Calgary Stampede & Canadian Rockies: A Journey Worth Remembering

From rodeo thrills to mountain views

Our nine-day Calgary Stampede and Canadian Rockies tour brought together two very different kinds of adventure. We headed west with our bags packed and our cameras ready. Neither stayed untouched for long.

Heading West and Crossing into Canada

Our journey began with an overnight stay in Jamestown, North Dakota. We continued through Medora and Glasgow, Montana, before crossing into Canada and reaching Calgary for two nights.

The miles gave us time to settle in and enjoy the simple pleasure of traveling without having to watch for the next exit.

Taking in the Calgary Stampede

At the Calgary Stampede, we had time to explore before taking our reserved seats for the afternoon rodeo. Western art, live music, and the midway offered plenty of ways to spend the day.

This was the boots-and-cheers portion of the vacation. Mountain scenery came next.

Exploring Banff and Lake Louise

A local guide joined us in Banff, where our sightseeing included a Banff Springs photo stop and a Sulphur Mountain Gondola ride. Later, we visited Lake Louise before settling into our two-night Banff stay.

Following the Icefields Parkway

Our adventure continued along the Icefields Parkway, with a picnic lunch and a snocoach excursion onto Athabasca Glacier.

It was quite a change of pace from the rodeo—and exactly the kind of variety that made this itinerary special.

Bringing the Memories Home

We returned through Regina and Jamestown before heading home. The suitcases needed unpacking. The next adventure could wait—at least until the laundry was done.