Compare Glacier National Park & the Canadian Rockies with the Calgary Stampede by Globus vs Canadian Rockies Encompassed by G Adventures
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
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5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 11 days | 19 days |
| Price From | $ 4,722 | $ 6,162 |
| Price Per Day | $ 429 | $ 324 |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | No | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | 15 breakfasts, 1 dinner |
| Description | 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 a heavenly slice of homemade huckleberry pie. 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. |
The Indigenous history, beautiful natural landscapes, and lively cowboy culture of western Canada come together on this 19-day tour through British Columbia and Alberta. Spot wildlife on a ferry ride through glacial fjords and immerse yourself in First Nations culture on a day tour of Smithers. Experience the cowboy roots of Calgary and admire the emerald blue hue of Lake Louise. There are stunning vistas and photos ops along the way, as well as opportunities to bond with like-minded travelmates. |
Day 1: ARRIVE IN CALGARY, ALBERTA
Welcome to Calgary! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.
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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 Nation’s guide. Then, on to scenic Waterton Lakes National Park with a photo stop at Cameron Falls. (Breakfast,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURE & TRADITION Discover the longtime relationship between Native people and the vast herds of American Bison that roamed the plains of southwest Alberta. See the remains of marked trails and an aboriginal camp, 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 aboriginal peoples of the North American plains for nearly 6,000 years. Using their excellent knowledge of the topography and of buffalo behavior, the Plains people skillfully chased the Bison over a precipice to quickly kill their main source of sustenance, clothing, and products.
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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 featuring a made-from-scratch piece of [LF] huckleberry pie or ice cream tasting. Take a scenic ride on the Red Jammer Bus on spectacular Going-to-the-Sun Road. (Breakfast,Lunch)
LOCAL FAVORITE THE SWEET LIFE Each summer and fall, the aptly named Huckleberry Mountain bursts forth with a purple bounty of berries for which it is named. These Huckleberries are a favorite of bears who live in Glacier National Park, but you can enjoy the sweet rewards of summer with a homemade piece of traditional huckleberry pie or ice cream with lunch at a local restaurant—our treat! 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.
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Day 4: WHITEFISH–KOOTENAY NATIONAL PARK–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 before entering Banff National Park, the heart of the Canadian Rockies. The evening is free to enjoy the village’s shops, galleries, and restaurants. (Breakfast)
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. This awe-inspiring natural wonder, where soaring peaks and sapphire lakes meet the heavens for a breathtaking experience like no other on Earth!
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Day 5: BANFF NATIONAL PARK
Breathtaking Banff This morning, sightseeing includes a stop at beautiful Bow Falls. The balance of the day is at leisure. You may choose to join an optional helicopter flightseeing trip for unsurpassed views of the Rockies. (Breakfast)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT PICTURE 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. This awe-inspiring natural wonder, where soaring peaks and sapphire lakes meet the heavens for a breathtaking experience like no other on Earth!
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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. (Breakfast)
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 hotel, and jaw-dropping sights in the Canadian Rockies. The spectacular beauty of Lake Louise is a rare treasure that must be seen to be believed!
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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. (Breakfast,Dinner)
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.
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Day 8: JASPER–COLUMBIA ICEFIELD–CALGARY
Campfire Stories 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. Over dessert, be entertained by a local [LF] cowboy poet who will bring the region’s Western heritage to life through stories and songs—a perfect ending to your vacation. (Breakfast,Dinner)
LOCAL FAVORITE CULTURAL GEM Follow the songs of the prairie back to the days of the Wild West with an exclusive experience included with your farewell dinner in Calgary. Feel the nostalgic folklore and romance of ranching and roping with cowboy poet’s stories and songs that paint a portrait of the cowhands’ home on the range.
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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 Nation village of [LF] Elbow River Camp. Free time this afternoon before Chuckwagon Races and stage show this evening. (Breakfast)
LOCAL FAVORITE ANCIENT TRADITIONS Step back in time with a visit to Elbow River Camp, an authentic First Nation’s Village, where you’ll learn more about the Native people. 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.
