Holiday Overview
Discover a world of fossils, cowboy culture and central Canada treasures on a unique new itinerary combining new destinations in Saskatchewan and Alberta. The communities and landscapes that dot the roads leading west to the grass and wheat fields of the country are seldom seen by larger tours and offer a distinctive perspective on the area and its history. Authentic ranches demonstrate how life on horseback was for the settlers of the 19th century and stays in modern urban centres show the changing face of their community and philosophies. Historical re-enactments are guided tours round out and intriguing holiday experience.
Ranchland and Prairies Fly Drive Holiday includes:
- Return UK flights
- Coach transfer from Calgary Airport to downtown hotel
- 13 nights accommodation
- Car Hire
- Full Board basis at La Reata Ranch
- Admission to Wasnuskewin Heritage Park
Day 1 - Arrive in Calgary
Arrive Calgary International Airport and transfer independently to your downtown hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure for perhaps visiting Heritage Park, the Calgary Tower or one of the many other attractions the city has to offer. Overnight in Calgary
Featured accommodation
Sandman Hotel Calgary
Day 2 - Calgary to Drumheller (135 KM)
Leaving the city and heading east, you pass through the outer reaches of Calgary’s expansive communities and bass into the Badlands – an arid, rocky region displaying the geological and paleontological history of the last 200 million years. This area is one of the largest, accessible dinosaur fields in the world, producing thousands of fossils with new discoveries every year. You may like to independently visit the Royal Tyrell Museum that tells the story of the ancient animals that roamed the lands eons ago. Overnight in Drumheller.
Featured accommodation
Travelodge by Wyndham Drumheller AB
Day 3 - Drumheller to Kyle/La Reata Ranch (393 KM)
Today we journey across Alberta over the provincial border into Saskatchewan – the Bread Basket of Canada. Although famous for its near-endless wheat fields, the province is home to a diverse environment of rolling plains, northern forests and waterways. Arriving at La Reata ranch, the next two days are yours to explore this beautiful landscape on horseback during the day, and spend the evenings living the social life of a Canadian cowboy. Overnight at La Reata Ranch. All meals included.
Featured accommodation
La Reata Ranch
Day 4 - La Reata Ranch
A second day to spend on horseback with your knowledgeable guides as they reveal the natural wonders, the history of the land, and the stories of its ancient and modern peoples. The ranch offers guests the opportunity to see how cowboys lived and worked at the ranches, and how a modern ranch has adapted to today’s reality. Overnight at La Reata Ranch. All meals included.
Featured accommodation
La Reata Ranch
Day 5 - Kyle to Regina (311 KM)
The journey today leads further into the heart of the province past numerous shallow lakes, grasslands and horizon-filling Big Sky. Arriving in Moose Jaw, you find yourself in what used to be one of the only two main settlements in the province during its formative years. As a result, the cultures of the immigrants that came to the prairies over the last century have left their mark on the buildings and architecture of this small but intriguing town. Explore the Asian influences of the area with a historical tour and re-enactment in the tunnels below the town streets. Afterwards, tour the Heritage Centre of the world-famous Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Afterwards, continue onto Regina for the evening. Overnight in Regina.
Featured accommodation
Sandman Hotel & Suites Regina
Day 6 - Regina to Saskatoon (263km)
Driving northward, the road leads through Saskatoon – once a meeting place and formative centre for popular rock and folk music in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Continuing north, the landscape turns more rugged and the forest begin to expand over the horizon. Overnight at Sandman Hotel & Suites Saskatoon or Delta Hotels by Marriott Bessborough.
Day 7 - Saskatoon/Wasnuskewin Heritage Park
Today visit the spectacular Wanuskewin Heritage Park, known for centuries as 'The Gathering Place”. Six thousand years ago, Wanuskewin echoed with the thundering hooves of bison and the voices of Indigenous peoples from across the Northern Plains. The nomadic tribes who roamed the lands gathered on this site of natural beauty where today visitors can relive the stories of a people who came here to hunt bison, gather food and herbs and escape the winter winds. Walking in their footsteps throughout the incredible interactive displays, you will understand why this site was a place of worship and celebration, of renewal with the natural world and of a deep spirituality. Overnight in Saskatoon.
