Itinerary Expand all Vancouver to Calgary Day 1 Vancouver Start your experience in one of the most beautiful and picturesque cities in the world, Vancouver. There is plenty to fill your time ahead of the welcome meeting this evening, but we highly recommend a stroll around this cosmopolitan city to get a feel for it. Treat yourself to some moreish maple cookies in Stanley Park, a 400-hectare green wonderland where you can see the authentic totem poles erected in the 1920s, or sit in one of the cafes and enjoy a spot of people watching. A welcome meeting will be held at 18:00 hrs, where you'll meet your tour guide and fellow travellers. Accommodation: Moda Hotel Vancouver (or similar) Days 2-3 Vancouver to Whistler Depart the bustling city of Vancouver and travel to the 'adventure capital' of Western Canada! Perhaps better known as a winter resort, Whistler has plenty on offer all year round. Take the opportunity to hit the trails, jump on a bike to explore at a different pace or zip line through the trees! Whether you're an adrenaline junkie, foodie or someone who likes to get close to nature, there's something for everyone in Whistler. Optional Activities:Extreme zip line course CA$129-219Mountain biking from CA$53Gondola ride CA$27 Accommodation: The Listel Hotel Whistler (or similar) Day 4 Wells Gray Provincial Park Don't let the fact that Wells Gray is not a national park fool you, this place is stunning! After your drive along the old Gold Rush Trail, stretch your legs with a walk to the edge of Helmcken Falls, Canada's fourth highest waterfall, stopping at various viewpoints to admire the lush valley below. Wells Gray is also home to many smaller but equally beautiful waterfalls. Embrace the stillness, silence and isolation, and never venture too far without your camera so you can capture the beautiful meadows full of wildflowers or a roaming bear. Tonight you'll stay in a simple log cabin at a guest ranch. Accommodation: Clearwater Lodge (or similar) Days 5-6 Jasper National Park Jasper National Park is the largest national park in Canada, covering an area of 10,878 square km. It's much less developed than other areas of Western Canada and offers a true wilderness feel. There are several options on offer in Jasper, including the SkyTram cable car to Whistler Mountain for a bird's-eye view of this splendid park. There's also ample opportunity for mountain biking or hiking amidst glorious lakeside scenery, and visiting spectacular Maligne Lake. Optional Activities:SkyTram cable car CA$50Mountain biking CA$20 per hour Accommodation: Pocahontas Cabins (or similar) Day 7 Icefields Parkway - Golden The Icefields Parkway, cutting through the heart of the Rockies, is recognised as being one of the top scenic drives in the world, travelling for 230km (140 miles) past hanging glaciers, sheer rock walls and broad sweeping valleys. You have a chance to traverse a portion of the imposing Athabasca Glacier on an optional guided glacier hike and be amazed by Peyto Lake's turquoise hues. End your day at Golden, close to Yoho National Park. Optional Activities: Guided glacier walk CA$100 (CA$60 for under 17s) Accommodation: Kicking Horse River Lodge (or similar) Day 8 Yoho National Park Yoho National Park is considered the hidden treasure of the Canadian national park system, and you have a full day to explore. It's a photographer's dream with several hiking opportunities which showcase the stunning mountains, lakes and waterfalls of this pristine alpine landscape. You can experience the Kicking Horse River first hand with an exhilarating half-day optional white water rafting excursion, or choose to hike at the magnificent Emerald Lake. An excellent alternative option is walking the challenging trails overlooking Takakkaw Falls - you're bound to be impressed by its beauty. Make the most out of this spectacular national park before returning to Golden tonight. Optional Activities: White water rafting CA$120-$173 Accommodation: Kicking Horse River Lodge (or similar) Day 9 Lake Louise - Banff National Park Lake Louise has always been a popular tourist destination, and it's no surprise that it is the most photographed destination in the region! With its snow-capped peaks, ancient pine forests and aquamarine waters, Lake Louise is known as the 'Gem of the Rockies'. The vibrant glacial hue of Lake Louise will take your breath away. It almost doesn't look real, but believe us when we say it most certainly is! Your next two nights will be spent in the nearby town of Banff. Optional Activities: Canoeing CAD$125 per hour (CAD$95 per additional hour) Accommodation: Charltons Banff (or similar) Day 10 Banff National Park Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park was established in 1885 and is Canada's oldest national park. Its mountainous terrain encompasses coniferous forests, alpine meadows, icefields and glaciers. Take a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain or opt to view all this scenic grandeur from a helicopter. Outstanding hikes are available and with an abundance of wildlife around, there's always a chance of spotting something special, so keep your camera at the ready. There's nothing better after a hard day's hiking than an included soak in the Sulphur Mountain Hot Springs. Optional Activities: Aerial gondola/tramway CAD$49-64Scenic glacier flight (20 minutes) CA$275Horseback riding (1.5 hour ride) CA$64-119 Accommodation: Charltons Banff (or similar) Day 11 Calgary This morning is your last chance to take in the incredible scenery of the Canadian Rockies before driving back to Calgary for the end of your adventure. You may wish to extend your stay and book post tour accommodation to continue to enjoy the many restaurants and shops of this urban oasis. Sandwiched in between the Rocky Mountains and the winding Bow River, Calgary is at the epicentre of Alberta's oil industry. The high-rise buildings and urban parklands create a balanced modern city. Climb the Calgary Tower if you want impressive 360 degree views and visit the interpretive centre to discover the heritage of the First Nation People. This tour ends at our gateway hotel at approximately 17:00 hrs. We can book you post-tour accommodation at our gateway hotel if required. If you are planning to fly tonight, please do not book a flight that departs before 21:00 hrs. Optional Activities: Heritage Park Historical Centre CA$28
Canada The Government of Canada has an entry requirement, known as an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), for some international travellers flying into Canada. Citizens from countries other than the US who do not require a visa to enter Canada are required to obtain an eTA before entering the country. Eligible travellers will need to go online to apply for their eTA. To apply for your eTA you will need your passport, credit or debit card and an email address. At the time of publication there was a CAD$7 fee to process your eTA. Your eTA will be valid for a period of five years, or until your passport expires. We recommend you carry a print out of your eTA approval when you travel. Please visit www.canada.ca/eTA to apply. If you have not applied for and received authorisation via an eTA prior to travel you may be denied boarding, experience a delayed processing or be denied admission at the Canadian point of entry. However, neither possession of a visa nor meeting the basic requirements for travelling visafree on the eTA, guarantees admission to Canada. As with most countries, the final determination of admissibility is made by immigration officials at the point of entry.
Hotel, lodges & cabins Hotel accommodation will be in clean, comfortable hotels and lodges with en-suite bathroom facilities, chosen for their friendly atmosphere and proximity to the highlights of the region. You will be roomed with a fellow passenger of the same sex on a twin share basis (two people per room) unless you are travelling as a couple. In remote locations, we have chosen the best accommodation available but they may be of a slightly lower standard than you are used to. There are no compulsory single supplements on our tours, however if you’d like your own space, you can request a single room for an additional fee. Please note, we cannot guarantee single occupancy for nights at Wells Gray Provincial Park.
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