Canada Western Explorer

Arrive at Calgary International Airport and transfer independently to hotel where you pick-up your Canada Roadbook at the front desk as you check-in. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to discover how this modern, chic city at the foothills of the Rockies has not forgotten its cowboy frontier heritage! Overnight in Calgary.

The road westward to Banff leaves the towers of glass and steel behind, replaced with the rolling grasslands of Kananaskis horse country on the way to the mountains. The journey through the valley offers beautiful vista after vista as you make your way to the Bow Valley and the iconic parkland town of Banff. Overnight in Banff.

The Rockies most famous town deserves its grand reputation! Nestled in protected lands of Banff National Park, magnificent elk casually walk the local pathways and parks to the delight of visitors. Shoppes and restaurants boast menus from around the world, while offerings of outdoor adventure are around every corner. Overnight in Banff.

Today you drive to Jasper via the spectacular Icefields Parkway. We suggest a stop at Peyto Lake en route for a stretch and a short walk. Dozens of incredible photo opportunities of ancient forests and crisply outlined mountain peaks present themselves around every bend of the road. Abundant small roadside waterfalls and alpine meadows delight travellers along this route, considered one of the most scenic drives in the world. Overnight in Jasper.

Today embark on your journey westward over the provincial border into the wilds of the British Columbia interior enroute to the Cariboo Region – an area famous for its bountiful precious mineral deposits. This rugged land drew prospectors and adventurers alike during the Gold Rush period, many who stayed on to found the small communities that flourish there today. Overnight in 100 Mile House.

Today you continue westward through the pristine wilderness of the British Columbia interior. Travelling along the Chilcotin – Bella Coola Highway you arrive at Steward's Lodge on the shores of Nimpo Lake, boasting some of the most stunning scenery in Canada. Set in the rugged wilderness of the Chilcotin plateau, the lodge is the perfect jumping off point for an afternoon of hiking, or renting a boat to explore the waters. Overnight in Nimpo Lake. Dinner included.

Today is yours to explore the trails and backwoods surrounding the lodge in this ruggedly idyllic lands on the border of the majestic Coast Mountains. The lodge's rustic setting gives an impression of what back country life is like. Overnight in Nimpo Lake. Breakfast and dinner included.

Today after breakfast you depart Kleena Kleena and travel further north through the British Columbia mountain ranges before turning west and journeying into the southern arm of Tweedsmuir National Park. The largest protected park in the province, this area boasts a near untouched wilderness where visitors can observe the rugged landscape as it has been
for hundreds of centuries. Leaving the park, you travel into the peaceful Bella Coola valley, home to the Nuxalt First Nations people and situated at the headwaters of a 100 km inlet leading to the Pacific Ocean. Overnight in Hagensborg Breakfast included.

Enjoy a full day ocean cruise on board BC Ferries through a long and winding inlet waterway carved into the mountainous landscape. This placid, meandering cruise comes to an end in Port Hardy. Overnight in Port Hardy

Today you travel south along the eastern shore of Vancouver Island. After following the shores of Nimpkish Lake the road turns inland, giving you a roadside view of the rugged landscape of the island’s interior. You arrive at Campbell River, known as a centre for some of the world’s best sport fishing. Overnight in Campbell River

Following the Strait of Georgia separating the island from the British Columbia mainland, you continue along the coast past quaint villages of Parksville, Nanaimo, and Chemainus. Proceeding along the scenic Malahat Drive, you arrive in beautiful colonial Victoria. Overnight in Victoria.

Today, explore this elegant capital city. We suggest a visit to Beacon Hill Park and the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. You may decide to drop in for afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel and experience a taste of British charm. Overnight in Victoria.

Traverse the charming landscape of Victoria one last time before enjoying a mini-cruise on BC Ferries back to Vancouver through the Strait of Georgia. Arriving in Vancouver, take advantage of one of the many fine eateries available in this cosmopolitan jewel on the Pacific. Overnight in Vancouver.

You will have the entire day to tour Vancouver and the surrounding area. Some suggestions: MacMillan Planetarium, Chinatown, Gastown, Granville Island, Grouse Mountain and Stanley Park. Overnight in Vancouver.

Your tour ends this morning.