Tour #4: Equestrians & Cowboys

A special events blockbuster, this journey takes you from the world class show jumping venue at Spruce Meadows to horseback riding in and around Western Canada’s magnificent Rocky Mountains and back to Calgary for the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” the Calgary Stampede!!

Day 1 & 2 Spruce Meadows, Calgary

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a warm welcome to Calgary. Then, it’s off to Spruce Meadows to see ‘The North American’ show jumping event. Strength, power, beauty and the athletic talent of these prestigious horse and rider combinations will take your breath away. You’ll join the excitement as they negotiate the challenging obstacles on course … and tomorrow you’ll return for more thrilling competition on the final day of this annual event. Only one team of horse and rider will be crowned North American champion. Share in the fun filled Western theme that is showcased throughout this competition at ‘Fort Meadows’.

Back at your hotel, you’ll find yourself in close proximity to many interesting shops and restaurants. Meandering your way through the outdoor mall you might find yourself at a lovely city park. Follow the green belt along the river towards the fringed outline of the Rocky Mountains in the distance. Maybe you’ll stop for a delightful dining experience at a riverside café!

Day 3 Calgary to Fernie

Time to hit the cowboy trail! On your way to the Rocky Mountains, a wagon ride will lull you back to a time when businessmen, cattle, natives, princes, Percherons and cowboys were all a part of this historic ranch. In 1891 a horse breaker named Harry Longabaugh was working here. He was also a member of the infamous Wild Bunch.
Come find out who he was.

Tonight, set above the shores of a picturesque mountain lake, in the middle of 7,000
acres of unspoiled forest, bordered by majestic peaks, your ‘Bunkhouse’ awaits.

Day 4 Fernie

Saddle-up and ride in the rugged Rocky Mountains! For the next two days, you will be surrounded by exquisite scenery. Perhaps a cow moose and her calf will be grazing in the meadows as you watch on, or maybe you’ll see a giant grizzly foraging for food on the mountainside beyond.

After your day in the saddle, kick back and take a relaxing soak in the hot tub or enjoy a massage. You might want to take a leisurely walk among the ancient cedars and firs or paddle effortlessly on the midnight blue waters of the lake.
Chow down on a gourmet meal and soon you’ll be ready to ‘hit the hay’!

Day 5 Fernie to Crowsnest Pass

Spend another glorious day riding western style out on the trail. Your surefooted mount will transport you safely across crystal clear streams and along rocky mountain trails.

Enjoy a hearty picnic in the fresh alpine air before making your way back towards camp. Like any cowboy after a day out on the range, you'll spend diner eat'in and sing'in beneath the starry skies above. When it's time to turn in, a soft bed awaits you in your surprisingly well appointed wall tent.

Plenty of fresh air, good fare and a soft bed ... nothing's too good for a cowboy!!

Day 6 Crowsnest Pass to Waterton Lakes National Park

You’re packing up and hitting the trail again. Today you will visit one of the largest collections of horse-drawn vehicles in North America. There are over 200 classic carriages, wagons and sleighs to see! A working restoration shop lets you observe the work in progress.

As you continue to roll along you’ll encounter one of the world’s most significant natural areas. Spectacular topography, glacier cloaked peaks and a unique diversity of wildlife grace this world heritage site, a one of a kind International Peace Park.

As evening sets in, revel in nature’s splendor. You’ll experience the majesty of the towering peaks that surround you as you cruise the magenta waters of the deepest lake in the Canadian Rockies.

‘Day is done, gone the sun’

Day 7 Waterton Lakes National Park

Back in the saddle again, you’ll spend your day riding the range with expert cowboys. This 15,000 acre working horse and cattle ranch was homesteaded in 1898 and is still operated by the same family. Riding past trembling Aspens, Cottonwoods and rolling hills carpeted in flowers you’ll arrive at a splendid waterfall. There’s time to nourish the body as well as the soul. Savor the soothing sounds of nature as you enjoy a picnic here.

Invigorated and ready to kick up your heels, it’s time to head out to the local barn dance. Live music, western style dance lessons and friendly down-home folks are all part of the evening fun.

Day 8 Waterton Park to Calgary

It’s time to head to the world famous Calgary Stampede. You should arrive in Calgary in time for lunch. It’s your chance to try the local delicacy- ‘prairie oysters’.

This afternoon you’ll have time to explore the fairgrounds, and tonight your seats are reserved for “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth”. Watch with bated breath as thundering Chuck wagons rip-roar around the race track to the finish line. Delight in the parade of performers as they sing and dance for your entertainment.

As the eventful evening draws to a close, a dazzling display illuminates the night sky. It’s time to ‘turn in’.

Day 9 Calgary

A leisurely morning, relax or buy ‘that’ special gift. Then it’s off to the Rodeo. You’ll have reserved tickets for the final afternoon of thrilling competition. Bucking broncs, leaping bulls, flying cowboys and lassoes like lightning are all part of the action.

Dinner is back at The Ranche. Delicious fare and then a bitter sweet farewell, because tomorrow it’s time to pack-up your ‘bed roll’ to head back to the ‘Old Corral’ … until we meet again …

WE HOPE YOUR JOURNEY WAS A REAL ‘BARN BURNER’!

Next...Tour #5: Mountains of Flora and Fauna