Western Canada by Rail

Welcome to Calgary! Your Tour Director is on hand from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. to answer any questions.

Home to the Calgary Stampede, Calgary was transformed by the discovery of oil from a ranching town into a thriving city. See many of downtown Calgary’s attractions on today’s sightseeing tour, including The Confluence (formerly Fort Calgary), Stampede Park, the Saddledome, and Canada Olympic Park. Next, drive west through the foothills of the Rocky Mountains into Banff National Park. Enjoy an orientation tour upon arrival. The evening is at leisure.

Enjoy the day exploring Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park. Hike the many trails, stroll through Banff townsite, or relax at the hot springs. Banff National Park is also an excellent place for wildlife viewing, with opportunities to spot deer, elk, and bighorn sheep. For a different perspective, choose an optional helicopter ride for breathtaking aerial views of the Canadian Rockies. If you prefer to stay on the ground, join the Panoramas & Peaks* optional excursion to visit gorgeous Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. *This optional excursion begins operating in early June.

First stop is stunning Lake Louise, the crown jewel of Banff National Park, where turquoise waters reflect the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Then travel the Icefields Parkway, crossing three mountain passes as gorges, snowcapped peaks, and glacier-fed lakes come into view. Stop at the Columbia Icefield for a tour highlight – a ride aboard the Ice Explorer onto the Athabasca Glacier. Late this afternoon, consider an optional float trip down the Athabasca River. Upon arrival in Jasper National Park, enjoy an orientation tour of the townsites.