Day 8 - Saskatoon to Lloydminster (273 KM)
Today you head for the provincial border - and stop on the very edge of it! Lloydminster is a town of two regions with half the residents living in Saskatchewan and the other half in Alberta. Aside from its unique location, the community has come to embrace the arts and culinary diversity with its small galleries, restaurants and casual eateries. Overnight in Lloydminster.
Day 9 - Lloydminster to Edmonton (250KM)
After a short 2.5-hour drive, you arrive at the seat of Alberta’s provincial government, Edmonton. Although it is the administrative head of the province and boasts the grand public buildings and monuments that commemorate its title, the city is also home to large urban parks, bike paths and pedestrian walkways that let you discover fascinating sights and unique neighbourhoods. Overnight in Edmonton.
Featured accommodation
Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel
Day 10 - Edmonton to Jasper (365 km)
The grandeur of the Rocky Mountains awaits! As you drive west into the foothills, the mountains grow in the distance until they are suddenly looming outside every window on today’s scenic drive. Winding your way through the passes and valleys, you arrive in the outdoor-adventure hub of Jasper. This quiet alpine town is home to magnificent lodges and the jumping off point for excursions, tours andother exciting attractions in Jasper National Park. Overnight in Jasper.
Featured accommodation
Lobstick Lodge
Enhance your experience
Chateau Jasper
Day 11 - Jasper
Today is free to spend around this quiet alpine town. Perhaps take in a lunch at one of the many restaurants, or browse some of the local shops. Jasper is renowned as the starting point for days of adventure to be had around the park. You may wish to arrange a Maligne Lake boat cruise or take a ride on the Jasper SkyTram (activities and tours at additional cost). Overnight in Jasper.
Featured accommodation
Lobstick Lodge
Enhance your experience
Chateau Jasper
Day 12 - Jasper to Banff (288 KM)
Drive to Banff via the spectacular Icefields Parkway. We suggest a stop at Peyto Lake, Lake Louise, Columbian Icefield Centre and Athabasca Falls to name a few en route. Enjoy glorious photo opportunities of snowcapped peaks, waterfalls and alpine meadows as you travel this route considered one of the most scenic drives in the world. Overnight in Banff.
Featured accommodation
Banff Ptarmigan Inn
Day 13 - Banff
Make today a day of discovery in Canada’s most famous Rocky Mountain community! The exclusive shops and restaurants that line Banff Avenue bring the tastes and goods of the world to your fingertips. Elk stroll along the wide central boulevards, creating a surreal mix of human and wildlife habitation. Perhaps arrange a visit to Banff Natural History Museum or gondola ride. Or for the more adventurous, try river rafting or a sidecar tour (activities and tours at additional cost). Overnight in Banff.
Featured accommodation
Banff Ptarmigan Inn
Day 14 - Banff to Calgary / End of Tour (125 KM)
Today you descend from the mountains back through the foothills en route to Calgary International Airport in time for your return flight.
Sandman Hotel Calgary
Located in the central business and shopping district, this renovated comfortable hotel offers 301 airconditioned guest rooms.
Travelodge by Wyndham Drumheller AB
Book your Alberta getaway at the Travelodge by Wyndham Drumheller hotel near Royal Tyrrell Museum. The hotel offers comfortable, affordable accommodations whether you are staying just one night or are planning to stay and enjoy the many attractions of Drumheller.
La Reata Ranch
La Reata Ranch is a working cattle ranch located on Lake Diefenbaker in Kyle, Saskatchewan. It features over 2000 hectares of rolling pasture and on-site horse riding lessons.
