Night 1
Hotel in Calgary
Calgary is a metropolitan city with tons of restaurants and attractions to see, so you may not be spending much time in your room here!
Experience the rancher life while exploring the spectacular landscapes of Western Canada
The prairies naturally evoke images of the lonesome cowboy riding into the sunset, but the mountains are horse-country, too! On the Rocky Mountain Ranches Tour self-drive road trip, you’ll experience the peace that living in harmony with nature brings during your ranch stays.
This tour takes you to two ranches, one in the prairies and one in the heart of the great Rocky Mountains. Your journey between the two ranches will take you along spectacular scenic roads, including the famous Icefields Parkway and Rogers Pass. You’ll have the flexibility to spend your time exploring the mountain gems such as Jasper, Banff, and Yoho National Parks however you wish. So you can hike, paddle, and explore as much or as little as you like while revelling in the majestic mountain views. This tour will show you many ways to enjoy your incredible natural surroundings, from the endless prairie fields to the canyons of the Badlands and snow-capped mountain peaks.
When you arrive at the Calgary International Airport, you can collect your rental vehicle and drive to your Calgary accommodation. You have the evening free to explore Alberta’s urban centre, home to the famous Stampede Rodeo.
Today, you’ll start your road trip into the prairies and drive to Bindloss, where you’ll find your ranch home for the next two nights. You’ll already feel like a cowboy the moment you step into the heritage lodge and begin exploring the idyllic surroundings. Tonight, you’ll be treated to a spectacular night sky that is unpolluted by city lights, and if you’re lucky, you might see the northern lights.
Start your day with a hearty country breakfast, and then hit the trails with your wrangler guide. Enjoy horseback riding under the endless prairie sky, and then discover the relaxing effect of grooming your horse after your ride. Feel free to explore the ranch in the afternoon or relax on the porch and enjoy total serenity.
Enjoy your final perfectly peaceful morning at the ranch before you start your drive to Red Deer. Follow the Dinosaur Trail into the badlands, where you’ll find the world’s largest deposit of dinosaur fossils. You’ll also want to spend some time exploring the spectacular cliffs, canyons, hoodoos, and fairy chimney rock formations in Drumheller before you end your day in Red Deer.
As you begin your drive from Red Deer, you’ll start to see the prairies rise into the foothills and then grow into the Rocky Mountains. You’ll follow the route of historic explorers as they searched for a route through the mountains to the coast. Finish your drive at Saskatchewan Crossing, where you’ll spend the night by the rushing river surrounded by spectacular rocky peaks.
Today, you’ll travel along the famous Columbia Icefields Parkway. The options for how to spend your day are endless. Take your time exploring the stunning alpine lakes, glaciers, and waterfalls as you drive the Parkway’s scenic route.
The startling blue waters of Maligne Lake are a symbolic sight in the Rockies, and you have the entire day to spend enjoying the view and exploring Jasper. There are endless hiking, paddling, and wildlife viewing opportunities in this scenic alpine town. You can opt to book an hour-and-a-half Maligne Lake Boat Cruise.
Today, you’ll cross the border between Alberta and British Columbia. Take a break from your drive at the base of Mount Robson. The jagged peak above you is the highest in the Canadian Rockies and is a beautiful sight to behold. Your road ends for the day at your ranch in the heart of the mountains in Clearwater.
Wake up to the sounds of a working ranch in Clearwater. Watch the cows and horses graze in front of the spectacular mountain backdrop. Take a trip to Wells Gray Park for a beautiful hike to the waterfalls or take out a canoe or kayak for a quiet paddle on the lake.
Continue your drive into the mountains and discover the gorgeous Meadows in the Sky. Spend some time exploring the deep forests and alpine meadows in Mount Revelstoke National Park.
Today, you’ll drive Rogers Pass, where the up-close views of the snow-topped peaks reaching for the sky will take your breath away. Stop at Glacier National Park’s interpretive centre for help deciding how you want to enjoy the mountains today. Nearby, Kicking Horse River offers exciting rafting excursions or you can hike to beautiful Wapta Falls in Yoho National Park. Tonight, you’ll stay in the welcoming town of Golden.
