SOUTHERN ALBERTA INDIGENOUS AND WATERTON
TRIP DESCRIPTION
Featuring landscapes like nowhere else on earth, the Canadian Badlands will transport you to another time and place. From prehistoric fossil beds and rocky canyons to coal mining ghost towns and cowboy hangouts, there’s plenty to discover in this unique area.
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Start Location: Calgary
End Location: Calgary
TOP HIGHLIGHTS
- Museum of the Highwood
- Blue Rock Provincial Park highway
- Bar U Ranch
- Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
- Waterton Lakes National Park
ITINERARY
Exploring the hidden treasures of Southern Alberta
We make an early start south, with our first stop in High River. Visit the town that hosted the TV series Heartland. Stop at the Museum of the Highwood and see the Heartland exhibit. Walker's General Store carries many Heartland souvenirs. We also stop at leafy George Lane Park, Maggie’s Diner, and Colossi’s Coffee.
Next, travel down the Cowboy Trail, along the Blue Rock Provincial Park highway, to the famous Bar U Ranch National Historic Site, where you discover the life of a ranching cowboy from the late 1800s. Greeted by an interpreter on horseback, learn the history of Bar U Ranch. To top off your experience, our interpreter rolls away the years of national significance of the Northwest Cattle Company from 1882-1950, exploring the inner workings of the development of the ranching industry in Canada. Hear incredible tales and take in the breathtaking vistas of the Rocky Mountain foothills. The Bar U Ranch has Canada's most extensive collection of historic ranch buildings. We will enjoy an authentic cowboy lunch before departing.
Next, our 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 Nation’s guide about the cultural significance of this cliff to the Plains People. From the Interpretive Centre, venture along a paved trail leading 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.
The final 100 km drive south will take us near the USA border to Waterton Lakes National Park, set amidst the unparalleled scenic beauty of the Canadian Rockies. It’s the perfect place to unwind.
Check into our Waterton Park accommodation for the evening and take time to soak in the incredible mountain landscape of Waterton Lakes National Park.
Overnight: Waterton
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Waterton and Red Rock Canyon
After breakfast and check-out, enjoy a tour, including Waterton Peace Park, to hear how Alberta and Montana Rotary Clubs and USA President Herbert Hoover approved a Bill to create the world’s first International Peace Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Without question, the best way to experience the easy flow between these two nations is by water. You will take a stunning boat cruise along the shoreline of the beautiful Upper Waterton Lake and cross the international border to Goat Haunt, Montana. It is a spectacular experience.
End the tour with a leisurely walk in the Red Rock Canyon.
Meals: Breakfast
DATES & PRICES
We accept 
AVAILABILITY
START DATE
END DATE
PRICE
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
BOOK
The price is per person in CAD.
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
Other Companies
Small Group Tours
Travel with a limited number of participants for a personalized journey with a tour leader.Experienced Tour Leaders
Who have gone through intensive vetting and training.(But most contract their tour leaders from Anderson Vacations.)
Canadian Travel Experts
With at least 30 years of experience.Min. 95% Satisfaction Rate
From past guests.Travel to unique places, visit more attractions each day.
Without the distractions of tipping.Activities and excursions included as part of the tour.
(Not as add-ons.)Sustainability
Planting one tree for every passenger that travels with us.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Round trip transportation from your Calgary hotel
- Sightseeing Tour of High River and Waterton Peace Park
- Accommodation in Waterton Lakes National Park
- Admission and a guided tour of Bar U Ranch and Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
- Accommodations as listed
- Meals as listed
- Professional Tour Leader
EXCLUSIONS
- Meals not specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary
- Gratuities for Local Guides, Tour Managers, and/or Bus Drivers
- Travel Insurance and Cancellation Protection (strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
- Taxes as applicable
- Items (attractions and sightseeing & entrance fees) not listed as included in the itinerary
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 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.
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Tour Code
2DSA
Southern Alberta Indigenous and Waterton
2 days
Created On: 19 May 2024
Highlights
- Museum of the Highwood
- Blue Rock Provincial Park highway
- Bar U Ranch
- Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
- Waterton Lakes National Park
Inclusions
- Round trip transportation from your Calgary hotel
- Sightseeing Tour of High River and Waterton Peace Park
- Accommodation in Waterton Lakes National Park
- Admission and a guided tour of Bar U Ranch and Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
- Accommodations as listed
- Meals as listed
- Professional Tour Leader
Exclusions
- Meals not specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary
- Gratuities for Local Guides, Tour Managers, and/or Bus Drivers
- Travel Insurance and Cancellation Protection (strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
- Taxes as applicable
- Items (attractions and sightseeing & entrance fees) not listed as included in the itinerary
Dates & Prices
AVAILABILITY
START DATE
END DATE
PRICE
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
DEPOSIT
AVAILABLE
Thu, 19 Jun 2025
Fri, 20 Jun 2025
$475 USD
$225 USD
All prices are per person based on double occupancy and subject to local taxes - GST, PST or HST.
* The price is per person in CAD.
* The price is per person in CAD.
Itinerary
Exploring the hidden treasures of Southern Alberta
We make an early start south, with our first stop in High River. Visit the town that hosted the TV series Heartland. Stop at the Museum of the Highwood and see the Heartland exhibit. Walker's General Store carries many Heartland souvenirs. We also stop at leafy George Lane Park, Maggie’s Diner, and Colossi’s Coffee.
Next, travel down the Cowboy Trail, along the Blue Rock Provincial Park highway, to the famous Bar U Ranch National Historic Site, where you discover the life of a ranching cowboy from the late 1800s. Greeted by an interpreter on horseback, learn the history of Bar U Ranch. To top off your experience, our interpreter rolls away the years of national significance of the Northwest Cattle Company from 1882-1950, exploring the inner workings of the development of the ranching industry in Canada. Hear incredible tales and take in the breathtaking vistas of the Rocky Mountain foothills. The Bar U Ranch has Canada's most extensive collection of historic ranch buildings. We will enjoy an authentic cowboy lunch before departing.
Next, our 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 Nation’s guide about the cultural significance of this cliff to the Plains People. From the Interpretive Centre, venture along a paved trail leading 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.
The final 100 km drive south will take us near the USA border to Waterton Lakes National Park, set amidst the unparalleled scenic beauty of the Canadian Rockies. It’s the perfect place to unwind.
Check into our Waterton Park accommodation for the evening and take time to soak in the incredible mountain landscape of Waterton Lakes National Park.
Overnight: Waterton
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Waterton and Red Rock Canyon
After breakfast and check-out, enjoy a tour, including Waterton Peace Park, to hear how Alberta and Montana Rotary Clubs and USA President Herbert Hoover approved a Bill to create the world’s first International Peace Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Without question, the best way to experience the easy flow between these two nations is by water. You will take a stunning boat cruise along the shoreline of the beautiful Upper Waterton Lake and cross the international border to Goat Haunt, Montana. It is a spectacular experience.
End the tour with a leisurely walk in the Red Rock Canyon.
Meals: Breakfast
