Canadian Rockies Encompassed
19 days, Vancouver to Vancouver
Itinerary
Day 1Vancouver
Arrive at any time.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Century Plaza Hotel & Spa (or similar)
Day 2Vancouver/Campbell River
Catch a ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo and drive along the Oceanside Route to Campbell River. Visit the museum in the town which respectfully acknowledges the First Nations of North Vancouver Island by preserving, interpreting, and sharing the history of these Nations on the lands now known as Campbell River. After seeing the exhibits at the museum attend an optional dinner with the group.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Ferry
Hop on a ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo.
Private Vehicle
Sit back and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle between Nanaimo and Campbell River.
Campbell River Museum Visit
Visit the museum in Campbell River which houses collections of historic, archaeological and archival material specifically relating to the First Nations present in the northern Vancouver Island area. Spend an hour seeing the exhibits and learning more about the Liǧʷiɫdax̌ʷ First Nation. See how their lives intertwined with the lands Campbell River Museum now help to preserve, interpret, and share.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Painter's Lodge (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Campbell River/Port Hardy
Take in the scenery while travelling to Port Hardy at the northern tip of Vancouver Island. Enjoy impressive views of coastline and lush forests. Then take the short ferry ride to Alert Bay and pay a visit to the World's Tallest Totem before visiting the U'mista Cultural Centre, whose mandate is to ensure the survival and preservation of the cultural heritage of the Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw. Walk on some of the trails dotting this tiny island before transferring back to Port McNeill for more free time and an optional happy hour at a local spot. Continue on to Port Hardy in the early evening and check into your hotel.
Please note for any dates on tour when the U'mista Cultural Centre happens to be closed, another activity will take its place within the itinerary.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Visit to U'mista Cultural Centre
Enjoy a visit to the U'mista Cultural Centre where the mandate for the cultural society is to ensure the survival of the cultural heritage of the Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw. In November of 1980 the centre opened and featured the permanent collection of "Potlatch". Other exhibits on display include origin stories of the Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw villages as well as historical and contemporary objects that were of importance to their day to day lives.
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Free Time
Spend free time in Port McNeill exploring on your own. Before driving back to Port Hardy the group will meet up at a local restaurant where you can opt to buy dinner.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Kwa'lilas Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Port Hardy/Prince Rupert
Embark at dawn for a day-long ferry ride through the famous Inside Passage. The glacial fjords provide spectacular scenery along the route and a safe haven for all types of wildlife, including orcas and porpoises.
The ride is long, but spectacular. With a full day to relax, enjoy the scenery, read a book, or dine at the onboard restaurants. Reach Prince Rupert late in the evening.
Due to ferry schedules, there may be layovers at certain stops along the route.
Inside Passage Cruise
Relax aboard the ferry through the stunning Inside Passage. Spot wildlife and soak in the views on one of the most scenic stretches of coastline in the world.
Accommodation
Prestige Oceanview Hotel Prince Rupert (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Prince Rupert/Smithers
Drive one of the most scenic roads in the world from Prince Rupert to Smithers and discover the First Nations cultures of Northern BC on a day tour around Smithers. Visit the Gitanyow Totems, Battle Hill, and 'Ksan Museum & Historical Village.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
First Nations Day Tour
Get immersed in the First Nations culture of Northern BC. Start by visiting the Gitwangak National Historic Site and learn about the fort and battles fought by the warrior Nekt on Battle Hill. After, stop at the Hazeltons, an area with one of the highest concentrations of totem poles in the world, with over 50 standing poles. Wrap up the day with a tour of the Ksan museum and historical village.
Accommodation
Prestige Hudson Bay Lodge (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Smithers
Enjoy a free day to explore the wilderness around Smithers. Opt to visit Moricetown Canyon or hike one of many trails in the area.
Free Time
Take advantage of free time in the Canadian wilderness. Opt to visit a Provincial Park or go for a hike.
