Cowboys, Trains & Cruise - The Calgary Stampede

Day 1 - Fly UK to Calgary

On arrival in Calgary, transfer to your chosen downtown hotel for a 3-night stay.

Day 2 - The 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, chuck wagon racing, steer wrestling and barrel racing. Don your western duds, saddle up and join us 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. This afternoon you have tickets for the Rodeo with reserved seating.

Day 3 - The Calgary Stampede

The fun continues at the Stampede. Make use of your access to the Stampede Park for your last day. Tonight you have reserved seating for the spectacular Chuckwagon Races and Grandstand Show.

Day 4 - Transfer from Calgary to Banff

Check out of your hotel this morning and transfer to your hotel in Banff.

Day 5 - Discover Banff & its Wildlife

This morning we have included the popular Discover Banff & its Wildlife tour.

Navigate a half-day journey to some of the most important landmarks in the area. You'll stop at the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Bow Falls, Lake Minnewanka and the "oh wow!" view at Surprise Corner.

Venture down peaceful pine-scented trails and learn about wildlife habitat and behaviour. Ask as many questions as you like, as our guides are experts and love to share their knowledge. Don't forget your camera - we spot wildlife on 95% of these tours.

Drop off is available at the Banff Gondola. Please advise your driver at time of boarding if you would like to be dropped off there.

Day 6 - Icefield Parkway Scenic Transfer/Tour to jasper

Today's tour to Jasper takes us through some of the most spectacular mountain landscapes in North America. Following the spine of the Canadian Rockies, view a never-ending procession of mammoth mountains, jagged snowy peaks, and over 100 glaciers. The entire day is spent in the majesty of Canada's two most famous National Parks, Banff and Jasper. Departing Banff we pass Vermilion Lakes and the fortress formations of Castle Mountain before arriving at stunning Lake Louise and the world famous Chateau Lake Louise. After a short break we continue northwards on the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic stretches of highway in North America. Stops will be made at Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake and the Weeping Wall before arriving at the Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefield where we allow time to enjoy the "Ice Explorer Ride" (included) and the Glacier Skywalk (included). From here the parkway descends Tangle Ridge and follows the Athabasca River, which begins as melt water from the Athabasca Glacier. We then stop at the Athabasca Falls, where the boiling waters of the river plunge into a chasm gouged out of the valley floor.

Highlights: A hearty picnic lunch is included and will be enjoyed at a secluded location along the Icefields Parkway.

Day 7 - Maligne Lake & Guide Walk

This morning we have included the popular 6 hour Maligne Lake & Guided Walk Tour. This introduction to Jasper begins with a short tour of the town before heading across the Athabasca River to Maligne Lake. A century after Mary Schaeffer's remarkable adventure, come discover the world-renowned Maligne Lake for yourself! A stop at Maligne Canyon offers staggering views of the river thundering through a series of magnificent waterfalls in a gorge 10,000 years in the making. Farther up the valley, stop to solve the mystery of "disappearing" Medicine Lake. Next we'll carry on to the pinnacle of our tour, breathtaking Maligne Lake! Enjoy a gentle guided walk along the shores of this pristine lake before heading back to Jasper.

Day 8 - Rocky Mountaineer Jasper to Kamloops

All aboard - join the Rocky Mountaineer for the first day of your 2 day journey through the Rockies:

Travel on board the Rocky Mountaineer from Jasper in the Canadian Rockies to Kamloops, in the heart of British Columbia’s interior. As you journey west and south you will be surrounded by the dramatic scenery of the Continental Divide and by the river valleys of the Monashee and Cariboo mountains. Today’s highlights include Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies at 3,954 metres (12,972 feet), Pyramid Falls, the climb over Yellowhead Pass and the journey along the North Thompson River as you approach Kamloops. Overnight in Kamloops.

Breakfast and Lunch included.

Day 9 - Rocky Mountaineer Kamloops to Vancouver

Day 2 Kamloops - Vancouver Your journey continues west towards the Pacific Ocean and the coastal city of Vancouver. On today’s journey you will 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 River Valley. Highlights include the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River and the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon. Your rail journey ends on arrival in Vancouver this evening.

Breakfast and Lunch included. On arrival at the rail station, transfer to your Vancouver hotel for an overnight stay. Transfer by coach is included.

Day 10 - Vancouver City Highlights tour

Spend today sightseeing around Vancouver at your leisure with the Hop on Hop off Sightseeing Bus.  

This morning we have included a 3.5 hour Vancouver City Highlights tour. Prepare to experience the unique history and unfolding splendour as you tour through the modern streets of Vancouver. Drive by the most renowned sights and learn how Vancouver became the city it is today. Situated on the edge of the Pacific Ocean and framed by British Columbia's imposing mountains, it's easy to fall in love with this astonishing city. Drive through historic neighbourhoods such as Gastown, Chinatown, scenic English Bay and the picturesque Vancouver Harbour. Stops in Stanley Park feature Indigenous Peoples' Totem Poles, spectacular views of the mountains and the Lions Gate Bridge. Also includes the opportunity to wander through the charming farmer's market at Granville Island. Reminder of the afternoon at your leisure.

Day 11 - Board Celebrity Solstice Alaska Cruise

Join the Celebrity Cruise Solstice Ship as she sets sail from Canada Place, Vancouver.   

Day 12 - Cruise the Inside Passage

Today cruise one of the most scenic sea-lanes in the world - the Inside Passage - where ships can sail close to steep mountain walls, giving magnificent views of the unbelievable scenery from forests to evocative towns.

Day 13 - Icy Strait Point

On Chichagof Island, just outside the village of Hoonah, Alaska, is the privately owned tourist hotspot known as Icy Strait Point. While the majority of Alaska cruise destinations are owned by the city or municipality in which they’re located, Icy Strait Point, Alaska, is unique in that it is the only privately owned cruise destination in the state – owned and operated by the Huna Totem Corporation. Approximately 1,350 Alaska Natives with aboriginal ties to the nearby village of Hoonah and the Glacier Bay area make up the Huna Totem Corporation. Many of these Natives are members of the Tlingit people.

Since its opening as a cruise destination in 2004, Icy Strait Point and the nearby native village of Hoonah have been steadily attracting more tourists and visitors, especially those arriving by cruise ship. The central focal point of this fascinating destination is easily the fully-restored salmon cannery, originally built in 1912, which now features a museum, various restaurants and craft shops owned by locals of the native community, and a unique display of a mid-1930s cannery line.

Near the cannery and museum, you’ll find the world’s largest and highest ZipRider that features an exhilarating, adrenaline-addled 5,330-foot long ride over a 1,300-foot vertical drop. In addition to these main features, Icy Strait Point offers fun activities for individuals and family members of all ages and interests, from traditional dance performances by Alaska Native communities to whale-watching and bear-spotting tours.

Hoonah and Icy Strait Point feature amazing fishing access that attract anglers, sport fishermen, and wildlife enthusiasts from all over the world. With some of the best whale watching in the world, the shores of Icy Strait Point are an excellent location to spot humpback whales and orcas.

Sea kayakers visit the area specifically for the 40-mile wilderness paddle that skirts the shorelines of Port Frederick and Tenakee Inlet, winding from Hoonah to Tenakee Springs. This kayaking path, filled with awe-inspiring natural beauty, ends in the stunning Tenakee Springs natural hot springs. As eagles soar overhead, and with whales often spotted right from the shores of town, Icy Strait Point is the rugged and naturally majestic Alaska destination you’ve always dreamed of visiting.

Day 14 - Hubbard Glacier (cruising)

Hubbard Glacier is by far one of Alaska’s most exciting natural treasures. On a Hubbard Glacier cruise, you’ll experience picture-perfect views of this glorious mount of ice from every angle on board one of our luxury cruise ships.

On an Alaska cruise to Hubbard Glacier, witness stunning icy landscapes as your ship makes its way through frigid waters, turning from Yakutat Bay into the narrow Disenchantment Bay to come face-to-face with the towering Hubbard Glacier. The strong currents and riptides that flow between Gilbert Point and the face of the glacier cause calving to occur on a daily basis, sending massive chunks of ice crashing into Disenchantment Bay.

Witness this awe-inspiring phenomenon through the misty, chilled air of the Gulf of Alaska. Our dedicated onboard naturalist narrates the experience and helps you spot the whales, harbor seals, and otters that hunt and play in the waters of Disenchantment Bay. It’s an adventure of a lifetime.

Day 15 - Juneau

Thanks to the many things to do in Juneau, Alaska, it is a popular cruise port on Alaska cruises to cruise to. Juneau is Alaska’s capital and is also the state’s second largest city. A unique destination for a myriad of reasons, Juneau sits nestled up next to the Gastineau Channel in the Alaskan panhandle with no connecting roads to other cities – making the capital city only accessible by water and air, including via Juneau cruise port.

Mount Juneau towers above the city’s downtown area, giving Juneau an atmosphere of being surrounded by mountain caps and the serene waters of the nearby channel. The waterfront bustles with vessels of all types and sizes, from luxury cruise ships to local fishing boats to 2-person floatplanes.

Whether you’re traveling to Alaska for an adrenaline-filled adventure or you prefer simply sitting back, relaxing, and taking in stunning landscapes in the Last Frontier, this must-see destination features something for everyone.

Juneau features more hiking trails than roads, making it the perfect place for adventurers and nature-lovers. While the city of Juneau boasts a historic and bustling downtown life, nearly 2,000 feet above it you’ll find 1,500 square miles of pure glistening glacier, known as the Juneau Icefield. A favorite highlight for newcomers from around the world, the magnificent glacier begs to be seen – and even landed on – by helicopter. Guests can also experience quintessential Alaskan dogsledding or set out on a local charter boat in Auke Bay with the hopes of spotting amazing Alaskan wildlife, including Humpback and Orca whales.

Day 16 - Ketchikan

With shops and houses built out over the water, Ketchikan clings to the shoreline of the Tongass Narrows. The stairways are weathered and the vibe is cheerful in the town that calls itself the Salmon Capital of the World. Besides the main attractions – Creek Street, the Tongass Historical Museum, Totem Bight State Park and Saxman Village – try a flightseeing trip to Misty Fjords National Monument. These deepwater fjords were gouged out by retreating glaciers, leaving granite cliffs towering thousands of feet above the sea and countless waterfalls plunging into placid waters

Day 17 - Cruise the Inside Passage

Cruise back along the Inside Passage and take in the breath-taking wilderness coastline, with snow-capped mountain peaks, glaciers, and rain forests. You may see whales, eagles, sea lions, sea otters, and mountain sheep

Day 18 - Vancouver

End your cruise back in Vancouver with time to explore more of this wonderful city at your leisure. Walk through the Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Gardens in vibrant Chinatown or visit Stanley Park, with its 1,000 acres of forests, gardens, lakes and lawns – right in the heart of the city.

Day 19 - Fly Vancouver to the UK

Check out from your Vancouver hotel and make your way to Vancouver Airport for your return flight to the UK.