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Canadian Rockies and Vancouver

£3,895.00

Seeing glacier-fed lakes ringed by the high peaks of Banff National Park. Their fantastic turquoise hue – caused by the levels of rock flour in the water – almost looks unreal.

The western provinces of Alberta and British Columbia are draped in spectacular natural riches. On this 14-day Canadian Rockies tour, you’ll twist along the highs and lows of the vast landscape through sweeping scenery, mighty mountains, deep forests and pristine lakes and rivers. We contrast the natural landscapes with city stays, too, spending time in Vancouver and Victoria. You’ll soon realise it was more than the promise of gold that tempted settlers here during the Klondike Gold Rush of the 1890s…

  • 7 excursions & visits
  • 2 meals
  • Active traveller pace
Category:

Your itinerary

Day 1 – Calgary – Banff

Our door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your flight to Calgary. On arrival, we transfer to the little town of Banff – surely one of the loveliest in North America. This small town is the launching point for world-famous Banff National Park, home to an untamed wilderness. Rugged mountaintops, glistening lakes, thick forests and elusive wildlife. It’s the stuff that inspires novels and painters. This evening you’re free to enjoy your hotel and explore the surrounding area.

Banff Caribou Lodge (3.5-star)

Day 2 – Banff – Lake Louise

We head out on a day of scenic delights are we explore the town’s surrounds and Lake Louise (named after Queen Victoria’s daughter), plus Moraine Lake (subject to seasonal availability). These glassy lakes are filled by waterfalls and flash shades of deep emerald and bright turquoise, reflecting the mountain peaks towering overhead.

Banff Caribou Lodge (3.5-star)

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: Guided tour of Banff and its lakes (all day)

View across the turquoise waters of Moraine Lake, edged with thick forest and towering peaks. Visit Banff National Park

Day 3 – Banff

Today you can enjoy Banff completely at leisure. On the outskirts of town is Sulphur Mountain, with its enclosed gondola ride to the 7,500ft summit from where there are some breathtaking views of the Bow Valley and Banff town below.

Banff Caribou Lodge (3.5-star)

Today includes…

Free time

View from Sulphur Mountain in the Canadian Rockies, looking down across the town of Banff

Day 4 – Columbia Icefield – Jasper

You’ll want to keep your camera within reach this morning as we journey to Jasper National Park from Banff National Park by way of the Icefields Parkway. This stunningly scenic road links the two great parks, and for over 140 miles we’ll wind through jagged mountain peaks and high forested valleys, passing emerald lakes and mountain-fed streams, waterfalls and rivers. The halfway point is the spectacular Columbia Icefield, one of the biggest accumulations of ice and snow south of the Arctic Circle. We’ll jump on an Ice Explorer for a ride on the surface of the Athabasca Glacier (subject to weather). Then, heading west, we enter Jasper National Park – 4,200 square miles of alpine forests, natural hot springs, white-water rivers, tranquil valleys and jagged snow-capped mountains.

Lobstick Lodge, Jasper (3-star)

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure (morning)

View of Athabasca Glacier, part of the Columbia Icefield Parkway in the Canadian Rockies

Day 5 – Jasper

Head out today for an unforgettable sightseeing journey. Beginning with the limestone gorge of Maligne Canyon, we’ll continue along the shores of Medicine Lake and on to the breathtaking Maligne Lake – the largest of the glacier-fed lakes in the Rockies. It really is a sight to behold. We arrive back in Jasper in the afternoon, where you’ll have the rest of the day to yourself. We’ll finish off this evening with an interpretative talk at dinner.

Lobstick Lodge, Jasper (3-star)

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: Jasper National Park (afternoon)Interpretative talk (evening)

Dinner

View down to Maligne Lake with mountains behind - a highlight of Jasper National Park, part of the Canadian Rockies

Day 6 – Kelowna

A spectacular drive this morning as we leave the Rocky Mountains and descend to the lakes of the Okanagan Valley and our next destination, Kelowna.

