Heart of the Canadian Rockies with Calgary Stampede
Heart of the Canadian Rockies with Calgary Stampede
$3432
Heart of the Canadian Rockies with Calgary Stampede
12 Days Starting in Calgary, Canada and ending in Vancouver, Canada
Visiting: Calgary, Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Columbia Icefield, Jasper National Park, Kamloops, Ferry Crossing, Victoria, Vancouver
Tour operator:
Tour code:
8550-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
0-0
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Welcome to Calgary! More fun than a 10-gallon hat can hold, it’s no wonder the Calgary Stampede is “the greatest outdoor show on Earth.” This celebration of the Old West brings frontier days to life with entertainment and exhibits, great food, world-famous Chuckwagon horse races, and the Calgary Stampede Rodeo. Continue your adventure through the western Canada’s breathtaking scenery, rugged mountains, breathtaking glaciers, mighty rivers, and gorgeous national parks. Your value-minded Canadian vacation takes you to Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Kamloops, Victoria, and Vancouver. Enjoy two nights in Banff National Park, Canada’s oldest national park and gateway to the Canadian Rockies. You’ll have time on your own to stroll along the river, explore the hot springs and quaint shops, and also take an optional excursion to view the incredible scenery by helicopter. You’ll also enjoy two nights in Jasper National Park, the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. You can hike, peruse the shops, and take an optional excursion to see beautiful Maligne Lake and Spirit Island. Between Banff and Jasper, you’ll experience a highlight of this Canadian Rockies tour—a thrilling ride aboard an Ice Explorer all-terrain vehicle to the Athabasca Glacier, part of the Columbia Icefield, the largest expanse of ice in the Canadian Rockies. Your journey also includes a stop in Lake Louise, whose turquoise waters create a natural mirror that reflects the surrounding mountains and pristine wilderness. Embark on ferry crossings between Vancouver and Victoria and visit the world-famous, gorgeous Butchart Gardens. There’s also free time in Victoria to explore on your own. Perhaps enjoy high tea at the Empress Hotel or take the optional Marine Wildlife & Whale-Watching Expedition. For the value-minded traveler, the stunning scenery, adventure, and natural wonders of this affordable vacation in Canada with the historic wild west of Calgary is the trip of a lifetime!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Calgary
Location: Calgary
Accommodation Name: Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel
Welcome to Calgary, home of the Calgary Stampede! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.
Day 2: Calgary Stampede Grounds
Location: Calgary
Accommodation Name: Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel
Welcome to Calgary and “The Greatest Show on Earth.” Dressed in your best Cowboy fashion from belt buckles, boots to chaps, step through the gates of Stampede Park into a world of wonder, fun, and “Wild West” excitement with your included admission. Walk back in time and experience the traditions and culture of Canadian First Nations at Elbow River Camp or stroll the streets of a recreated frontier town. Enjoy a wide variety of exciting talent on 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 Chuckwagon Races in an all-out dash for the finish line, an amazing contest of nerves and horsepower. You’ll be out of your seats cheering on your favorite driver during each heat. Afterward, get ready for an outdoor stage show featuring hundreds of singers, dancers, and musicians in a lavishly produced and choreographed musical variety spectacular.
Day 3: Calgary Stampede Grounds And Rodeo
Location: Calgary
Accommodation Name: Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 favorite 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 National Park
Location: Banff National Park
Accommodation Name: Rundlestone Lodge
The discovery of oil converted this ranching town into a sophisticated city. Sightseeing includes downtown, Fort Calgary, Stampede Park, the Saddledome, and Canada Olympic Park. Motor west through the foothills and into Banff National Park, gateway to the majestic Canadian Rockies. An orientation tour highlights Banff’s unspoiled beauty.
Day 5: Banff National Park
Location: Banff National Park
Banff is one of Canada’s favorite year-round resorts, with summer activities such as hiking, boating, and fishing. With a free day, your Tour Director will have many suggestions, including a sky-high adventure with an unforgettable optional helicopter ride over the incredible Canadian Rockies.
Day 6: Banff National Park,Lake Louise,Columbia Icefield,Jasper National Park
Location: Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Columbia Icefield, Jasper National Park
Enjoy a day of scenic grandeur. First stop is Lake Louise, whose turquoise waters create a natural mirror that reflects the surrounding mountains. Up next, a stop at the Columbia Icefield to experience the Ice Explorer, an all-terrain vehicle that travels on ice measuring 750 feet thick! Then, drive north into Jasper National Park, where precipitous gorges, snowcapped summits, and lakes of exquisite blues and greens come into view as your journey scales three mountain passes. Later, consider an optional float trip down the Athabasca River. Enjoy an orientation tour of the town of Jasper upon arrival.
Day 7: Jasper National Park
Location: Jasper National Park
Today, experience the magic of nature on an optional excursion to Maligne Lake and Spirit Island* where you’ll embark on a narrated cruise to learn about the history, geology, flora, and fauna amid stunning scenery. The balance of the day is free to enjoy everything Jasper has to offer—from guided hikes and quaint shops to meandering wildlife.*This optional excursion begins operating in late May/early June.
Day 8: Jasper National Park,Mount Robson,Kamloops
Location: Jasper National Park
Accommodation Name: The Plaza Hotel
Depart Jasper and follow the Fraser River to the base of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. The Yellowhead Highway continues south along the mighty Thompson River, with spectacular views of the Monashee Mountains. Overnight in Kamloops.
Day 9: Kamloops,Ferry Crossing,Victoria
Location: Kamloops, Ferry Crossing, Victoria
As you travel through British Columbia’s Cascade Mountains and the fertile Fraser Valley to the majestic Pacific coastline, the vegetation changes from desert landscape to lush alpine forest. Board your ferry for the scenic crossing to Vancouver Island. Prior to arriving in Victoria, visit world-famous Butchart Gardens and view the beautiful floral displays. Continue downtown and see the Inner Harbour, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park. This evening, consider a relaxing stroll along the lively Waterfront Promenade.
Day 10: Victoria
Location: Victoria
Today is free to explore on your own. Your Tour Director will have ideas for enjoying this most British of Canadian cities. Perhaps enjoy High Tea at the Empress Hotel or choose an adventure at sea with an optional Wildlife and Whale-Watching Expedition, looking for whales, porpoises, seals, and eagles.
Day 11: Victoria,Ferry Crossing,Vancouver
Location: Victoria, Ferry Crossing, Vancouver
This morning, set sail across the Strait of Georgia, an arm of the Salish Sea, and through the scenic Gulf Islands. In Vancouver, city sightseeing includes Stanley Park, Gastown, Chinatown, and other famous landmarks. The remainder of the day is free to explore this vibrant city known for its incredible scenery, thriving art scene, and diverse culture. Perhaps visit Robson Street and experience British Columbia’s premier shopping and entertainment location.
Day 12: Vancouver
Location: Vancouver
Your vacation ends this morning. You may choose to extend your vacation with extra nights and explore Vancouver further.
What's Included
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Calgary Stampede Admission
Included admission to the Calgary Stampede, featuring various entertainment stages, international exhibits, and displays of Western art.
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Chuckwagon Races and Stage Show
Included admission to the Chuckwagon Races and an outdoor stage show featuring hundreds of performers.
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Calgary Stampede Rodeo
Included admission to the Calgary Stampede Rodeo, featuring world-class rodeo action and bull riding.
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Sightseeing in Calgary
Sightseeing in Calgary includes downtown, Fort Calgary, Stampede Park, the Saddledome, and Canada Olympic Park.
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Banff National Park Orientation Tour
An orientation tour of Banff National Park highlighting its unspoiled beauty.
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Columbia Icefield Ice Explorer
Experience the Ice Explorer, an all-terrain vehicle that travels on ice measuring 750 feet thick at the Columbia Icefield.
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Jasper National Park Orientation Tour
An orientation tour of the town of Jasper upon arrival.
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Ferry Crossing to Vancouver Island
Board a ferry for the spectacular crossing to Vancouver Island.
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Sightseeing in Victoria
Sightseeing in Victoria includes Butchart Gardens, the Inner Harbour, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park.
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Sightseeing in Vancouver
City sightseeing in Vancouver includes Stanley Park, Gastown, Chinatown, and other famous landmarks.
What's Not Included
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions such as a helicopter ride over the Canadian Rockies, a float trip down the Athabasca River, and a narrated cruise of Maligne Lake and Spirit Island are not included.
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Meals
Meals are not included unless specified otherwise.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional activities, and other incidentals are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and other service providers are not included.
Notes
Early departures may not be able to visit Columbia Icefield, which opens in early May, or take the Maligne Lake & Spirit Island optional excursion, which opens in mid to late May. Visiting and participating in other activities in this region may be subject to favorable weather conditions and vendor dates of operation as well. Maximum elevation on tour: 7,500 ft.
UNESCO Sites
Banff National Park|Jasper National Park
Accommodation
Calgary:Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown HotelBanff National Park:Banff Rocky Mountain ResortBanff National Park:Irwin's Mountain InnBanff National Park:Rundlestone LodgeJasper National Park:Tonquin InnJasper National Park:Marmot LodgeKamloops:The Thompson Hotel & Conference CentreVictoria:Royal Scot Hotel & SuitesVancouver:Sandman Suites on DavieVancouver:Sandman Hotel Vancouver City Center
Check out our Q&As
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What can I expect to see and do at the Calgary Stampede?
At the Calgary Stampede, you can expect to experience 'The Greatest Show on Earth' with a variety of activities. You can dress in your best cowboy fashion and step into Stampede Park for a world of wonder, fun, and 'Wild West' excitement. You can walk back in time and experience the traditions and culture of Canadian First Nations at Elbow River Camp or stroll the streets of a recreated frontier town. There are many entertainment stages with a wide variety of talent, international exhibits, and displays of Western art. In the evening, you can watch the heart-stopping Chuckwagon Races and enjoy an outdoor stage show featuring hundreds of singers, dancers, and musicians.
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What activities are available in Banff National Park?
Banff National Park offers a variety of summer activities such as hiking, boating, and fishing. Your Tour Director will have many suggestions, including an optional helicopter ride over the Canadian Rockies. Banff is one of Canada’s favorite year-round resorts, providing ample opportunities to explore its natural beauty.
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What is the Ice Explorer experience at the Columbia Icefield?
The Ice Explorer experience at the Columbia Icefield involves traveling on an all-terrain vehicle that traverses ice measuring 750 feet thick. This unique experience allows you to explore the icefield and take in the stunning glacial landscape.
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What can I do in Jasper National Park?
In Jasper National Park, you can join an optional excursion to Maligne Lake and Spirit Island, where you can embark on a narrated cruise of the lake. The balance of the day is free to enjoy everything Jasper has to offer, including guided hikes, quaint shops, and opportunities to see meandering wildlife.
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What is included in the sightseeing tour of Victoria?
The sightseeing tour of Victoria includes visits to world-famous Butchart Gardens, the Inner Harbour, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park. You will also have the opportunity to stroll along the lively Waterfront Promenade in the evening.
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What are some optional activities available in Victoria?
In Victoria, you may choose to join an optional wildlife and whale watching trip, cruising the beautiful waters of the San Juan and Gulf Islands. During this trip, you can look for whales, porpoises, seals, and eagles. Your Tour Director will also have ideas for enjoying this most British of Canadian cities.
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What can I expect during the ferry crossing to Vancouver Island?
During the ferry crossing to Vancouver Island, you will travel through British Columbia’s Coast Mountain Range to its majestic Pacific coastline. The vegetation changes from desert landscape to lush alpine forest. The ferry ride itself offers spectacular views as you cross to Vancouver Island.
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What are some highlights of the city sightseeing tour in Vancouver?
The city sightseeing tour in Vancouver includes visits to Stanley Park, Gastown, Chinatown, and other famous landmarks. You will also have free time to explore Robson Street, which is British Columbia’s premier shopping and entertainment location.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.