After enjoying a hearty Canadian breakfast, you will be treated to a city tour of Calgary before travelling west on the Trans-Canada Highway into the rolling foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The majestic peaks of the Canadian Rockies soon fill the horizon as you approach Banff National Park – the very first in the Canadian National Parks system. Then, you will be greeted by the charming resort town of Banff, where the night is yours to revel in its natural beauty.
A tour of the region is first up on today’s series of experiences through Banff. Throughout the morning, you will have the opportunity to learn about the history of those that came to see Canada’s first national park established in 1885 in order to protect its natural hot springs. An optional helicopter sightseeing tour or gondola ride to the top of the spectacular Sulphur Mountain is available to you for an additional cost, or you can simply relax and enjoy the gorgeous surroundings with an afternoon free to explore at your own pace.
Optional Activity:
- Mount Assiniboine Helicopter Tour (from CA$400 per person).
- Banff Gondola Ride (from CA$63 per person).
More natural delights are on the menu today, with the renowned scenery of Lake Louise waiting for you after breakfast. Here, you will have time to take in the gorgeous scenery, wander along some of the trails close by that frame the stunning lake or grab a treat at the iconic Fairmont for views over the natural wonderland. Afterwards, travel north on the famed Icefields Parkway before reaching Columbia Icefield for an experience like no other. Travel along the surface of Jasper National Park’s ancient Athabasca Glacier, where thousands of years of ice formations and environmental changes can be seen in the cracks and lines carved into the rocks and glacier. Hop aboard a Columbia Icefield Ice Explorer vehicle, discovering glaciology and stepping right onto the glacier itself. Then, history comes alive as you walk out on the glass-bottomed Skywalk.
Stay the night in Jasper, where you will be spending the evening as you wish. From watersports to fine dining, there is no shortage of fantastic things to do here.
Optional Activity:
- Scenic Rafting Trip (from CA$92 per person).
Before leaving Jasper National Park this morning, you can take part in an optional cruise on Maligne Lake, the most picturesque and largest glacier-fed lake in the park, or join a motorcycle tour of Jasper, riding in a comfortable sidecar with an unmatched view of the forests and mountains (surcharges apply). Alternatively, you can simply take the morning to relax or squeeze in some independent sightseeing.
Heading into the heartland of British Columbia, more breathtaking, unspoiled vistas await. Travel onwards to the Thompson River through the picturesque Shuswap Highland. The night will be spent in Kamloops.
Optional Activity:
- Maligne Lake Cruise (from CA$80 per person).
- Jasper Sidecar Motorcycle Tour ( fromCA$180 per person (single rider) or CA$140 per person (twin rider)).
After breakfast, your journey will take you through ranchlands, heading onwards to the coastal mountains. A journey along the Duffey Lake Road exposes new vistas at every turn, and an optional floatplane sightseeing tour over Garibaldi Provincial Park gives you an inspiring view of a natural preserve of volcanic peaks, alpine lakes and meadows.
Arriving in Whistler later, the rest of the day is yours to explore. Maybe you’d like to admire natural sights like Lost Lake, check out the art galleries and shops or simply relax with a good meal at one of the surrounding restaurants.
Optional Activity:
- Floatplane Sightseeing Tour — Spectacular Glacier Tours (from CA$199 per person).
- Floatplane Sightseeing Tour — Ultimate Glacier Tours (from CA$250 per person).
Another day, another exceptional drive. Travel along the Sea-to-Sky Highway, heading south through spectacular coastal scenery. Suspended high above a magnificent canyon is the Capilano Suspension Bridge, bringing you closer to towering evergreens and cedar-scented rainforest air. Stop here and explore amid seven suspended footbridges that offer views 110 feet above the forest floor.
Cruise by ferry across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island and continue by coach to Victoria, British Columbia’s capital city. After arriving in Victoria, you will embark on a city tour of this former British enclave before an evening at leisure.
Victoria has proudly retained ties with its maritime heritage, and its laidback, colonial demeanour is evident in the many 19th-century landmarks throughout the city. On a guided tour, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the rich history here firsthand, stopping at Chinatown, Inner Harbour, Parliament, Oak Bay, Beacon Hill Park and the Fairmont Empress Hotel. A stop at the world-famous Butchart Gardens is also on the cards, and later, time will be available to take part in an optional floatplane sightseeing tour over downtown Victoria and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, with the Olympic Mountains in the distance.
In the afternoon, a once-in-a-lifetime experience awaits – a three-hour exhilarating whale-watching excursion across the harbour in search of orcas, minke whales, grey whales, porpoises, harbour seals and other marine wildlife. Step onboard a 13.7-metre ocean cruiser or a custom Zodiac boat, built for high speeds with extraordinary stability for a thrilling, yet safe and intimate experience.
The remainder of the day is yours to spend at leisure to explore the city’s delights.
Optional Activity:
- Victoria Floatplane Sightseeing Tour (from CA$142 per person).
Leaving Victoria behind, your last stop is the oceanside city of Vancouver. Enjoy a guided tour of the city, including Stanley Park, English Bay, Gastown, Chinatown and more. The remainder of the day is free for independent adventures or simply relaxing and taking in the vibrant atmosphere.
Tonight, a farewell dinner will be enjoyed as a group to celebrate one final evening together and all the memories made.
After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow travellers before departing at any time for Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Transfers are not included.