Home > 8 Day Alberta Highlights in A Week
8 DAY ALBERTA HIGHLIGHTS IN A WEEK
ALBERTA TOUR
Explore the contrasting landscapes of Banff National Park down through to the prairie lands as you take in the cultural history of Southern Alberta. You will visit Waterton, Medicine Hat and your Southern Alberta journey will be completed with a final stop at Dinosaur Provincial Park and Drumheller - the dinosaur capital of the world and famous for the well-known Royall Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology.
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Start Location: Calgary
End Location: Calgary
TOP HIGHLIGHTS
- Calgary Tower admission and dinner
- Banff Gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain
- Cave and Basin National Historic Site
- Bar U Ranch National Historic Site
- Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
- Waterton Lakes National Park
- Waterton Lakes Boat Cruise
- Remington Carriage Museum
- Dinosaur Provincial Park
- Royal Tyrrell Museum
SAMPLE ITINERARY (CUSTOMIZABLE)
Day 1: Arrive in Calgary
Check into your Calgary centre hotel. A short walk this evening will take us to the Calgary Tower. Experience a spectacular 360° view of the Alberta foothills and the majestic Rocky Mountains and then step onto the glass floor for an unforgettable perspective of the busy Calgary streets below. Multimedia tours are now complimentary with admission to the Observation Deck and will take you on a journey through Calgary's past and present. Once at the Observation Deck, the guide provides you with a panoramic view of the city which matches the views from the windows.
Dinner will be arranged at the SKY 360 Restaurant and Lounge located at a height of 155 meters, from where diners get a full view of the city as the restaurant revolves once per hour during dinner service.
Day 2: Calgary, Banff and Lake Louise, 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. We start the day with a Banff sightseeing tour with stops at Cascade Gardens and scenic Bow Falls, before riding the gondola up Sulphur Mountain for unparalleled view of the Rockies and the valley below. We also visit the Cave & Basin National Historic Site, which tells the story of the hot springs that drew the first visitors to Banff and led to the creation of the National Park. We also visit the charming town of Lake Louise, a jewel of the Rockies surrounded by glistening glaciers and towering mountain peaks.
Day 3: Drive south to Waterton Lakes National Park
After breakfast, we head south to the famous Bar U Ranch National Historic Site where you can discover the life of a ranching cowboy from the late 1800s. The Bar U Ranch has the largest collection of historical ranch buildings in Canada.
Time permitting, we will aim to stop at Turner Valley, and discover Eau Claire Distillery. The new distillery is housed in the circa-1929 Turner Valley Movie Theatre and Dance Hall that in early days served as a town hall, political rally centre, dance hall and community gathering spot. Located in a place of storied history, the distillery can talk to Turner Valley's checkered and illustrious past. To the east was a famous house of 'ill repute', to the west a general store. In the hills, an aptly named landmark feature called Whiskey Ridge hid moonshine stills. On the north end of town was the notorious street called Whiskey Row.
A further 145 km. drive south takes us to the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Interpretive Centre, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site that preserves and interprets over 6,000 years of Plains Buffalo Indigenous culture. Through vast landscapes, exhibits, and diverse programming, you will learn from a Blackfoot Nations guide about the cultural significance of this cliff to the Plains People. From the Interpretive Centre, you can venture out along a paved trail that leads you to spectacular views of Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Cliff, Calderwood Buffalo Jump & Vision Quest Hill to the north, the great prairies to the east, and the Rocky Mountains to the south.
A final 100 km drive south will take us close to the USA border and the Waterton Lakes National Park. A stay at the Waterton hotel set amidst the unparalleled scenic beauty of the Canadian Rockies is the perfect unwind after our day's adventures.
Day 4: Waterton, Alberta
After the busy start, we have an easy day to soak in the surroundings. 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 enjoys some time at leisure. There's something for everyone at Waterton Lakes: great hikes, horseback riding, canoeing, Red Rock Canyon, and even scooter rentals.
