Email: info@doublediamondholidays.com
Toll Free in North America: 1-877-851-0903 and Local: 250-851-0903
Double Diamond Holidays Canada is a division of HBB Holidays By Barb Inc.
   

Western Rodeo Holiday

These "Western Experiences" are all-inclusive 7 day tours originating from Calgary, and include natural and historic sites, working guest ranches, rodeos and native powwows, the Rocky Mountains, fine dining on local cuisine, shopping, and much more.

Tours starts every Saturday from May - August 2006/2007 (7 Days/6 Nights)

Day 1 - Calgary - Homeplace Ranch, Priddis
You are met at your Calgary arrival point and transported across Alberta's rolling countryside to Homeplace Ranch, where you will spend the next six nights. Homeplace Ranch is a year round working guest ranch in Alberta's high cattle country, located conveniently between Calgary and Banff. Bears, deer, coyotes, elk and other wildlife are frequently seen here.

After a hearty lunch, where you meet and get acquainted with the other tour guests, you'll have the opportunity to take a trail ride in the area. Riding varies from mountain valleys to high foothills, crossing numerous streams, mountain meadows and old Indian trails. A horse is assigned to you when you arrive. The wranglers will spend time showing you how to become comfortable and work with your mount. Then it’s time to enjoy the very best of western hospitality, including the welcoming B-B-Q dinner, before spending a restful night in this western hideaway.

Day 2 - Homeplace Ranch, Priddis – Rodeo
Enjoy a morning ride, hike or just sit back and relax. After a wholesome lunch, it’s off to a Traditional Rodeo, or perhaps a Native American Powwow and Rodeo. For those who are not familiar with the Native American culture, powwows are celebrations, social gatherings and friendly competitions of traditional dancing, drumming, singing, ceremonies and feasting, and the bringing of many nations of people together. Everyone is welcome regardless of race, creed, religion, or color.You will spend the day enjoying the exhilaration and excitement of bucking broncos, bull riders, steer wrestlers, calf ropers, and barrel racers. In addition, you will have the opportunity to meet some of the rodeo cowboys and clowns for conversation and photographs. At the conclusion of the rodeo we head back to Homeplace for dinner, and another restful night.

Day 3 - Homeplace Ranch, Priddis - Rocky Mountains
Today you will experience the incomparable beauty of the rugged and majestic Rocky Mountains. Your first stop is the Columbia Icefields, an area of glacial ice covering some 390 sq. km with a maximum depth of 365 m (1210 ft). You will take a tour of the icy slopes in a specially designed Snocoach that goes to the middle of the glacier on a 5 kilometer round trip journey. After lunch at the Icefields, it's a short trip to your first view of the imposing Victoria Glacier nestled behind beautiful Lake Louise. Lake Louise, with its blue-green water set against the stark backdrop of Victoria Glacier, is probably the most beloved and most photographed scene in the Canadian Rockies.

Day 4 – Homeplace Ranch, Priddis – Calgary.
 We spend today in Calgary. Our first stop is a private visit and tour of Korite International and Canada Fossils. Korite International and Canada Fossils are not open to the public. Ammolite is Canada's Gemstone. Extremely rare and beautiful, Ammolite's iridescent colours glow with the beauty of the rainbow. Ammolite's luminous qualities rival the famous black opal for colour and fire. Korite International operates the world's largest Ammolite mine.

Today’s lunchtime dining experience features a revolving view of the city. The Calgary Tower's famous revolving dining lounge offers a unique setting. You can see every angle of the City, the Rocky Mountains and the surrounding areas without leaving your chair.

After lunch, it's off to Heritage Park. You will receive a guided tour of this real frontier town. Travel back in time and discover the treasures of Western Canada's past. All the sights and sounds of pre-1914 life are recreated at Canada's largest living historical village.

Get ready for a special treat as you enjoy dinner at Ranchman's Restaurant. Often referred to as Canada's Greatest Honky Tonk and Country Night Club, Ranchman's is the Official Hospitality Location of the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association.

Day 5 – Homeplace Ranch, Priddis
After another of the wonderful breakfasts that you’ve become accustomed to, you have the opportunity to enjoy another trail ride. Or, if yesterday’s activities were just too much fun, you can relax on the deck or take a quiet hike before lunch.

The afternoon provides you with a choice of activities. You can take a guided hike on the Sunshine Meadows. The Sunshine Meadows are known by many as the most stunning alpine setting in the Canadian Rockies. Wildlife abound in the meadows, and the brilliance of the summer flowers and autumn larches guarantees spectacular scenery on every visit. Licensed naturalists lead a guided walk through the meadows.

OR you may want to go whitewater rafting in the Kananaskis Valley. This is a great experience for families, or as a group outing. Both the Kananaskis and Elbow Rivers are beautiful rivers consisting of grade I - III rapids (gentle to intermediate) and appropriate for first time paddlers. Approximately 2 - 2.5 hours will be spent surfing, splashing and floating on a professionally guided raft on one of Western Canada's mountainous rivers.

OR you have the opportunity to enjoy a trail ride, relax on the deck, or take a leisurely hike around the familiar environment of Homeplace Ranch.

Day 6 - Homeplace Ranch, Priddis - Banff
After your morning trail ride or leisurely meander around Homeplace, and another of those wonderful lunches, we’re off to the town of Banff. You’ll take an eight minute ride in a glass enclosed gondola to the 2288 m (7500 ft) summit of Sulphur Mountain, where three levels of outdoor observation decks offer a panoramic 360 degree view of Banff and the surrounding area.

We’ll introduce you to the majestic Banff Springs Hotel. A unique blend of opulence and seclusion, it has been a symbol of Rocky Mountain magnificence for more than a century. Then we’ll stop at the hot springs. All the amenities of a modern facility are featured in this splendid, historic spa and bath house - against a backdrop of spectacular alpine scenery. Then it’s on to the Banff townsite, where you can tour the many fine museums and natural history centres, in addition to sampling the extensive and unique shopping opportunities.

Once back at Homeplace Ranch, and after having savoured another delectable western B-B-Q, you will either be serenaded and entertained with tales and songs of the west provided by local cowboy poets or singers; or enthralled by Native Americans who will provide stories of their culture and heritage and perform traditional dances for your enjoyment.

Day 7 - Homeplace Ranch, Priddis - Calgary
 After breakfast, you can go on a trail ride, savour the majestic scenery on the beautiful hiking trails as you watch for birds and wildlife, or just sit back and soak it all in. The morning and the choice is yours.

Then, after lunch the next leg of your journey is a drive through Kananaskis Country. This is an unspoiled paradise of towering mountains, pristine lakes, evergreen valleys, and glacial streams. Located in the midst of the beautiful Kananaskis Valley is Boundary Ranch. A perfect venue to stop for an afternoon break amidst the surrounding beauty.

At the end of the day you arrive back in Calgary, where we'll be happy to deliver you to your onward location.

Tour price: $3024 plus GST

Prices are per person, based on double occupancy.
 Single occupancy accommodation is available for an additional CAN$110/night.
A CAN$500 deposit is required at the time you book.

Package Includes:
Calgary pick-up
Kick-off B-B-Q
Exclusive tour of Korite International/Canada Fossils
Lunch at the Calgary Tower Revolving restaurant
Guided tour and visit to Heritage Park
6 Nights at Homeplace Ranch
- Includes trail ride & traditional Western or Native American entertainment
Rocky Mountain Tour
- Includes Columbia Ice Fields and Lake Louise
½ Day tour & visit to Banff
1 Day Rodeo and/or Native American Powwow
½ Day Mountain Hike or Whitewater Rafting
Five (5) 1/2 Day Trail Rides
Tour of Kananaskis Country
Professional Photographer in attendance at all scheduled locations
All meals, accommodation, transportation, and admissions (including gratuities)
Calgary drop-off

Not Included In Quoted Tour Prices:
Food and beverage purchases outside of provided meals and receptions
Airport departure taxes where applicable
Medical Insurance and Evacuation Services
Personal Insurance Coverage
Costs of obtaining passports or visas
Personal expenses such as laundry, and room service
Airfares
Optional activities
Baggage is at the owner's risk throughout the tour.

Contact us for shorter Rodeo Holidays we may be able to offer.
Email: info@doublediamondholidays.com
Toll Free in North America: 1-877-851-0903 and Local: 250-851-0903
Double Diamond Holidays Canada is a division of HBB Holidays By Barb Inc.

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