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The World Famous Calgary Stampede and Banff

Program Number: 20648RJ
Start and End Dates:
7/7/2013 - 7/12/2013; 7/7/2013 - 7/12/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Price starting at: $1,635.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Festivals, Misc.
Meals: 12; 5 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners    

Discover Alberta’s rich Western heritage and experience the daily lives of early ranchers and pioneers while studying the history, cultures and customs of Western Canada. Travel through the foothills of the Rocky Mountains to Banff National Park where you will learn from naturalists about local geology and wildlife. Meet bona fide cowboys, cowgirls, bareback riders and trainers behind the scenes of the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth, the Calgary Stampede.




Highlights

• At the Calgary Stampede, experience the rodeo, the thundering chuckwagon races and the Stampede Grandstand Show.
• With expert naturalists, discover the splendor of Johnston Canyon and Lake Louise in scenic Banff National Park.
• At the Glenbow Museum, explore the colorful history of the Canadian West, including tales of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Blackfoot and early pioneers.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to two miles a day, some uneven terrain.




Date Specific Information

7-7-2013, 7-7-2013

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Itinerary Summary

Independent arrival Banff, 2 nights; coach to Calgary, 3. nights; independent departure.



Coordinated by Routes to Learning Canada.




Calgary

A dynamic metropolis that blends big-city energy with outstanding outdoor adventures, Calgary offers a wealth of cultural and historical attractions, world-renowned festivals, and a prime location close to mountain trails, rolling foothills and the desert badlands.
Accommodations
Banff: Mountain inn with modern amenities. Calgary: Full-service hotel.
Meals and Lodgings
   The Banff Inn
  Banff, Alberta 2 nights
   Sandman Hotel and Suites Calgary South
  Calgary, AB 3 nights
 The Banff Inn
Type: Inn
  Description: The Banff Inn offers modern hotel accommodations located on Banff Avenue, only minutes away from the downtown shops, restaurants and many of Banff's attractions. The Banff Inn is ideal lodging for Canadian Rockies vacations and our outgoing staff will be happy to offer suggestions on all Banff National Park attractions.
  Contact info: 501 Banff Avenue
PO Box 1018
Banff, AB T1L 1A9 Canada
phone: 403-762-8844
web: www.banffinn.com/index.html
  Room amenities: All rooms feature colour television with cable, coffee makers, hairdryers, complimentary wireless internet and individual climate control (heat + air conditioning).
  Facility amenities: Centrally located sauna, steamroom and large jacuzzi whirlpool. Underground parking with elevator access. A coin operated high speed internet kiosk is located in the lobby. Complimentary wireless available throughout the hotel.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Call for availability & rates. Please contact the hotel directly on your own OR if you require personal assistance contact Maritime Travel toll free at 1-888-905-5959. A service fee MAY apply.

 Sandman Hotel and Suites Calgary South
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: Located in the south east area of Calgary at Deerfoot Meadows, The Sandman Hotel & Suites Calgary South is the center of commercial businesses, shopping, entertainment, and numerous restaurants. This hotel boasts 201 tastefully decorated and functional rooms and suites. Business centre, Denny's 24 Hour Restaurant and Moxie's Classic Grill anchor this beautiful property, with a future Shark Club Sports Bar Grill planned adjacent to the hotel. Deerfoot Meadows complex includes numerous choices for eating and entertainment, while IKEA and a Walmart Super Store are a mere steps from the hotel front door. Toll-free: 1-800-SANDMAN (726 3626)
  Contact info: 8001 - 11th Street SE
Calgary, AB  T2H 0B8 Canada
phone: 403-252-7263
web: www.sandmanhotels.com/en/hotel/alberta/calgary_south
  Room amenities: Wired and wireless high-speed internet is available in all rooms.
  Facility amenities: Complimentary wireless high-speed Internet access,complimentary freshly brewed coffee and free parking. Indoor swimming pool & whirlpool, and a fitness facility.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights after: Call for availability & rates. Please contact the hotel directly on your own OR if you require personal assistance contact Maritime Travel toll free at 1-888-905-5959. A service fee MAY apply.


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Independent arrivals to the program hotel in Banff, AB. Check-in after 4:00 p.m. Dinner is at 6:30 pm. You will be staying at The Banff Inn that night.
  End of Program:
Breakfast is at 7:30 am; independent departures from Calgary after breakfast on final day. Check-out is 11:00 am. You will be staying at Sandman Hotel and Suites Calgary South the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. A valid government issued passport is required for ALL travel to/from Canada. A US law known as the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requires those traveling to/from the United States by land & sea to also have a passport or other appropriate secure documents (NEXUS card). Passport requirements are subject to change. Visit www.travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html for up to date information.
  Parking availability:
Contact the hotel directly for parking rates at 403-762-8844 At the airport – Parkade: Outdoor, long-term parking for CAD$28 per day, or CAD$125 per week(403) 735-1372. Park ‘n Fly: CAD$14.95per day or CAD$69.75 per week. More info: (403) 250-6533.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Banff, Alberta
  Nearest city or town:  Calgary, Alberta
  Nearest airport:  Calgary International Airport
  From End of Program
  Location:  Calgary, AB
  Nearest highway: Trans Canada #1 and Highway #2.
  Nearest airport:  Calgary International Airport
Travel Details
 

