Calgary Stampede, Lake Louise and Glacier Adventure

4 July 2012
Depart from the UK for your flight to Calgary.  Upon arrival into Calgary, transfer (own cost) to the 3* Sandman Hotel.  Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight: Calgary

5 July 2012
Today is at leisure so you may explore Calgary at your own pace.  Calgary is a city that lives and breathes its unique western heritage of community dynamism, entrepreneurial spirit, and genuine hospitality. There’s no other city in the world quite like it.  The go-to city for travellers seeking to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Calgary’s rich western heritage, cultural vibrancy and urban sophistication also make it a must-see destination in itself. There’s no better time to experience Calgary’s distinctive and energetic western heritage than during the world-renowned Calgary Stampede when visitors and residents a like let loose their inner cowboy or cowgirl!
Overnight: Calgary

6 July 2012
Today the Calgary Stampede gets underway and is launched with the parade through the city centre.  The Calgary Stampede is undoubtedly Calgary's best-known visitor attraction. This event, 'the greatest outdoor show on earth' features a real rodeo, a midway (amusement park), concerts, chuckwagon races and more. The city of Calgary is transformed for 10 days into town celebrating the cowboy culture. Visitors will enjoy the atmosphere and always friendly attitude of the locals. The famous Rodeo portion of the Calgary Stampede takes place daily at 1:30 pm. This tournament-style rodeo focuses on six major events: Bareback, Bull Riding, Barrel Racing, Saddle Bronc, Steer Wrestling and Tie-Down Roping. Overnight: Calgary

7 July 2012
That pounding of hooves and trembling of the ground can mean only one thing; the world’s premier chuckwagon event, the GMC Rangeland Derby, has begun! During the evening's heats, you’ll witness all the heart-stopping action as 36 drivers, 288 horses and their teams of outriders vie for over $1.15 million in prize money! During the Stampede, the races start nightly at 8 pm. The world famous Grandstand Show follows. Overnight: Calgary

8 July 2012
Explore Calgary’s legendary western roots and pioneering spirit on this exciting tour that takes you to back in time to Heritage Park and Fort Calgary Heritage Park Historical Village has been recreated into Canada’s largest living museum, complete with costumed townsfolk who are keen to bring history to life. Admission to the world-class Gasoline Alley
Museum is included in your tour package. Then immerse yourself in Calgary’s old west with a visit to Fort Calgary; the birthplace of the city. This National Historic Site features an interactive interpretive centre and museum that tells the story of how the North West Mounted Police and early Calgary citizens helped shaped the city into what it is today Overnight: Calgary

9 July 2012
Overnight: Calgary
Your full day tour today will take you to Lake From the city of Calgary, venture westward through rolling foothills to the Bow Valley and ranges of the Canadian Rockies. Your route from Lake Louise is spectacular, as you travel one of the most scenic highways in the world - the Icefield Parkway. Glacier-fed rivers and streams, majestic peaks, peaceful lakes and broad-reaching valleys combine to create not only a harmonious blend of scenic wonders for guests, but also a protected habitat for Canadian Rockies wildlife. At the Columbia Icefield Centre, time is available to join a Ice Explorer excursion (included) onto the surface of the Athabasca Glacier. On the return portion, a stop is made for dinner in Banff (own cost). Overnight: Calgary

10 July 12
This morning make your way to the airport depart on your overnight flight back to the UK

11 July 12
Arrive UK