For a few thrilling days every July, the worlds finest cowboys, cowgirls and bull riders descend on the Canadian city of Calgary, which in turn showcases the very best in Western-style hospitality. Feast your eyes on saddle bronc and bull riding, barrel racing and chuck wagon racing. Don your cowboy boots and saddle up for Stampede breakfasts, square dancing, extravagant parades and magnificent firework displays. This itinerary starts with two days at the Calgary Stampede, including reserved seating for one evening at the chuck wagon racing and grandstand show, reserved seating for an afternoon of rodeo, a skyride over Stampede Park and three nights' accommodation. Then, its on to Banff to join the famous blue-and-gold carriages of the Rocky Mountaineer. Seven-time winner of ‘World’s Leading Travel Experience by Train’, Rocky Mountaineer is Canada’s most luxurious rail journey. And, with included gourmet dining and drinks, impeccable service and a choice of glass-domed carriages, there’s surely no better way to experience the majesty of the Rockies.
After starting your holiday in relaxing style with VIP airport lounge access you’ll board your day flight to Calgary. Once arrived, you will be met and a private transfer will see you to your hotel; Make your way to your accommodation and check in for a three-night stay at the Fairmont Palliser. This is a city with a burgeoning reputation for culture and the arts, with a wide array of galleries and museums showcasing everything from natural history to contemporary photography.
Calgary's culinary scene, too, is garnering international acclaim with creative chefs and restauranteurs launching exciting new eateries and giving a new lease of life to long-established favourites.
Calgary Stampede
You’re invited to attend the largest outdoor rodeo in the world!! Professional cowboys compete in a myriad of rodeo events, which includes bull riding, roping, chuckwagon racing, steer wrestling and barrel racing. Don your western duds, saddle up and join the experience for Stampede breakfasts galore, square dancing, parades, the fun of the midway, great exhibits, a spectacular Grandstand show, fireworks and of course, heaping helpings of Western hospitality. You will enjoy admission for two days to Stampede Park, reserved seating for one evening at the Chuckwagon Races and Grandstand Show, reserved seating for one afternoon's Rodeo events, a Skyride over the Stampede Park, and to top it all, a Stampede Cowboy Hat.
Calgary Stampede
Chuckwagon Racing, Calgary Stampede
This morning leave Calgary for the scenic drive to Banff and your accommodation the Royal Canadian Lodge located in the heart of Banff. Located on Banff Avenue, the hotel has beautiful panoramas of the Rocky Mountains and is perfectly situated to enjoy all the attractions that Banff has to offer, including the Banff Upper Hot Springs.
Stay: Banff Royal Canadian Lodge, Banff
Banff gondola
Board the Rocky Mountaineer train at Banff Station at 7:30am. Enjoy the spectacular array of scenery as you travel between the glacier and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies, over mountain passes and through remarkable tunnels, along rocky lakeshores and across the ranchlands of the Interior. Highlights include the Continental Divide, the Spiral Tunnels, Kicking Horse Canyon, Rogers Pass, and Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven. Breakfast and lunch will be served onboard. Arrival in Kamloops in the early evening. Spend the evening exploring the city of Kamloops or relaxing in your hotel room. All hotels in Kamloops are of moderate standard: your hotel will be assigned post-booking.
Stay: Kamloops accommodation (Rocky Mountaineer allocated)
Breakfast & Lunch included
Rocky Mountaineer
Rocky Mountaineer
Rocky Mountaineer
Board the Rocky Mountaineer train at the Kamloops Station at 7:35am. Journey west and again see dramatic changes in scenery, from the desert-like environment of the Interior, through winding river canyons and pristine forests, to the Coast and Cascade Mountains and the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley. Breakfast and lunch will be served onboard. Highlights include the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River and the rushing waters of Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon. Arrival into Vancouver in the early evening in time for dinner.
Breakfast & Lunch included
Rocky Mountaineer
The Loden is located in Coal Harbour just a short walk from the shops of Robson St, Stanley Park and the seawall. Situated in downtown Vancouver, the hotel is the perfect base to explore some of the best leisure activities Vancouver has to offer, including the Vancouver Aquarium, Totem Poles, art galleries, shopping and the classical Chinese gardens. Its green spaces, beach shores and historic architecture are a hive of activity, that's all eclectic shops, sensational art galleries, trendy streets and cosy forest trails. Everything here is framed by snow-capped, steely mountains and the glorious views you've become used to in your Canada adventure.
Coal Harbour, Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver, Canada
The Loden
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and then head to the airport for your overnight flight back to the UK, arriving on day 10.
"For me, this is Canada at its absolute best, a rare combination of two of Canada's most iconic travel experiences. It all starts with three days at the Calgary Stampede, where you'll experience Rodeo events, Chuckwagon Racing and even don your very own cowboy hat, all included in the price! It's then time to head west through for a spot of relaxation in Banff, before joining the Rocky Mountaineer train. Travelling in Gold Leaf class, you'll weave through canyons, mountains and tunnels en route to your final destination – wonderful city of Vancouver. "
Andy Austen
Destination Specialist
09 July UK departure from: £5,375 pp
Package departure date from UK: 09 Jul 2025 (extra nights can be added in Calgary and Vancouver if required)
Includes