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Holidays in Alberta

A region of exquisite natural beauty, Alberta boasts some of western Canada’s most spectacular sights. From the charming mountain resort town of Banff, located in the heart of a national park, to the majestic, snow-dusted peaks of the Canadian Rockies, Alberta showcases Canada’s sublime wilderness in all of its pristine splendour. Visitors will also appreciate the inimitable frontier heritage that is everywhere apparent, most thrillingly exhibited in the Calgary Stampede, celebrating the romance and authentic culture of the Old West and exemplifying the western values and Canadian hospitality that make Alberta such an extraordinary destination. Within the following pages you’ll find a range of award-winning escorted holidays exploring this remarkable province and beyond, including journeys by land and sea and even itineraries that innovatively combine the two for an unparalleled ‘best of both worlds’ experience. Read on to discover which itinerary inspires your very own holiday of a lifetime.

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Alberta - Canada


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Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump

World Heritage Site recognised for its anthropological insight into the culture of the indigenous Plains people, Head-Smashed-In is North America’s oldest, largest and best-preserved buffalo jump. Its name originates from the tragic tale of a young Blackfoot brave, who took shelter beneath a rocky shelf to witness the event. After an abnormally successful hunt, his people arrived to find him with his skull crushed by the weight of the animals, thereafter naming the area estipah shikikini-kots,‘the place where we got our heads smashed in’.

Banff, Canada

Banff

The birthplace of Canada’s first national park, Banff is a haven of natural beauty, nestled in the heart of the Rockies and surrounded by lush alpine forest, snow-dusted peaks and magnificent glaciers, not to mention the array of wildlife that inhabits this area. Originally settled in the late 1800s, the resort town was, and still is, renowned for its natural hot springs, and to this day retains its small-town charms, enjoying protected status from commercial expansion as a natural reserve - a destination truly deserving of its UNESCO World Heritage status.

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Lake Louise

Lake Louise

Originally known as ‘The Lake of Little Fishes’ by the Stoney First Nations people, it was renamed in honour of Queen Victoria’s fourth daughter. Regarded as the ‘jewel of the Rockies’, the lake’s aesthetic appeal draws visitors in their droves year after year. Its distinctive emerald hue is produced by rock flour, pulverised rock caused by glacial migration, that flows into the lake via melt-water. Perfectly framed against the backdrop of Victoria Glacier, this spectacular landscape reveals one of Canada’s most enchanting scenic panoramas.

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Calgary Stampede

Calgary Stampede

The self-proclaimed ‘Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth’, this 10-day summer extravaganza celebrated its centenary in 2012, and continues to promote the western values and community spirit that inspired its creation. From electrifying athletic competitions, including bull-riding and the white-knuckle Chuckwagon Racing, to live musical performances, this sensational event showcases the cultural highlights of western Canada in the most exhilarating way, capped off with a dazzling firework finale that concludes the festivities.

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Rocky Mountaineer

Rocky Mountaineer

The Rocky Mountaineer has been introducing travellers to the timeless beauty and magnificent scenic panoramas of the Canadian Rockies for more than 20 years and is now regarded as the world’s most spectacular train journey. Offering exceptional levels of personal service, guests can choose from superb SilverLeaf or the ultimate indulgence of luxurious GoldLeaf. Whichever grade takes your fancy and whichever route you travel, you can rest assured of a truly unforgettable experience.

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Spirit Island

Spirit Island

A truly out-of-this-world experience, Spirit Island provides what is, undoubtedly, one of the most iconic views of the Canadian Rockies. Native American myth tells of two star-crossed lovers who would meet in secret on the island. Given an impossible choice, the young woman was forced to end their relationship and the young man, unaware of his abandonment, continued to visit the island until his death. Legend has it that, to this day, his spirit still resides there, giving the island its name.

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