‘Awe inspiring', ‘picturesque', ‘mind blowing' - all of these words describe the beauty of the Canadian Rockies, and yet none of them do this phenomenal region justice. A range of Optional Experiences from food tours, guided hikes and white water rafting to a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Optional Experience Plant Medicine Walk in the Banff boreal forest with a First Nations Local Specialist. The rugged, snowcapped peaks and shining, glacier fed emerald green lakes are in a league all of their own, all of which you'll see on this 10-day nature extravaganza.
9 nights / 10 days
Fully Guided
Start Location
Visited Location
Plane
End Location
Cruise
Train
Overnight
Ferry
Welcome to big hearted, fun loving Calgary! A beautiful city packed with trendy restaurants, a lively nightlife scene and all the honky tonk fun you could ever want, Calgary is best known for hosting the annual Calgary Stampede, which happens every July. After settling in to your hotel you'll meet up with your Travel Director this afternoon, then head out to discover the city for yourself. Need a good coffee to wake yourself up after a long flight? Then the neighborhoods of Inglewood and Kensington should be high on your agenda.
Begin the day with an Iconic Breakfast in Heritage Park Historical Village, where you will be met by an interpreter for an overview of Gasoline Alley Museum, the world's largest public collection of antique vehicles and oil- and gas-related artefacts. Then hit the road in the direction of Lake Louise, one of the most beautiful lakes in North America. The journey is part of the adventure so enjoy watching the changing landscape from the comfort of your seat as the craggy, snow-capped peaks of the Rockies come into view. Continue towards Banff, famed for its world-class national parks, emerald-green lakes and dramatic vistas. You'll get a taste of all this and more on a sightseeing tour along Tunnel Mountain Drive. Take in sights such as Cascade Mountain, Mt. Rundle, Bow Falls, and the surreal, nature beaten hoodoos rock formations, which have gained their unusual, twisted shapes over years of erosion from water and wind.
Waking up today, we hope you're full of energy! Venture into the stunning wilderness of Banff National Park or, better yet, take advantage of our enticing range of optional experiences to truly appreciate the best of this region. Choose from a variety of helicopter flights (weather dependent) that will have you soaring over iconic sites including the Three Sisters Peak, the Sundance Ranges and the Gloria and Assiniboine Glaciers (weather dependent). Or perhaps you'd prefer to catch the gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain for a bird's eye view of the six mountain ranges within the Rockies, with glorious Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in the distance. Enjoy golf with a view at Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course or join the Plain of Six Glaciers hike. As an evening option, you can book a Banff Gondola ride including dinner with a view.
Awaiting you today is the magnificent Icefields Parkway, a striking 232km (144 miles) stretch of road that cuts straight through the backbone of the Rockies, passing ancient glaciers, mountain lakes and broad sweeping valleys. Make your way up to the Columbia Icefield, which covers an area of over 515 square km (200 square miles). Here, you'll ride the giant Ice Explorer across the Athabasca Glacier before trekking across this massive marvel of nature and filling your water bottle with fresh glacial water. After this unforgettable experience, visit Athabasca Falls and continue to unpretentious, heart-warming Jasper, at the heart of one of the most beautiful, protected wildernesses in the world. Choose to spend an evening at your leisure, or see the 'From Jasper With Love” live theater performance.
Today promises to be action packed! Stepping outside and smelling the fresh mountain air, let the prospect of a day exploring beautiful Jasper bring a smile to your face. As the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, your options here are abundant. Perhaps choose a gentle float trip down the Athabasca River (seasonal), with ample wildlife spotting opportunities. Have your heart set on exploring beautiful Maligne Lake? A boat cruise (seasonal) around the largest glacially fed lake in the Canadian Rockies is right for you. If you're looking to get active, experience the majestic scenery of Jasper National Park on foot during a guided nature hike. Food-lovers can join a Jasper Food Tour or optional three-course dinner followed by a two-hour twilight wildlife tour & interpretive “Horns and Antlers” talk at Becker's Chalets set along the beautiful Athabasca River.
Heading out of Jasper today you'll continue your journey through Jasper National Park, passing towering pine forests, surging rivers, vast waterfalls and alpine meadows on the way. The crowning glory of your journey will undoubtedly be catching your first glimpse of Mount Robson, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most prominent mountain in the North American Rockies and the highest point in the Canadian range. You'll then finish your journey in Sun Peaks.
Today you will drive to the coast where you will board a ferry bound for Vancouver Island. After docking at Swartz Bay and making the short drive into Victoria, you'll no doubt be struck by the English influence of the city. An introductory sightseeing tour will take you along the waterfront district and into the downtown area, passing the Parliament Buildings, Government Street and through Beacon Hill Park so you can really get your bearings. Keen to explore even further? Victoria has more cycle routes than any other Canadian city, so the best way to get around is undoubtedly on two wheels.
Head to the world-famous Butchart Gardens where you'll be surrounded by beautiful blossoms and blooms. Stroll through this 55-acre showcase of gorgeous gardens to gain an insight into why it has been named a national historic site of Canada. The rest of the day is yours to explore Victoria your way. Take in all that Victoria has to offer, taking in sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, James and Sydney Islands, and the Saanich Peninsula on the Victoria Panorama tour. Or enjoy a Victoria Whale Watching Excursion and keep an eye out for other local wildlife you might spot along the way.
The outdoorsy, trendy city of Vancouver awaits as you traverse the Georgia Straight by ferry. Regarded as one of the world's most naturally beautiful cities, Vancouver is framed by dramatic vistas on all sides. Given its proximity to nature, Vancouver residents (and visitors) can ski in the morning and go for a swim in the ocean during the afternoon. You'll kick off your stay here with a sightseeing tour of historic Gastown, vibrant Chinatown and the green jewel in the city's crown, the much-loved Stanley Park. You have the rest of the day to explore Vancouver your way before this evening's optional winery tour and tasting, followed by a three-course dinner at a local restaurant to celebrate an amazing end to your adventure.
No doubt leaving with happy memories of warm Canadian hospitality and glorious glacier fed lakes, your trip will come to an end today. Depart at leisure today and bid a fond Canadian Farewell.
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