Canada & the Rockies w/ Calgary Stampede
Contiki offers exciting tours of the Canadian Rockies with like-minded travelers aged 18-35 so that you can have fun, chill out and challenge yourself in Canada's dynamic duo of provinces, Alberta and British Columbia. Their diverse, physical beauty - from Whistler to Banff to Vancouver, and points in between - feature the greatest of the great outdoors. Take a hike, pal, or ride a bike along the many scenic, wildlife-laced trails. Better yet, we'll put you on a gondola, horseback, helicopter, or whatever improves your views and vantage points, for the endless, to-die-for photo opportunities.
Print Itinerary Itinerary & Map
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Day
Vancouver to WhistlerMeet your Contiki crew and new friends in Vancouver where we'll set off on a sightseeing tour of the city. Then we are off to Whistler, home to the 2010 Winter Olympics, via the Scenic Sea to Sky Highway. We arrive in Whistler this afternoon where you'll have time to browse the shops of Whistler Village before your included dinner. Hotel (D) -
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WhistlerToday is yours to enjoy this beautiful mountain resort. Perhaps you'll want join us in an exciting Peddle and Paddle trip (optional), challenge yourself to the zip-lines or do some hiking on one of Whistler's trails. This afternoon you'll have an opportunity to take a scenic gondola ride to the top of Whistler/Blackcomb Mountain. Hotel (B) -
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Whistler to KamloopsWe have the morning free in Whistler where you will have the opportunity to browse the shops and cafes of Whistler village. After lunch we travel further into British Columbia, through the Lillooet Mountain Range towards our night stop in Kamloops. Hotel (D) -
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Kamloops to JasperGet ready Rockies, here we come! Today we will drive into the spectacular Rocky Mountains, via the scenic Yellowhead highway. En route, we will stop to view Mt. Robson, the highest point in the Canadian Rockies, as well as drive past Moose Lake. You also have a chance to go white water rafting today! (Optional/seasonal) Hotel (B) -
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JasperBe sure to keep your camera ready for wildlife shots on the short drive to Maligne Lake this morning, where you will have the opportunity to enjoy the amazing scenery. We'll also visit Maligne Canyon, the deepest and longest limestone canyon in the Rockies, where you'll marvel at this impressive gorge carved by generations of raging water. The afternoon is free to hike, bike or simply enjoy the beauty of Jasper. Tonight, sample the local Rocky Mountain cuisine. Hotel (D) -
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Jasper to BanffThe Wonder Road ... It's non-stop beauty today as we travel the famous Icefields Parkway, considered one of the most scenic highways in the world. The highlight will be the ride aboard the specially designed "Ice Explorer" on the Athabasca Glacier! This afternoon we'll visit Lake Louise and make several photo stops, including the vivid blue Peyto Lake (seasonal). We arrive in Banff late this afternoon. Chalets (quad-share) (D) -
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BanffThe day is yours to sightsee, hike, shop, or just relax in the beautiful town of Banff. Why not take the optional gondola ride to Sulphur Mountain where spectacular views of Banff await? Tonight join us for an optional horseback ride and steak fry. Chalets (quad-share) (B) -
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Banff to CalgaryWe venture to Calgary to take in the excitement of the Stampede - all the rodeos, parades, concerts, fireworks and dancing make it the greatest outdoor show on earth! Hotel (B) -
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Calgary for StampedeToday we head to Stampede Park to revel in the excitement and festivities of the Stampede - We organized great seats for the Rodeo and Chuckwagon races! (optional) Hotel (B) -
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Calgary to VernonBye Bye Rockies! We bid farewell to the Rockies today as we drive through three national parks in a single day. Yoho, Glacier and Mt. Revel stoke National Parks all await us as we make our way back into British Columbia. Tonight we stay in the Okanagan Valley - Canada's fruit basket, full of orchards, farmlands and vineyards. Hotel (B,D) -
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Vernon to VancouverHello Big City! Today we travel via the Coquihalla and Trans-Canada highways en route to the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver. This afternoon's sightseeing tour includes: Gastown, Chinatown and Stanley Park. Tonight, join us for an optional dinner cruise around Vancouver's beautiful harbour. Hotel -
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VancouverToday its time to say a final farewell as your tour ends this morning.
Highlights
All these highlights along with city sightseeing are included in your tour price!