Best Western Plus Kelowna Hotel (3.5-star)

View across Kelowna to Okanagan Lake, Canada

Day 7 – Victoria

Leaving Kelowna behind this morning, we take the scenic route to Hope. We continue on our drive south through Vancouver to Tsawwassen, to take the ferry through the glorious Gulf Islands region with towering Douglas fir trees climbing the hills on all sides, to Swartz Bay. We continue to the southern-most tip of Vancouver Island and Victoria, the provincial capital of British Columbia. We&ll enjoy an orientation tour on arrival, of this very English city.

Chateau Victoria (4-star)

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: Victoria orientation tour (afternoon)

Breakfast

Active Pass Light House stands on the edge of Mayne Island in British Columbia, Canada

Day 8 – Victoria

Victoria is perhaps the most British city you’ll find outside of London. Double-decker buses drive past old ‘English’ pubs and afternoon tea is a thing. It’s true Victoria has a very British lilt, but these days it’s a city completely of its own. Laid-back lower rises give way to the pretty ports and sprawling gardens of this charming city. We’ll enjoy a morning tour and stop by the world-famous Butchart Gardens. Then this afternoon is at leisure to get to know the city for yourself.

Chateau Victoria (4-star)

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: Butchart Gardens (morning)

Free time

Colourful flowers in bloom at the famous Butchart Gardens in Victoria, Vancouver Island

Day 9 – Victoria

A further day in this enchanting city for you to relax and explore at leisure.

Chateau Victoria (4-star)

Today includes…

Free time

Panoramic view across the city of Victoria on Vancouver Island, Canada

Day 10 – Vancouver

Leaving Victoria behind this morning, we drive to Nanaimo, a deep sea fishing port and major centre for the forest industry, where we take the ferry through the Strait of Georgia to Horseshoe Bay. We end our holiday in Vancouver, staying in the vibrant city centre.

Pinnacle Vancouver Harbourfront (4-star)

Boats moored in picturesque Horseshoe Bay, British Columbia, Canada

Day 11 – Vancouver

Vancouver is considered by many to have one of the most spectacular settings in the world – in the foreground the encircling Pacific Ocean and, as a backdrop, the grandeur of Grouse Mountain. For natural beauty, there is the 1,000-acre Stanley Park, the largest urban park in North America. It is Vancouver’s green heart – a wilderness area of forest, marshland and beaches. For excitement and variety, Chinatown, centred on Pender Street, is a city apart. Vancouver’s 100,000 Chinese are expected soon to surpass San Francisco’s as the largest community outside the Far East. Shops, hotels, markets and restaurants along with incessant activity combine to create a vibrant atmosphere. The Gastown area of the city is distinguished by cobbled walkways, gas lamps, quaint shops and restaurants. As an introduction to this fabulous city we have arranged a short orientation tour; then you’re free to discover its wonders for yourself.

Pinnacle Vancouver Harbourfront (4-star)

Today includes…

Excursions & visits: Vancouver orientation tour (morning)

Free time

Day 12 – Vancouver

A relaxing free day to further enjoy Vancouver as you please. Perhaps discover some of the 9,000 marine and freshwater animals at the aquarium in Stanley Park. Or visit the Classical Chinese Gardens – a replica from the Ming Dynasty. For a local taste of the city, head to Granville Island, a friendly and easy-going spot alive with shops, markets, galleries and a marina. Or, if you’re looking for a spot of relaxation, Kitsilano Beach is your best bet, with views out over English Bay towards Stanley Park. Sit outside one of its idyllic cafes and watch the world go by.

Pinnacle Vancouver Harbourfront (4-star)

Today includes…

Free time

Robson Square in downtown Vancouver

Day 13 – Vancouver – In flight

Transfer to the airport for your overnight return flight.

Vancouver – In flight

Beautiful view of the Vancouver skyline, British Columbia, Canada

Day 14 – Departure

Upon arrival, our vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.