Day 5: Waterton to Medicine Hat
We will drive a short 55 km to the southern Alberta town of Cardston and the famous Remington Carriage Museum. The largest museum of its kind in the world, the Remington Carriage Museum tells the story of horse-drawn transportation in North America and features interactive displays, horses, a working restoration shop, carriages, wagons, sleighs, and fun activities and includes a tour of the horse facilities and a demonstration of horse care.
Continue our drive east 260 km. to the city of Medicine Hat. Time permitting, visit the historic theatre called the Monarch Theatre which is one of the oldest running movie theatres in Canada, The Monarch Theatre's single screen shows new, unique, and classic movies every Wednesday & Friday to Sunday.
Downtown Medicine Hat is filled with spectacular historic buildings, an incredible Contemporary Art Gallery & Museum, many trendy boutiques, and some unique restaurants. We 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.
Day 6: Medicine Hat, Dinosaur Provincial Park and Drumheller
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. We will tour the Historic Clay District "“ the Medalta pottery made here was shipped around the world. Medicine Hat has also become known for the 'Coffee Tour' on which six friendly, welcoming, independent coffee shops beckon you. Located throughout the historic city centre and within walking distance of one another, we will try to visit many of these independent coffee shops as possible. Each unique coffee shop offers baristas and specialties in a culturally rich oasis.
From Medicine Hat, we drive 90 minutes and 130 km. to the World Heritage Site of the Dinosaur Provincial Park where we will join a park guide on a safari through the badlands for a chance to discover the rich fossil resource at this protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. We visit an "in-situ" fossil site where one can see fossils on the surface and learn how to identify them. We will see small fossils and learn about the diversity of animals that lived here 75 million years ago in the Late Cretaceous Period.
This evening we arrive in Drumheller, the heart of Dinosaur Valley.
Day 7: Drumheller and 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.
Day 8: Depart Calgary, AB
After breakfast, say farewell to your fellow travellers and depart Calgary with fond memories from a fantastic cultural journey. Or talk to us to extend your stay in Calgary to visit the famous Icefields Parkway and spend time in scenic Kananaskis Country to enjoy a relaxing guided trail ride, or even to visit the National Music Centre at Studio Bell in Calgary. Studio Bell is home to more than 2,000 rare instruments and artifacts, as well as four Canadian Music Halls of Fame. With interactive educational programming, live performances, engaging exhibitions, and in-house artist incubation, the National Music Centre is much more than a museum; it is a hub for music, innovation, and cultural discovery in Canada.
DATES & PRICES
Availability:
Sep
Interested in this trip? Contact Us for 2025 dates and prices
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.
WHY CHOOSE ANDERSON VACATIONS?
Anderson Vacations
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See what you want, where you want, how you want. Solo, with a friend, or with a group of friends.Canadian Travel Experts
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Planting one tree for every passenger that travels with us.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 7 nights of accommodation
- Professional Tour Leader
- Transportation on Deluxe Motorcoach
- 14 meals: 7 breakfasts, 7 dinners
EXCLUSIONS
- Tips and gratuities
- Items (attractions and sightseeing & entrance fees) not listed as included in the itinerary
- Travel insurance (Strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
- Pre/post accommodation
Why Take A Custom Tour?
Private & Customizable
You can see what you want, when you want, how you want. A trip that's perfectly timed and well organized.
Unique Experience
Experiences that help you take in the region in a different way. Can combine your trip with our group tours. Advice to help you get the most out of your trip.
Freedom to Explore
Time to enjoy and take in each place. Add days in places you want to explore. Do only the activities you want to do.
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Get A Custom Quote
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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.
Booking & Flight Questions
Do you arrange airport transfers?
Yes! We can certainly assist with booking airport transfers for you! Some tours have airport transfers included already. Please inquire for further information and pricing.
Can you assist with booking additional accommodation?
Yes! We can certainly assist with booking additional nights of accommodation for you before and/or after your fully escorted tour! Please inquire for further information and pricing.
Can you assist with booking flights?
Yes! We can certainly assist with booking your flights for you! We do not recommend you book any flights until you receive your booking confirmation directly from Anderson Vacations Tours, as some tours are not pre-guaranteed. Please inquire for further information and pricing.
