Local Host service in Calgary; Destination Guide including maps and detailed driving directions.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Calgary. Arrive in Calgary and pick up your rental car at the airport. The remainder of the day is yours to explore. How about a visit to Canada Olympic Park, where you can experience breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline and the majestic Rocky Mountains from atop Ski Jump Tower?
Day #2 Calgary–Lake Louise. Drive west to Lake Louise, the “Jewel of the Rockies.” This stunning lake is situated in a small glacial valley surrounded by snowcapped mountains. Enjoy a hike on one of the many trails or visit nearby Moraine Lake with its awe-inspiring, deep-teal color. Approximately 114 miles/183 km.
Day #3 Lake Louise–Jasper. Today, travel along stunning Icefields Parkway. Along the way, stop at the Columbia Icefield, the largest icefield south of Alaska. While there, choose to take an exciting Ice Explorer ride on the Athabasca Glacier or join a guided glacier walk. Before arriving in Jasper, see beautiful Athabasca Falls, one of the most powerful falls in the Rockies. Approximately 129 miles/208 km.
Day #4 Jasper. Two days at leisure to explore Jasper National Park. Enjoy a plethora of outdoor activities, including hiking, canoeing, and mountain biking.
Day #5 Jasper. Two days at leisure to explore Jasper National Park. Enjoy a plethora of outdoor activities, including hiking, canoeing, and mountain biking.
Day #6 Jasper–Banff. Retrace your steps along Icefields Parkway and stop at any of the gorgeous sights you might have missed. Approximately 165 miles/266 km.
Day #7 Banff. A full day at leisure to explore the rugged alpine beauty of Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day #8 Banff–Calgary. Drive back to Calgary early and check-in to your hotel. You can then start exploring the Calgary Stampede grounds at your leisure with your included admission. Step through the gates of Stampede Park into a world of wonder, fun, and “Wild West” excitement. Walk back in time through an authentic Indian Village or stroll the streets of a recreated frontier town. Enjoy a wide variety of exciting talent at the many entertainment stages, and then maybe head into the dazzling array of international exhibits and displays of Western art. 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. Approximately 80 miles/129 km.
Day #9 Calgary. At leisure to explore the Stampede grounds. Maybe 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 rodeo’s most famed event—bull riding!
Day #10 Calgary. Your vacation ends this morning. Drop off your rental car at the airport prior to departure.