Accommodation
Prestige Hudson Bay Lodge (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Smithers/Prince George
Enjoy a visit to Twin Falls after breakfast and then spend free time in Smithers before travelling to Prince George, the largest city in Northern British Columbia.
Free Time
Take advantage of a final morning for outdoor activities around Smithers.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Coast Prince George Hotel by APA (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Prince George/Jasper
Travel to Jasper National Park. En route, stop at the tallest mountain in the Canadian Rockies, Mount Robson. Visit the Interpretation Centre, and go for a short hike to take in the views.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Mount Robson Visit
Stop at the visitor centre and, if it’s a clear day, see the top of the Mount Robson, the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies.
Accommodation
Jasper Inn (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 9Jasper
Enjoy a free day to explore Jasper National Park. Opt to hike at Maligne Canyon, cross the lake on a boat cruise, or join a scenic river rafting tour. In the evening, visit the Miette Hot Springs.
Free Time
Prepare for an exciting day! With lots of optional activities and incredible scenery, you're guaranteed to have an unforgettable day in Jasper.
Your Wellness Moment: Miette Hot Springs Visit
Enjoy the stunning landscape of lakes and mountains as you drive to the hot springs. Soak in one of the four pools as you take in the peaceful panoramic views.
Jasper National Park Visit
Jasper National Park might be less known, but no less mighty. As the largest park in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper is wild in every sense of the word. Experience mountain landscapes complete with waterfalls, canyons, glacier lakes, and the Columbia Icefield. Get out and explore on rugged backcountry trails chock-full of wildlife and take part in outdoor activities like, mountain biking or kayaking to experience the true essence and beauty of this impressive park.
Optional Activities - Day 9 HideShow
Maligne Lake Cruise
65CAD per personGlide across the beautiful blue waters of Maligne Lake, the Canadian Rockies' largest glacial fed lake, on your way to the famous Spirit Island.
Bald Hills Hike
FreeThe Bald Hills hike has a fairly steep incline. The 10km (6.2 mi) round trip will showcase the best panoramas of Maligne Lake and numerous mountains surrounding the lake.
Canoe Ride
84-215.25CAD per personRent a canoe from the longstanding Boathouse on Maligne Lake.
Maligne Canyon Hike
FreeMalinge Canyon follows an interpretive trail with several bridges. Hover over the Malinge River that, over thousands of years, has eroded the canyon to over 60m (197 ft) in some spots.
Whitewater Rafting on Athabasca River
65-110CAD per personPass through many small sets of rapids and calm stretches, which allow your National Park Licensed guide to point out the natural and human history of Jasper. The Athabasca River is the same route that was used by the fur traders many years ago.
Accommodation
Jasper Inn (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 10Jasper/Canmore
Travel to Canmore via one of the most scenic drives in the world, the Icefields Parkway. Stop at the Columbia Icefield en route.
Along the 300km (186.4 mi) ride, a spectacle unfolds before our eyes: lush coniferous forests, immense mountains, turquoise lakes, high-falling cascades, and humbling glaciers. We stop a number of times along the way to take in the scenery and search for wildlife.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Columbia Icefields Center Visit
View one of the Rockies' largest and most accessible active glaciers. The Athabasca Glacier recedes at a rate of nearly 5m (16.4 ft) a year. See this natural beauty while you still can.
Icefields Parkway Drive
The Icefields Parkway is a breathtaking drive situated between Banff and Jasper National Parks in Alberta, Canada. Experience the wild beauty of the Canadian Rockies on a winding drive through jagged mountain peaks and past glaciers feeding into brilliant blue lakes. Along the way expect to see postcard mountain vistas, huge valleys, and loads of hiking trails that will get you out and about in this truly incredible area.
Optional Activities - Day 10 HideShow
Athabasca Glacier Ice Walk
112CAD per personAt the Columbia Icefields, enjoy a glacier walk with an expert guide on the lower Athabasca Glacier to explore and understand the life of this active glacier. Walking on this glacially carved landscape is an experience you won’t soon forget.
