Ranchlands, Prairies & Rockies: Saskatchewan-Alberta Road Trip

DAY 1: ARRIVE IN CALGARY

Arrive Calgary International Airport, pick up your car rental and transfer to your hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure for perhaps visiting Heritage Park, the Calgary Tower or one of the many other attractions the city has to offer.

Overnight: Alt Hotel Calgary East Village or Hotel Arts (or similar)

DAY 2: CALGARY TO DRUMHELLER

Leaving the city and heading east, you pass through the outer reaches of Calgary’s expansive communities and bass into the Badlands – an arid, rocky region displaying the geological and paleontological history of the last 200 million years. This area is one of the largest, accessible dinosaur fields in the world, producing thousands of fossils with new discoveries every year. You may like to independently visit the Royal Tyrell Museum that tells the story of the ancient animals that roamed the land eons ago.

Overnight: Travelodge Drumheller or Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Drumheller(or similar)

DAY 3: DRUMHELLER TO KYLE / LA REATA RANCH

Today we journey across Alberta over the provincial border into Saskatchewan – the Bread Basket of Canada. Although famous for its nearendless wheat fields, the province is home to a diverse environment of rolling plains, northern forests and waterways. Arriving at La Reata Ranch, the next three days are yours to explore this beautiful landscape on horseback during the day, and spend the evenings living the social life of a Canadian cowboy.

Meal: Dinner.
Overnight: La Reata Ranch

DAY 4 & 5: LA REATA RANCH

Spend the next two days on horseback with your knowledgeable guides as they reveal the natural wonders, the history of the land and the stories of its ancient and modern peoples. The ranch offers guests the opportunity to see how cowboys lived and worked the ranches, and how a modern ranch has adapted to today’s reality.

Meals: Breakfasts, Lunches & Dinners
Overnights: La Reata Ranch

DAY 6: KYLE / LA REATA RANCH TO REGINA

The journey today leads farther into the heart of the province past numerous shallow lakes, grasslands and a horizon-filling Big Sky. Arriving in Moose Jaw, you find yourself in what used to be one of the only two major settlements in the province during its formative years. As a result, the cultures of the immigrants that came to the prairies over the last century have left their mark on the buildings and architecture of this small but intriguing town. Explore the Asian influences on the area with a historical tour and re-enactment in the tunnels below the town streets. Afterwards, tour the Heritage Centre of the world-famous Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Afterwards, continue on to Regina for the evening.

Meal: Breakfast
Overnight: Sandman Hotel & Suites Regina (or similar)

DAY 7: REGINA TO SASKATOON

Driving northward, the road leads to Saskatoon – once a meeting place and formative centre for popular rock and folk music in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Take the remainder of the day and explore this quintessential Canadian town.

Overnight: Sandman Hotel Saskatoon or Alt Hotel Saskatoon (or similar)

DAY 8: SASKATOON / WASNUSKEWIN HERITAGE PARK

Today visit the spectacular Wanuskewin Heritage Park, known for centuries as 'The Gathering Place”. Six thousand years ago, Wanuskewin echoed with the thundering hooves of bison and the voices of Indigenous peoples from across the Northern Plains. The nomadic tribes who roamed the lands gathered on this site of natural beauty where today visitors can relive the stories of a people who came here to hunt bison, gather food and herbs and escape the winter winds. Walking in their footsteps throughout the incredible interactive displays, you will understand why this site was a place of worship and celebration, of renewal with the natural world and of a deep spirituality. .

Overnight: Sandman Hotel Saskatoon or Alt Hotel Saskatoon (or similar)

DAY 9: SASKATOON TO SMOKY LAKE (511 KM)

Today your journey continues in the heart of Canadian Prairies. As you drive towards Smokey Lake, the landscape will transition from gently rolling plains, fields of wheat, canola, and flax, to the more varied topography of Alberta. Along the way, small towns and rural communities are examples of the area's tranquility. The forest and small lakes will show that your destination is approaching.

Overnight: Metis Crossing

DAY 10: SMOKY LAKE

Know for its Pumpkin Festival and rich Ukrainian heritage, Smokey Lake offers a warm and welcoming destination. Located in a picturesque landscape, surrounded by hills and serene lakes, the town provides a perfect welcoming atmosphere and plenty of outdoor activities, like fishing and hiking. Overnight in Smoky Lake.

Overnight: Metis Crossing

DAY 11: SMOKY LAKE TO JASPER

The grandeur of the Rocky Mountains awaits! As you drive west into the foothills, the mountains grow in the distance until they are suddenly looming outside every window on today’s scenic drive. Winding your way through the passes and valleys, you arrive in the outdoor-adventure hub of Jasper. This quiet alpine town is home to magnificent lodges and the jumping off point for excursions, tours and other exciting attractions in Jasper National Park.

Overnight: Lobstick Lodge or Chateau Jasper (or similar)

DAY 12: JASPER

Today is free to spend around this quiet alpine town. Perhaps take in a lunch at one of the many restaurants, or browse some of the local shoppes. Jasper is renowned as the starting point for days of adventure to be had around the park. You may wish to arrange a Maligne Lake boat cruise or take a ride on the Jasper SkyTram (activities and tours at additional cost).

Overnight: Lobstick Lodge or Chateau Jasper (or similar)

DAY 13: JASPER TO BANFF

Drive to Banff via the spectacular Icefields Parkway. We suggest a stop at Peyto Lake en route. Enjoy glorious photo opportunities of snowcapped peaks, waterfalls and alpine meadows as you travel this route considered one of the most scenic drives in the world.

Overnight: Mount Royal Hotel or Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa (or similar)

DAY 14: BANFF

Make today a day of discovery in Canada’s most famous Rocky Mountain community! The exclusive shops and restaurants that line Banff Avenue bring the tastes and goods of the world to your fingertips. Elk stroll along the wide central boulevards, creating a surreal mix of human and wildlife habitation. Perhaps arrange a visit to Banff Natural History Museum or gondola ride. Or for the more adventurous, try river rafting or a sidecar tour (activities and tours at additional cost).

Overnight: Mount Royal Hotel or Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa (or similar)

DAY 15: BANFF TO CALGARY / END OF TOUR (125 KM)

Today you descend from the mountains back through the foothills en route to Calgary International Airport in time for your return flight. Drop off your car rental. Your holiday comes to an end.