Overview
Glacier National Park & the Canadian Rockies with the Calgary Stampede
What do you get when you combine ancient glaciers, a legendary icefield, and all the wonders beneath the snow-capped Canadian peaks? One of the coolest vacations there is! This 11-day tour through the Canadian Rockies and Montana’s Glacier National Park is an adventure filled with wild history, wild scenery, wildlife, and wild rides. Aboard a famous vintage Red Jammer, a massive ice explorer, a glass-walled boat (and even a flightseeing helicopter should you choose) you’ll relish the best views of big skies, bighorn sheep, and even bigger bears. From rugged gold rush territory to the sparkling turquoise waters of Banff and Jasper National Parks, there are so many gems to sink your teeth into on this Canadian Rockies vacation. We suggest starting with a tender filet of Alberta beef and local huckleberry treat. It’s only fitting to add the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” to your great outdoors Canadian Rockies tour. Break in your boots and break out your 10-gallon hat for the Calgary Stampede, a “Wild West” festival that tips its Stetson to more than a century of cowboy culture and heritage. From bucking broncos to daring dishes, the world’s largest rodeo – and one of Canada’s largest music festivals – promises a delicious feast for your eyes, ears, and taste buds. PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Banff so you can plan your day your way.
Highlights of Glacier National Park & the Canadian Rockies with the Calgary Stampede
Related Tours
CS|Glacier National Park & the Canadian RockiesCSE|With Calgary Stampede
Related Option Title
With Calgary Stampede
Notes
• Available only on the CSE June 28 & 29 departures. • The Calgary Stampede grounds area is large, and guests should be prepared for easy yet sustained walking and independent exploration. For grandstand events, there is limited elevator access and limited wheelchair assistance.• Visiting and participating in activities in this region may be subject to favorable weather conditions. • The visit to Logan Pass, in Glacier National Park, is normally possible from mid-June to mid- September. If unable to travel to Logan Pass, alternative sightseeing by Red Jammer bus will be done.
Product Group
Glacier National Park & the Canadian Rockies
UNESCO Sites
Banff National Park|Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump|Jasper National Park|Kootenay National Park|Waterton Glacier International Peace Park
Travelers Notes
Special features included in this tour: • Orientation tour in Calgary• Guided sightseeing of Head-Smashed-in-Buffalo Jump with a local First Nation guide• Visit to Waterton Lakes National Park and photo stop at Cameron Falls• Scenic Red Jammer Bus ride on Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park• [LF] Seasonal huckleberry dessert and lunch at local restaurant • Guided sightseeing of Banff and Jasper National Parks • Globus Choice excursions in Banff – included in your tour with your choice of a guided hike at Tunnel Mountain Summit Trail or a docent-led visit to the Whyte Museum• Visit to Lake Louise, with its turquoise water and mountain views • Narrated [LF] Maligne Lake cruise to Spirit Island • Visit to Columbia Icefield and ride aboard the Ice Explorer on Athabasca Glacier• Discover the [LF] First Nations village at the Calgary Stampede grounds and stage shows• Attend the Calgary Rodeo
Meals
Breakfast daily, 1 Lunch, 3 Dinner
Itineraries
Day 1
ARRIVE IN CALGARY, ALBERTA Welcome to Calgary! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.
Day 2
CALGARY–HEAD-SMASHED-IN BUFFALO JUMP–WATERTON LAKES NATIONAL PARK Native Traditions Before departing Calgary, enjoy an orientation tour of the city’s highlights. Travel south along the Macleod Trail. Tour Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a local First Nations guide. Discover the longtime relationship between the First Nations culture and the vast herds of American bison that roamed the plains of southwest Alberta. Then on to scenic Waterton Lakes National Park with a photo stop at Cameron Falls. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURE & TRADITION Explore the remains of marked trails and an ancient burial mound where vast quantities of buffalo (American Bison) skeletons can still be found at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump - evidence of a custom used by the Plains People. Using their excellent knowledge of the topography and of buffalo behavior, they skillfully chased the bison over a precipice to quickly kill their main source of sustenance, clothing, and products. As part of Globus family of brands Lighthouse Project, this historic site is one example of our commitment to supporting the people and places we share with you.
