Explore this western gem by foot, car or bicycle some of its celebrated 460 kilometres of continuous trails. Art galleries, top-notch museums, theatre, street festivals and the Calgary Stampede – which has been named the “Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” are just some of the attractions that draw travelers back year after year. During the stampede, cowboys compete in chuckwagon races and guests can enjoy midway games, a casino and street entertainment!

Established in 1883 as Canada’s first National Park, Banff’s scenery will continually leave you breathless.

With its picturesque setting amidst the Bow River, Mt. Rundle and Cascade Mountain, it’s no wonder why Banff attracts numerous visitors from around the world during the summer. Spring and fall are also great times to visit the Rockies with cool crisp air and warm days as seasonal characteristics.

An easy 11/2 hour drive from Calgary, the town of Banff offers you many different diversions. Hiking is a mainstay with over 80 trails ranging from easy walks to technical mountaineering routes. Mountain bikes are readily available to rent if you prefer to cycle. For those looking for a new kind of adventure, Warner’s Holiday on Horseback or Canadian Mountain Holidays heli-hiking will have you returning year after year. See page 24 for more Rocky Mountain Adventure Holidays.

You’re going to want to tell everyone that you’ve been to the most beautiful place on earth! The actual lake is 200 metres above the valley floor, reflecting the impressive Mount Victoria in its calm sparkling waters. The hamlet of Lake Louise is very accessible to Banff, but has plenty of local attractions. One hour to full day horseback riding outings depart daily in the summer months, while half or full day whitewater rafting trips operate nearby on the Kicking Horse River. From Lake Louise, you’re an easy drive away from Moraine Lake and Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park, two of the most photographed lakes in the world. Trails in the region attract hikers from around the world.

A sprawling tumble of parkland, historical charmers and streets full of art and theatre earned Edmonton the title of Canada’s “festival city”. Located in Edmonton is the enormous West Edmonton Mall, a complex of 800 shops & services, 110 eating establishments, the Fantasyland Hotel, a spa and casino. In July, goldrush celebrations take place across the city celebrating the vibrant Klondike Era of the 1890’s with races, a parade and tons of entertainment!

Within Jasper National Park, you’re as likely to encounter wildlife as you are another person. The park is a stunning retreat that encloses 10,900 km2 of varied landscapes: icefields, forests, mountain peaks, alpine meadows, glacial lakes, rivers and hot springs. For those who choose to combine Jasper and the Banff and Lake Louise areas, the Icefields Parkway is among the most spectacular mountain roads ever built with its constantly changing mountain views and over 100 different glaciers to photograph along the way. Jasper is well known by outdoor enthusiasts for kayaking, hiking, golfing, swimming and horseback riding. Guided whitewater rafting tours run down the Athabasca River, or try a trip in a voyageur canoe.

Discover Central Alberta’s rich bounty of home-grown treasures in the creases of land, where their foothills tumble into smooth rolls of ranchland. Alberta’s agriculture is one of the most diverse of any comparable geographic area on Earth. View it from your car window or the saddle of a horse, a steam locomotive, a bike or canoe. Poke around unusual museums, or pull up a seat at a small-town rodeo.

Pull up history and stare at it face to face. After the ice scraped away the land and the wind stopped swirling, what was left is what you see. Brilliantly coloured badlands steepled with coulees and flat-hatted hoodoos that, for millions of years, tucked away dinosaur beds. Mysterious rock carvings, buffalo jumps, historic forts, spectacular canyons, unique museums and drop-dead sunsets are just some of the wonders you will experience.

"The most spectacular Train Trip in the World", rated as one of the top rail trips in the world. With Destinations Canada you can start in either Vancouver or Calgary, our 3-night railway adventure is offered in both Red and Gold Leaf service.

You experience a railway journey of a life- time, you have assigned seating, a selection of breakfasts and lunches served onboard each day, transfers to your hotel, and your accommodation. Your knowledgeable onboard attendant provides commentary and information as mountains, rivers, and vistas slowly pass.

Gold Leaf Service is truly first class, you sit on the top dome level offering 360 views, your gourmet dinning takes place takes place on the lower level, and you can venture to the outside veranda section to breath in the fresh mountain air. While in Kamloops you stay in your upgraded hotel and enjoy a night’s entertainment (at a reduced cost) and meal at the Two River Junction Dinner and Musical Review. This popular evening sell out most times so we suggest you book it when choosing your trip.

Ask about extra nights in either Vancouver or Calgary before or after your rail voyage.