Self-Drive Experience the Lakes & Prairies of Alberta & Saskatchewan

Day 1

Arrive in Calgary

Fly to Calgary and pick up car rental. Explore downtown Calgary and check into your hotel.

Overnight: Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Calgary Downtown or similar

Day 2

Calgary

Today take in the sights of Calgary as you visit Calgary Tower - standing 191 metres above ground on the glass floor of the world’s highest 360-degree observation deck, you will enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline and Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Come summer or winter, the WinSport Canada Olympic Park covers all seasons. Get your adrenaline pumping with mountain biking trails to a zipline and Skyline Luge, which at 1.8 km (5,905 ft), is the world’s longest track. Or perhaps see the Heritage Park Historical Village as it brings southern Alberta's pioneer past to life. A full village made up of historic buildings and artifacts that includes a bakery, stables and a working steam trail.

Overnight: Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Calgary Downtown or similar

Day 3

Drumheller

The town of Drumheller lies in the heart of the Canadian Badlands, less than 2 hours from Calgary. The swirl of canyons, coulees and wind-scraped hoodoos that surround it was once a lush tropical paradise where dinosaurs roam. Explore a prehistoric world at the Royal Tyrrell Museum in the Canadian Badlands, the state-of-the-art galleries house one of the world's largest displays of dinosaur remains.

Explore the otherworldly landscape and topography and drive the Hoodoo Trail 16 km (10 mi) east of Drumheller to Alberta’s protected hoodoos site. Walk the short trail to get a closer look at the impressive eroded sandstone and limestone chimneys of rock.

Overnight: Quality Hotel Drumheller or similar

Day 4

Saskatchewan

Drive east into Saskatchewan to La Reata Ranch, a working family-owned ranch set on the shores of Lake Diefenbaker with magnificent views of Saskatchewan River Valley. You’ll spend the next three days here and come out with a unique and immersive experience enjoying a real hands-on approach.

Overnight: La Reata Ranch, Full board

Day 5

Saskatchewan

Lead the cowboy life by caring for the two hundred and fifty cows on site, learn to saddle up your horse and riding it whilst building an incredible bond throughout your stay. In the evenings enjoy a game of horseshow and toasting marshmallows around the campfire under beautiful starry prairie sky.

Overnight: La Reata Ranch, Full board

Day 6

Saskatchewan

Enjoy horse riding through the swaying grasslands observing the spectacular landscape in the many trail rides over the 5,000 acres of land. Experience the many activities available such as tying a lasso, cattle drives and barrel racing for those more adventurous! Refuel from today’s endeavours with a delicious cookout under the stars.

Overnight: La Reata Ranch, Full board

Day 7

Lethbridge

After a leisurely morning, drive through the Saskatchewan prairies back to Alberta. Check into your hotel and then walk to the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden for a peaceful stroll - the serene landscaped garden merging Japanese & Canadian styles, with water features, forests and meadows.

Overnight: Coast Lethbridge Hotel or similar

Day 8

Waterton

Drive to the hidden gem of Alberta to Waterton Lakes National Park, a small but mighty park nestled between the Canadian Rockies with the magnificent backdrop of Waterton Lake during your stay. Explore this charming village and indulge in an afternoon tea at the grand Prince of Wales Hotel, perched on a hilltop you’ll see its panoramic views of Waterton Lake, time it well and marvel at its spectacular sunset whilst you dine.

Overnight: Waterton Lakes Lodge Resort or similar

Day 9

Waterton

Enjoy a full day exploring the park as you seek its adventurous hiking trails and be rewarded with unbelievable mountain vistas, thundering Cameron Falls and rainbow coloured streams. Perhaps take to the waters and canoe on the Waterton Lake and view the scenery from an unprecedented angle.

Overnight: Waterton Lakes Lodge Resort or similar

Day 10

Kananaskis

Drive north parallel to the Rockies, taking time to stop at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of "Head-Smashed-in-Buffalo-Jump" - a fascinating centre which has preserved 6,000 years of Plains Buffalo culture. You can discover the centre and the trails by yourself, or join a First Nation Blackfoot guide for a tour.

Overnight: Kananaskis Mountain Lodge

Day 11

Kananaskis

Today, enjoy a full day hiking and biking around the lodge as you explore its nature surroundings. Optionally, rest up today and take advantage of the hotel’s luxury Nordic Spa. Featuring five outdoor pools, banyan saunas, Turkish Hammams, steam cabin, bistro and winterized hammocks you’ll feel utterly at ease before your journey home.

Overnight: Kananaskis Mountain Lodge

Day 12

Calgary

Depart from Kananaskis as your holiday in the Prairies come to an end, drop your hire car off at Calgary airport and fly home.