roasted chicken maple chocolate mania cake and many more delectable Canadian treats.
Lake Louise1 night - hotel info
Day5
Go lake-hopping among emerald-colored waters and alpine peaks
Breakfast
Yoho National Park
Say goodbye to Banff as you depart for the glittering shores of Lake Louise. En route, stop to marvel at Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Upon arrival in Lake Louise, you’ll visit Chateau Lake Louise, where you’ll have free time for lunch. This afternoon, journey to Yoho National Park, where you’ll see the ethereal Emerald Lake, which owes its color to fine particles suspended in the glacier waters, and bask in the unearthly beauty of this alpine gem.
Jasper2 nights - hotel info
Day6
Motor through lakes, glaciers and waterfalls in Jasper National Park
Breakfast, Dinner
Ice Explorer
Leave Lake Louise for Jasper, a picturesque town nestled in the midst of Jasper National Park’s shimmering glaciers, crystal lakes, waterfalls, canyons and evergreen forests surrounded by towering peaks. En route, you’ll visit the turquoise waters of Peyto Lake (weather permitting) before continuing on to the world-famous Columbia Icefield, one of the world’s most spectacular mountain glaciers. Take a guided drive across Athabasa Glacier onboard a vehicle specially designed for glacier driving. This afternoon, visit Athabasca Falls in Jasper National Park. While you’re here, opt to join an Athabasca River Raft tour. Enjoy an included dinner this evening.
Optional Excursions
Athabasca River Raft Tour $65* pp
Fall in love with the Canadian wilderness on a leisurely journey down the Athabasca River, tracing the same route that early fur traders once followed. Along the way, your river guide will teach you the river’s natural and human history. Your tour passes through a calm stretch of the river, but some splashing is to be expected and waterproof ponchos are recommended. Please note: This optional excursion is seasonal and runs mid-May through September only.
Day7
Cruise mountain-lined waterways from Maligne Lake to Medicine Lake
Breakfast
Set off on an expedition into Jasper National Park this morning. You’ll visit the steep walls of Maligne Canyon, travel to Medicine Lake and finally arrive at the shores of beautiful Maligne Lake. Consider joining our optional Maligne Lake Cruise. Or, spend the afternoon at leisure.
Optional Excursions
Maligne Lake Cruise $69* pp
This midday cruise is your opportunity to experience one of the gems of the Canadian Rockies. You'll travel down Maligne Lake, through Samson Narrows and on to Spirit Island, where you are free to disembark for a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity. The cruise is enhanced by a licensed crew member who will provide narration for the duration of the excursion. Please note: This excursion is offered mid-May through early October and is weather dependent.
Kamloops1 night - hotel info
Day8
All aboard the Rocky Mountaineer for a magnificent show
Breakfast, Lunch
Rocky Mountaineer train ride
Today, you’ll hop aboard a vintage Rocky Mountaineer train for a truly spectacular full-day ride to the untamed beauty of Kamloops. Take in glacial lakes, towering mountain peaks and raging rivers from the comfort of your train car. The Rocky Mountaineer travels at “Kodak speed,” so be sure to have your camera ready! Enjoy an included lunch onboard today. After stopping for the night, choose from an array of optional entertainment provided through The Rocky Mountaineer, such as a musical dinner show, or turn in for the night at your hotel in Kamloops.
Vancouver2 nights - hotel info
Day9
Day10
Experience Vancouver’s vibrant, multicultural atmosphere
Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, tour the multicultural, cosmopolitan city of Vancouver with your guide. You’ll visit the 1,000 acre Stanley Park, Chinatown and the historic Gastown District. This afternoon is free to discover this wonderful city on your own. This evening, you’ll relive memories with your group over a Farewell Dinner.
Day11
Fly high over the Rockies on your way home
Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
This morning, a Go Ahead representative escorts you to the airport for your return flight home. If you are extending your stay, enjoy three more days to explore Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia’s historic capital.
Passport & Visa
A valid passport is required for U.S. citizens traveling to Canada. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please be sure to have your required identification with you as well.
Transportation
Flights arrive in Calgary, where a Go Ahead representative escorts you to your hotel for check-in. Return flights depart from Vancouver. All included transportation is by private motor coach.