Day 3
WATERTON LAKES NATIONAL PARK–GLACIER NATIONAL PARK, MONTANA–GOING-TO-THE-SUN ROAD–WHITEFISH, MONTANA Peak Perfection Enter Montana through Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and behold the awesome snow-capped peaks of Glacier National Park. Next, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and savor a seasonal [LF] huckleberry treat. Take a scenic ride on the Red Jammer Bus on spectacular Going-to-the-Sun Road. (B,L)LOCAL FAVORITE THE SWEET LIFE Huckleberries are woven into the story of Glacier National Park, nourishing wildlife, supporting Indigenous traditions, and inspiring one of the park's most beloved seasonal flavors. Each summer and fall, the aptly named Huckleberry Mountain bursts forth with a purple bounty of berries.TOUR HIGHLIGHTEPIC RIDE A highlight of your visit to Glacier National Park awaits you as you board the famous vintage Red Jammer bus that will take you along one of North America’s most spectacular highways: Going-to-the-Sun Road. After crossing the 6,664-foot-high Logan Pass, you’ll enter a geographical wonderland of alpine scenery where jagged mountain peaks dominate the landscape.
Day 4
WHITEFISH–KOOTENAY NATIONAL PARK, BRITISH COLUMBIA–BANFF, ALBERTA Life in the Wild West Re-enter Canada this morning, with a stop in British Columbia before crossing into Alberta. Drive through the steep red cliffs of Sinclair Canyon and Kootenay National Park enroute to Banff National Park, the heart of the Canadian Rockies. The evening is free to enjoy the village’s shops, galleries, and restaurants. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTPICTURE PERFECT Get ready for a spectacular adventure to explore the beauty of Rocky Mountain peaks, turquoise glacial lakes in Banff National Park - Canada’s first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This awe-inspiring natural wonder, where soaring peaks and sapphire lakes meet the heavens for a breathtaking experience like no other on Earth!
Day 5
BANFF NATIONAL PARK Spend your day your way in Banff This morning, sightseeing includes a stop at beautiful Bow Falls.Explore more of Banff with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions.
Day 6
BANFF–LAKE LOUISE–JASPER Rocky Mountain Majesty Follow breathtaking Icefields Parkway today and head for Jasper National Park. One highlight of your vacation: a visit to famous Lake Louise. Then, climb to Sunwapta Pass to savor stunning vistas of alpine meadows, waterfalls, and glacier masses. There’s time this afternoon for an optional float trip down the historic Athabasca River. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL WONDER Lake Louise is world famous for its turquoise lake in the setting of Victoria Glacier, with a soaring mountain backdrop, palatial Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise hotel, and jaw-dropping sights in the Canadian Rockies. The spectacular beauty of Lake Louise is a rare treasure and bucket list experience!
Day 7
JASPER. EXCURSION TO MALIGNE LAKE Spectacular Jasper The morning is at leisure. Nearby activities include hiking, canoeing, and strolling the streets of Jasper. Later, journey to Maligne Lake for a [LF] narrated cruise of the glacial lake and Spirit Island. Afterward, enjoy a lakeside dinner with incredible views and local fare including famous Alberta beef. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITE SPIRIT IN THE SKY A cruise to Spirit Island on the turquoise waters of Maligne Lake is a spectacular sight to behold as one of the most photographed locations in the world for its jaw-dropping beauty.TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL WONDERS Spanning nearly 4,250 square miles of spectacular natural beauty, Jasper is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. Its vast wilderness, majestic peaks, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking panoramic sights lie below an incredible Dark Sky to thrill stargazers as well.
