Pre and Post-Tours

Sunday, September 15 or Friday, September 20, 8:30am – 2:00pm 
Price Per Person: $100 USD

While restoring balance to the planet is our focus, our roots are planted deep in the rich soil of the Alberta conservation community. Just an hour’s drive from downtown Calgary, you’ll find the Archibald Biodiversity Centre (ABC), one of Canada’s only offsite conservation facilities.

Spanning 333 acres, this world-class facility opened in 2022 and represents the best of what conservation charities are capable of and serves as a temporary home to some of Canada’s most iconic species at risk. With a longstanding track record of contributing to the successful revitalization of endangered populations through our conservation breeding and reintroduction programs, we are excited to invite you on an exclusive tour of our private facility. This behind-the-scenes experience offers guided explorations of our indoor and outdoor spaces, led by members of our dedicated Animal Care, Health & Welfare, Conservation & Science, and Conservation Education teams. Encounter up close some of our nation’s most at-risk wildlife, including whooping cranes, burrowing owls, northern leopard frogs, and Vancouver Island marmots.

Before returning to the city, treat yourself to a quintessential Alberta BBQ lunch, prepared by a local outfitter, as you soak up the sights under the big prairie sky. Please note that the ABC operates as a working facility and may present accessibility challenges for visitors with mobility constraints. For inquiries regarding accessibility options, please contact Gillian Cardwell.   

Buses will be picking up attendees from the BMO Centre. The charter buses will arrive at approximately 8:15 am and will depart promptly at 8:30 am. Return time to the hotel will be approximately 2:00 pm. Fee includes lunch and transportation.

Saturday, September 14, Sunday, September 15, Friday, September 20, or Saturday, September 21, 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
Price Per Person: USD $190.00

This morning you will be picked up from the BMO Centre and start your adventure into the Canadian Rockies to Banff National Park. First, we drive through the scenic town of Canmore to our first stop at iconic Moraine Lake best visited early, before driving to Lake Louise. Lake Louise, located within Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies is known for its turquoise, glacier-fed lake ringed by high peaks. We will see the famous picturesque lake and the Chateau that overlooks the lake. You will have some time to enjoy a walk around the lakeshore and some time to grab a bite to eat in the Village of Lake Louise before we head to the town of Banff.

Banff is at the center of Canada’s very first National Park, nestled high in the Canadian Rockies. Once “Siding 29” on the Canadian Pacific Railway, the town was intended to be a tourist town from its very inception. The park’s first superintendent, George Stewart, even oriented the town’s first street so that it offered the best possible view of Cascade Mountain. With easy access to pristine wilderness, outdoor adventures, jaw-dropping landscapes, and vibrant history, there are many places to visit in Banff.

Upon arrival, there will be a sightseeing tour of the town of Banff including Bow Falls, the Hoodoos, Cascade Garden, the trading post, and the famous Fairmont Banff Springs hotel. Next, you will get to experience the Banff Gondola as you sit back and relax and marvel at the unsurpassed view of Banff, the Bow Valley, and a 360-degree view of six scenic mountain ranges from 2,281m (7,486 ft) above sea level. Dinner will be arranged at the top for a dining experience high above overlooking Banff in the Canadian Rockies. We return to Calgary this evening.

What is included:

• Round-trip transportation from the BMO Centre
• National Park Fees
• Sightseeing Tour of the Town of Banff
• Admission and Dinner at the Banff Gondola
• Professional Tour Leader

Friday, September 20-Monday, September 23
Price Per Person: Single occupancy: USD $2,175/ Per Person; Double Occupancy: USD $1,575/Per Person

Day 1: This morning you will be picked up from the BMO Centre and do a quick drive tour of Calgary and hear about the history, art, and culture that defines the city. You will see the Stampede Grounds and the Communities of Eau Claire and Kensington before we drive west past the Olympic Park and head to the foothills. The town of Banff is at the center of Canada’s very first National Park. Nestled high in the Canadian Rockies, the town is located within the Banff National Park. Once “Siding 29” on the Canadian Pacific Railway, the town was intended to be a tourist town from its very inception.