Glacier Adventure
99CAD per personTravel onto the glacier in an oversized ice rover. Get out and experience the stunning alpine glacial vistas at the mid-point of your journey. Afterwards, bask in the view of a lifetime on the epic Glacier Skywalk, a glass bottom viewing platform stretching out into the Rockies.
Accommodation
Quality Chateau Canmore (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 11Canmore/Calgary
Travel to Calgary, a modern city that honours its cowboy roots. Opt to visit museums, the Olympic Park, or wet your whistle at a cowboy bar.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Activities - Day 11 HideShow
Canada Olympic Park Visit
78.80CAD per personCalgary hosted the 1988 Winter Olympics, meaning you can still ride in a four-man bobsleigh reaching speeds of 120kph (85 mph) here. Luge down the track on a wheeled cart or soar across the zipline.
Accommodation
Ramada Plaza Calgary Downtown (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 12Calgary
Enjoy a free day to explore Calgary. This evening, opt to meet new members of the group at a welcome meeting.
Free Time
Take advantage of free time to explore.
Accommodation
Ramada Plaza Calgary Downtown (or similar)
Day 13Calgary/Banff
Discover the beautiful town of Banff; opt to view wildlife, take a gondola ride, or hike up a mountain for spectacular views.
With free time upon arrival, Banff has tons to offer. There are plenty of optional activities for all interests and activity levels. It's also just as pleasant to wander the main streets, pop in and out of shops or walk along the river.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Enjoy free time in this iconic Canadian town.
Banff National Park Visit
Magnificent Banff—Canada’s first and most famous National Park. Rocky Mountain peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, scenic drives, and a quaint mountain town. First, gaze in wonder, then immerse yourself in a park that has it all! Hike alongside picture-perfect mountains, glaciers, lakes, ice fields, canyons, and even hoodoos. Keep an eye out for wolves, grizzly bears, elk, and mountain lions. Banff’s blend of towering peaks and flower-strewn meadows make it a dream location to enjoy the great outdoors and mountain scenery.
Optional Activities - Day 13 HideShow
Hot Springs Soak
17.32CAD per personTake a dip in Banff's world famous hot spring mineral pools, which have brought weary travellers to this place since the 1800's. There's no better way to unwind after a long day of exploring than to simmer in these water's with an epic mountain view.
Banff Gondola Ride to Sulphur Mountain
75-90CAD per personTake a gondola to the famous Sulphur Mountain and enjoy the spectacular view of the whole mountain range and the village below.
Sulphur Mountain Hike
Switchbacks on the slopes of Sulphur Mountain provide a steady uphill hike to a summit renowned for its expansive mountain views. At the top, enjoy the 0.5 km boardwalk along the ridge ending at Sanson Peak. Here, you will find the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station National Historic Site and the 1903 weather observatory. From the boardwalk, return on the same trail to the parking lot. Alternatively, you can take an old fire road known as the Sulphur Mountain Westside Trail (5.4 km) to Sundance Trail, ending at the Cave and Basin National Historic Site (2.6 km).
Canoeing
57.75CAD per personRent a canoe and leisurely enjoy the scenery on Vermillion Lakes.
Cycling
36.75-93.45CAD per personRent a bicycle to see a bit more of Banff. Be sure to be on the lookout for elk and deer on the trails.
Tunnel Mountain Hike
FreeHike up the well marked trail for a central view of the town of Banff and the surrounding mountains.
Accommodation
Charltons Banff (or similar)
Day 14Lake Louise/Revelstoke
Continue to Lake Louise, view the emerald blue waters of this alpine lake, and opt to hike to one of the Tea Houses.
Lake Louise is that iconic Canadian Rockies locale. Don't miss the chance to snag the perfect photo.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Lake Louise Visit
Visit postcard perfect Lake Louise and take time to savour the emerald blue waters and breathtaking scenery of the Victoria Glacier.
