Share a delightful breakfast with your fellow travellers as you get to know one another before setting out for a day of sightseeing in Vancouver. British Columbia’s largest city offers a vibrant mix of culture and mouthwatering dining set against lush mountains and the glittering Pacific Ocean. Explore the nearly 1,000-acre urban oasis of Stanley Park and hear the whistling steam clock in Gastown, a hip neighbourhood with an eclectic mix of buildings. Pass beneath Chinatown’s Millenium Gate and cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge, looking down on the river 70 metres below.
Take the afternoon to wander the streets of Vancouver at your leisure before returning to your accommodation for a restful evening.
Today, head south and cross the Strait of Georgia by ferry to Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia, known for its abundance of parkland. Stop and smell the flowers at one of the world’s largest and oldest display gardens, the Butchart Gardens, privately owned by the same family since 1904. You’ll have ample time to wander the 55-acre property and take in its breathtaking floral displays.
Check in at your comfortable city abode afterwards, and spend the afternoon at your leisure.
Explore the delights of Victoria on your own today. Work your way around the many beautiful gardens and stately parks, enjoying the mild coastal climate. Walk stone bridges at Beacon Hill Park or listen to the gentle tide at the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Marvel at the architecture and discover the stories of one of the Pacific Northwest’s oldest cities, or perhaps take part in an optional activity (additional costs apply).
Optional activities:
- Victoria seaplane sightseeing tour (from CA$144 per person).
- Afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress (from CA$120 per person, bookings recommended).
Discover both ancient and modern British Columbia as you drive north along the coast of Vancouver Island. Stop at the picturesque village of Chemainus, nestled between mountains on the Cowichan coast, and marvel at its many Indigenous murals, trophies of the area’s rich heritage. You’ll also pass by Duncan, dubbed the ‘City of Totems’, dotted with relics of the past.
Arrive in the small coastal town of Campbell River, where you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking vistas of the rugged country, and settle into your accommodation to rest for the days ahead.
After breakfast you’ll continue north, turning inland for a short while before arriving at Port Hardy. Embark on a whale-watching and marine wildlife tour in Telegraph Cove, then take time to explore the seaside town. You might choose to learn all about First Nations’ culture at the oldest site of human habitation on Vancouver Island, discover how salmon connect to the coastal ecosystem at the Quatse Salmon Stewardship Centre or simply breathe in the fresh air during a walk along the shore.
In the evening, you’ll prepare an overnight bag for the following day, when you’ll be stowing your luggage for your Inside Passage cruise.
This morning, get set to embark on a cruise along the coast of British Columbia to the inlet community of Prince Rupert. You’ll glide through the postcard-perfect Inside Passage surrounded by rugged snow-capped mountains, turquoise waters and gorgeous green forests. After taking in the spectacular landscapes from your ship’s deck, disembark at Prince Rupert where you’ll spend the evening relaxing.
After breakfast, follow the winding path of the Skeena River Valley along the scenic Yellowhead Highway. Stop for a tour of ‘Ksan Historical Village and learn of First Nations, past and present. The village displays replicas of traditional log houses, each painting a picture of life among the Gitskan People, who have called the grounds home for over 8,000 years.
In the afternoon, arrive in the town of Smithers, a small alpine town home to many passionate ‘Smithereens’, known for their resourcefulness despite the climate. You’ll have the rest of the day to explore the red-brick paths and timber cabins of the village.
Continuing east along the Yellowhead Highway, witness stunning vistas before arriving at the Fort Saint James National Historic Site. This was once a central location for the nation’s fur trade, a driving economical force in days gone by.
Finally arriving at the tip of British Colombia’s Cariboo Region, you’ll have the time to discover the city of Prince George, brimming with outdoor activities, local restaurants, arts and culture.
Today, ascend to some of the highest passes of the magnificent, snow-capped Canadian Rockies as you travel towards Alberta. Take in spectacular vistas at the Mount Robson viewpoint, keeping an eye out for the highest peak among the clouds. You’re entering the region of impressive national parks that attract tourists from all around the world as you make your way to Jasper.
This evening, be dazzled by constellations of stars at the Jasper Planetarium and catch the imitation Northern Lights under the dome.
Enjoy a quiet day in the serene town of Jasper, hopping from restaurant to restaurant, or simply choose to explore the gorgeous area as you wish. Stroll through the streets of this friendly town with an incredible mountain backdrop, the ideal launchpad for outdoor adventures. Or, prepare for a day out in the expansive Jasper National Park should you choose an exhilarating optional experience (additional costs apply).
Spend a relaxing evening at your accommodation to prepare for tomorrow’s adventures.
Optional activities:
- Jasper rafting tour (from CA$94 per person).
- Jasper food tour (from CA$110 per person).
Today, drive south from Jasper and arrive at the breathtaking Columbia Icefield. You’ll board a huge, purpose-built, all-terrain vehicle known as The Ice Explorer and glide along the surface of the ancient glacier with an expert driver-guide to learn all about the 10,000-year-old ice sheet. You’ll even have the chance to exit the custom-built 4WD coach bus and step out onto the glacier yourself. Following this unique adventure, you’ll visit the perfectly turquoise Lake Louise, one of Canada’s most photogenic and well-known sights.
Take your time soaking in the unbelievable scenery before rejoining your fellow travellers and heading to Banff, where you’ll spend the evening.
Traverse the alpine region of Banff. This postcard-worthy national park was originally founded in 1885 in order to protect the numerous natural hot springs within. Head out on a stroll along Banff Avenue and take your time to enjoy this quaint resort town nestled high in the Rockies. You might also seize the opportunity to explore the area further with additional optional activities, such as a once-in-a-lifetime helicopter tour above the mountains outside the park, flying past either Three Sisters Peak or Mount Assiniboine, or perhaps ride a gondola up to the imposing peaks (additional costs apply).
Optional activities:
- Banff helicopter sightseeing ride – Three Sisters Peaks (from CA$305 per person).
- Banff helicopter sightseeing ride – Mount Assiniboine (from CA$405 per person).
- Banff gondola ride (from CA$66 per person).
Check out from from your hotel and journey on to Calgary with your fellow travellers, reminiscing on your epic journey together. You’ll arrive in the city’s downtown or at Calgary International Airport (YYC) in the early afternoon, where you’ll depart and take your onward journey.