Upon arrival, there will be a brief tour of the town of Banff including Bow Falls, Cascade Garden, and the famous Fairmont Banff Springs hotel. Next, you will get to experience the Banff Gondola as you sit back and relax and marvel at the unsurpassed view of Banff, the Bow Valley, and a 360-degree view of six scenic mountain ranges from 2,281m (7,486 ft) above sea level. Dinner will be arranged at the top for a dining experience high above overlooking Banff in the Canadian Rockies.

The town site of Banff is at an elevation of 1,383 meters (4,537 feet), making it the highest town in Canada. Banff is flanked on all sides by towering mountains, including Mount Rundle, Sulphur Mountain, Mount Norquay, and Cascade Mountain. The lively streets of downtown are lined with top-class restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as a vibrant range of art galleries and museums. Enjoy some free time this evening to explore on your own. We will spend overnight in a comfortable hotel in Banff.

Day 2: This morning after breakfast, we will arrive to Lake Louise. Lake Louise within the Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies is best known for its turquoise, glacier-fed lake ringed by high peaks. We will see the famous and picturesque lake and the Chateau that overlooks the lake. You will have time for a walk by the lakeside before we head to Moraine Lake for a picture stop.

Next, we drive along the famous Icefields Parkway, voted as one of the most spectacular drives in the world. You will see for yourself why this mountain road that boasts a unique landscape rich in history and natural beauty are so famous.

We will take a picture stop at Peyto Lake, and later arrive at the famous Columbia Icefields whose waters feed three oceans; we visit the Interpretive Centre, where we will enjoy a buffet lunch and then have the experience of a lifetime - a ride on the Ice Explorer vehicle for a close up look at the Athabasca Glacier. Next, we will take a walk on the Skywalk, a suspended platform where glass is all that separates you from rugged wild terrain 918-foot (280 m) below. Finally, at the end of this exciting day, we see the powerful Athabasca Falls before arriving at the charming town of Jasper. Overnight in Jasper in a comfortable hotel.

Day 3: Originally a tiny railway town, Jasper's small-town charm is very different from the alpine resort glamour of Banff. Surrounded by towering mountains, Clear lakes, and abundant wildlife, Jasper is located within the Jasper National Park, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. We start the day with a walk down Maligne Canyon to see how the water has carved spectacular crevices out of the mountain.

Then, a scenic drive takes you to Maligne Lake, the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. As we continue deeper into the valley we will drive into the sub-alpine forests and view the expanding ranges of limestone rising out of Medicine Lake. This mysterious disappearing lake changes seasonally as the flow rates of melt waters fill and empty this basin. A stop is made to photograph this natural wonder. From Medicine Lake, we continued through the forest which is a prime habitat for moose and bears. Sightings are common but not guaranteed as we try to see these animals in their natural habitat.

Today’s journey takes us through 45 km of the most spectacular scenery anywhere in the Canadian Rockies. The scenic drive finally brings us to beautiful Maligne Lake, the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. We will take a leisurely 90-minute cruise on the lake and a short walk on legendary Spirit Island.
Overnight in Jasper in a comfortable hotel.

Day 4: This morning we start at 7.00 am for our drive back to Calgary with a stop in Edmonton International Airport for those who wish to depart directly from Edmonton. Boxed breakfast in Jasper. Edmonton flight departures should be booked for after 12:00 pm (noon). Calgary flight departures should be booked for after 4:00 pm

What is included:

• Coach bus transportation throughout the tour
• National Park Fees
• Sightseeing as Listed
• Attractions as Listed
• Accommodations in Banff and Jasper
• Services of a Professional Tour Leader
• Meals as Listed (breakfast-3, Lunch-1, Dinner-1)
• ***Tour is Accessible, Icefields Ice Explorer is non-accessible ***

Friday, September 13 or Friday, September 20, 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
Price Per Person: USD $190.00

We travel northeast of Calgary to the town of Drumheller, Alberta. Located in the Badlands of the Red Deer Valley, Drumheller was once a booming Coal town with over 100 active coal mines in the region. Now, it is best known as the home of the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology. Before arriving at Drumheller, we will make a stop at the Horseshoe Canyon viewpoint. Stand on the edge of this huge U-shaped canyon and survey the beauty and mystery of the badlands. The two arms of the canyon extend approximately 5 km each and the platforms at the top provide amazing vistas for picture-perfect photos.

The Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology is Canada’s only museum dedicated exclusively to the study of ancient life. In addition to featuring one of the world’s largest displays of dinosaurs, they offer a wide variety of creative, fun, and educational programs that bring the prehistoric past to life. Upon arrival, we will enjoy a commentary moderate adult hike. Discover the amazing fossils, rocks, plants, animals, and history of the badlands on the hike. We will enjoy a guided tour through the museum from behind the scenes, not for the general public's eyes.
We will have a group lunch at a local eatery in Drumheller.

Next, we’re off to visit the hoodoos. Hoodoos take millions of years to form and stand 5 to 7 meters tall. Each hoodoo is a sandstone pillar resting on a thick base of shale that is capped by a large stone. Hoodoos are very fragile and can erode completely if their capstone is dislodged. The protected hoodoo site is a guaranteed spot to see hoodoos, but smaller versions of these sandstone giants can be found all over the Badlands. We will enjoy some moderate hiking on the famous Hoodoos Trail.

What is included:

• Round trip transportation from the BMO Centre
• Sightseeing Tour of the Town of Drumheller
• Admission and a Guided tour of the Royal Tyrell Museum
• Guided Hike on the Hoodoo Trail
• Lunch included
• Professional Tour Leader

Sunday, September 15 or Saturday, September 21, 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
Price Per Person: USD $150.00

We make an early start south 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 at that Visitor center upon arrival, they tell the history of Bar U Ranch, and answer any questions the group may have. Next, climb aboard a wagon pulled by Percheron horses – the breed that made the Bar U famous! To top of your experience, your 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 amazing tales and take in the breathtaking vistas of the Rocky Mountain foothills. The Bar U Ranch has the largest collection of historical ranch buildings in Canada. Here you will enjoy an authentic cowboy lunch.

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, 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.

The final 100 km drive south will take us close to the USA border and the Waterton Lakes National Park set amidst the unparalleled scenic beauty of the Canadian Rockies and the perfect unwind. We will take some time to soak in the surroundings of Waterton Lakes National Park’s incredible mountain landscape. A tour of the park will conclude (time permitting) with a leisurely walk in the Red Rock Canyon.

What is included:

• Round trip transportation from your Calgary hotel
• Sightseeing Tour of Waterton
• Lunch included
• Professional Tour Leader
• Admission and a Guided tour of the Bar U Ranch and head-Smashed-In-Buffalo-Jump

Friday, September 20, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Price Per Person: USD $310.00 (additional $65 if you need to rent clubs)

Located in the eastern slopes of the Canadian Rockies, in the Pomeroy Lodge, you will be surrounded by mountain beauty and modern luxury. This upscale hotel is perfect for year-round activities from where you can explore Alberta's mountain playground, embark on a horseback journey at Boundary Ranch, or head for the scenic green at Kananaskis Golf Course. On arrival, enjoy a round at the renowned Kananaskis Country Golf Course. Here you will discover awe-inspiring views, and renowned golf layouts to match. The immaculate lush fairways bent grass greens, over 120 sand bunkers, and six sets of tee boxes are framed by glacier-fed creeks and ponds, the cascading Kananaskis River, and occasional glimpses of majestic wildlife. You will enjoy an 18-hole course. After the day of golfing, you may choose to enjoy some of the cuisine offered in the Lodge. Enjoy the cozy ambiance and warmth of contemporary mountain comfort. Enjoy a seasonal menu of only the finest and freshest local ingredients. The expert chefs are proud to deliver premium cuts of Canadian beef, fresh coastal seafood, and humanely raised poultry, carefully crafted and without compromise.

What is included:

• Round trip transportation from BMO Centre
• Kananaskis Golf Course- 18 holes (Groups of 4 for Tee Times), GPS power cart included, Practice facilities, bag handling, bag tags, cart staging and signage for the group, private assigned staff member for the group, GPS Yardages and live scoring & leaderboard capabilities through the PACE GPS cart system, Bottled Water and $25 for each player to spend in the Golf shop.
• Professional Tour Leader