Watching surfers in Tofino, creating a postcard-perfect photo in Jasper, sipping lattes with the pretty people in Vancouver, feeling humble while gazing up at the mighty Rockies, getting a bird's-eye view of Banff from a gondola, sharing lunch with the goats at Coombs market.
The Rockies are a great reason to explore the Canadian West, but why stop there? We asked that question, then answered it with this trip—a sprawling, nature-rich mini-epic that melds some of Canada’s best national parks with time off the mist-shrouded shores of Vancouver Island. Loaded with diverse experiences—whale-watching, glacier hikes, hot springs and much, much more—and bookend nights in Calgary and Vancouver, you’ll stuff a lifetime’s worth of adventure into the space of a single week.
What's Included
- Entrance fees to all National and Provincial Parks with walking at hiking excursions. Gondola to Sulphur Mountain in Banff, The famous Icefield Parkway, Miette Hot Springs, full day canoe tour in Wells Gray PP, Ferry to and from Vancouver Island, full day zodiac tour including whale watching, bear sightings and natural hot springs.
- 12 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 9 dinners. (Allow $100-$125 for meals not included.)
- Centrally located hotels (2nts), Participation camping (12nts)
- Air conditioned private touring van, hiking, canoeing, ferry
- Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout
- Small group experience; Max 13, avg 10.
Places Visited
- Canada
Reverse Itinerary
This trip also runs in reverse, eastbound from Vancouver to Calgary. See trip code NCUR.
Day 1 Calgary
Arrive at any time.
Day 2 Banff NP (1L)
Discover the town, view wildlife, take a gondola ride or hike up Sulphur Mountain for spectacular views.
Day 3 Banff NP (1B,1L,1D)
Spend the morning in Banff then continue to Lake Louise, the ‘Hiking Capital of Canada.’ Hike to Agnes Lake Tea House. Continue hiking the six Glacier Trail.
Day 4 Yoho NP (1B,1L,1D)
Takakkaw Falls. Optional rafting, visit to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, a grizzly bear environment, visit Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Center.
Day 5 Icefield Parkway/Jasper NP (1B,1L,1D)
Travel the Icefield Parkway to Jasper. Visit Peyto Lake, stop at Columbia Icefield. Option for Ice Age adventure: Take the snow coach up the Icefield or take a flight over the area. Continue to Jasper and set up camp.
Day 6 Jasper NP (1B,1L,1D)
Visit Maligne Canyon, one of Jasper's most spectacular landmarks. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the canyon. Hike Bald Hills in the afternoon, then relax in the evening at Miette Hot Springs.
Day 7 Wells Gray PP (1B,1L,1D)
Take in sights of Mount Robson. Visit Overland Falls, Trophy Mountain, and Spahats Creek Falls. Evening BBQ.
Day 8 Wells Gray PP (1B,1L,1D)
Full-day canoeing in the Canadian wilderness.
Day 9 Green Lake PP/Whistler (1B,1L,1D)
Relax at Green Lake. Swim the lake while a great picnic is prepared for you.
Day 10 Whistler (1B,1L)
Morning hike up the beautiful trails in the Whistler area. Explore fascinating Whistler on your own.
Day 11 Tofino (1B,1D)
Ferry across to Vancouver Island, lunch at Old Country Market in Coombs. Short drive to MacMillan PPP, stroll the trails beneath ancient Douglas firs.
Day 12 Tofino (1B,1L,1D)
Full-day Zodiac tour, then Hot Springs Cove, a natural hot spring located in Maquinna Provincial Park.
Day 13 Victoria (1B,1L)
Head to the center of Duncan to observe First Nations art and culture. Continue to Victoria. Take a stroll around the city or relax and enjoy the evening on your own.
Day 14 Vancouver (1B)
Morning ferry back to Vancouver. Enjoy a city tour, then discover Vancouver on your own.
Day 15 Vancouver
Depart at any time.
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