Banff may be calling your name, but you don’t want to rush the drive there. Take in the spectacular scenery during your drive and stop to spend some time in Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. The beautiful waters of Moraine Lake reflecting the horizon of dramatic rocky peaks is a sight you’ll never forget (and one you’ve probably seen on a computer desktop). Take a stroll on the lakeshore, go for a quiet canoe ride, or take a scenic gondola ride for a panoramic perspective. Finish the day with a visit to the Banff hot springs or wander the famous Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.
You have all day to explore the incredible resort town of Banff. The Banff National Park is full of hiking trails and beautiful places to discover. The gondola offers magnificent views from the top of Sulphur Mountain, where you can enjoy a mountain-top meal. You can also book one of the optional activities, a Banff Tour and Wildlife Discovery.
Sadly, today marks the end of your time in the mountains. Drive back to Calgary to return your rental vehicle at the airport, where your tour comes to a close.
This partially-guided tour to the Canadian Rockies is run as private tour for your group only, and the price per person depends on how many people are in your group.
Prices below are per person:
This tour is based on two types of accommodations: you’ll stay in standard 3-star hotels and two authentic horse and cattle ranches.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. Single rooms, including those for solo travellers, are by request.
Calgary is a metropolitan city with tons of restaurants and attractions to see, so you may not be spending much time in your room here!
Disconnect from city life during your stay at an authentic ranch. Enjoy the quiet beauty of the prairies and spend some time with the horses on site.
Enjoy a night in this agricultural hub of Alberta. Check out the Red Deer Museum and Art Gallery for insight into the First Nations culture and arts.
At a stunning junction of two main Alberta highways, you’ll be surrounded by peaks and rivers at your comfortable 3-star hotel.
Relax in a cozy 3-star standard hotel surrounded by immense mountains. Stroll the streets and take your pick of various top-notch restaurants and bars.
Walk a mile in a cowboy’s boots during your stay on a working cattle ranch. End your day by watching the sun go down behind the mountains as the horses graze.
If there was ever a town for hipster ski bums, Revelstoke is it. With a downtown full of boutique shops, cafes, and bars, you’ll never be bored here.
Make sure to walk on the pedestrian bridge hanging over the Kicking Horse River and get some beer and tacos from Whitetooth Brewery and Reposados.
Revel in this iconic mountain town that has graced many magazine covers. Wander the charming streets and admire the peaks around you.
Meals are not included on this tour.
Accommodations for 13 nights are included. Accommodations before and after the tour in Calgary are not included but can be added as a supplement.
This is a self-drive tour, and you’ll be provided with a rental vehicle for the duration of the itinerary.
How hard is the Rocky Mountain Ranches Tour?
We rate this tour as a 1/5. This tour has a flexible itinerary that allows you to choose your own hikes and activities so that you can tailor them to your fitness level.
Is my driver’s licence valid in Canada?
Most standard driver’s licences are valid in Canada; however, International Drivers Permit might be required, or some exemptions might apply. Please check this source about driving with foreign license in Canada.
Is the vehicle insurance included?
No, vehicle insurance is not included in the package. We strongly suggest having one for this tour to avoid liability in case there is damage caused to the vehicle. You can either book vehicle insurance during the booking process, or get one by yourself.
What does partially-guided mean?
Booking a partially-guided tour is a perfect choice for those who like to be in charge of some of their time while travelling, but also don’t want to be on their own during activities. In most cases, a partially-guided tour doesn’t have a tour leader assigned to a group, but some or most of the activities, such as hikes, city walks, or historic site visits, are led by different guides. Also, in most cases, booking a partially-guided tour is way cheaper than booking a fully-guided tour!
Do I need a visa to travel to Canada?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the Rocky Mountain Ranches Tour?
Meals are not included on this tour.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover any activities you plan to do. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Calgary to start this tour?
Fly into Calgary International Airport (YYC). You’ll pick up your rental vehicle at the airport.
Is the Rocky Mountain Ranches Tour in English?
The route guide, maps, and programs provided will be in English.
Where does the Rocky Mountain Ranches Tour end?