Sandman Hotel & Suites Regina
Just off Highway 1, near the Victoria Square Mall, this hotel in Regina, Saskatchewan, offers 2 on-site restaurants.
Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel
The Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel is located in the heart of Edmonton, perfect for tourists to take full advantage of all the city has to offer.
Lobstick Lodge
The Lobstick Lodge in Jasper is an ideal setting for your next family, group, or individual holiday adventure. Located near the slopes, this Jasper hotel is minutes from Jasper Activity Centre and close to winter activities such as cross-country skiing and ice skating. Also nearby are Jasper National Park and Jasper-Yellowhead Museum and Archives.
Chateau Jasper
The Chateau Jasper is an exceptional hotel with an excellent variety of accommodations and facilities. Situated in Jasper, this eco-friendly hotel is close to Jasper Activity Centre, Jasper National Park, and Jasper-Yellowhead Museum and Archives. Also nearby are Jasper Information Centre National Historic Site and Jasper Municipal Library. Athabasca Falls is 30 minutes' drive from the Chateau Jasper and the Miette Hot springs are 1 hour's drive away.
Banff Ptarmigan Inn
The Banff Ptarmigan Inn is centrally located in Banff National Park just steps from Bow Falls, the Cave and Basin National Historic Site and the Banff Upper Hot Springs. On your holiday you can enjoy the hotels mountain views, and numerous outdoor activities from hiking trails, canoe rides, and biking in the summer, skiing, skating, and snowshoeing in the winter. The facilities at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel are also nearby and guests can also explore the Banff area with complimentary bus passes, which are good for the entire stay.
Image Gallery
Waskesiu Lake
Regina
Lloydminster
Jasper National Park
Calgary
Drumheller
Edmonton
Banff gondola
Saskatchewan
La Reata Ranch
Jasper National Park
Edmonton
Alternative My Canada Trips Holidays That May Interest You
Below you will find a small selection of 2022, 2023 My Canada Trips holidays that may interest you. Remember, we tailor-make each holiday to your exact needs, so please call us on 0800 021 7732 and let one of our Canada Holiday experts design the perfect trip for you
Canada Fly Drive Holidays
Lakes & Lodges Self Drive
- 13 Nights
- Vancouver
- Gold Bridge
- Clearwater
- Jasper
- Moraine Lake
- Emerald Lake
- Banff
- Calgary
Canada Fly Drive Holidays
Rockies & Rainforest East Bound Fly Drive
- 15 Nights
- Vancouver
- Victoria
- Tofino
- Parksville
- Whistler
- Clearwater
- Jasper
- Banff
- Calgary
Canada Fly Drive Holidays
Vancouver, Bears & Whales
- 14 Nights
- Vancouver
- Whistler
- Campbell River
- Knight Inlet
- Tofino
- Victoria
Canada Fly Drive Holidays
Wilderness Explorer Fly Drive
- 14 Nights
- Vancouver
- Manning Park
- Penticton
- Clearwater
- Jasper
- Emerald Lake
- Banff
- Kananaskis
- Calgary
Canada Fly Drive Holidays
Best of the East Fly Drive
- 14 Nights
- Toronto
- Niagara Falls
- Algonquin Park
- Ottawa
- Mont Tremblant
- Quebec City
- Montreal
- Kingston
Canada Family Holidays
Discover Whistler & the Rockies
- 7 Nights
- Calgary
- Banff
- Jasper
- Sun Peaks Resort
- Whistler
- Vancouver
Canada Fly Drive Holidays
Whistler & Pacific Coast Fly Drive
- 6 Nights
- Vancouver
- Whistler
- Tofino
- Victoria
Canada Fly Drive Holidays
Nova Scotia Delights Self Drive
- 7 Nights
- Halifax
- Baddeck
- Pictou
Canada Fly Drive Holidays
Peaks & Grapes Fly Drive
- 9 Nights
- Vancouver
- Whistler
- Sun Peaks Resort
- Jasper
- Banff
- Kelowna