Tour #7: Spruce Meadows Master Special

As the tour title implies, this journey will take you to Spruce Meadows to see the ‘Masters’, an esteemed international show jumping event. The posh 300 acre facility located on the outskirts of Calgary draws more than 300,000 spectators every year. Televised coverage of the exciting show jumping action from this highly acclaimed facility reaches over 700 million people in 70 countries.

From your reserved seat you’ll join in the excitement as the most celebrated equestrians and their mounts fly over the challenging obstacles. Many of the countries that compete here are represented on course by fences displaying their national colors. When the last rider has gone and the winner is proclaimed, it’ll be time to experience more of what the west has to offer. Look forward to riding in and around the majesty of the Rocky Mountains with real ‘cowboys’, who call this place home.

Day 1 Calgary to Fernie

Rolling along the highway, while the peaks of the Rockies are still on the western horizon, you’ll come upon a historic ranch. Businessmen, cattle, natives, princes, Percherons, polo ponies and cowboys were all part of the colorful history that made this ranch one of the most famous in its time.

It now serves as a commemoration to the ranching industry’s contribution to the development of Canada. From a horse-drawn wagon, your guide tells you rarely told stories about Canada’s Wild West. In 1891, a very famous outlaw worked here. Come find out who it was!

Before the afternoon draws to an end, you’ll have driven over the continental divide to the ‘Best Little Town in BC’, Fernie. You’ll stay here, in the heart of the Rocky Mountains at the foot of the Lizard Range. At the Lodge, make yourself at home and treat yourself to gourmet delights.

Day 2 Fernie / Crowsnest Pass

Today you will ride in the Rockies! Drive past sparkling little kettle lakes into the Crowsnest Pass. Just a little further along, you’ll find your trusty mount tied to a hitching post. Today, you will be surrounded by exquisite scenery as you ride western-style along the trail. While onboard your surefooted mount, you might catch a glimpse of a Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep magically bounding up a steep cliff side. Perhaps a cow moose and a 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.

This evening indulge yourself. Maybe a soak in the hot tub or a massage is in order.

Day 3 Fernie / South Country

The first rays of the morning sun cast a cheery light on majestic peaks. Watch as the valley slowly fills with its glow. Saddle-up and spend another relaxing day in the mountains. Revel in the beauty that surrounds you.

When you return, enjoy the comfort of the Lodge. Perhaps you’ll choose to sip wine on the outdoor patio and gaze up at the ski runs of Fernie Alpine Resort. You might even want to explore the quaint little town of Fernie.

Day 4 Fernie / Waterton Park

Now its time to ‘pull up stakes’ and head out on the Great Prairie to Cardston, home of one of the largest collections of horse-drawn vehicles in North America. Considered one of the finest of its kind, this collection has over 200 carriages, wagons and sleighs. Find out about the people who owned and rode in these magnificent vehicles. See craftsmen working in the restoration shop, bringing these relics of another era back to life.

Heading towards the lowering sun, the Rocky Mountains appear like a spine on the horizon. When you reach the park, their mammoth facades will dominate the landscape once again. You’ll then board a boat for a scenic cruise on the spectacular Waterton Lake which straddles the Canadian borders. You’ll be glad you brought your camera. The views are awesome!

Back on dry land, you’ll have time to explore the village. Take a leisurely walk up to the historic Prince Of Wales Hotel. The setting is surreal!

Day 5 Waterton Lakes National Park

Down the road and around the corner, your surefooted ‘cow-pony’ is ready and waiting to carry you around this 15,000 acre working ranch. It was homesteaded over a century ago and it remains ‘in the family’. Ride past groves of flagellating aspen trees and gnarly cottonwoods until you come to an uplifting site. Where cold crystalline waters cascade magically from an unseen source, you’ll find an excellent place to stop for a picnic.

After riding over hill’n dale, it is time to get on down to a Great Canadian Barn Dance and experience good old-fashioned fun, with a real down-home and friendly bunch. The music will keep you hop’in!

Day 6 Waterton Park to Calgary

Pack up your ‘bed-roll’ and hit the home trail. Birds of prey soar over the mighty plains, as you continue to journey towards Calgary. You will arrive in ‘Cow town’ just in time for lunch, so chow down with Buzzards of another sort. Try a plate of the local delicacy - Prairie Oysters.

This afternoon, you’ll have time to look around the neighborhood, walk over to the Glenbow Museum or stroll through the Devonian Gardens.

Meandering your way along the walkways you might find yourself at a lovely city park. Follow the greenbelt, 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 7 & 8 Spruce Meadows, Calgary

Start the day with a hearty western welcome and then you’re on your way to the site of thrilling international competition that highlights skillful riders and their keen, athletic mounts. The excitement builds as each competitor negotiates the challenges put before them. Who will take the prize and hoist the winner’s cup? Come see it Live!!

In the International Plaza, aromas coming from kiosks offering tasty ethnic specialties are tempting. The Equi-fair showcases over 300 exhibits with a wide variety of horse breeds and the latest product innovations in the industry. You’ll be hard pressed to come away empty handed from this wonderful array of ‘horsey items’. Return tomorrow to see more ‘edge-of-your-seat’ action and take more time to browse around this impressive venue.

Back at your hotel, you’ll find yourself in close proximity to many interesting shops and restaurants.

Dinner at the Ranche serves up some ‘mighty fine vittles’ and the perfect atmosphere to reminisce with new friends about the wonderful sights and adventures experienced on your journey.

‘Y’all come back now, y’ hear!’

Next...Tour #8: Beautiful Places...A Season Finale