Banff National Park Visit
Magnificent Banff—Canada’s first and most famous National Park. Rocky Mountain peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, scenic drives, and a quaint mountain town. First, gaze in wonder, then immerse yourself in a park that has it all! Hike alongside picture-perfect mountains, glaciers, lakes, ice fields, canyons, and even hoodoos. Keep an eye out for wolves, grizzly bears, elk, and mountain lions. Banff’s blend of towering peaks and flower-strewn meadows make it a dream location to enjoy the great outdoors and mountain scenery.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Activities - Day 14 HideShow
Lake Agnes Tea House Hike
Originally built in 1901 by the Canadian Pacific Railway, the Lake Agnes Tea House has been serving fine loose-leaf teas to visitors for over one hundred years. Hike along a forested trail as you make your way past Mirror Lake and cascading waterfalls, to the shores of Lake Agnes. This lovely log building serves up a great cup (over 100 loose-leaf teas!) as well as finger food. The hike to the Tea House is free, but it costs between 5-10 CAD if visitors wish to buy loose-leaf tea while there.
Accommodation
Stoke Hotel By Best Western (or similar)
Day 15Revelstoke/Kelowna
Travel to Kelowna in the Okanagan Valley, stopping for a picnic lunch at Kaloya Regional Park, then a tasting at a local winery en route. Kelowna has become a foodie haven in recent years – opt to visit one of the many craft breweries in the city this evening.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Picnic Lunch
Enjoy a picnic lunch prepared by your CEO at Kaloya Regional Park, a beautiful lake-side park and swim spot.
Your Foodie Moment: Okanagan Valley Wine Tasting
Visit a local winery in the Okanagan Valley, near Kelowna. Learn about the local grape varieties, wine making process, tour the vineyard, and have a sample (or two).
Accommodation
Prestige Kelowna (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 16Kelowna/Whistler
Drive through the beautiful coastal mountains to the village of Whistler, one of the locations of the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Aava Whistler Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 17Whistler
Enjoy a free day to explore Whistler. Opt to ride a gondola to the top of the mountain, hike, or zipline.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Whistler, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like rafting, hiking, and ziplining. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 17 HideShow
Whistler Hike
FreeHike on your own along one of the many beautiful trails in the Whistler area. The scenery here is stunning. You can also opt for the Train Wreck Trail or take the peak to peak gondola to hike one of the many alpine trails accessible from the summit. Your CEO will NOT be guiding you on this hike. You can opt to do it solo or with your group. Ask your CEO to point you in the right direction.
Rafting
145.60-196.00CAD per personGet your adrenaline fix on on this exhilarating white water rafting trip. Enjoy the amazing scenery along the way, and keep your eyes peeled for bears.
Peak 2 Peak Gondola Ride
95.20CAD per personSoak up the scenery with 360-degree views of mountains, lakes, and glaciers. Hop out at the top and take a short hike or grab a coffee and snack at the mountaintop restaurant. Catch a glass bottom gondola to get an even better view.
Ziplining and Treetop Adventures
155.68CAD per personSpend the day in the sky, floating through Whistler's rainforest on one of Canada's longest ziplines.
Accommodation
Aava Whistler Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 18Whistler/Vancouver
Visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre and go on an interpretive guided tour of the museum, before enjoying free time in the laid-back mountain town of Whistler. Travel to Vancouver, and spend the afternoon in this beautiful, easy-going city.
Your G for Good Moment: Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre Visit
In the picturesque setting of Canada’s Coast Mountains, the First Nations people have come together to establish the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. This facility showcases unique customs, art, and music and provides opportunities for local youth to train in the tourism industry. As a non-profit organization, the centre relies on visitors to help fund their ongoing programs, meaning everyone who comes here helps make this important work possible.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Enjoy time on your own to explore Canada's vibrant west coast city.
Accommodation
Century Plaza Hotel & Spa (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 19Vancouver
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.