Journey by air to the city of Calgary, Alberta to begin an adventure through some of the most stunning scenery on earth. Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Canadian Rockies, Calgary sits at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers. Once just a small western outpost, Calgary is now a booming city in an energy rich province. After checking into our hotel we’ll join our fellow tour members for a get-acquainted dinner.
Depart this morning to the south and skirt along the front ranges of the Rockies. Southern Alberta holds many treasures and we’ll stop to see Fort MacLeod, once home to the Northwest Mounted Police. Here we find The Fort Museum as well as the First Nations Interpretive Centre. In the afternoon pay a visit to Cardston, where the Remington Carriage Museum houses the largest collection of horse drawn vehicles in North America with over 270 carriages, buggies, wagons and sleighs. The Museum’s herd of Clydesdales and Quarter Horses will amaze you. Our travel brings us to our home for two nights in the town of Waterton, one of the prettiest places in all of Canada.
Cross the border into Montana for what should prove to be a highlight of the trip. We board the famous “Red Jammers” for a ride on the spectacular “Going-to-the-Sun” Highway in Glacier National Park. Climb into rugged mountains and enjoy spectacular alpine glaciers and scenic views. Learn from the commentary of our driver/guides as we climb to the top of the Continental Divide at Logan Pass to take in the view! Enjoy lunch at St. Mary’s Lodge. Return to Waterton to spend the remainder of the day at your leisure.
On the road again, we travel north to the Bar U Ranch National Historic Site. Situated in the rolling foothills, 35 historic buildings and costumed interpreters offer a look back at the hard-working lives of cowboys at one of the oldest ranches in Alberta. We’ll have lunch here before driving through the spectacular scenery of Kananaskis Country on our way to Banff National Park. The surrounding scenery will keep your cameras busy. Our home for three nights will be in the town of Banff. There is time to begin exploring the quaint town of Banff this evening.
Journey up the Icefields Parkway towards Jasper National Park. Dozens of glaciers are visible from the highway. Get closer as we board a SnoCoach for a ride on the Athabasca Glacier. Walk on ice over 1,000 feet thick and stand on the largest mass of ice outside of the polar region. After lunch, continue on the parkway to view dramatic scenery. Return to Banff and enjoy an evening at your leisure.
Begin with a driving tour of Banff to see Bow Falls and the Banff Springs Hotel. Turn west for a drive through the forests on the Bow Valley Parkway in search of wildlife. Visit the Lake Louise Ski Area and ride a ski lift for an incredible view. After lunch, we’ll visit the famous Chateau Lake Louise, one of the prettiest settings in Canada. Walk along the lake and visit the hotel’s flower gardens or shops. Return to Banff where the balance of the afternoon is yours to explore at your leisure. Tonight, we’ll have a nice dinner to celebrate our journey.
Our motorcoach travels east, descending through the foothills of the Canadian Rockies. Journey back to the Calgary airport for our afternoon flight. Tonight, we’ll sleep in our own beds with dreams of the great memories and good times we’ve enjoyed together.