Day 1 - Calgary
Arrive in Calgary and either collect your rental car for the short drive into Downtown Calgary or if you prefer, take a taxi to your hotel and collect your car the following day downtown. There will be a roadbook waiting at your accommodation for you to start planning your adventure. An overnight stay in Calgary gives you time at leisure to rest up or head out to explore nearby sites such as Calgary Tower.
Day 2 – Calgary to the Badlands (138km)
Heading east from the city you are en-route to Drumheller in the Canadian Badlands. This area is one of the richest fossil beds in the world and the largest dinosaur fields in North America. You can stop off at the Royal Tyrell museum for some great interpretation of the fossil findings and a look at the story of the Dinosaurs that roamed here.
Days 3 & 4 – La Reata Ranch (441km)
Head further east leaving Alberta behind (you’ll be back) and drive into Saskatchewan. The rolling plains are so blanketed with wheat fields that they are known as Canada’s ‘bread basket’. Other scenic stop points will take in beautiful lakes and forests. Your final destination is Kyle to start your authentic ranching experience at the wonderful La Reata. You will get an insight into both cowboy life in a bygone era and the running of a contemporary ranch. Knowledgeable guides will show you the prairielands by horseback and you can help with the care of a herd of over 200 cows including new-born calves. You can also explore on a hike or take a boat trip on the lake to spot birdlife and wildflife. Meals are included and are a social affair; evenings are spent in the ‘saloon’ (complete with pool and darts), sitting by the campfire or in the hot tub or practising your lasso skills.
Day 5 – Kyle to Regina (311km)
Keep going further east under the biggest of skies and you will be exploring lands that pioneering immigrants discovered in the 19th century. Stop at the wonderfully named Moose Jaw for some informative historical attractions such as the Heritage Centre for the ‘Mounties’ with a great self-guided audio tour. Additionally you will enjoy the Passage to Fortune historical tour with a re-enactment of Chinese immigrant life in the 1800s within the town’s tunnels.
Day 6 & 7 – Regina to Saskatoon (263km)
Driving northward toward Saskatoon, a popular rock and folk location in the late 60s and early 70s. The next day travel to the spectacular Wanuskewin Heritage Park known as "The Gathering Place". Over six thousand years ago, Wanuskewin was surrounded by the sounds of bison hooves and voices of Indiegenous people from across the Northern Plains. Walk their footsteps throughout the interactive displays and learn why this site was a place of celebration, worship and deep spirituality.
Day 8 – Saskatoon to Lloydminster (273km)
Lloydminster sits on the border with Alberta and enjoys an artistic and culinary flair.
Day 9 – Lloydmister to Edmonton (250km)
Edmonton is Alberta’s capital with grand buildings and sprawling parks you can explore at your own pace.
Day 10 & 11 – Edmonton to Jasper (365 km)
A scenic day of driving into the Rocky Mountain range. Winding mountain roads take you to the alpine town of Jasper, your base for some adventure for 2 nights. You may wish to try a cruise on Maligne Lake or ride the Jasper Tramway with some time for a strolling around town and trying the local restaurants.
Day 12 & 13– Jasper to Banff (285 km)
Saving the best drive until last, this road is more well-travelled and rightly so as it is considered one of the world’s most scenic road trips. Stop for photo opportunities of snow-capped mountains and waterfalls and the beautiful Peyto Lake before settling for the night at Banff.
Day 14 – Banff to Calgary / End of Tour (127 km)
Head down from the Rockies back into Calgary for your flight home.