Fashioned around Calgary’s famous annual Stampede, this is a celebration of all things rodeo. Paired with a Rocky Mountaineer rail trip and an Inside Passage cruise, this holiday doesn’t miss a beat.
Grab your cowboy hat and spurs and get into the swing of the festivities at the annual Calgary Stampede. With its roots tracing all the way back to 1886 when Calgary’s first exhibition took place, this legendary event has grown into one of the world's largest outdoor rodeos and exhibitions. Get ready to experience the ‘Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth’.
Visit Capilano Suspension Bridge Park on the beautiful outskirts of Vancouver. After enjoying breakfast at the Cliff House Restaurant, you’ll join an insightful nature exploration through the grounds and across the suspension bridge.
The gates to The Butchart Gardens are opened a little early just for you. Free to explore with before-hours access, you’ll be treated to a delicious breakfast in the original family residence. Then, take the opportunity to wander among the floral displays without the crowds.
On an exciting morning in beautiful Banff National Park, you’ll have the chance to meet one of Canada’s renowned Mounties and hear captivating tales from the iconic Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
We’ll meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel, where a welcome dinner awaits later in the evening.
After this morning’s Signature Experience, the rest of the day is free to spend as you like.
Signature Experience – The Butchart Gardens Before Hours
Visit The Butchart Gardens before the public is granted access and enjoy breakfast in the original Butchart residence. More than 100 years in the making with a former quarry as the initial canvas, this space was transformed by Jennie Butchart into a haven overflowing with lush greenery and colourful blooms. Relish the opportunity to wander among the floral displays without the crowds.
Pay a quick visit to Chemainus before taking your BC Ferries service across the Georgia Strait. Then, continue to the beautiful town of Whistler, stopping at Shannon Falls on the way.
Today, depart Whistler and set off for Kamloops. On the way, you’ll travel past Duffey and Seton Lakes, as well as the rural towns of Pemberton and Lillooet. Once you’ve arrived, enjoy time to settle in and become familiar with the inn. Set at the base of rocky cliffs, you’ll get a real sense of what it’s like to be in the heart of Canada’s countryside.
On the way to Jasper, you’ll pass towering Mount Robson before crossing from British Columbia into Alberta. Later, arrive in breathtaking Jasper National Park and take in the spectacular surrounds. Tonight, choose from one of the lodge’s restaurants for dinner.
Travel along the Icefields Parkway through the iconic Canadian Rockies. See Athabasca Falls before stopping at the Columbia Icefield, where you’ll board an Ice Explorer vehicle and journey onto the Athabasca Glacier. Then, continue to Lake Louise, the magnificent ‘Jewel of the Rockies’. Choose which of your hotel’s restaurants you’d like to dine at this evening.
It’s a pleasure to see what all the commotion is about at the famous Calgary Stampede, and you’ll stay right near the heart of the action for two nights at the iconic Fairmont Palliser.
Signature Experience – Calgary Stampede
Grab your cowboy hat and spurs and get into the swing of things at the annual Calgary Stampede. With its roots tracing all the way back to 1886 when Calgary’s first exhibition took place, the Stampede eventually grew into one of the world’s largest outdoor rodeos and exhibitions. Today, it’s often dubbed the ‘Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth’.
Return to the excitement of the Calgary Stampede today. Celebrating Calgary’s western heritage and values, the Stampede attracts over one million visitors to the town every year. Some of today’s events include bareback riding and steer-wrestling, as well as chuckwagon racing, stage shows, parades, concerts, agricultural competitions and First Nations exhibitions.
Sights set on the Canadian Rockies, travel to Banff and be guided through the town. Then, a Signature Experience awaits. Choose from one of your hotel’s restaurants for dinner this evening.
Signature Experience – Meet a Mountie
In beautiful Banff National Park, you’ll have the chance to meet one of Canada’s renowned Mounties and hear tales from the iconic Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Explore Banff on your chosen activity today.
Freedom of Choice – Banff Experience
It’s Banff’s people, alpine architecture and wildlife that make it so unique, and this is your chance to hear about it all. You will also visit the Cave and Basin National Historic Site.
