Canada & the Rockies w/ Calgary Stampede

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.

Length: 12 days
Accommodations: Hotel, Chalets (quad-share)
as per itinerary
Meals: Dinner, Breakfast
as per itinerary
Sightseeing: British Columbia, Alberta
Transportation: Modern Coach
Return to Tour

Itinerary

  1. Day Icon-day1 Vancouver to Whistler

    Meet up with your Contiki Crew and see the sights in this cosmopolitan city. Later, wind along the Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler, home of the 2010 Winter Olympics.

  2. Day Icon-day2 Whistler

    North America’s top alpine resort is your playground - exhilarating outdoor activities include zip-lining, a stunning gondola ride, canoeing, plus more!

  3. Day Icon-day3 Whistler to Kamloops

    Photo ops of Canada’s awesome mountain and lake scenery abound on the way to Kamloops.

  4. Day Icon-day4 Kamloops to Jasper

    Stop in the heart of the Rockies at spectacular Mt. Robson on your way to Jasper, with the chance to opt in for a whitewater rafting adventure.

  5. Day Icon-day5 Jasper

    You might catch a glimpse of some impressive wildlife at Maligne Canyon & Lake. Chill out on a scenic boat tour or relax in the quaint alpine village.

  6. Day Icon-day6 Jasper to Banff

    Journey on one of the most scenic highways in the world. Roll onto the Athabasca Glacier’s icy slopes in a custom designed “Ice Explorer.” Also visit the enchanting Lake Louise Château.

  7. Day Icon-day7 Banff

    Choose your own adventure in the mountains around Banff. There’s so much on offer like four-wheeling adventures, horseback riding, hiking, shopping, and a vibrant night scene!

  8. Day Icon-day8 Banff to Calgary

    We 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!

  9. Day Icon-day9 Calgary for Stampede

    Today 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)

  10. Day Icon-day10 Calgary to Vernon

    Today we journey through the picturesque Yoho, Glacier and Mt. Revelstoke National Parks to Vernon in the Okanagan Valley, Canada's fruit basket.

  11. Day Icon-day11 Vernon to Vancouver

    Feel the young, hip vibe of this city as you explore its sights, shops and cafes. Enjoy a dinner cruise around the harbor and head out on the town afterwards!

  12. Day Icon-day12 Vancouver

    Today its time to say a final farewell as your tour ends this morning.

Tour Map

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
Accomodations
  • 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 (CAD$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 CAD$156.04)
Tickets include admittance to the fairgrounds, rodeo and chuck wagon races.

Contiki Souvenirs

Canada Group Photo (CAD$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.