Canadian Heartland
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11 DAY CANADIAN HEARTLAND: EXPLORING ALBERTA, SASKATCHEWAN & MANITOBA

CODE
CHEB
STARTING FROM
$3,980 USD
PLACES VISITED
Calgary, Drumheller, Medicine Hat, Saskatoon, Regina,...
TRIP DESCRIPTION
Steeped in history and rich with Indigenous culture, where the wide-open prairie meets vibrant cities. Travel through Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba on this one-of-a-kind tour as you feel the pulse of the Canadian Heartland on this ultimate cultural experience.
Start Location: Calgary End Location: Winnipeg
TOP HIGHLIGHTS
  • Heart of the Canadian Prairies - Tours in Calgary, Saskatoon, Regina, and Winnipeg
  • Studio Bell National Music Centre and Heritage Park Historical Village
  • Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology and Dinosaur Provincial Park
  • Medalta Pottery and Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre
  • Batoche National Historic Site and Wanuskewin Heritage Park, Métis Settlements
  • Tunnels of Moose Jaw
  • RCMP Heritage Centre and Depot Academy
  • Canadian Museum of Human Rights
  • Forks National Historic Site
DOWNLOAD BROCHURE
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive in Calgary, AB

Welcome to Calgary, a cosmopolitan city rooted in cowboy history and more recently the heart of Canada’s oil industry. With two rivers, the Bow and the Elbow running through the centre of the city, Calgary is an active community where the great outdoors and urban living collide.
Overnight: Calgary
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Calgary, AB

Today we embark on a tour of Calgary and discover the history, arts and culture that define the city. Explore unique communities including Eau Claire, Kensington and Inglewood, named the best neighbourhood in Canada in 2014. We spend time at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre of Canada, which honours and preserves Canadian Music’s diverse history through interactive exhibits and displays showcasing all musical genres. This afternoon we step back in time at Heritage Park Historical Village, Canada’s largest living history museum. Explore nearly a century of Alberta’s history from the fur traders and first nation way of life in 1860 to a more modern time of the 1950s. From the antique midway, the steam train and Gasoline Alley, showcasing one of the largest collections of antique cars in Canada, there is something for everyone at Heritage Park.
Overnight: Calgary
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: Calgary – Drumheller, AB

Travelling north east of Calgary, we soon arrive in Drumheller, Alberta. Located in the Badlands of the Red Deer Valley, Drumheller was once a booming Coal town with over 100 active coal mines in the region. Now, it is best known as the home of the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology. Before arriving at Drumheller, we will make a stop at the Horseshoe Canyon viewpoint. Stand on the edge of this huge u-shaped canyon and survey the beauty and mystery of the badlands. The two arms of the canyon extend approximately 5 km each and the platforms at the top provide amazing vistas for picture-perfect photos. After taking in the view, we will make our way to the Royal Tyrrell Museum. Royal Tyrrell Museum was named after, Joseph Burr Tyrrell, a geologist who accidentally unearthed the first dinosaur fossil in the Red Deer Valley in 1884 while searching for coal seams. Royal Tyrrell opened in 1985 and is a world-renowned museum boasting over 130 000 fossils and one of the most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex (T-Rex) skeletons in the world.
Overnight: Drumheller
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Drumheller – Medicine Hat, AB

As we depart Drumheller, we will make a stop to take in the spectacular views as we drive through the iconic Hoodoos and shape the landscape of the Badlands. Explore the outstanding landscapes, prairies and sights of southeastern Alberta. Our exploration of the Badlands will continue as we make our way to the Atlas Coal Mine on an underground experience. Here we join an Atlas interpreter on a journey exploring the Atlas’ underground and upper site spaces. This tour will take us on a 75-minute hike up the valley wall and through some of the site’s most unique (and darkest) spaces, as well as some of the best viewpoints in the Drumheller Valley. The tour involves enclosed spaces, heights and many rough steps cut into the valley wall. Guests are provided with hard hats and lamps to wear.This afternoon we will spend some time in Dinosaur Provincial Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in the Red Deer River valley, and has become famous for its striking badlands topography, and abundance of dinosaur fossils.
Overnight: Medicine Hat
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5: Medicine Hat, AB

