Canadian Rockies – With Banff

Canadian Rockies, here we come!! Our Rustad motorcoach heads west across the rolling and vast plains of North Dakota. Lunch will be included in Grand Forks, ND, and by mid-afternoon you’ll think you’ve stepped back into the 19th century. Walking the wooden sidewalks in the village square at the Prairie Village Museum in Rugby, ND, is like falling into a time capsule. This museum tells the story of hardy pioneers through interesting exhibits, Native American artifacts, and displays. We will also see the Geographical Center of North America Monument. After a long day of travel, we settle down for our evening stay in Minot, ND. (L)

This morning, we board “The Empire Builder,” an Amtrak train for an unforgettable journey from Minot, ND, to Shelby, MT! The Empire Builder was introduced in 1929 as a flagship passenger train of the Great Northern Railway and was retained by Amtrak when it took over intercity rail service on May 1, 1971. In a “Rags to Riches” story, Railroad Tycoon James J. Hill became famous as the “Empire Builder” for his role in furthering the development of the northwestern region of the U.S. through the Great Northern Railway. Lean back in comfort as you experience panoramic views revealing the “Rugged Splendor of the American West” along major portions of the Lewis & Clark Trail, imagining the incredible adventures and hardships experienced by these courageous early explorers. Along the way, you may want to treat yourself to a relaxing meal in the dining car. Early this evening, our Rustad coach will be waiting for you in Shelby to take you to the hotel. Rustad’s has included a box meal for you tonight. (B) (D)

Rise and shine! We have an early departure from Shelby, MT, traveling across the border into Canada. Our route takes us through the southern portion of the Province of Alberta. This fertile slice of land is a vast plains region and is considered part of the Great Plains of North America, dominated by mostly agricultural lands for grain crops and ranching. We make our usual stops along the way with an included noon meal. At the crossroads near Calgary, we turn west through the rolling foothills where a silhouette of the majestic mountain peaks of the Canadian Rockies comes into view. We enter the gates of Banff National Park with a short drive to the Banff townsite by late afternoon. This area has the second-highest elevation in Alberta. We’ll take in one of the world’s most awe-inspiring mountain views on a ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain on the Banff Gondola. You’ll get a bird’s eye view of the Canadian Rockies from the summit ridge at 7,484 feet above sea level! You’ll have multiple dining options (on your own) to choose from while enjoying the spectacular scenery. Tonight, our accommodations are in Banff. (B) (L)

Good Morning, Banff! This charming city is snuggled into a small mountain valley in Banff National Park. Banff is one of Canada’s most popular tourist destinations. You’ll discover its historic beginnings in the late 1800s after the Transcontinental Railway was built through Bow Valley. It was named Banff in 1884 by George Stephen, President of the Canadian Pacific Railway, after his birthplace of Banff, Scotland. We’ll take a break for you to enjoy a relaxed lunch on your own and some shopping for treasures in downtown Banff. By mid-afternoon, our coach turns north to Lake Louise. Over hundreds of years, the Victoria Glacier has been receding creating this turquoise mountain lake high above the town site. After snapping photos of the lake, glacier, and chateau, we continue traveling north on the Icefield Parkway. This is one of the most picturesque roads in the world. Stops will be made at scenic overlooks and for possible wildlife sightings. Tonight, we unpack for a two-night stay at The Crossing Resort, which is surrounded by magnificent mountains. An evening buffet is included at The Crossing. (B) (D)

High in the Rocky Mountains lay rivers of ice, with the largest being the Columbia Icefield. Banff National Park has many enormous glaciers, and the Athabasca Glacier is the most accessible. A huge Ice Explorer vehicle will transport us onto the glacier to walk on the ice and taste the fresh glacial water. This experience will leave you feeling exhilarated and inspired! Our day continues as we travel the scenic Columbia Icefield Parkway to Jasper National Park which consists of a vast wilderness area of the Alberta province. The park is defined by glaciers, lakes, and monumental mountain peaks such as Mt. Edith Cavell, and has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site. By early evening we’ll return to our accommodations along the parkway. (B)

Traveling south between the majestic mountains, we follow the stunning turquoise rivers and picturesque views of emerald green forests into British Columbia to Kimberley, BC. Kimberley, often called the Bavarian City of the Rockies, is nestled into a valley surrounded by towering mountains. There will be time to shop and enjoy lunch on your own in this scenic town. By late afternoon, we’ll be back in the United States to our hotel in Kalispell, Montana. There are many food options to choose from for your included evening meal. Tonight might be a perfect time to take a hike and enjoy the scenery. (B) (D)

Glacier National Park is called the “Crown of the Continent” for good reason! Established in 1910, this land features mountain ranges shaped by prehistoric ice rivers, offering views of alpine meadows, dense forests, glistening glaciers, and sparkling lakes, all contributing to its primitive, untouched beauty. By mid-morning, we arrive at the historic Lake McDonald Lodge, nestled along the picturesque shores of the largest lake in Glacier National Park. Our adventure of Glacial National Park continues as you enjoy the Going-to-the-Sun Road. You’ll be amazed at the breathtaking vistas along this park highway that crosses the width of the park. We’ll pass through almost every type of terrain such as large glacial lakes, cedar forests, and windswept alpine tundra atop the pass on the way to the Rising Sun Lodge. This rustic lodge was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1987, and is one of the nation’s finest examples of large-scale Swiss Chalet Architecture. This scenic mountain road crosses the Continental Divide at Logan’s Pass. Our noon lunch is at a quaint log-cabin-style restaurant located near the eastern entrance of Glacier National Park. Johnson’s of St. Mary, a third-generation family restaurant, was established in the 1950s. Our included meal is served family-style. The smell of freshly baked bread is ever present as several batches are made daily. Rustad’s motorcoach will meet us at the visitor’s center on the east side of the park. There will be time to find some treasures at the gift shop before we continue to our accommodations in Great Falls, Montana. Your evening meal is included. (B) (L) (D)

Before we leave town, we’ll make a photo stop along the Missouri River to capture the waterfalls that Great Falls, Montana, is named for. The Lewis & Clark Expedition had to portage around over a ten-mile stretch that took 31 days of arduous labor during the 1805-06 exploration. Our coach will roll east through Montana’s ranching country where we hope to see herds of cattle, sheep, and antelope feeding on the hilly grasslands. When our coach arrives in Medora, North Dakota, we will have just enough time to check into our motel and freshen up before heading to the Pitchfork Steak Fondue. After a delicious steak dinner (cooked on a clean pitchfork), we’ll enjoy Western entertainment at the Medora Musical. (B) (L) (D)

Breakfast is included before we begin our journey back to Kerkhoven. We’ll stop to take photos of the Painted Canyon at the Teddy Roosevelt National Park before continuing east on I-94. Rest stops will be made en route. The day passes quickly as you visit with your new friends. Rustad Tours hopes that you have enjoyed memory-making moments along the way during the Canadian Rockies tour that you’ll treasure for a long, long time! (B) (L)