This tour ends in Calgary, where you can drop off your rental vehicle at the Calgary International Airport (YYC).
Do I need to have horseback riding experience for this tour?
No, the ranches have horses suitable for all levels of riders and will provide instructions for beginner riders.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Canada?
Check with your family doctor.
When is the best time to travel to Canada for this tour?
The best time to travel to the Canadian Rockies for this overland tour is during the summer, so you can enjoy warm weather for hiking and other outdoor activities. This tour is available from June to September.
Are there any travel restrictions for Canada?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
All tours on 10Adventures are operated by highly vetted local tour operators and guides.
Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.
Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.
There are no written reviews yet.
21 total ratings, 0 with reviewsStephen L.
I’ve been using 10Adventures route guides for a while, but had never booked a tour. My wife and I booked a self-guided hike in Greece and were so impressed with how we were able navigate the route without a guide with the detailed and easy to follow itinerary. We enjoy travelling independently, and 10Adventures made that happen.
Melinda S.
I was going through a tough time and really needed a getaway so I decided to book a tour through 10Adventures. My trip to Peru changed my life in so many positive and eye-opening ways. I am so thankful for the kind, empathetic team at 10Adventures.
Lina K.
I’ve adventured around a lot of Canada and the US, but I’ve always wanted to explore other parts of the world. I felt a bit scared before booking my trip to Israel, but my conversations with the team at 10Adventures helped ease any worry. I can’t wait to explore more of the world!
Gabriela H.
Travel companies have had to go through a lot during the pandemic but 10Adventures were super flexible and accommodating nonetheless. I had to cancel my tour in France due to the pandemic. 10Adventures was great and let me reschedule for a later date!
Mikael V.
My wife Sarah and I had a great experience booking our 7-day cycling trip through Portugal via 10Adventures. The communication between us and Nadine leading up the trip was top-notch!
Alexandra D.
Communicating with 10Adventures feels like talking with a family-run business. I love to explore and travel, and exploring with the comfort of knowing I can talk to the team at 10Adventures with almost immediate feedback helps to ease any stress that comes with adventuring!
Eric S.
Whenever I’m looking for my next adventure 10Adventures never fails. Their routes all over England are my main go to for exploring and I have only had great experiences booking both guided and self-guided trips in Europe and South America with them. I am looking into Africa next.
Valeria R.
I tend to have a lot of questions before travelling and was so happy to find that the team at 10Adventures responded to every single one of my inquiries in a timely fashion. I was never left waiting and waiting for a response. This was much appreciated!
Isabella N.
I have horrible dietary issues making it super hard to book a pre-planned trip sometimes, but the communication through 10Adventures helped me navigate this situation! I am so grateful for all of their help. I cant wait to book with them again!
Erika S.
I just got back from backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, and WOW. What an unreal journey! The alpine meadows, waterfalls, and the lakeside camping spot were memorable highlights! I wonder what other tours 10Adventures has to offer. That one went so well that I am now convinced I need to book another!
Robert D.
I'm not a big fan of traveling because of my fear of flying, but my girlfriend convinced me to go on the Aurora Borealis Tour in the Yukon. I will never forget the mesmerizing northern lights. Such a romantic (and cold) getaway. I would highly recommend it.
Monica L.
Wow! I am so happy with the experience I had with booking through 10Adventures for my tour in Italy! I worked with Nadine and she was super easy-going and helpful when it came to tweaking the itinerary provided on the website. 10/10 would book through 10Adventures again.
We rate this tour as a 1/5. This tour has a flexible itinerary that allows you to choose your own hikes and activities so that you can tailor them to your fitness level.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy! Let us take care of all the travel planning details, so you don’t have to.
Let us help you get exactly what YOU want with a customizable adventure tour centred around your active interests and passions.
We don’t believe in hidden fees like credit card fees, booking fees or more. Even better, most people can pay in their local currency!
We want your journey to meet your expectations, and we will work with you to solve any issues you’ve encountered.
Our dedicated adventure travel concierge will curate the perfect itinerary to make your travel dreams a reality.
Book with confidence, knowing that our team has carefully hand-picked each tour operator and they use local, experienced guides.
Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers