Destinations: Calgary, Kamloops, Vancouver, Columbia Icefield, Banff, Lake Louise
Destinations: Ketchikan, Inside Passage, Skagway, Glacier Bay, Tracy Arm, Juneau
Calgary, Banff, Columbia Icefield, Lake Louise, Kamloops, Vancouver
Follow the sounds of thundering hooves, rushing glacial waters and rugged mountain winds on this adventure through wild Western Canada. As a special treat, start by embracing Alberta’s ranching reputation at heart-stopping rodeos and chuckwagon races across two days at the Calgary Stampede.
After the show, journey deep into the Canadian Rockies to discover Banff’s scenic wonders as you ascend Sulphur Mountain on a gondola ride and spy for diverse wildlife on an evening safari in Banff National Park. Walk across ancient glaciers at the Columbia Icefield, reflect on nature’s photogenic grandeur at Lake Louse and spend one exquisite night at the Fairmont Chateau.
Then, glide westward through untamed wilderness aboard the Rocky Mountaineer from Lake Louise to Vancouver. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable transport throughout and more, you’re up for a stomping good Canadian summer adventure.
GoldLeaf Upgrade: Select the Superior Upgrade at checkout to experience GoldLeaf Service aboard the Rocky Mountaineer. Enjoy panoramic views from a stunning bi-level glass-dome coach, take in even more details on an exclusive viewing platform, and then sit down for gourmet meals in style in your carriage’s white-cloth dining section as you traverse a landscape of peerless grandeur.
Calgary, Banff, Columbia Icefield, Lake Louise, Kamloops, Vancouver
Destinations: Calgary, Kamloops, Vancouver, Columbia Icefield, Banff, Lake Louise
Destinations: Ketchikan, Inside Passage, Skagway, Glacier Bay, Tracy Arm, Juneau
Welcome to Canada!
Vast plains sweep from the nearby mountains to the city of Calgary, where your journey begins. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and check-in for an orientation briefing in the lobby with your guide, anytime between 4pm and 8pm. You’ll also be provided with your Calgary Stampede tickets and welcome gifts at this time.
Take the rest of your day at leisure.
Arrival & Transfers:
Please book your flights to arrive at Calgary International Airport (YYC) by 6pm. Airport transfers are included on the first day of your tour. Your transfer will meet you on arrival and take you to your hotel. Check-in on Day 1 is at 3pm.
Saddle up! After a leisurely morning in the city, the excitement begins in the afternoon. Known as ‘The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth’, the Calgary Stampede has been a staple of Canadian culture since 1912. Don your included Stampede cowboy hat and head to the Stampede Grounds, where the sounds of hooves pounding and crowds cheering echo through the air at the 1.30pm show.
Prepare for a heart-pounding three hours of world-class rodeo action, featuring six major events: bareback riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping and the ultimate adrenaline rush – bull riding. Witness the sheer strength and skill of wranglers as they compete in these traditional events. Spend the afternoon soaking in the spirit of Canada’s wild west, before enjoying a restful evening, gearing up for a second day of excitement tomorrow.
With your morning and afternoon at leisure, take full advantage of the activities on offer at the Stampede showgrounds. Learn about Calgary’s rich history with cultural exhibits, join the crowds to watch some live music and get a glimpse of Calgary’s ranching scene at agricultural shows. If you prefer a slower pace, stroll around the city and see the iconic Calgary Tower, the bustling downtown area, the scenic Bow River pathways and vibrant neighbourhoods like Kensington and Inglewood.
Then, prepare for an adrenaline-fueled evening as the Calgary Stampede presents its thrilling Rangeland Derby. From 7.45pm, take in all nine heart-stopping chuckwagon races. This intense competition, a true test of nerves and horsepower, sees teams of horses and drivers clear courses while sprinting toward the finish line, igniting the crowd of thousands with every thundering lap.
Following the races, the evening continues with the Grandstand Show – a two-hour outdoor stage spectacular. Prepare to be dazzled by this lavishly produced and impressively choreographed musical variety show, featuring an array of talents. From heartwarming musical numbers to breathtaking acrobatics, the Grandstand Show caps off an unforgettable day at the Calgary Stampede.
Leave the city behind, as you board your touring vehicle and drive west on the Trans-Canada Highway into rolling foothills. As you approach Banff National Park, the majestic peaks of the Canadian Rockies begin to dominate the horizon, creating a breathtaking panorama.