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 pricing may also vary and it will be subject to availability.
Can we book this tour with our exclusive group?
Anderson Vacations Tours can work with private groups to customize a tour to your needs. Please inquire for further information and pricing.
Tour Questions
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+
I am a solo traveler. Is there a single surcharge?
There are options for single travelers to join most tours. Solo Travelers can choose to pay the single supplement and have their own room throughout the tour. For those willing to share, we also have a Twin Share option that is offered for the majority of our tours. This means you will be sharing the hotel rooms with another single, same gender traveller who also books the Twin Share option. If this is the case, there will be no single supplement charged to either of you. If we are unable to match you with another Twin Share traveler, there may be a single surcharge applied to cover the full cost of the rooms on some of our longer tours. Please enquire before finalizing your booking for full details.
How physically demanding is this tour? Are you able to accommodate people with mobility restrictions/limitations?
This tour has a low level of physical demand, although there may be some activities or sightseeing tours that require walking short distances. Please inquire if you have any mobility restrictions before completing your booking to ensure this tour 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 this suitcase is 32 kilograms/60 pounds. Baggage handling is provided at the hotels in our tour packages. Please 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 the 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 Tours 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 (includes tipping).
Can you accommodate passengers with dietary restrictions (food allergies, vegan, vegetarian etc.)?
Yes! 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 and arrangements made for you.
Are gratuities included in the tour cost?
For your convenience, gratuities for local guides and meals stated on the itinerary are included in the price of the tour. For meals not included in your tour package please remember that it is customary to tip your server 15-20% in North America. Gratuities for your Motorcoach Driver and Tour Director are left to your discretion. We recommend $4.00 - $5.00 CAD per person, per day for your Motorcoach Driver and $6.00 - $7.00 CAD per person, per day for your Tour Director. if you can't find your
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Tour Code
8AHW
8 Day Alberta Highlights in A Week
8 days
Created On: 18 Apr 2024
Highlights
- Calgary Tower admission and dinner
- Banff Gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain
- Cave and Basin National Historic Site
- Bar U Ranch National Historic Site
- Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
- Waterton Lakes National Park
- Waterton Lakes Boat Cruise
- Remington Carriage Museum
- Dinosaur Provincial Park
- Royal Tyrrell Museum
Inclusions
- 7 nights of accommodation
- Professional Tour Leader
- Transportation on Deluxe Motorcoach
- 14 meals: 7 breakfasts, 7 dinners
Exclusions
- Tips and gratuities
- Items (attractions and sightseeing & entrance fees) not listed as included in the itinerary
- Travel insurance (Strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
- Pre/post accommodation
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Calgary
Check into your Calgary centre hotel. A short walk this evening will take us to the Calgary Tower. Experience a spectacular 360° view of the Alberta foothills and the majestic Rocky Mountains and then step onto the glass floor for an unforgettable perspective of the busy Calgary streets below. Multimedia tours are now complimentary with admission to the Observation Deck and will take you on a journey through Calgary's past and present. Once at the Observation Deck, the guide provides you with a panoramic view of the city which matches the views from the windows.
Dinner will be arranged at the SKY 360 Restaurant and Lounge located at a height of 155 meters, from where diners get a full view of the city as the restaurant revolves once per hour during dinner service.
Day 2: Calgary, Banff and Lake Louise, 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. We start the day with a Banff sightseeing tour with stops at Cascade Gardens and scenic Bow Falls, before riding the gondola up Sulphur Mountain for unparalleled view of the Rockies and the valley below. We also visit the Cave & Basin National Historic Site, which tells the story of the hot springs that drew the first visitors to Banff and led to the creation of the National Park. We also visit the charming town of Lake Louise, a jewel of the Rockies surrounded by glistening glaciers and towering mountain peaks.
Day 3: Drive south to Waterton Lakes National Park
After breakfast, we head south to the famous Bar U Ranch National Historic Site where you can discover the life of a ranching cowboy from the late 1800s. The Bar U Ranch has the largest collection of historical ranch buildings in Canada.
