The Calgary Stampede marks its 100th anniversary in 2012. Celebrate with a three-day visit to the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. Highlights include the GMC Rangeland Derby and Grandstand shows, one of the world's all-time greatest rodeos, the Western Oasis, Indian Village and Bell Midway Circus in addition to hundreds of other events and activities. In addition to this fantastic annual event, highlights of this 9-day escorted tour include visits to some of the most distinctive towns and attractions within the Canadian Rockies including the resort town of Banff and tranquil Lake Louise with its famous Chateau.
Day 1 - Depart Chicago aboard the iconic Empire Builder
Your 9-day tour begins at Chicago's Union Station, where you will meet your tour manager and fellow travelers early this afternoon. Board Amtrak's famous Empire Builder train, relax in your onboard accommodations and prepare for your 2:15 pm departure. As the train begins the 1,475-mile journey across five states to Shelby, Montana, make time to visit the glass-walled Sightseer Lounge for spectacular views of the passing scenery, enjoy a hot meal in the Dining Car and chat with your fellow travelers. Overnight train. (D)
Day 2 - Across the Canadian Border to Lethbridge
When you awake this morning the Empire Builder will be rolling across the remote flatlands of North Dakota. Late this afternoon the train pulls into Shelby, Montana, where we'll be met by our motorcoach for the journey across the Canadian border to Lethbridge. Overnight Lethbridge Comfort Inn. (B, L, D)
Day 3 - Banff
After breakfast travel northwest by motorcoach to Banff. Upon arrival early this afternoon, embark on a sightseeing tour of this breathtaking resort town. A highlight of your afternoon sightseeing excursion will be the gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain for spectacular views of the surrounding area. Overnight Banff Aspen Lodge. (CB)
Day 4 - Excursion to Columbia Icefield and Lake Louise
Today embark on an excursion along the Icefields Parkway, North America's most scenic highway, for a visit to the Columbia Icefield. A ride out onto the Athabasca Glacier in a special Snocoach will be a true highlight of the tour. Later, your travels take you to beautiful Lake Louise and its famous Chateau. The setting is one of the most picturesque in the Rockies. Return to Banff with your evening at leisure. Overnight Banff Aspen Lodge. (CB, L)
Day 5 - Calgary Stampede
The morning is free to relax, shop or continue to explore all that Banff has to offer. This afternoon, transfer by motorcoach to Calgary for the annual Calgary Stampede and our three night stay in this lovely metropolis. There will be time to freshen up at your hotel and have dinner at a nearby restaurant before heading to the GMC Rangeland Derby and Transalta Grandstand show. The Derby is the world's premier chuckwagon racing event complete with 36 drivers, 288 horses and their teams of outriders vying for over one million dollars in prize money. This is the Stampede's most renowned event! The Grandstand show features the Volte. This stunning program includes a rock opera musical score and gravity-defying sights as well as fireworks and performing black stallions. Overnight Ramada Hotel Downtown Calgary.
Day 6 - The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth
The entire date is at your leisure to enjoy all that this annual global event has to offer. Discover the Art and Lifestyle Showcase, nonstop entertainment on the Window of the West Stage, the Co-Op Kitchen Theater, creative arts and crafts and more! Overnight Ramada Hotel Downtown Calgary.
Day 7 - Stampede Rodeo
Today brings another full day at leisure at the Calgary Stampede. Enjoy all of the attractions, displays and entertainment that make this annual event a global hit. This afternoon experience the thrill of one of the world's all-time greatest rodeos. Six major events-Bareback, Bull Riding, Barrel Racing, Saddle Bronc, Steer Wrestling and Tie-Down Roping-are the backbone of the Stampede Rodeo. This evening we'll make the journey back to Lethbridge by motorcoach. Overnight Lethbridge Comfort Inn.
Day 8 - Empire Builder to Chicago
After breakfast this morning, we'll make the drive by motorcoach across the border to Shelby, Montana, to board Amtrak's iconic Empire Builder for the train journey east to Chicago. Once your train journey is underway, you'll want to visit the Sightseer Lounge for expansive views of the passing scenery. Overnight train. (CB, L, D)
Day 9 - Arrival in the Windy City
When you awake this morning the Empire Builder will be departing Minneapolis, continuing its journey south along the west bank of the Mississippi River. The train is scheduled to arrive in Chicago late this afternoon, where your Calgary Stampede and Canadian Rockies adventure comes to an end. (B, L)
Prices are land-only, per person based on double occupancy and are subject to change. Single rate is available upon request.
