12 DAY ALBERTA LANDSCAPE AND CULTURAL DISCOVERY
CODE
ALCD
STARTING FROM
$4,090 USD
PLACES VISITED
Calgary, Waterton, Elkwater, Medicine Hat, Drumheller,...
ALBERTA TOUR
Rolling foothills, intimidating mountains, pre-historic hoodos, emerald lakes and world-renowned resorts, Alberta is home to a vast, changing landscape and an array of adventure activities. This tour explores very diverse scenery, from the majestic snow-capped mountains of the Canadian Rockies to the prairie lands of Alberta, the unique coulee landscapes and hoodo rock formations in the Badlands. Shimmering glaciers, abundant wildlife, crystal-clear lakes and deep canyons surrounded by mountain peaks are waiting to be explored. Waterton Lakes National Park is a rare gem tucked into the southwestern corner of the province of Alberta, bordering the Glacier Park of Montana, where windswept mountains rise abruptly out of gentle prairie grassland. Visit the Royal Tyrell Museum, devoted exclusively to the study of palaeontology.
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Start Location: Calgary
End Location: Calgary
TOP HIGHLIGHTS
- Medalta Potteries in Medicine Hat
- Guided Hike at Dinosaur Provincial Park
- Sulphur Mountain Gondola in Banff
- Lake Minnewanka Boat Cruise
- Ice Explorer Ride on Athabasca Glacier
- Guided Horseback Trail Ride
- Eau Claire Distillery Tour and Tasting
- Chinook Honey Company
- Waterton Lake Boat Cruise
- UNESCO World Heritage Site Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
- Dinner at Camp Cookhouse
- Archaeological Preserve Tour at Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park
- Hiking and stargazing at Cypress Hills Provincial Park
- Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre
- Progressive Caf
- Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology
- Heritage Park Historical Village
READ MORE >
ITINERARY
Day 1: Calgary - Banff, AB
This morning we depart Calgary and travel through the foothills before entering the great Canadian Rockies and arrive in Banff National Park, the first National Park in Canada and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Overnight: Banff
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Lake Louise Day Trip
Explore one of the world's greatest mountain highways while we travel the stunning Icefield Parkway to the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre. From the discovery centre we will board the Ice Explorer, a specially designed vehicle that will take us right on to the Athabasca Glacier. Travelling back along the Parkway we arrive in Lake Louise, considered the "Jewell of the Rockies". There you will have some free time to take a canoe ride across the lake, a short hike or leisurely walk and explore the famed Chateau Lake Louise.
Overnight: Banff
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: Banff, AB
Start the morning with a ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain on the Banff Gondola and enjoy a panoramic view of the valley below. Continue on a tour of Banff including Surprise Corner, Bow Falls and the mysterious hoodoos, ending with a interpretive cruise on Lake Minnewanka. Later this afternoon, a guided horseback trail ride will surely be a highlight of the day.
Overnight: Banff
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Banff - Waterton, AB
Bid farewell to Banff and the Rocky Mountains as we travel to Waterton, along the historic Cowboy Trail. On the way we will visit the Chinook Honey Company, one of the best honey producers in Canada and Eau Claire Distillery, Alberta's first independent craft distillery. Later discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump with a guided tour. We will arrive in beautiful Waterton early this evening.
Overnight: Banff
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Waterton, AB
Waterton Lakes National Park has an incredible mountainous landscape. A tour of the park will conclude with a leisurely boat cruise on Waterton Lake. This afternoon enjoy some time at leisure. There's something for everyone at Waterton Lakes: great hikes, horseback-riding, canoeing, Red Rock Canyon, and even scooter rentals.
Overnight: Waterton
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: Waterton - Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, AB
Today we travel to Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, through the rolling hills and grasslands of southern Alberta. At Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park where histories, stories and dreams become one, we embark on a guided interpretive tour of this amazing site. Set in the prairie grasslands of southern Alberta, Writing-on-Stone is a sacred landscape; the spectacular Milk River Valley contains the largest concentration of First Nations petroglyphs (rock carvings) and pictographs (rock paintings) in the great plains of North America. Later this afternoon we will continue our journey to Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, a truly hidden gem of the prairies!
Overnight: Elkwater
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7: Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, AB
Discover a recreational haven for lovers of mountain biking, hiking, equestrian activities, water sports, bird watching and beaches. The landscape and elevation create unique habitats for wildlife, flora and fauna.