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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. (Breakfast)
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.
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Day 11: CALGARY
Happy trails until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
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Day 1 Vancouver
Arrive at any time.
Day 2 Vancouver/Victoria
Catch a ferry to Vancouver island, and travel to the city of Victoria. Opt to visit a museum, Butchart Gardens, or explore the city.
Day 3 Victoria/Port Hardy
Take in the scenery while travelling to Port Hardy at the northern tip of Vancouver Island. Known locally as the Island Highway this gorgeous drive follows the eastern coastline of Vancouver Island connecting Victoria to Port Hardy. Enjoy impressive views of coastline and lush forests while you drive by quirky towns along the way.
Day 4 Port Hardy/Prince Rupert
Embark on a ferry through the famous Inside Passage. The glacial fjords provide spectacular scenery along the route and a safe haven for all types of wildlife, including orcas and porpoises.
The ride is long, but spectacular. With a full day to relax, enjoy the scenery, read a book, or dine at the onboard restaurants. Reach Prince Rupert late in the evening.
Due to ferry schedules, there may be layovers at certain stops along the route. If this occurs, your CEO will arrange to visit nearby local towns (time permitting).
Day 5 Prince Rupert/Smithers
Discover the First Nations cultures of Northern BC on a day tour around Smithers.
Day 6 Smithers
Enjoy a free day to explore the wilderness around Smithers. Opt to visit Moricetown Canyon or hike one of many trails in the area.
Day 7 Smithers/Prince George
Enjoy a free morning for activities around Smithers before travelling to Prince George, the largest city in Northern British Columbia.
Day 8 Prince George/Jasper
Travel to Jasper National Park. En route, stop at the tallest mountain in the Canadian Rockies, Mount Robson. Visit the Interpretation Centre, and go for a short hike to take in the views.
Day 9 Jasper
Enjoy a free day to explore Jasper National Park. Opt to hike at Maligne Canyon, go for a boat cruise, or get the adrenaline pumping with whitewater rafting. In the evening, visit the Miette Hot Springs.
Day 10 Jasper/Canmore
Travel to Canmore via one of the most scenic drives in the world, the Icefields Parkway. Stop at the Columbia Icefield en route.
Along the 300km (186.4 mi) ride, a spectacle unfolds before our eyes: lush coniferous forests, immense mountains, turquoise lakes, high-falling cascades, and humbling glaciers. We stop a number of times along the way to take in the scenery and search for wildlife.
Day 11 Canmore/Calgary
Travel to Calgary, a modern city that honours its cowboy roots. Opt to visit museums, the Olympic Park, or wet your whistle at a cowboy bar.
Day 12 Calgary
Enjoy a free day to explore Calgary. This evening, opt to meet new members of the group at a welcome meeting.
Day 13 Calgary/Banff
Discover the beautiful town of Banff; opt to view wildlife, take a gondola ride, or hike up a mountain for spectacular views.
With free time upon arrival, Banff has tons to offer. There are plenty of optional activities for all interests and activity levels. It's also just as pleasant to wander the main streets, pop in and out of shops or walk along the river.
Day 14 Lake Louise/Golden
Continue to Lake Louise, view the emerald blue waters of this alpine lake, and opt to hike to one of the Tea Houses.
Lake Louise is that iconic Canadian Rockies locale. Don't miss the chance to snag the perfect photo.
Day 15 Golden/Kelowna
Travel to Kelowna in the Okanagan Valley, stopping for a tasting at a local winery en route. Kelowna has become a foodie haven in recent years – opt to visit one of the many craft breweries in the city this evening.
Day 16 Kelowna/Whistler
Drive through the beautiful coastal mountains to the village of Whistler, one of the locations of the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Day 17 Whistler
Enjoy a free day to explore Whistler. Opt to ride a gondola to the top of the mountain, hike, or zipline.
Day 18 Whistler/Vancouver
Visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre and go on an interpretive walk through the forest, before participating in a medicine bag making activity. Travel to Vancouver, and spend the afternoon in this beautiful, easy-going city.
Day 19 Vancouver
Depart at any time.
