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From the Calgary Stampede Rodeo to Banff Trail Riders
This unforgettable Canadian adventure begins in Calgary, where you’ll spend three nights experiencing the excitement of the world-famous Calgary Stampede — “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.” Enjoy thrilling rodeo events, heart-pounding Chuckwagon races, and a dazzling Grandstand Show, complete with exclusive souvenirs and a sky ride over Stampede Park. From there, travel into the heart of the Rockies to the charming mountain town of Banff for three nights of breathtaking scenery and outdoor exploration. Ride the Banff Gondola, relax in the natural hot springs, and marvel at the turquoise beauty of Lake Louise. Your journey continues deep into Banff National Park on a four-day horseback trail ride along the historic Erling Strom Trail, staying in cozy backcountry lodges and embracing the serenity of the wilderness. After returning to Banff for one final night, you’ll depart for Calgary — or choose to extend your adventure into Jasper, Waterton Lakes, or the dramatic Badlands of Drumheller.
To include the rodeo you must travel in July when its only on for a 10 day period. The Banff Trail Riders operate all summer so we can amend this itinerary accordingly to suit you and get you out to the Rockies.
This itinerary is flexible and can be tailor-made to suit you; if you want to add extra days in any area, or extend the holiday to include more of Canada. Talk to one of our experts about how to make this holiday the perfect one for you.
The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth and that is no exaggeration.
The Calgary Stampede Rodeo!
July 3 to 12, 2026
July 9 to 18, 2027
The ten day Calgary Stampede extravaganza has yearly attendance numbers of well over a million and is one of the most popular rodeos in the world. A big attraction is the rodeo competitions for cumulative points throughout the event feature some of the best talent in North America vying for prize money in bareback, bull riding, ladies barrel racing, saddle bronco, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, wild pony racing and more.
Read our Calgary Stampede blog for more details
Mrs H- Travelled to BC & Alberta"Our holiday - it was fabulous!"
I have a job to put into words the way we felt about our holiday - it was fabulous! I suppose we were a little apprehensive about doing a fly-drive to a country we have never been to before, but everything had been worked out to the finest detail. It started with receiving the Itinerary received two week before our holiday, to the minute we arrived home. Our only problem was reminding each other which day we were up to!
Itinerary (10 Nights)
Here’s a day-by-day guide to your itinerary. Feel free to ask us to add other days or ideas and excursions by contacting us directly, so we can give you the best price.
Day 1
Arrive into Calgary on your flight from the UK. Transfer independently to your hotel. The...
Day 1
Calgary
Arrive into Calgary on your flight from the UK. Transfer independently to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure exploring the world class city of Calgary.
3 nights in Calgary.
Day 2-3
In the next two days you will experience the event most appropriately named “The Greatest...
Day 2-3
Calgary
In the next two days you will experience the event most appropriately named “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth”. Included are an afternoon ticket to a rodeo with gate admission, and an evening ticket to the Chuckwagon races and Grandstand show, with gate admission, as well as a sky ride over Stampede Park. To complete your experience of the Calgary Stampede, your holiday includes a Calgary Stampede Souvenir Program a Calgary Stampede cowboy hat and a Calgary Stampede tote bag.
Rodeo
On the afternoon of day 2 the best of the best saddle up for a 3 hour ground shaking showcase of world class rodeo action. There are Saddle Bronco and Bareback riding events followed by the most dangerous event of all – Bull Riding.
Rangeland Derby
On the evening of day 3, 9 heart-stopping Chuckwagon races explode in an all out dash for the finish line . Chuckwagon racing is an amazing contest of nerves and horsepower – a challenge that ignites thousands of fans.
Grandstand Show
Following the Rangeland Derby is the outdoor stage spectacular. For 2 hours, you will be dazzled by the lavishly produced and choreographed non-stop musical variety grandstand show.
Day 4-6
Day 4-6
Calgary
to
Banff
Today leave the city behind and either take a rental car or a shuttle transfer to the beautiful mountain town of Banff – just 1 hr 30 mins away.
Base yourself her for 3 nights and enjoy the scenery and tours available. Maybe head up Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain for outstanding views over the town and surrounding mountains, take a dip in the Banff Hot springs, or take a tour to see Banff’s wildlife or further afield to see Moraine Lake & the glorious Lake Louise.
3 nights Banff
Day 7-9
Banff Trail Riders
Today check in with Banff Trail Riders at the stables and get ready for your...
Day 7-9
Banff Trail Riders
Today check in with Banff Trail Riders at the stables and get ready for your 4 day/3 night trail ride into Banff National Park. You will leave the majority of your luggage with the hotel as you can only take what you need in your saddle bags. On this trip you will follow the Erling Strom Trail, a path forged through the dense Banff forests by renowned explorer Erling Strom in the early 1900s. With a backcountry expert to guide you, this horseback experience is a chance to learn about the history of early exploration in the region. With four days to wander and discover Canada’s oldest national park, you’ll have plenty of time to relax into the slow pace and peaceful quiet of life on the trail. All meals included.
3 nights (2 at Sundance Lodge and 1 at Halfway Lodge)
Banff Trail Riders also run a 6 day /5 night trail ride if you would like longer in the backcountry of Banff National Park. For those who would just like a taster of the riding experience they also offer shorter 1 or 2 night trail rides. Please ask us for details for your perfect holiday itinerary.
Day 11
Day 11
Banff
to
Calgary
This is your day of departure. Time to head back to Calgary Airport for your flight back to the UK.
Alternatively, why not extend your holiday and head further north in the Rockies along the stunning Icefields parkway to Jasper. Or maybe head into southern Alberta towards the beautiful Waterton Lakes National Park or the Badlands of Drumheller.