Day 8
JASPER–COLUMBIA ICEFIELD–CALGARY Geologic Gems This morning, visit Athabasca Falls and then retrace the route south along Icefields Parkway. Stop at the Columbia Icefield for a memorable ride aboard an Ice Explorer. Continue to Calgary, where your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner—a perfect ending to your vacation. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT EPIC RIDE Be moved across the Athabasca Glacier aboard the all-terrain Ice Explorer and walk on the surface where the Earth’s geology is changing beneath your feet. Visit the Glacier Discovery Centre and feel the force of nature’s strength on an ancient glacier that still carves the face of the Rocky Mountains today.
Day 9
CALGARY The Wild Frontier Free time this morning to explore the Calgary Stampede grounds at your leisure with your included admission, including the First Nations village of [LF] Elbow River Camp. Free time this afternoon before Chuckwagon Races and stage show this evening. (B)LOCAL FAVORITE ANCIENT TRADITIONS Immerse yourself in the local First Nations culture with a visit to Elbow River Camp. Learn more about the history with traditional Powwows, flag-raising ceremonies and cultural demonstrations of artisanal work and hand games, utilizing skills and traditions passed down through generations. TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURE & TRADITION Step through the gates of Stampede Park into a world of wonder, fun, and “Wild West” excitement. Stroll the streets of a recreated frontier town and enjoy a wide variety of exciting talent at the many entertainment stages. This evening, watch the heart-stopping chuckwagon races in an all-out dash for the finish line, an amazing contest of nerves and horsepower. 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 10
CALGARY Ropin’ & Ridin’ Free time this morning. Watch the Calgary Rodeo this afternoon and receive the souvenir program. Remainder of the day is free at the Calgary Stampede grounds. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTSpend another day exploring the traditions of the Wild West on the Calgary Stampede grounds. Visit Rope Square with its variety of Western entertainment and fun. 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 the rodeo’s most famed event—bull riding! Take home a souvenir program to remind you of your time in Calgary.
Day 11
CALGARY Happy trails until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Departures
Hotels
| # | Name | Description | City | Address | Rating |
| 1 | Delta Calgary Downtown | This elegant hotel is ideally located in beautiful Calgary and is minutes away from the Convention Center and entertainment. The hotel features an ATM, currency exchange, room service, indoor pool, fitness center, the popular Elements Bistro restaurant, and 398 well-appointed guestrooms. | Calgary | 209-4th Avenue S.E. | Superior First-Class |
| 2 | Bayshore Inn | Enjoy the beauty of the Canadian Rockies at the Bayshore Inn. Guests are welcome to explore hiking trails, golf, and spend time in the relaxing spa. Rooms at the Bayshore are spacious, comfortable, and have private balconies. | Waterton Lakes Park | 111 Waterton Avenue | First-Class |
| 3 | Grouse Mountain Lodge | The Grouse Mountain Lodge located in gorgeous Whitefish Montana is a relaxing getaway with plenty of things to do. The hotel features spa services, 2 spa tubs, tennis courts, sauna, fitness facility, and indoor pool. The guestrooms have all the comforts of home including bathrobes. Guests are also welcome to enjoy libations and snacks in their restaurant or bar. | Whitefish | 2 Fairway Drive | Superior First-Class |
| 4 | Mount Royal Hotel | Situated on the iconic Banff Avenue surrounded by top restaurants, shops, and nightlife, Mount Royal Hotel offers a mountain-chic style that blends heritage mountain influence with a thoroughly modern interior design. The hotel features a full service restaurant, rooftop hot tub and lounge, general store, library, and lobby museum. | Banff | 138 Banff Avenue | First-Class |
| 5 | Chateau Jasper | The Chateau Jasper offers an excellent variety of accommodations and facilities. This conveniently located hotel offers 119 fully air-conditioned guestrooms and suites, pleasantly furnished with mountain decor in mind. | Jasper | 96 Geikie Street Jasper | First-Class |