Often described as an oasis in the midst of the prairies, the historic city of Medicine Hat has a vibrant art and cultural scene and a down-home atmosphere. Tour the Historic Clay District – the Medalta pottery made here was shipped around the world and partake in a Progressive Cafe tour, highlighting places favoured by the locals. Visit the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre. A marvel of contemporary Canadian architecture on traditional Blackfoot territory, just steps from the South Saskatchewan River, the Esplanade occupies an eminent position on downtown’s elegant First Street South. From its rooftop terrace, you can see Saamis, the shoreline escarpment which is the setting for the story of how Medicine Hat got its name.
Overnight: Medicine Hat
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: Medicine Hat, AB – Saskatoon, SK

This morning we depart Alberta as we start our ‘Prairie Day’ as we drive through the open landscape of the golden prairies as we cross from Alberta into the province of Saskatchewan known as Land of Living Skies. World’s top exporter of lentils and dry peas, and supplier of more than a third of the world’s total exported durum wheat, Saskatchewan is primarily known for its agriculture production, but also has significant oil reserves and is the world’s largest producer and exporter of potash. This afternoon we will arrive in Saskatoon, the largest city in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan. It was founded in 1883 as the proposed capital of a temperance colony, and its name was derived from Mis-sask-quah-toomina, a Cree word for a local edible red berry.
Overnight: Saskatoon
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7: Saskatoon, SK

This morning we travel a short distance north of Saskatoon to Wanuskewin Heritage Park, a place steeped in Indigenous history. Wanuskewin, which means Seeking Peace Together in Plains Cree, is an ancient site where nomadic tribes who roamed the Northern Plains came together to hunt, gather food, and shelter themselves from the frigid winters. Archaeological sites at Wanuskewin date back 6,400 years which make them older than the Egyptian Pyramids. Much of Wanuskewin has been unearthed and preserved, and continues to be discovered with active archaeological digs. A great deal remains undiscovered. We continue onto Batoche National Historic Site, originally a Métis settlement known for its role in the Northwest Resistance of 1885. The Northwest Resistance was a brief uprising by the Métis people, led by Louis Riel and ultimately ending in the definitive battle at the Siege of Batoche. Discover the story of this important moment in Canadian history at Batoche, where bullet holes from that fateful battle can still be seen today. Travelling back into Saskatoon, we discover the inspiration for the city name, the Saskatoon Berry at a local berry farm. Saskatoon berries are grown primarily in Western Canada and northwestern regions of the United States. A sweet, dry berry, now used locally for baking and preserves, was once used by Indigenous Peoples to make pemmican, historically, a staple of their diet. Our day ends with a peaceful dinner cruise on the South Saskatchewan River, under the lights of downtown Saskatoon.
Overnight: Saskatoon
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Saskatoon – Regina, SK

Departing Saskatoon this morning we travel south to Moose Jaw, a small city with a big history. Moose Jaw, home of a Canadian Forces Base and of the world-renowned Snowbirds, an Air Force aerobatic flight team. The city is also famous for the Tunnels of Moose Jaw, prohibition-era tunnels allegedly used by Al Capone himself between Chicago and Moose Jaw, which we explore on a guided tour. Regina, the capital city of Saskatchewan, is home of Saskatchewan’s government. The area was originally known as oskana ka-asastēki, Where The Bones Are Piled (or Pile of Bones) in Plains Cree, before being renamed Regina, Latin for ‘Queen’ in 1882 to honour Queen Victoria.
Overnight: Regina
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9: Regina, SK

We explore Regina on a city tour featuring the Saskatchewan Legislative Building, Government house, and the Wascana Centre. Wascana Centre is one of the largest urban parks in North America, more than double the size of Central Park in New York City. It honours the original city name and has become an important community space for Regina residents. Our tour of Regina ends at the RCMP Heritage Centre and RCMP Academy, “Depot” Division, the home of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). RCMP members have trained here since 1885 and today, this remains the only RCMP training academy in Canada.
Overnight: Regina
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Regina – Winnipeg, MB

Continuing across the Canadian heartland, we leave Saskatchewan behind and enter our third province on our journey east, Manitoba. Manitoba’s landscape of lakes and rivers, boreal forests, and prairies, stretches from the northern Arctic tundra and Hudson Bay to the rich southern farmlands.Upon arrival inro Winnipeg, you will have some free time, we suggest you visit on your own, the award-winning Manitoba Museum, renowned for the vivid portrayal of Manitoba's rich and diverse history, Planetarium shows, and Science Gallery exhibits.
Overnight: Winnipeg
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11: Winnipeg, MB

