Canadian Rockies

Overview

Iconic mountain ranges, elegant resort towns and eye-catching glacial scenery: our Canadian Rockies tour delivers you into the heart of British Columbia. Hear stories of Gold Rush fever while travelling alongside Fraser River where it all began, taste the world-renowned wines of Okanagan Lakes orchards and vineyards, and scale mountain passes to reach Columbia Icefield and the epic scenery of Jasper National Park.

*No meals included

UK – Vancouver

Day 1

Fly to Vancouver where you will be transferred to your hotel for two nights.

Your tour starts today.

Vancouver

Day 2

Elegantly situated at the edge of downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park is one of the citys most appealing places to visit, with scenic beaches, well-preserved trails and Canadas largest aquarium. This mornings sightseeing also includes time to explore Chinatown and Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood, Gastown, which sprang up from a single tavern back in 1867. For the afternoon, shoppers and browsers can take a water taxi to lively Granville Island with its outdoor markets, street musicians and waterfront cafs.

Vancouver – Kelowna

Day 3

Today travel to the resort city of Kelowna, attractively set on the shores of Okanagan Lake, and surrounded by orchards and vineyards. Sample the local wines on the winery tour this afternoon. Stay overnight.

Kelowna – Rogers Pass – Banff National Park

Day 4

Journey through the fruit orchards and nut trees of the Okanagan Valley, home to the indigenous Syilx people; and on towards the mighty Glacier National Park via the Rogers Pass. With time to snap the jagged mountain peaks and glaciers at the 4,379 ft high pass, youll move on to Yoho National Park; where itll be quite clear why the name Yoho comes from the Cree word for awe and wonder as you climb Kicking Horse Pass at 5,421ft. Early this evening you will reach Banff National Park, gateway to the majestic Canadian Rockies.

Banff

Day 5

Ideally situated in the province of Alberta and Banff National Park, Banff is one of Canadas favourite year-round resort towns. Today is a free day to explore its elegant thoroughfares and boutiques; or for the more adventurous, maybe a helicopter ride over the Canadian Rockies?

Banff – Columbia Icefield – Jasper National Park

Day 6

A day of striking visual drama at Lake Louise, whose perfect turquoise waters are a natural mirror to the surrounding peaks and glaciers. As your coach scales mountain passes and snakes through precipitous gorges, youll pass snow-capped mountain ranges on your journey to Jasper. But not before a stop at the Columbia Icefield to ride the Ice Explorer on ice that is 1,200 feet thick!

Jasper

Day 7

A full day at leisure to explore Jasper. There is an optional excursion to Maligne Lake and Spirit Island, with a narrated cruise of the lake. On the return journey, stop to view mighty Maligne Canyon.

Jasper – Mount Robson – Sun Peaks

Day 8

Head out from Jasper along the Fraser River, once route to prospectors during the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush and British Columbia’s longest river. Arrive at the base of spectacular Mount Robson, the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies, peaking at 12,972 feet. The Yellowhead Highway continues along the Thompson River with dramatic vistas of the Monashee Mountains. Stay overnight in the alpine setting of Sun Peaks.

Sun Peaks – Lillooet – Whistler

Day 9

Today trace the once treacherous Cariboo Wagon Trail, considered one of the most difficult engineering feats of the British Empire; and a legacy of British Columbias Gold Rush era of the 1850s and 1960s. Travel via Lillooet, and follow the shores of Seton and Duffey Lakes with a late afternoon arrival in Whistler.

Whistler.

Day 10

Spend a free day exploring the attractive resort of Whistler, nestled at the base of Blackcomb Mountain. Host to the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the towns Olympic legacies such as Whistler Olympic Park and Sliding Centre, and the iconic Olympic Rings monument, make for great photo opportunities.

Day 11

Today, set sail across the Strait of Georgia through the scenic inlets of the Gulf Islands, known for their Mediterranean-like climate, for an afternoon arrival in Victoria; British Columbias small but perfectly formed capital city. Sight-see along Marine Drive and relax in Bastion Square and Thunderbird Park with its striking collection of totem poles and other First Nation monuments. This afternoon visit world famous Butchart Gardens, one of Victoria’s most celebrated sites and rated among the most beautiful gardens in the world. Stroll the elegant arrangements of its Sunken Garden, English Rose Garden and the ever-changing Ross Fountain.

Victoria

Day 12

A free day to discover some of the citys other attractions; including the Royal British Columbia Museum, afternoon tea at the Empress Hotel, whale watching on the Strait of Juan de Fuca and fine shopping along Government Street.

Victoria – Vancouver – UK

Day 13

Your tour ends today.

Early this morning board the ferry for a scenic crossing to Vancouver for a mid-morning arrival. Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK, or extend your stay in Vancouver, Hawaii or on an Alaska cruise.

Home landing in the UK