Overnight: Elkwater
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park - Medicine Hat, AB
Explore the outstanding landscapes, prairies and sights of south eastern Alberta during your trip from Cypress Hills to Medicine Hat. 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 9: 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.
Overnight: Medicine Hat
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Medicine Hat - Drumheller, AB
Explore the world's richest deposits of dinosaur bones! Visiting Dinosaur Provincial Park is like stepping into another world. There's a chance for a new discovery around every corner! Explore badlands, camp under the stars or participate in an authentic dinosaur dig. Be amazed by the abundant fossils, unusual wildlife and stunning landscapes of this UNESCO World Heritage Site near Brooks, Alberta. This evening we arrive in Drumheller, the heart of Dinosaur Valley.
Overnight: Drumheller
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11: Drumheller - Calgary, AB
No visit to Drumheller would be complete without a visit to the Royal Tyrrell Museum, a world renowned paleontological museum with a collection of more than 130,000 fossils. Departing Drumheller we will stop at the unexpectedly beautiful Horseshoe Canyon viewpoint. This afternoon we arrive back in the bustling city of Calgary, and have plenty of time to explore the fascinating Historical Village of Heritage Park.
Overnight: Calgary
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12: Depart Calgary, AB
After breakfast, say farewell to your fellow travellers and depart Calgary with fond memories from a fantastic cultural journey.
Meals: Breakfast
DATES & PRICES
We accept 
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 21 meals: 11 breakfasts, 10 dinners.
- 11 nights of accommodation (3.5-4 star)
- Professional Tour Leader
- Transportation on deluxe motorcoach
- 21 meals: 11 breakfasts, 10 dinners
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
Our guide training manual is accredited by ACTA/CITC Canadian Educational Standard Inc. Now used as the standard in educational college programs.
FEATURED ACTIVITIES
Experience the Canadian Rockies from a new perspective while cruising beautiful Lake Minnewanka on this panoramic one-hour interpretive cruise. Bask in the breathtaking mountain scenery and...
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.
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 of 24 persons may join the tour although tours commonly travel with anywhere between 18 to 24 travellers.
However, if the tour is classified as a 'Tour of Distinction, only up to of 18 persons 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. Select departures of many tours are 'Pre- Guaranteed'.
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.
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.
What is your recommended spending amount for non-included meals?
The suggested allowance for non-included meals is $40.00 – $60.00 CAD per day (with tipping).
Can you accommodate passengers with dietary restrictions (food allergies, vegan, vegetarian etc.)?
Yes, but within reason. 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 help with booking airport transfers for you in most locations at a reasonable extra cost. Several tours have airport transfers already included. Please ask for 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. Please inquire for further information and prices.
Can you assist with booking airline flights?
Yes! We can help with booking your flights for you. We do not recommend you book any flights until you receive your booking confirmation from Anderson Vacations including specific confirmation that your tour is 'Guaranteed'. Please be aware that you may be liable for airline cancellation costs should your tour not become guaranteed and your travel dates need to be amended or cancelled.
I am a solo traveler. 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 rooms with another same gender traveller. No Single Supplement payment is charged to you in this case.
Is it possible to book a triple share accommodation?
Yes, it is possible to book triple share accommodations on select trips. Please inquire about this option, as prices and availability varies from tour to tour.
Can we book this tour with our exclusive group?
Anderson Vacations works with many private groups and helps to customize a tour to travellers needs. Please ask us for 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.
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
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Tour Code
ALCD
12 Day Alberta Landscape and Cultural Discovery
12 days
Created On: 20 May 2022
Highlights
- Medalta Potteries in Medicine Hat
- Guided Hike at Dinosaur Provincial Park
- Sulphur Mountain Gondola in Banff
- Lake Minnewanka Boat Cruise
- Ice Explorer Ride on Athabasca Glacier
- Guided Horseback Trail Ride
- Eau Claire Distillery Tour and Tasting
- Chinook Honey Company
- Waterton Lake Boat Cruise
- UNESCO World Heritage Site Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
- Dinner at Camp Cookhouse
- Archaeological Preserve Tour at Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park
- Hiking and stargazing at Cypress Hills Provincial Park
- Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre
- Progressive Caf
- Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology
- Heritage Park Historical Village
Inclusions
- 21 meals: 11 breakfasts, 10 dinners.
- 11 nights of accommodation (3.5-4 star)
- Professional Tour Leader
- Transportation on deluxe motorcoach
- 21 meals: 11 breakfasts, 10 dinners
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
Dates & Prices
START DATE
END DATE
PRICE
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
DEPOSIT
Sun, 11 Sep 2022
Thu, 22 Sep 2022
$4,090 USD
$1,230 USD
$500 USD
Itinerary
Day 1: Calgary - Banff, AB
This morning we depart Calgary and travel through the foothills before entering the great Canadian Rockies and arrive in Banff National Park, the first National Park in Canada and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Overnight: Banff
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Lake Louise Day Trip
Explore one of the world's greatest mountain highways while we travel the stunning Icefield Parkway to the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre. From the discovery centre we will board the Ice Explorer, a specially designed vehicle that will take us right on to the Athabasca Glacier. Travelling back along the Parkway we arrive in Lake Louise, considered the "Jewell of the Rockies". There you will have some free time to take a canoe ride across the lake, a short hike or leisurely walk and explore the famed Chateau Lake Louise.
Overnight: Banff
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: Banff, AB
Start the morning with a ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain on the Banff Gondola and enjoy a panoramic view of the valley below. Continue on a tour of Banff including Surprise Corner, Bow Falls and the mysterious hoodoos, ending with a interpretive cruise on Lake Minnewanka. Later this afternoon, a guided horseback trail ride will surely be a highlight of the day.
Overnight: Banff
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Banff - Waterton, AB
Bid farewell to Banff and the Rocky Mountains as we travel to Waterton, along the historic Cowboy Trail. On the way we will visit the Chinook Honey Company, one of the best honey producers in Canada and Eau Claire Distillery, Alberta's first independent craft distillery. Later discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump with a guided tour. We will arrive in beautiful Waterton early this evening.
Overnight: Banff
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Waterton, AB
Waterton Lakes National Park has an incredible mountainous landscape. A tour of the park will conclude with a leisurely boat cruise on Waterton Lake. This afternoon enjoy some time at leisure. There's something for everyone at Waterton Lakes: great hikes, horseback-riding, canoeing, Red Rock Canyon, and even scooter rentals.
Overnight: Waterton
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: Waterton - Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, AB
Today we travel to Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, through the rolling hills and grasslands of southern Alberta. At Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park where histories, stories and dreams become one, we embark on a guided interpretive tour of this amazing site. Set in the prairie grasslands of southern Alberta, Writing-on-Stone is a sacred landscape; the spectacular Milk River Valley contains the largest concentration of First Nations petroglyphs (rock carvings) and pictographs (rock paintings) in the great plains of North America. Later this afternoon we will continue our journey to Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, a truly hidden gem of the prairies!
Overnight: Elkwater
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7: Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, AB
Discover a recreational haven for lovers of mountain biking, hiking, equestrian activities, water sports, bird watching and beaches. The landscape and elevation create unique habitats for wildlife, flora and fauna.
Overnight: Elkwater
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park - Medicine Hat, AB
Explore the outstanding landscapes, prairies and sights of south eastern Alberta during your trip from Cypress Hills to Medicine Hat. 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 9: 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.
Overnight: Medicine Hat
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Medicine Hat - Drumheller, AB
Explore the world's richest deposits of dinosaur bones! Visiting Dinosaur Provincial Park is like stepping into another world. There's a chance for a new discovery around every corner! Explore badlands, camp under the stars or participate in an authentic dinosaur dig. Be amazed by the abundant fossils, unusual wildlife and stunning landscapes of this UNESCO World Heritage Site near Brooks, Alberta. This evening we arrive in Drumheller, the heart of Dinosaur Valley.
Overnight: Drumheller
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11: Drumheller - Calgary, AB
No visit to Drumheller would be complete without a visit to the Royal Tyrrell Museum, a world renowned paleontological museum with a collection of more than 130,000 fossils. Departing Drumheller we will stop at the unexpectedly beautiful Horseshoe Canyon viewpoint. This afternoon we arrive back in the bustling city of Calgary, and have plenty of time to explore the fascinating Historical Village of Heritage Park.
Overnight: Calgary
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12: Depart Calgary, AB
After breakfast, say farewell to your fellow travellers and depart Calgary with fond memories from a fantastic cultural journey.
Meals: Breakfast
