Welcome to one of North America’s most rugged and beautiful cities, Calgary. Known for its cowboys and spectacular beauty, Calgary was brought to the world’s attention during the 1988 Winter Olympics. Meet your Tour Manager in the hotel lobby at 6:00 p.m. for dining suggestions.
After breakfast, embark on a panoramic sightseeing tour of Calgary. See the city’s many communities along with Stampede Park and Canada Olympic Park. Then, take a step back into Canada’s historic past at Heritage Park. Here you will learn about life as a 19th-century fur-trader or old-fashioned blacksmith. In the Gasoline Alley Museum, admire the collection of 1908 REO Autobuggies and 1912 Buicks, or stroll through Heritage Town Square and chat with the locals in their traditional clothing. Later, travel the mountain town of Banff for a two-night stay. Meals: B, D
This morning explore the many attractions of Banff. See Bow Falls and Tunnel Mountain before climbing aboard a gondola for a ride in enclosed cars to the top of Sulphur Mountain. Spectacular panoramic views of the village and valley below await. Then, take the short drive to beautiful Lake Louise area where majestic mountains soaring skyward are reflected in the vibrant blues of the glacier-fed Lake Louise. Back in Banff, explore this quaint village, full of wonderful shops and charming boutiques. Meal: B
Today, trade in your motorcoach for a “snocoach” and venture on to North America’s largest glacier, the Columbia Icefield’s Athabasca Glacier. You will travel in a specially designed vehicle to the middle of the glacier, as your driver points out interesting geological features. At the icefall below the glacier headwall, you will step out onto ice formed from snow which fell as long as 400 years ago. Then, take a walk on the incredible Glacier Skywalk, a glass-floored observation platform perched 918 feet above spectacular glacier-formed valleys and rushing waterfalls. Later, arrive in the mountain town of Jasper. Meals: B, D
Today enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Jasper National Park as you cruise Maligne Lake with its unparalleled vistas. Learn of the local history, geology, wildlife and glaciology of Maligne Lake and Jasper National Park as some of the most spectacular scenery in the Rockies drifts past your window. Watch moose lazily wander the shoreline and look for other wildlife that are native to the area. In the afternoon, return to Jasper in plenty of time for exploring. Meal: B
Depart Jasper this morning and travel to Edmonton where you will visit Fort Edmonton Park to learn the history of Edmonton and the importance of the fur trade. Originally consisting of fur trading posts of the Hudson’s Bay Company from 1795 to 1914, today the park is a leader in cultural tourism. Meals: B, D
This morning you travel to Prairie Gardens, a countryside working farm. Here you will enjoy a guided farm tour and experience a farm-to-table lunch. This hands-on cooking experience is led by a private chef and features locally grown food. Later, return to Edmonton to spend time at North America’s largest shopping center, the West Edmonton Mall. With over 800 stores, nine world-class attractions, two hotels and over 100 dining venue, the West Edmonton Mall has something for everyone. Meals: B, L
Depart Edmonton today for the drive to Calgary. From high atop the Calgary Tower, you will enjoy a panoramic view of Calgary. Then, sit down in the Sky 360 Restaurant for a fabulous farewell dinner making for a memorable ending to your adventure. Meals: B, D
Following breakfast, depart Calgary on a group transfer to the Calgary Airport for flights home. Meal: B