Calgary to Banff

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Banff Airporter
phone: 888-449-2901
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approx. $55 - please see www.banffairporter.com for updates
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

Approximately 1.5 to 2.0 hours 
 

Distance:

 

Approximately 140 kms
   

Hourly shuttle service; shuttle fee is non-refundable (insurance is available - please enquire with the shuttle company). Reservations are required. Should you plan on arriving into Calgary by air, mid to late morning arrivals are strongly recommended.
 

Calgary to Banff

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approximately CAD$160
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

1.5 to 2.0 hours 
 

Distance:

 

Approximately 140 kms
 

Calgary Hotel

 

To Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approximately $60 CDN
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

30 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

17 miles/27 kms
   

Hotel staff will assist with arranging taxi services.
 
Driving Directions
  Calgary/Banff Take Trans Canada Highway #1 towards Banff. Take the Banff exit and turn left onto Banff Avenue. Continue to follow Banff Avenue and you will see the hotel on the right. Banff is 138 kms (86 miles) west of Calgary on the Trans Canada Highway #1.
Elevation Note: Banff is situated at 4,540 ft.

Equipment Requirements: No equipment required.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Independent Arrivals/Welcome Dinner
(Sunday, July 7)
   
 Afternoon: Independent arrivals and transfers to the program hotel after 4:00 pm. Please note that rooms are not generally available until mid to late afternoon.
 Dinner: Welcome dinner at a local restaurant at 6:30 p.m.
 Evening: INTRODUCTIONS: Following dinner, you will meet for introductions, a review of the program and site orientation.
   
Accommodations: The Banff Inn
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Banff National Park/Johnston Canyon/Lake Louise
(Monday, July 8)

Note: Johnston Canyon trail walk is approximately 2 miles/3 km along paved pathways with guardrails. Optional 1.25 mile/2 km trail walk at Lake Louise.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Banff National Park & Johnston Canyon. Discussions will focus on the formation of Canada's park system; history of Alberta's ranching industry; First Nations study with emphasis on the Stoney Indian people; formation of the Northwest Mounted Police (NWMP) and mountain geology. Arrive at Johnston Canyon for a trail walk while learning about the area flora/fauna; examine the measures taken to preserve the ecological integrity of the area.
 Lunch: Picnic Lunch
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Lake Louise. Explore the alpine beauty of the Lake Louise area with guided trail walks and free time to explore the heritage exhibits at the renowned Chateau Lake Louise. Discuss the human history and exploration of the Lake Louise area, and study the impact of glacier formation on mountain geology while viewing the stunning Victoria Glacier. Knowledgeable guides will discuss the founding of the Canadian Pacific Railway, the hot springs discovery, and the park's connections to Hollywood film-making.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant.
   
Accommodations: The Banff Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Whyte Museum/Travel to Calgary/Glenbow Museum/Stampede Event
(Tuesday, July 9)

Note: Travel time from Banff to Calgary will be approximately 1.5 hours on the coach (washroom available).
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Whyte Museum. Take a walk back in time and get to know the colorful individuals who built the town of Banff. This guided tour meanders through history to take you to the riverside site where Tom Wilson established one of the first outfitting operations in the area, St. Georges-in-the-Pines Anglican Church with its unique stained glass windows, and the Luxton Home and Garden. These and many other intriguing stops reveal the fascinating history of this town.
 Lunch: Lunch en route to Calgary.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Glenbow Museum. Explore the colorful western history and heritage of the Canadian west at the Glenbow Museum, western Canada's largest. Hear tales of the RCMP, the Blackfoot people, early European pioneers, whiskey traders, and ground-breaking entrepreneurs. Discover the new permanent exhibit, "Mavericks: An Incorrigible History of Alberta", which illustrates the province's history through the dynamic stories of over 40 mavericks from Western Canada's Past
 Dinner: Dinner on your own at the Stampede grounds.
 Evening: STAMPEDE EVENT: Event to be confirmed - one option is the Heavy Horse Competition which showcases light, middle, and heavy weight classes of heavy horses as they try to pull loads of over five times their own body weight across various distances. The Pull competitions are fun to watch and it's fascinating to see how powerful these horses really are. Will confirm details as Stampede finalizes and confirms the 2013 lineup.
   