Freedom of Choice – Gondola Ride
Head to the top of Sulphur Mountain and take in Banff from above, climbing nearly 700 metres in elevation as you are carried through the pines. Once you reach the peak, you can head off for a stroll along the boardwalk.
Freedom of Choice – Heli-Sightseeing
Take to the skies for a bird’s-eye view of the Rocky Mountains. Soar past snowy peaks and jagged mountains, enjoying breathtaking views of pristine lakes and alpine meadows.
Freedom of Choice – Bow River Float Trip
Ah yes, the relaxation of the river! Spend some time floating down the Bow River, keeping your eyes peeled for any signs of cheeky wildlife on the banks. This activity is suitable for most fitness levels.
Freedom of Choice – Ice Hockey Player for a Day
When in Canada, it’s only fitting that you experience a day in the life of an ice hockey player. Get to know the Canmore Eagles as you tour their dressing rooms, try on their gear and step onto the ice.
Freedom of Choice – Fairmont Spa
Harking back to the hot spring that first called travellers some 100 years ago, soothe your tired muscles in the mineral pool and pulsating waterfalls at Fairmont Banff Springs.
Board the Rocky Mountaineer and soak up the views from the bi-level glass-dome carriage in GoldLeaf Service. Traverse Kicking Horse Pass and see the engineering marvel of the Spiral Tunnels. Arrive later in Kamloops.
Travel past Hell’s Gate and the Coast Mountains, coming to a stop in Vancouver.
After a fantastic Signature Experience this morning, you’ll experience the best of Vancouver on a fantastic half-day sightseeing tour. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll soak up the scenery at the vast Stanley Park, explore the trendy Granville Island, and immerse yourself in the historic neighbourhood of Gastown. Tonight, enjoy a special farewell dinner with your fellow travellers.
Signature Experience – Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Enjoy a sensational visit to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park on the beautiful outskirts of Vancouver. After breakfast at the Cliff House Restaurant, you’ll join an insightful nature exploration through the grounds and across the suspension bridge.
Board your ship and settle in.
Spend today on board, gliding past rocky headlands and over the icy waters of the Inside Passage, one of the most picturesque sea lanes in the world.
Alaska’s capital, Juneau, sits at the foot of Mount Roberts and Mount Juneau on the Gastineau Channel. Flowing from the Juneau Icefield, the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier lies just beyond the city's doorstep. Widely regarded as one of the most remote and breathtaking state capitals in the United States, this picturesque destination is surrounded by pristine waters, lush forests and rugged mountains, offering endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Disembark and explore at your leisure, or join an optional excursion to discover more of Juneau’s wonders (additional expense).
Arrive in Skagway, the Inside Passage’s northernmost point. During the peak of the Klondike Gold Rush, this bustling port town became the main gateway to the goldfields, rapidly growing into Alaska's largest settlement. It's the perfect place to discover Alaska's rich history, enchanting landscapes and abundant wildlife. See heritage buildings, now protected as part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, and perhaps set off on an excursion (additional expense).
Awaken to the striking scenery of Glacier Bay National Park. Take in the calving tidewater glaciers and learn about the area's geological wonders from local rangers.
Dock in Ketchikan today, a vibrant coastal town set on the tranquil Tongass Narrows, proudly known as the salmon capital of the world. Immerse yourself in Alaska Native culture and spend time exploring as you please. Perhaps discover the Totem Heritage Center's collection of 19th-century totem poles or stroll along historic Creek Street.
Enjoy a final day on board and make the most of the ship's amenities. Marvel at the stunning views along the British Columbia Coast as you glide past rocky headlands and across the icy waters of the Inside Passage. This picturesque route offers the perfect opportunity to soak up the breathtaking beauty of one of the world’s most famous sea lanes.
Your spectacular journey comes to an end today. Following breakfast, say goodbye and be transferred to the airport.
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APT Luxury Travel offers all-inclusive, all taken care of and all-inspiring luxury cruises, tours and rail journeys. As Australia’s largest family-owned tour and cruise company, we are committed to delivering unforgettable travel experiences to our valued guests. What began as just a vision, over 90 years ago, has now grown into a proud global business, demonstrating the power of dreaming fully.