Today we will explore the highlights of Winnipeg today including the Forks National Historic Site, the Exchange District, St. Boniface and the French Quarter, and finally, the Royal Canadian Mint. We will visit the iconic Canadian Museum of Human Rights, the only museum entirely devoted to human rights for humanity. From the breathtaking architecture to the moving stories and captivating exhibitions and programs, every part of the Museum offers a unique encounter as you experience human rights stories from Canada and around the world. If there is some free time in the afternoon, we suggest you visit on your own, the award-winning Manitoba Museum, renowned for the vivid portrayal of Manitoba's rich and diverse history, Planetarium shows, and Science Gallery exhibits.
Overnight: Winnipeg
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12: Departure Winnipeg, MB

Following breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow travellers as you begin your return journey.
Meals: Breakfast
DATES & PRICES
We accept
AVAILABILITY
START DATE
END DATE
PRICE
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
DEPOSIT
BOOK
AVAILABLE
Thu, 01 Aug 2024
Sun, 11 Aug 2024
$3,980 USD
$1,010 USD
$500 USD
(Price does not include 5% tax)

Note: Arrival and departure flights can be booked for any time on first and last day of the tour.

Applicable taxes vary depending on travel destination and are not included. Please ask your sales agent what extra taxes will be payable for your tour.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
  • Roundtrip airport transfers in Calgary
  • Professional Tour Leader
  • Transportation on comfortable motorcoach
  • 11 meals: 7 breakfasts, 4 dinners
  • 7 nights of accommodation (3.5 - 4 star Or Best Available)
EXCLUSIONS
  • 5% provincial tax on top of tour base rate
  • Gratuities to driver (Recommend $3-$4 per person per day)
  • Gratuities to guide (Recommend $5-$7 per person per day)
  • Meals not listed
  • Attractions not listed
  • Credit card payment fees, where applicable
  • Airfare — domestic and international (Unless Specified)
  • Travel insurance (Strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
  • Items of a personal nature

Why Take An Anderson Tour?

Seasoned Tour Guides Get a deeper understanding with storytelling tailored to your interests.
Space To Breathe We never max out buses even if we use the same size bus as the competition.
All Inclusive No hidden expenses along the way. Competitors offer activities as an extra - we don't

ACTA
Our guide training manual is accredited by ACTA/CITC Canadian Educational Standard Inc. Now used as the standard in educational college programs.
Can't find what you're looking for? Our specialists can take away the stress and create a custom trip tailored to your exact interests and budget.
Get A Custom Quote
OR CALL 1.866.814.7378
Custom Trip Plans You can see what you want, when you want, how you want.
Unique Experiences Experiences that help you take in the region in a different way.
Freedom To Explore Time to take in each place with only the tours you want to do.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Tour Questions

What is the maximum number of travellers in a group?

Anderson Vacations specializes in Small Group Fully Escorted tours. If the tour is classified as a ‘Classic Tour’ up to 24 persons may join the tour although tours commonly travel with anywhere between 18 to 24 travellers. If the tour is classified as a 'Tour of Distinction’ only up to 18 persons may join the tour and many 'Tours of Distinction' travel with 12 to 18 travellers.

What are Guaranteed Departures?

After dreaming about travel to an exciting destination, arranging for time off work, booking your flights the last thing you need is for your trip to be cancelled. Anderson vacation's pre-Guaranteed tours take the uncertainty away from planning your travel and give you peace of mind to book our tours. Pre-Guaranteed Tours are group tours that we have already confirmed as certain to travel on the specified date. All 'Guaranteed Tours' will travel except in the event of a natural disaster or a catastrophic event that is beyond our control. They may already have the minimum number of people booked or else are tours that are known to be popular. Only select departures of tours are 'pre-Guaranteed'.

What happens if I book on a tour that is not Guaranteed?

We pride ourselves on providing “a small shared group experience.” In the event that we have fewer than ten participants on a tour we will offer a “small-group surcharge” to ensure that the tour runs as scheduled. This fee, which is up to 15% of the “land” portion of the tour, will be offered to you as an option to continue with the trip. This fee will cover the costs associated with handling a smaller group.

What is the average age of passengers for this tour?

Our tours are suitable for all age demographics. The average age of travelers is typically 45+.

How physically demanding is this tour? Are you able to accommodate people with mobility restrictions/limitations?

Some tours are mainly coach based and may not be physically demanding while others may require walking inclines or on rough surfaces to access interesting locations. Please check with us and your booking agent carefully and discuss your mobility restrictions before completing any tour booking to ensure this style of travel is right for you.

Can you accommodate passengers with dietary restrictions (food allergies, vegan, vegetarian etc.)?

Yes, we do accommodate dietary restrictions (within reason) such as, food allergies, vegan, vegetarian, etc. There are many meals included on our fully escorted tours. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking so we can ensure there are alternative meal choices.
Booking & Flight Questions

Do you arrange airport transfers?

Yes, we can assist you with airport transfers for you in most locations at a reasonable extra cost. Several tours have airport transfers already included. Please contact us for more details.

Can you assist with booking additional accommodation?

Yes, we can certainly assist with booking additional nights of hotel accommodation for you before and after your fully escorted tour. This is available upon request and subject to availability. Please inquire for further information and prices.

How much luggage should I bring?

Each passenger may bring one large suitcase and one carry-on bag. The weight limit for baggage is 20 kilograms or about 40 pounds. Baggage handling is provided at the hotels in our tour packages but there may be places where you will be required to wheel in your bags for quicker access. Be sure to advise our reservations staff if you will be bringing additional items such as a cane, walker, or wheelchair. You may also bring one small soft-sided carry-on bag, which should easily fit into the overhead shelf of a coach. Each person is responsible for his/her own carryon luggage. Remember to check your airline baggage restrictions if you are flying, as they may differ from Anderson Vacations guidelines.

I am a solo traveller. Is there a single surcharge?

There are options for single travelers to join most tours. Solo travellers can choose to pay a Single Supplement and have their own room throughout the tour. For those willing to share with a co-traveller of the same gender, we have a Twin Share option that is offered for most tours where you share a hotel room with another same gender traveller. In this case, you will not be charged for Single Supplement.

Is it possible to book a triple share accommodation?

Yes, it is possible to book triple share accommodations on select trips. Please inquire or contact us regarding this option, as prices and availability vary from tour to tour.

Can we book this tour with our exclusive group?

Yes, you can! Anderson Vacations works with many private groups and helps to customize a tour to traveller’s needs. Please contact us for more details.

Are gratuities included in the tour cost?

For convenience, gratuities for local guides and meals that are specified in the itinerary are included in the tour price. For meals not included in your tour package please remember that it is customary to tip your server 10-20% in North America. Gratuities for your Coach Driver (where appropriate) and Tour Director are entirely at your discretion. We recommend about CDN $5.00 per person, per day, for your Driver and CDN$7.00 per person, per day for your Tour Leader.

TOURS YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Ready? Have More Questions? Over 25 years offering custom trips and small group tours.
INQUIRE ABOUT THIS TRIP
OR CALL 1.866.814.7378
Seasoned Tour Guides Get a deeper understanding with storytelling tailored to your interests.
Space To Breathe We never max out buses even if we use the same size bus as the competition.
All Inclusive No hidden expenses along the way. Competitors offer activities as an extra - we don't
CLASSIC TOURS

The style our travellers have enjoyed for over 20 years, these tours feature inclusive itineraries to popular destinations including the 'must see' sites and attractions. Led by an expert Tour Leader, you will enjoy comfortable accommodation, and coach transport throughout the journey.

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TOURS OF DISTINCTION

These tours are defined by their incomparably unique itineraries, featuring 'off the beaten path' destinations and immersive experiences. An intimate group size allows us to stay in smaller, centrally located, unique and boutique style inns, lodges and hotels, utilize traditional local transportation and dive deep into each destination's local culture and traditions.

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INDEPENDENT TRAVEL

These travel experiences are fully customizable to better fit your needs. Every itinerary is created based on your comfort level, accommodation choices, and personal interests. Whether you are looking for a rail adventure, self drive holiday, unique experiences, or a short city stay our team will work with you on combining accommodation, transportation, and activities based on your preferences to create the perfect itinerary for you.

Click Icon to Read More.
INDEPENDENT TRIPS

These travel experiences are fully customizable to better fit your needs. Every itinerary is created based on your comfort level, accommodation choices, and personal interests. Whether you are looking for a rail adventure, self drive holiday, unique experiences, or a short city stay our team will work with you on combining accommodation, transportation, and activities based on your preferences to create the perfect itinerary for you.

Click Icon to Read More.