Time permitting, we will aim to stop at Turner Valley, and discover Eau Claire Distillery. The new distillery is housed in the circa-1929 Turner Valley Movie Theatre and Dance Hall that in early days served as a town hall, political rally centre, dance hall and community gathering spot. Located in a place of storied history, the distillery can talk to Turner Valley's checkered and illustrious past. To the east was a famous house of 'ill repute', to the west a general store. In the hills, an aptly named landmark feature called Whiskey Ridge hid moonshine stills. On the north end of town was the notorious street called Whiskey Row.
A further 145 km. drive south takes us to the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Interpretive Centre, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site that preserves and interprets over 6,000 years of Plains Buffalo Indigenous culture. Through vast landscapes, exhibits, and diverse programming, you will learn from a Blackfoot Nations guide about the cultural significance of this cliff to the Plains People. From the Interpretive Centre, you can venture out along a paved trail that leads you to spectacular views of Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Cliff, Calderwood Buffalo Jump & Vision Quest Hill to the north, the great prairies to the east, and the Rocky Mountains to the south.
A final 100 km drive south will take us close to the USA border and the Waterton Lakes National Park. A stay at the Waterton hotel set amidst the unparalleled scenic beauty of the Canadian Rockies is the perfect unwind after our day's adventures.
Day 4: Waterton, Alberta
After the busy start, we have an easy day to soak in the surroundings. 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 enjoys some time at leisure. There's something for everyone at Waterton Lakes: great hikes, horseback riding, canoeing, Red Rock Canyon, and even scooter rentals.
Day 5: Waterton to Medicine Hat
We will drive a short 55 km to the southern Alberta town of Cardston and the famous Remington Carriage Museum. The largest museum of its kind in the world, the Remington Carriage Museum tells the story of horse-drawn transportation in North America and features interactive displays, horses, a working restoration shop, carriages, wagons, sleighs, and fun activities and includes a tour of the horse facilities and a demonstration of horse care.
Continue our drive east 260 km. to the city of Medicine Hat. Time permitting, visit the historic theatre called the Monarch Theatre which is one of the oldest running movie theatres in Canada, The Monarch Theatre's single screen shows new, unique, and classic movies every Wednesday & Friday to Sunday.
Downtown Medicine Hat is filled with spectacular historic buildings, an incredible Contemporary Art Gallery & Museum, many trendy boutiques, and some unique restaurants. We 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.
Day 6: Medicine Hat, Dinosaur Provincial Park and Drumheller
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. We will tour the Historic Clay District "“ the Medalta pottery made here was shipped around the world. Medicine Hat has also become known for the 'Coffee Tour' on which six friendly, welcoming, independent coffee shops beckon you. Located throughout the historic city centre and within walking distance of one another, we will try to visit many of these independent coffee shops as possible. Each unique coffee shop offers baristas and specialties in a culturally rich oasis.
From Medicine Hat, we drive 90 minutes and 130 km. to the World Heritage Site of the Dinosaur Provincial Park where we will join a park guide on a safari through the badlands for a chance to discover the rich fossil resource at this protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. We visit an "in-situ" fossil site where one can see fossils on the surface and learn how to identify them. We will see small fossils and learn about the diversity of animals that lived here 75 million years ago in the Late Cretaceous Period.
This evening we arrive in Drumheller, the heart of Dinosaur Valley.
Day 7: Drumheller and 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.
Day 8: Depart Calgary, AB
After breakfast, say farewell to your fellow travellers and depart Calgary with fond memories from a fantastic cultural journey. Or talk to us to extend your stay in Calgary to visit the famous Icefields Parkway and spend time in scenic Kananaskis Country to enjoy a relaxing guided trail ride, or even to visit the National Music Centre at Studio Bell in Calgary. Studio Bell is home to more than 2,000 rare instruments and artifacts, as well as four Canadian Music Halls of Fame. With interactive educational programming, live performances, engaging exhibitions, and in-house artist incubation, the National Music Centre is much more than a museum; it is a hub for music, innovation, and cultural discovery in Canada.
