Thats good to hear Kylie, I was worried it might not be enough.
As for optionals I might do the Stampede while in Calgary
Whistler
Paddle Excursion
CAD$63.00

Enjoy the spectacular scenery around Whistler as you embark on an exciting paddle excursion. You will have the opportunity to spend some time on canoes on Alta Lake and on the River of Golden Dreams.

Peak Adventure
CAD$29.50 (opens end of June)

Whistler Mountain’s premier chairlift – the Peak Chair – is an exhilarating open-air chairlift ride to the very top of Whistler Mountain, where you will be treated to tremendous views of ancient glaciers, snowcapped peaks, dormant volcanoes and the beautiful Coast Mountain range. Be sure to go for a stroll while you’re at the top. The Peak Adventure gives you the access to over 48 kms of alpine hiking trails including the new Peak Interactive walk.

Jasper
Maligne Lake Cruise
CAD$42.00

Enjoy a tranquil 90 minute boat tour on breathtaking Maligne lake. Your narrated cruise takes you to the rare beauty of Spirit Island for fantastic scenic views. It’s a photographer’s dream.

Banff
Sulphur Mountain Gondola Ride
CAD$24.50

Travel via a scenic glass enclosed gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain to enjoy the magnificent view of Banff and the Bow Valley. Perhaps enjoy lunch at Canada’s highest restaurant (2281m / 7500 ft) or search out the wildlife frequently found at the summit. A fantastic photo opportunity that’s not to be missed.

Horseback Ride & Steak Fry
CAD$91.00

View the Rockies on horseback and then enjoy a traditional mountain-style cookout dinner.

Calgary
Calgary Stampede
From CAD$156.04

Tickets include admittance to the fairgrounds, rodeo and chuck wagon races.

Will see about the others while on tour and see what they are like.

Heya, depends whether you want to buy boots lol.
You have chosen all the optionals we want to do
I think the stampede will be the most expensive part, and pretty wild from what I have heard..so it may be a matter of pacing ourselves especially having already come off another contiki.. don't they normally say to allow $100 per day.

I might have found a place in Vegas to get my Cowboy hat, shirt and I might even get boots but not sure yet. Well not after the crap I gave my mate who has some. I know what you mean about pacing ourselves. After 26 days on the Southern I might need to go very careful not only with the money but also with myself. Try not to have to many big nights before the Stampede.
Yeah you always hear $100 a day but it's always different if it's $100 NZ or Aussie or even $100 Euro or USD. I can't even remember how much spending money I had with me on the Northern. All I know is I spent it all and was shocked how much I spent while on the Canadian leg of that trip. $100plus within the first 8 hours of being in Quebec(afraid to say it was all on alcohole)
We'll have to hit a pub the first night in Vancouver. Plus it might be nice to go out to dinner too.

I'm lucky we only have the western Highlights before hand its only 8 days..Pub and dinner sounds like a great Idea..

Don't forget we will have Canada day, there as well which I think will be a big night, if its anything like Australia Day here it will be.

I want to get a shirt from the stampede , where's this shop in Vegas we have a couple of nights there.. I think $100 US should be ok some days we'll spend more, hopefully you can give us some tips to save some money along the way, tricks of the trade so to speak...

Here's a link to the cowboy shop. It's a bit out of the way but shouldn't be to far by taxi.
www.sheplers.com
Las Vegas
Sahara Pavilion
4700 W. Sahara Ave
Las Vegas, NV 89102
(NE corner of Sahara Ave & Decatur Blvd)
(702) 258-2000
Map
Mon - Sat: 10 - 9pm
Sun: 11 - 6pm
Sam's Town
5111 Boulder Highway
Las Vegas, NV 89122
((Located on 2nd floor in Sam's Town Casino)

One tip I have to save money is eat a big breakfast so you're not to hungry around lunch. I'm thinking of making cheese and marmite sandwhiches for lunch. Save some cash there.

Hey everyone,

I've had trouble logging in so sorry for the long delay in replying.

Kylie to answer your question, I'm from Christchurch, New Zealand

My family are Canadian so I am going over there to see family (haven't been there since I was 11, now 25) then on to the tour!!!

If anyone has any suggestions of what to pack that wouldn't necessarily be thought of that would be cool.

Sounds like we are all looking forward to the Stampede, if you don't dress up you can get fines and locked in jail and all sorts of other stuff, just for fun of course

hey nzcaniwi, another Kiwi, Pervy will be happy. In so far as to what to pack, there was a really good thread back in the general section about "what you wish you had and hadn't packed' there are some really good ideas there.
I love dressing up..can't wait for the stampede. Whereabouts do your family live?

Thanks, i will take a look...
I have family in Calgary and Salt Lake City who are going to be visiting for the family things we are doing before the tour.

I'm really hoping the exchange rate gets better closer to the time, its hard saving but definitly going to be worth the wait!

Hey nzcaniwi, if you don't dress up for the stampede do you also get made to do line dancing in the middle of the main street. Another kiwi is great.
As for packing, take a power board and plug adaptor. That way you can use your chargers from home and only need the one plug adaptor.
I always say take lots of socks. Nothing worse than sitting on a bus all day with smelly feet. Ok there are much worse things.
Can't think of anything else to pack apart from the standard things.

Two tips I can offer to save money is:
1. Don't spend it all on alcohol. Every group will have someone who spends all their money on alcohol and most of their time hungover so they don't get to fully enjoy everything. What a waste.
2. When we get breakfast included, grab some fruit or a bagel and have that for lunch.

Hey Karen, great idea with the breakfast food for lunch. I alway think about doing that but never do. I might take all the hard boiled eges and see how many I can eat in half an hour. On my last tour I had a semi strict rule that I would only drink every second night. Worked ok. Plus if you are a girl get all the local guys to buy you drinks at night. Save heaps of money.

Hey all,

My name is Rob, I am 24 years young, and am from CANADA!

This will be my 3rd Contiki, and am really looking forward to it.

I've heard so many positive things about this tour, so it'll be a good one.

Keep in touch,

Rob

Hey Rob. Where abouts in Canada are you from? Can't wait till the tour starts. When are you looking at getting into Vancouver?

Pervy,

Good to hear from you.

I am about an hour west of Toronto,which I guess is in central Canada.

I arrive in Vancouver on June 25th around 2pm. I am staying at the Contiki hotel.

I hear the optionals are a blast.

Can't wait till June.

Rob

Hi Rob, I get in to Vancouver about the same time. Getting the Greyhound up from Seattle. I can't wait to ride a horse. Never done it before, well my cousin let me ride hers once but I got off as soon as I got on. Hurt my nuts. Hope to not do that again.
I've been to Toronto a few times. Really like the place and I must say all the Canadians I have met have been very nice.
How big is Canada day? is it a really big party? just asking since we'll be on tour for it.