Departing from Calgary east into the endless golden prairies, the fertile land suddenly drops away into a strange and stark moonscape of weird striped hills and otherworldly rock formations – The Badlands. View the impressive Horseshoe Canyon and learn about the geology, history and native plants and animals at the Interpretive Centre.

Next is the town of Drumheller, Dinosaur Capital of the World, and a visit to the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology, home of 130,000 fossils of over 300 different species and one of the best dinosaur museums in the world. Explore the fascinating exhibits, watch a raptor skeleton being assembled, meet the scientists that interpret the past and learn what happens behind the scenes to collected fossils. You can also take the optional Dinosite Tour, a 3 km guided walk to search for fossils, see dinosaur bones in the ground and learn about ancient Alberta.

Leaving Drumheller, take a stroll across the Rosedale Suspension Bridge and stop to view the Hoodoos, unique geological formations that resemble sandstone giants. Return to Calgary late this afternoon.

Every building tells a story. Calgary’s downtown core spins a yarn of a brash frontier town that has grown into a lively urban center where you can literally stand with one foot in the past and one in the present — and follow a “ribbon of steel” through the heart of the city. As you explore Stephen Avenue Mall (no cars allowed 6:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.) and the Bow River Pathway, you’ll have an on-the-ground experience that Google Earth could never deliver. You’ll find out where Calgarians go for fine food and dining. (We’ll show you how to go back later on public transit — it’s free in the downtown core).

You may hear the echoes of history at the site of an 1880’s saw mill and the location of the 1988 Winter Olympics award ceremonies — and perhaps modern day music from the Folk Fest held on Prince’s Island Park. The tour concludes at the Calgary Tower, offering the best view in the city and a must-see attraction! On the observation deck, you’ll experience a spectacular 360 degree view of the bustling city, the majestic Rocky Mountains, the foothills and the prairies. Stand on the amazing glass-floor for a birds-eye view of the city streets below.

This morning begin making your way to the town of Banff and Canada’s first National Park. Visit the landmark sights of Banff with stops at Bow Falls, Surprise Corner, Hoodoos viewpoint and maybe even spot some wildlife along the way! You will have some leisure time today to wonder the busy streets of Banff Avenue for lunch and to check out the many specialty shops, souvenir stores and cafes. Top off the day with Banff’s Peak Attraction and ride up the Sulphur Mountain Gondola. Take in the amazing view from several viewpoints, look out over a sea of mountain tops and the Bow Valley far below. Return to Calgary late this afternoon.