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The Rocky Mountaineer Calgary Stampede Special Departure

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. After the Calgary Stampede, experience a combination of glittering cities and mountainous scenery, with a two-day rail journey through the Canadian Rockies to the Pacific Ocean on our Rocky Mountaineer tour.

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Itinerary
Map
Optional Excursions

Rodeo rider at the Stampede
Canadian 'Mounties' parading
One of the many Stampede bands
Wagon racing at the Stampede
Cowboys watching 'the greatest show on earth'
The Rocky Mountaineer
The Rocky Mountaineer restaurant car
The Rocky Mountaineer Observation Dome
Butchart Gardens, Victoria
Mount Robson, the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies
Maligne Lake, Jasper National Park
Calgary, Canada

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.

The discovery of oil converted this cattle ranching town into a thriving, sophisticated city. On this morning's tour you'll see many of its attractions including the Saddledome, Fort Calgary, Stampede Park and Canada Olympic Park. 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 you'd like to take an optional helicopter ride high over the Canadian Rockies?

DAY 6: Banff - Lake Louise - Jasper National Park.

Travel first to Lake Louise, its azure-blue waters a perfect natural mirror, reflecting the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Then, precipitous gorges, snow-capped mountain ranges, and lakes of exquisite colours come into view as you head through two mountain passes. Another highlight is a stop at the Columbia Icefield for a snowcoach ride over the 1,200-foot-thick Athabasca Glacier. End the day with a short tour to experience Jasper's unspoilt beauty, where you'll stay for the next two nights. Note: Unfavourable weather conditions may affect the availability of the Columbia Icefield snowcoach excursion.

DAY 7: Jasper.

Why not join our optional trip to Maligne Lake and Spirit Island, where you can enjoy a narrated cruise?

DAY 8: Jasper - Rocky Mountaineer Train - Kamloops.

Prepare for the trip of a lifetime as you board the famous Rocky Mountaineer for a two-day, all daylight, classic rail journey from the Canadian Rockies to the Pacific Coast. Passing Mount Robson, at 12,972 feet the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies, the train follows the route of the 'Overlanders', 19th century homesteaders who attempted to settle this rugged region. Follow the Thompson River and admire vistas of the Monashee Mountains. Overnight in Kamloops, a major cattle ranching centre. Note: For convenience, baggage that will not be needed during the train journey will be checked through to Vancouver and will not be available for the night in Kamloops. Plan to pack an overnight case with necessities. (B, L)

DAY 9: Kamloops - Rocky Mountaineer Train - Vancouver.

Re-board the Rocky Mountaineer as it continues its amazing journey through the vast ranchlands along the South Thompson River, the stark beauty of the Fraser Canyon, the raging turbulence of Hell's Gate, where the river funnels into a gap just 100 feet wide, and the fertile Fraser Valley, surrounded by the snow-capped Coast Mountains. Arriving at The Rocky Mountaineer Station in the late afternoon, you'll be taken to your hotel for an overnight stay. (B, L)

DAY 10: Vancouver - Victoria.

Morning sightseeing focuses on Vancouver's beautiful beaches and harbour, Chinatown, Gastown, and lovely Stanley Park. Afterwards, set sail across the Strait of Georgia through the spectacular Gulf Islands. Afternoon sightseeing in Victoria includes world-famous Butchart Gardens and Thunderbird Park with its unusual collection of totem poles.

DAY 11: Victoria - Vancouver - UK.

Morning departure for Vancouver. Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK, or extend your stay in Vancouver or on an Alaska cruise.

DAY 12: Home landing in the UK.

Accommodation on Tour

Calgary: Ramada Hotel Downtown; Banff: Bow View Lodge; Jasper: Lobstick Lodge; Kamloops: RedLeaf service; Vancouver: Quality Hotel Vancouver False Creek; Victoria: Royal Scot Hotel & Suites.

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

The Rocky Mountaineer Calgary Stampede Special Departure

Rodeo rider at the Stampede
Canadian 'Mounties' parading
One of the many Stampede bands
Wagon racing at the Stampede
Cowboys watching 'the greatest show on earth'
The Rocky Mountaineer
The Rocky Mountaineer restaurant car
The Rocky Mountaineer Observation Dome
Butchart Gardens, Victoria
Mount Robson, the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies
Maligne Lake, Jasper National Park
Calgary, Canada

Optional Excursions

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

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)

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)

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)

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

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