Begin this tour in the vibrant city of Vancouver, one of Canada’s most liveable cities and with free time to explore, you will be spoilt with the choice of activities. Visit the amazing Granville Island Public Market or discover the culture in the distinct neighbourhoods like Gastown or Yaletown. Next, ride the iconic Rocky Mountaineer not once, but twice, as you journey through the very best of British Columbia and Alberta. Go in search of whales in Victoria and explore the alpine resort of Whistler and then beautiful Quesnel. Discover the beautiful Canadian Rockies and stay in the charming towns of Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Take a scenic floatplane journey from Victoria to Vancouver
• Search for wildlife on a whale-watching tour
Book today
On arrival in Vancouver, a private transfer is included to your hotel. The next day is free to enjoy the city; see the city’s sleek high-rise-framed waterfront, or visit Vancouver’s historic heart - Gastown, reinvented as a hip hub for culture and cuisine. You may like to take the opportunity to embark on a tour to Vancouver’s famed Granville Island Public Market or take the Grouse Mountain & Capilano Suspension Bridge Park tour which take will take you from sea level to 4,100 feet above Vancouver on the Grouse Mountain Skyride for breathtaking views of the city.
Depart Vancouver this morning and cruise across Georgia Strait. Arriving on Vancouver Island, tour the Butchart Gardens (admission included). Tour scenic Ocean Drive, Uplands, Oak Bay, University of Victoria as well as the Victoria City before being taken to your hotel.
This morning depart on an exhilarating, wildly authentic boat trip in search of orcas, minke whales, grey whales, porpoises, harbour seals and other marine wildlife. The afternoon is free to explore Victoria.
Around midday depart Victoria Harbour by floatplane for an unforgettable trip over the Gulf Islands into downtown Vancouver’s Coal Harbour. Overnight in Vancouver.
Depart Vancouver this morning aboard the Rocky Mountaineer to Whistler and enjoy panoramic vistas of the Howe Sound and the Coastal Mountain Range. Highlights along the way include the cascading Shannon Falls and the Stawamus Chief Rock where climbers from all over the globe migrate to climb the granite cliffs. Upon arrival in Whistler you will be transferred to your hotel.
Early this morning depart on the Rocky Mountaineer train in SilverLeaf Service through Caribou Country to Quesnel. Highlights along the way include towering views of the Fraser Canyon, Anderson and Seton Lakes. Upon arrival into Quesnel you will be transferred to your overnight accommodation.
This morning, re-board the Rocky Mountaineer for your continuing journey to Jasper. Your route today follows the famous Fraser River, keep your eyes open for grizzly bears, moose, beaver and osprey! Crossing into the province of Alberta, you will arrive by early evening in the peaceful alpine town of Jasper.
This morning go to the Avis depot in Jasper to collect your rental car. The day is then free for you to explore this charming mountain village close to many terrific scenic highlights.
This morning depart on the scenic drive that takes you through the spine of the Canadian Rockies. Along the way see such sights as the Columbia Icefield and take an included Ice Explorer ride out onto the glacier, and visit the Glacier Skywalk, also included. Also watch for the Sarbach Glacier, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, with the Bow Glacier providing the backdrop, and Crowfoot Glacier before your arrival into Lake Louise. (Please note: Mountain lakes in this region will be frozen through to mid June).
A short drive today through Majestic Mountain passes into Yoho National Park. This 1313 sq. km (507 sq. miles) National Park is filled with gem coloured glacial lakes and waterfalls, snow-covered peaks and dense forests of western red cedar and western hemlock.This morning depart on the scenic drive that takes you through the spine of the Canadian Rockies. You view a never-ending procession of mammoth mountains, jagged peaks, over 100 glaciers and pristine emerald colour lakes. Along the way see such sights as the Columbia Icefield and take an Ice Explorer ride out onto the glacier (included). Also watch for the Sarbach Glacier, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, with the Bow Glacier providing the backdrop, and Crowfoot Glacier before your arrival into Lake Louise. (Please note: Mountain lakes in this region will be frozen through to mid June).
Enjoy the leisurely drive from Field and Lake Louise to Banff. At Lake Louise take the lovely Bow Valley Parkway, a two-lane roadway with numerous scenic outlooks and pullouts. Be sure to stop for a quick nature walk at Johnston Canyon. The rest of the day is free to explore Banff and area.
A full day to explore Banff and area, in town you’ll find lots of things to do. Perhaps you’ll browse the shops along Banff Avenue, take on optional helicopter tour over the majestic Rockies, visit one of the charming local cafés, dine out, or just relax and enjoy the facilities in your hotel. If you’re feeling adventurous why not try a canoe trip on the Bow River, or for a more serene experience try a float trip and look for wildlife along the river banks. Check out the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, Banff Gondola (included) where you will see a panoramic view of the Bow Valley, or take a dip in the hot pools at the Upper Hot Springs.
Drive to Calgary today. En-route, you may wish to stop at the historic Cochrane Ranch (admission not included) before dropping off your rental car at the Calgary Airport or downtown location and make your way to the airport to board your flights back to the UK.