Days 1 - 2
Calgary
You’ll fly in to Calgary and transfer independently to your hotel for the next two nights. Whilst in Calgary you can spend a great afternoon at the Heritage Park stepping back in time with costumed actors, riding the steam train and enjoying the family friendly exhibits and facilities. You can ascend Calgary tower to see the prairies stretching towards the foothills of the Rockies, and stroll 17th Street for the shops, restaurants and cafes.
Two nights: Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Calgary Downtown (or similar)
Days 3 to 5
Calgary to Banff (79 miles)
Drive to Banff, which will be your home for the next three nights. Explore the great outdoors amongst the majestic Rockies – you can hike or bike, take a wildlife tour or ascend Sulphur Mountain on the Banff Gondola. Check out the “Optional Excursions” tab for suggestions.
Three nights: Banff Ptarmigan Inn (or similar)
Day 6
Banff to Brooks / Dinosaur Provincial Park (194 miles)
Have an early start to head east to the Alberta Badlands, watching the changing landscapes, and arrive at Dinosaur Provincial Park for an afternoon of fossil hunting and learning all about dinosaurs. Visit their website to book a tour so you can get the best from this amazing landscape, where some of the most important fossil discoveries ever made from the 'Age of Reptiles', in particular about 35 species of dinosaur, dating back some 75 million years. You’ve got just a one night stay in the nearby town of Brooks.
Overnight: Heritage Inn Hotel Brooks (or similar)
Days 7 to 8
Brooks to Waterton Lakes National Park (175 miles)
Down on the Canadian – USA border is the beautiful Waterton Lakes National Park, nestling between the Rockies and the Prairies. Waterton hiking trails are known for being some of the best nature trails in the province, and if you want to get out on the water try paddleboarding or kayaking, or perhaps take a beautiful Waterton Lake boat tour to see the beautiful sights.
Two nights: Waterton Lakes Lodge Resort (or similar)
Days 9 to 11
Waterton Lakes to Thanksgiving Ranch (26 miles)
It’s just a short drive to your final destination, and perhaps we’ve been saving the best ‘til last. You have three nights at the Thanksgiving Ranch, with your meals and horseriding all included. Set in 3,000 acres, where the rolling prairies meet the majestic Rocky Mountains beneath wide-open Alberta skies, you will enjoy an unforgettable western experience.
Three nights: Thanksgiving Ranch
Day 12
Return to Calgary (158 miles)
It’s time for home, so drive to Calgary Airport to return your hire car and catch your flight.