Day 1
Arrive in Calgary
Fly to Calgary and pick up car rental. Explore downtown Calgary and check into your hotel.
Overnight: Sandman Hotel Calgary or similar
Upgrade: The Westley Calgary Downtown or similar
Day 2
Calgary
Today take in the sights of Calgary as you visit Calgary Tower - standing 191 metres above ground on the glass floor of the world’s highest 360-degree observation deck, you will enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline and Canadian Rocky Mountains. Come summer or winter, the WinSport Canada Olympic Park covers all seasons. Get your adrenaline pumping with mountain biking trails to a zipline and Skyline Luge, which at 1.8 km (5,905 ft), is the world’s longest track. Or perhaps see the Heritage Park Historical Village as it brings southern Alberta's pioneer past to life. A full village made up of historic buildings and artifacts that includes a bakery, stables and a working steam trail.
Overnight: Sandman Hotel Calgary or similar
Upgrade: The Westley Calgary Downtown or similar
Day 3
Calgary to Drumheller (88 miles)
The town of Drumheller lies in the heart of the Canadian Badlands, less than 2 hours from Calgary. The swirl of canyons, coulees and wind-scraped hoodoos that surround it was once a lush tropical paradise where dinosaurs roam. Explore a prehistoric world at the Royal Tyrrell Museum in the Canadian Badlands, the state-of-the-art galleries house one of the world's largest displays of dinosaur remains.
Explore the otherworldly landscape and topography and drive the Hoodoo Trail 16 km (10 mi) east of Drumheller to Alberta’s protected hoodoos site. Walk the short trail to get a closer look at the impressive eroded sandstone and limestone chimneys of rock.
Overnight: SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Drumheller or similar
Day 4
Drumheller to Thanksgiving Ranch, Pincher Creek (210 miles)
Escape to 3,000 acres of "luxurious isolation" where the prairies meet the Rocky Mountains, en-route visit the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, a UNESCO World Heritage site, this ancient cliff was used for 6,000 years by Indigenous Plains people to hunt bison. Its award-winning interpretive centre honours Blackfoot culture and sophisticated hunting history. After settling into your premium suite, shed the stresses of modern life with a stroll along Pincher Creek. As dusk falls, savour a chef-prepared dinner and dessert under the vast, sparkling canopy of the Alberta sky.
Overnight: Thanksgiving Ranch, Full board
Day 5
Thanksgiving Ranch, Pincher Creek
Awaken to a hearty ranch breakfast before your first 90-minute guided trail ride through golden meadows and aspen groves. After a fresh lunch, explore the nearby Castle Wildland Provincial Park or relax by the lodge fireplace. Cap off the evening with gourmet dining and the quiet comforts of ranch life.
Overnight: Thanksgiving Ranch, Full board
Day 6
Thanksgiving Ranch, Pincher Creek
Your final morning at the ranch begins with a final, scenic breakfast overlooking the foothills. Embrace the quiet of the mountains before heading to the stables for your second 90-minute horse riding session. With the skills you've honed, you’ll climb higher ridges to capture panoramic views of the Rocky Mountain peaks—a perfect final photo opportunity before checking out.
Overnight: Thanksgiving Ranch, Full board
Day 7
Thanksgiving Ranch, Pincher Creek to Waterton National Park (20 miles)
Following a farewell breakfast, depart this spectacular region. This 30-minute drives brings you to the hidden gem of Alberta and to the iconic Waterton Lakes National Park. A small but mighty park nestled between the Canadian Rockies with the magnificent backdrop of Waterton Lake during your stay. Explore this charming village and indulge in an afternoon tea at the grand Prince of Wales Hotel, perched on a hilltop you’ll see its panoramic views of Waterton Lake, time it well and marvel at its spectacular sunset whilst you dine.
Overnight: Waterton Lakes Lodge Resort or similar
Upgrade: Prince of Wales Hotel
Day 8
Waterton
Enjoy a full day exploring the park as you seek its adventurous hiking trails and be rewarded with unbelievable mountain vistas, thundering Cameron Falls and rainbow coloured streams. Perhaps take to the waters and canoe on the Waterton Lake and view the scenery from an unprecedented angle.
Overnight: Waterton Lakes Lodge Resort or similar
Upgrade: Prince of Wales Hotel
Day 9
Waterton to Radium Hot Springs (235 miles)
The journey from Waterton Lakes to Radium Hot Springs is a breath taking transition through the high passes of the Continental Divide. You’ll traverse the Crowsnest Highway, passing the haunting limestone debris of Frank Slide before stopping in the mountain town of Fernie for local flavour. Heading north through the Kootenay Valley, the landscape reveals the historic Fort Steele and the towering sandstone hoodoos of Fairmont. The adventure culminates as you wind through Sinclair Canyon to soak in Radium’s mineral waters.
Overnight: Prestige Radium Hot Springs Resort or similar
Day 10 - Day 11
Radium Hot Springs to Banff (85 miles)
Leaving Radium, you’ll wind through Kootenay National Park’s dramatic Sinclair Canyon. Follow Highway 93 North as the landscape transforms into towering peaks and turquoise rivers. Stop at Marble Canyon’s deep limestone chasms before crossing the Continental Divide, where the jagged silhouettes of the Bow Valley guide you into iconic Banff. Make sure you ride the Banff gondola for panoramic views and soaking in the Upper Hot Springs. On day two, head to the world-famous Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Finish your evenings exploring the vibrant downtown for world-class dining and shopping.
Overnight: Buffalo Mountain Lodge or similar
Day 11
Banff to Calgary (54 miles)
Depart from Banff as your holiday in the Prairies come to an end, drop your hire car off at Calgary airport and fly home.