Included
- Vancouver: City sightseeing tour; See Gastown, Chinatown & Lion's Gate Bridge; Visit the Totem Poles of Canada's First Nations People in Stanley Park
- Whistler: Drive the scenic Sea to Sky Highway; See Whistler & Blackcomb Mountains; Enjoy the shopping & activities in and around the quaint village; Hike one of Whistler many trails
- Kamloops: Scenic drive through the Lillooet Mountain Range; See Seton Lake reservoir & local flora; See the picturesque Lillooet, Duffy & Kamloops Lakes
- Mt. Robson: Scenic drive along the Yellowhead Highway into the Rocky Mountains; View Mt. Robson, the highest point in the Canadian Rockies (weather permitting)
- Jasper: Visit Jasper National Park; Visit Maligne Canyon, the deepest & longest limestone canyon in the Rockies; Visit Maligne Lake - The largest in the Canadian Rockies (seasonal); Walk to Athabasca Falls
- Columbia Icefield: Scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway; See some of the 200 glaciers in the area; Ride aboard the specially designed "Ice Explorer" vehicle on the Athabasca Glacier; See the vivid blue colour of Peyto Lake (seasonal)
- Lake Louise: Visit Lake Louise, the stunning lake in the Canadian Rockies
- Banff: See the Saskatchewan River Valley & Weeping Wall; City sightseeing tour; Visit Banff National Park; See the majestic Banff Springs Hotel
- Calgary: City sightseeing tour
- Calgary (only visit on Stampede tours): Enjoy the festive atmosphere of the Calgary Stampede
- Yoho, Glacier & Mt. Revelstoke National Parks: See the incredible Spiral Train Tunnels; See Kicking Horse Valley; Stop at Roger's Pass on one of the world's great mountain roads
- Vernon: See the orchards, farmlands & vineyards of the Okanagan Valley; Drive through Kelowna, the largest city in the Interior; See Lake Okanagan & its large floating bridge
Accommodations
- 10 nights in twin-share hotel accommodation, except in Banff where quad-share in chalets is provided
- Breakfasts (B) and Dinners (D) – as per itinerary
Contiki Difference
- Experienced Tour Manager and Driver
- Modern air-conditioned coach
- Visit 2 Canadian Provinces: British Columbia ; Alberta
Optional Excursions
Whistler
- Whistler/Blackcomb Gondola (USD$17.85 (closes end of June))
- Get your camera ready for the stunning views 6000 ft (1829m). Go even higher on Whistler Mountain on the Peak Chair. Rising to an elevation of 7160 ft (2183m) above sea level, the views are positively spectacular. At the top, you can access several more trails to expand your hiking options.
- Paddle Excursion (CAD$63.00)
- Enjoy the spectacular scenery around Whistler as you embark on an exciting paddle excursion. You will have the opportunity to spend some time on canoes on Alta Lake and on the River of Golden Dreams.
- Peak Adventure (CAD$29.50 (opens end of June))
- Whistler Mountain's premier chairlift - the Peak Chair - is an exhilarating open-air chairlift ride to the very top of Whistler Mountain, where you will be treated to tremendous views of ancient glaciers, snowcapped peaks, dormant volcanoes and the beautiful Coast Mountain range. Be sure to go for a stroll while you're at the top. The Peak Adventure gives you the access to over 48 kms of alpine hiking trails including the new Peak Interactive walk.
- Please Note (n/a)
- Whistler offers a wide variety of outdoor activities to enjoy. Your Tour Manager will be able to provide you with information on numerous alternative activities.
Jasper
- White Water Rafting (USD$86.00)
- Enjoy a 2 hour white water rafting adventure on the Fraser River. Wetsuits are included to keep you snug as you tackle the rapids.
- Maligne Lake Cruise (CAD$42.00)
- Enjoy a tranquil 90 minute boat tour on breathtaking Maligne lake. Your narrated cruise takes you to the rare beauty of Spirit Island for fantastic scenic views. It's a photographer's dream.
Banff
- Sulphur Mountain Gondola Ride (CAD$24.50)
- Travel via a scenic glass enclosed gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain to enjoy the magnificent view of Banff and the Bow Valley. Perhaps enjoy lunch at Canada's highest restaurant (2281m / 7500 ft) or search out the wildlife frequently found at the summit. A fantastic photo opportunity that's not to be missed.
- Horseback Ride & Steak Fry (CAD$91.00)
- View the Rockies on horseback and then enjoy a traditional mountain-style cookout dinner.
- Rockies Helicopter Flights (USD$229.00 (30 mins); USD$197.00 (25 mins))
- See the most spectacular scenery of the Rockies from the air on an unbelievable helicopter ride.
- ATV Quad bike tour (CAD$181.00 driver, CAD $95.00 passenger)
- Experience the awesome scenery of the Canadian Rocky Mountains on these ATV tours near Banff. This backcountry adventure will allow you to view wildlife, spectacular waterfalls and learn about some of the history of the area. These tours take you off the beaten path, where few tourists ever venture. No past riding experience is needed and your guides will give you full instruction on how to drive the ATV's before heading out on the trails. The package includes a delicious home-cooked meal served at a backcountry lodge.
Calgary
- Calgary Stampede (From USD$156.04)
- Tickets include admittance to the fairgrounds, rodeo and chuckwagon races.
Contiki Souvenirs
- Canada Group Photo (USD$16.00)
- There's no better way to remember the excellent times you've had and the new friendships that you've made than with an 8"x10" glossy photo of all the members of your tour.