Upon arrival in Banff, your driver will guide you along the lively main drag, lined with charming shops, inviting cafes, and a lively energy. Settle in your hotel – the afternoon is yours to explore the resort town at leisure. Whether you choose to stroll down picturesque Banff Avenue, take a relaxing soak in Banff Upper Hot Springs or hike the nearby trails, you’re guaranteed stunning mountain views in all directions.
Travel time: Driving – approx. two hours
Start your day with touring of Banff’s most scenic and historically significant highlights, including the palatial Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, roaring Bow Falls, Surprise Corner Lookout and tranquil Lake Minnewanka, Banff’s largest lake. You’ll then head to the base of Sulphur Mountain for a ride on the Banff Gondola. Ascend to the summit at over 2,200 metres – your reward is an unparalleled view of Banff, Bow Valley and a 360-degree vista of six scenic mountain ranges.
This evening return to Banff National Park, where much of the park’s wildlife becomes active in the cooler hours around sunset. Led by a knowledgeable guide, this wilderness safari takes you to spots where sightings of elk, bighorn sheep and even grizzly bears are most common. Learn about the park’s efforts to protect these animals and their habitats from various threats. With a 95% success rate in wildlife sightings, you’re bound to see some of these creatures up close.
Today, journey to the awe-inspiring Columbia Icefield, a must-see for anyone visiting the Canadian Rockies. Watch as the alpine landscape becomes more rugged on your ascent to the icy expanse. Covering 325 square metres, it is one of the largest icefields in North America, straddling the border between British Columbia and Alberta. The icefield comprises several glaciers, including the Athabasca Glacier, one of the most accessible to humans in the world.
Rug up as you take this unique opportunity to walk atop the ancient ice-mass. After, continue to the Glacier Skywalk, a glass-floored observation platform suspended 280 metres above the Sunwapta Valley and providing breathtaking views across the glacier’s sheer magnitude.
In the evening, return to Banff, reflecting on the day’s extraordinary encounters with one of nature’s most impressive landscapes.
Travel time: Driving – approx. six hours
Checkout of your Banff accommodation and head to Lake Louise. Nestled between soaring peaks and the magnificent Victoria Glacier, the turquoise waters of this glacier-fed lake offer a painterly image of the quintessential Canadian landscape. Check-in at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, a world-renowned hotel offering views across the water and access to its nearby resort facilities.
You’ll have the afternoon to spend at leisure – perhaps indulge in a spa treatment or sit for high tea looking out on the lake (both at own expense). In the evening, join your fellow travellers for a luxurious three-course dinner at the hotel.
Travel time: Driving – approx. one hour
Bright and early this morning, board the Rocky Mountaineer for a scenic rail journey across Western Canada. Recline before the panoramic picture windows of your coach and savour both a gourmet breakfast and lunch on board while expansive views of evergreen forests and jagged, snow-capped peaks zip past.
Over the next two days, the winding tracks of this historic railway will carry you through Canada’s untamed wilderness, traversing the Continental Divide on the way to Vancouver. Travel from the glaciated Canadian Rockies and ranchlands of the Interior, passing the Spiral Tunnels, Kicking Horse Canyon and expansive Rogers Pass, as well as Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was set.
This evening, check-in at your Kamloops accommodation and spend some time admiring this riverside hub, known for outdoor adventure.
GoldLeaf Upgrade: Select the Superior Upgrade at checkout to experience GoldLeaf Service aboard the Rocky Mountaineer. Enjoy panoramic views from a stunning bi-level glass-dome coach, take in even more details on an exclusive viewing platform, then sit down for gourmet meals in style in your carriage’s white-cloth dining section as you traverse a landscape of peerless grandeur.
Join the Rocky Mountaineer for one more day of humbling natural scenery. Depart British Columbia’s Interior and follow the Thompson and Fraser Rivers on your continued journey.
From the arid Interior, through winding river canyons and pristine forests, and on to the Cascade Mountains and lush green fields of Fraser Valley, today’s scenery is a dramatic display of the country’s natural diversity. Watch for steep slopes along the Thompson River and the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in Fraser Canyon.
Once you reach the coast, your local driver will transfer you to your hotel for check-in.
On your final day in Western Canada, embark on a morning sightseeing tour of Vancouver’s most iconic attractions. Begin with a visit to Stanley Park to admire the impressive collection of totem poles and take in the view from the Lions Gate Suspension Bridge.
Continue to Gastown, Vancouver’s historic heart with cobblestone streets and the famous steam clock. Next, explore Chinatown and head to Canada Place, an architectural landmark and hub of activity along the waterfront. Finally, stroll down Robson Street, known for its trendy shops, cafes, and lively energy.
At the conclusion of your tour, a transfer will take you to Vancouver International Airport (YVR) for your onward journey.