Accommodations: Sandman Hotel and Suites Calgary South
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: The Big Four and the Calgary Stampede/Rodeo Event/Stampede Event
(Wednesday, July 10)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: PRESENTATION: Calgary and the Calgary Stampede. Introduction to the city of Calgary, highlighting the 'Big Four' founders of the world famous Calgary Stampede. American promoter and trick rider Guy Weadick launched the first rodeo and festival in 1912 in the hopes of establishing an event that more accurately represented the "wild west" than the shows he was a part of. Hear how he convinced several businessmen to put up $100,000 to guarantee funding for the event who came to be known as The Big Four. Over 100,000 people attended the first event in 1912. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the Stampede grounds.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: STAMPEDE EVENT: Rodeo. We will take in one of the rodeo events at the Calgary Stampede with reserved seating. Attend the Rodeo and watch the world's best rodeo athletes - both humans and livestock. Your reserved seat gives you a great view of this major Stampede event. Thrill to the contest between cowboy and stock and see which one comes out on top! There will be additional time before dinner to further explore the grounds and take in more of the activities that the Stampede has to offer.
 Dinner: Dinner at the Stampede grounds.
 Evening: STAMPEDE EVENT: Will confirm details as Stampede finalizes and confirms the 2013 lineup.
   
Accommodations: Sandman Hotel and Suites Calgary South
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Full Day at the Calgary Stampede/Indian Village/Chuckwagon Races & Grandstand Show
(Thursday, July 11)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Calgary Stampede. Enjoy a full day and evening at the Calgary Stampede, 'The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth'. We will have some scheduled activities and participants will have free time to explore the grounds. Aside from our scheduled events, there are lots of other exciting activities to choose from - see a working cow horse competition and rodeo events in the Northern Lights Arena, learn how the West was built with horsepower at Saddledome Lane or visit the Western Oasis and experience artistic excellence in photographs, bronzes, paintings, cooking demos, arts & crafts and western entertainment. We will provide a list of events.
 Lunch: Lunch on your own at the Stampede Grounds. There are many venues including The Cantina, Nashville North, Mavericks Dining Room and Lounge: Harvest Room Cafe and The Range.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Indian Village. Learn about the history of the Treaty 7 First Nations historic partnership with the Calgary Stampede. A major part of the Calgary Stampede since its inception in 1912, the Indian Village provides the opportunity for visitors to experience the First Nations traditions and culture first hand. Knowledgeable Native interpreters will guide you through the village to demonstrate the heritage and culture of the Treaty 7 natives.
 Dinner: Farewell dinner on the grounds of the Calgary Stampede.
 Evening: STAMPEDE EVENT: Chuckwagon Races and Grandstand Show. Your farewell evening begins with the exciting Rangeland Derby and the thundering Chuckwagon Races. The pounding of hooves and trembling of the ground marks the beginning of the world's premier chuckwagon event. Witness all the heart-stopping action as the teams vie for over $1.15 million in prize money! During the Stampede, the races start nightly at 8 pm. Then finish the night with a real blast at the Grandstand Show where it's all about heat, horses and hoof beats. It promises gravity defying sights at dizzying heights and combines equine magnificence, whimsical dreamscapes and spontaneous bursts of pyrotechnic energy. This extravaganza blends music, dancing, singing and spectacle into a remarkable production that is sure to create an unforgettable experience. The climax of the evening is the explosive, award-winning fireworks finale. The show is a blazing ball of energy featuring popular artists, fantastic acrobats and amazing scenes. The Young Canadians of the Calgary Stampede are joined by a world-class line-up of performers that will awe you, inspire you and energize you.
   
Accommodations: Sandman Hotel and Suites Calgary South
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: Independent departures
(Friday, July 12)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel is at 7:30 am.
 Morning: Independent departures from the Calgary hotel after breakfast. Hotel check out is 11:00 am.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Banff, Alberta Banff Hot Springs
All the amenities of a modern facility are featured in this splendid, historic spa and bath house – against a backdrop of spectacular alpine scenery. Luxuriate in the comfort of soothing hot water where travelers have come to “take the waters” for more than a century. For additional information, visit www.canadianrockies.net/hotpools.html
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Moon Handbook Canadian Rockies


Author: Andrew Hempstead


Description: Canada resident and avid outdoorsman Andrew Hempstead knows the best way to experience the Canadian Rockies, from rafting on the Bow River and hiking Lake O'Hara to staying in a remote log cabin. Packed with information on dining, transportation, and accommodations, Moon Canadian Rockies has lots of options for a range of travel budgets. With must-see sights, maps, aadvice on planning and itineraries -- and an essential dose of humor.



A Traveller's History of Canada


Author: Robert Bothwell


Description: An admirably concise march through Canadian history by Robert Bothwell, who has also written "Canada and Quebec: One Country, Two Histories." Compact, easy-to-read and covering from prehistoric times to today, it's a useful introduction to the country, designed specifically for travelers.



Switchbacks, True Stories from the Canadian Rockies


Author: Sid Marty


Description: A native Albertan and park warden in the Canadian Rockies, Marty relates colorful anecdotes from friends, colleagues and his own youth in this collection of tales, which includes A Horse Named Candy.





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