Baggage Allowance
Airlines have varying policies on weight restrictions and checked luggage. Charges for one or more checked bags may apply when traveling domestically. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline’s checked baggage policies. Bear in mind that your luggage will probably weigh more on your return trip due to souvenir shopping. We allow only one suitcase per person. One carry-on bag is also permitted, provided that it does not exceed 45 inches (length + width + height). There may be times when you will have to handle your own bags, and you’ll find that lightweight luggage provides a distinct advantage. Make sure you label your baggage and carry valuables, medication and documents in your carry-on luggage.
Clothing & Packing Tips
Light, loose-fitting clothing that provides comfort when exploring the sights is essential for your tour. A sun hat, sunglasses and a sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers are recommended for sightseeing. Hiking boots might come in handy, if you plan to do any extensive walking or hiking. It’s always a good idea to be prepared for any eventuality—a lightweight sports jacket and emergency rainwear are advised. Restaurants are typically informal in this region of Canada. And remember to bring a small carry-on bag for your overnight in Kamloops.
Health
Please be aware that you will be traveling at altitudes between 7,000 and 9,000 feet above sea level on this tour. These high altitudes can sometimes cause difficulty breathing and other health problems with travelers who have heart problems or respiratory ailments. If you suffer from any of these conditions, please speak to your doctor regarding any potential health risks. Even healthy travelers may sometimes experience altitude sickness, a temporary condition featuring symptoms of headache, fatigue, nausea and light-headedness. Until your body acclimates to the higher altitudes, we suggest that you drink plenty of fluids and limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol. Otherwise, there are no major health risks when traveling to this region. During the summer months, take care for sun exposure and heat. It is always advisable to check with your doctor or health-care provider for the latest updates and personal travel requirements.
Cuisine
One of the most enjoyable aspects of traveling is the delightful variety of local cuisine—even if you’re not traveling far. After all, Canada contains some of the most varied food in the world, and your tour will hit many different historic regions. Most of their cuisine is well-known, but look out especially for delicious French, Acadian and indigenous influences.
Currency
Canadian dollars will be the currency on your tour. You can find kiosks at the airport with good exchange rates, but the best way to change your money is simply by using an ATM.
Tipping
At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity. We recommend tipping in your tour country’s currency, the equivalent of $3USD/CAD per person per day for your driver and $6USD/CAD to $9USD/CAD per person per day for your Tour Director. If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD/CAD per local guide. Tips can only be paid in cash. Please keep current local currency exchange rates in mind when tipping.
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simply marvelous !!
I had been looking forward to going on this trip for years,finally did it. The views were breathtaking,wildlife plentiful ( Eagles,Bears,Elk & Osprey ) Stampede races were exciting to watch.As for the rodeo in my opinion we could have stayed all day Saturday. ( didn't see enough rodeo events.) Train ride was picturesque Accommodations were excellent Dinners were top shelf Breakfast were great Overall a wonderful experience,I would,and have recommended it to others WALTER BJORK
Canadian Rockies
Spectacular scenery, knowledgeable tour conductor who showed us sights not on the itinerary (e.g. amazing Takkakuh Falls), compatible travelers, overwhelmed by the Calgary Stampede, enjoyed the 2 day train ride.
canadian rockies and calgary
I have recommended trip that includes the stampede and the Mountaineer train ride these are the top hiighlights David Goren was and excellent tour guide
Canadian Rockies/Calgary Stampede
I have taken 2 EF tours and this was my 2nd GoAhead tour. This tour was fabulous! The tour guide the bus driver were perfect! I know I saw and experienced most of what the Rockies and the Stampede had to offer. The scenery was spectacular. The waterfalls I saw were beautiful and the wild animals just added another interesting dimension to a great trip!
Canadian Rockies ROCK!
Words and photos may come close, but they cannot capture the phenomenal beauty, majesty, and awe of the Canadian Rockies. Added to the overwhelming beauty of the mountains, waterfalls, icefield glaciers, and wildlife is the "greatest outdoor show on earth"--the Calgary Stampede. Many in our group bought the requisite white cowboy hats and big belt buckles, but more relaxed outfits were just fine. I advise all my colleagues at work to run--not walk--to visit the Canadian Rockies, especially if they can travel in mid-July to enjoy the Calgary Stampede, truly the largest rodeo in the world and probably the most exciting. Our tour director was knowledgeable, personable, and enjoyable, and the driver was an absolute delight. In addition to visiting Calgary, we traveled to Banff, Lake Louise, more pristine lakes than most of us could count, and Jasper National Park, before taking the two-day Rocky Mountaineer train to Vancouver. Don't miss seeing the Canadian Rockies! This is a must-see for anyone who loves gorgeous scenery and a genuinely good time.