Departure & Transfers:
Checkout on your final day is at 12pm. Your city tour concludes by 1pm. Please book your flights to depart from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) after 4pm. Airport transfers are included on the last day of your tour. Your transfer will meet you at your hotel and take you to the airport.
Known as ‘The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth’, the Stampede has been a cornerstone of Calgary’s culture since 1912, celebrating the city’s ranching history and bonded community spirit. Over two days, attend exhilarating rodeo events with reserved main level seating, a captivating evening show with balcony seating and an array of festivities as part of your admission to Stampede Park.
Expect to see thrilling rodeo competitions, including bull riding, barrel racing, and steer wrestling, where the world’s top cow wranglers compete for glory. Don your included cowboy hat and tote bag, and enjoy extra fun with WestJet Skyride gondola tickets and the Grandstand Show’s fireworks, live music and dazzling performances.
On your spectacular rail journey aboard the renowned Rocky Mountaineer, you’ll witness the soaring highs of magnificent mountains and sweeping lows of vast plains. With SilverLeaf Service, enjoy panoramic views from your rail coach and recline in style, plus gourmet breakfast and lunch. With knowledgeable guides, top-tier service and incredible viewing opportunities, you needn’t leave your seat to make the most of these great outdoors.
GoldLeaf Upgrade: Select the Superior Upgrade at checkout to experience GoldLeaf Service aboard the Rocky Mountaineer. Enjoy panoramic views from a stunning bi-level glass-dome coach, take in even more details on an exclusive viewing platform, then sit down for gourmet meals in style in your carriage’s white-cloth dining section as you traverse a landscape of peerless grandeur.
Booking Summary: After you book, please follow the instructions in your booking summary email and ensure you complete your Traveller Details in full.
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Date Changes
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We reserve the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to website’s terms and conditions.
Accommodation for the duration of your tour is included in the Tour package.
Please note:
Pre- & Post-Tour Accommodation
Pre- and post-tour accommodation can be booked to extend your stay before or after your tour by contacting our Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.
Luxury Escapes uses a range of accommodation partners. For pre- and post-tour accommodation options where we can offer the same hotel as the start and end of your tour, your pre- and post-tour accommodation will be booked independent of your tour. If the hotel for your tour changes, this will be independent of your pre- or post-tour accommodation booking. In this instance, change fees may apply on your pre- or post-tour accommodation. If you choose to change, change fees can be found in your ‘My Escapes’.
For pre- and post-tour accommodation bookings, you may be required to check out of your room and check in again on the first or last day of your tour. You will need to confirm these details directly with the hotel.
Please contact the Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com for further information.
Optional experiences
Banff Cowboy Cookout and Trail Ride
Banff cowboy cookout by wagon
Three Sisters Peak helicopter tour
Transfers
Tipping
Please Note:
Cruise
Travel Insurance
Passports & Visas
Traveller Details
Tour Pace
Travel Styles
Health and Fitness Acknowledgement:
Your tour begins at Calgary International Airport (YYC) and ends at Vancouver International Airport (YVR), with return airport transfers included in select packages. The extended tour ends at Vancouver’s Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal.
Roundtrip flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. ** If your chosen tour departure date is guaranteed at the time of booking, you may be able to purchase flights immediately. If your tour departure date is not yet guaranteed (still pending minimum numbers), flights should not be booked until you receive an update on the status of your tour.**
Please book your flights to arrive at Calgary International Airport (YYC) by 4pm on Day 1 and depart from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) after 3pm on Day 10. The extended cruise with HAL’s Koningsdam may depart after 12pm on Day 17, and the extended cruise with HAL’s Zaandam may depart after 12pm on Day 18.
Return airport transfers are included on the first and last day only for the base tour pacakage. For tour extensions, arrival airport transfers are included on the first day only; departure transfers are not included with the extensions.
Important: Please allow for travelling time from international countries. International flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive at your starting location on your chosen tour start date.
A visa may be required for the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller’s responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website, Visas Direct, to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa, please let us know and we will be more than happy to assist. Click here to visit the website.
Need flights? Our dedicated flights concierge can assist with all your flight requirements (subject to availability). Contact sales@luxuryescapes.com.
Important Destination Information:
Canada
Time zone: GMT-7 (Vancouver)
Telephone: +1
Currency: Canadian dollar
Accessing money: ATMs are widely available with credit cards widely accepted within the city. Cash is advised when visiting rural areas.
Language: English, French
Climate: The northern two-thirds of the country have very cold winters and short, cool summers. The central-southern area of the interior plains typically experiences very cold winters and hot summers.