Panoramic Canadian Rockies

Prices

Two people travelling from: £1,560
(Prices shown per person)

Dates: March-September departures available

Your holiday includes

• Sightseeing and experiences
• Meals as mentioned
• Luxury air conditioned coach and experienced tour director for duration of tour
• Accommodation – 11 nights

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Day 1
Arrive Vancouver

Welcome to Vancouver. Get settled in at your hotel before meeting your Travel Director this afternoon.

Hotel: Ramada Vancouver Downtown

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Day 2
Vancouver – Victoria (2 Nights)

Start your day with a sightseeing tour of Vancouver, one of the world’s most naturally beautiful cities. Explore historic Gastown, the city’s oldest neighbourhood, designated a National Historical Site in 2009. At Stanley Park, view the famous collection of totem poles and enjoy lovely views from Prospect Point. Reach the coast and board the ferry for the crossing to Victoria. Enjoy picturesque views of the many islands dotting the Strait of Georgia before docking at Swartz Bay. A short drive takes you into charming Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia. Your introductory sightseeing tour takes you along the waterfront district, past the Parliament Buildings and Government Street.

Hotel: Comfort Inn and Suites

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Day 3
Victoria Sightseeing and Free Time

This morning, head for Butchart Gardens and enjoy an Iconic Breakfast at the Blue Poppy Restaurant where light pours in through skylights and windows face the stunning gardens. Roam one of the world’s greatest floral displays in the amazing 55 acres (22 hectares) of flowers and show gardens. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the many delights Victoria has to offer. Consider whale-watching^ as you cruise Victoria and the protected waters of Haro Strait and the Strait of Juan de Fuca with fantastic photo opportunities.

Meal(s): Iconic Breakfast

Optional Experiences:

*Victoria Whale Watching Excursion

Board your vessel to enjoy a three-hour whale-watching expedition in the waters off Victoria. While it can’t be guaranteed in advance which of the abundant marine wildlife you’ll see on your journey, chances are you’ll also spot magnificent bald eagles, porpoises or seals. Spring and summer are the best times of the year to see the resident Orca whales in all their glory. Approx. duration: 3 hours.

Adult Price: $129.00

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Day 4
Victoria – Whistler (2 Nights)

Travel to Chemainus, a seaside community that is renowned for its Mural Project-a series of giant outdoor wall murals. Then, ride the ferry across the Georgia Strait back to the mainland in Horseshoe Bay. Travel along the Sea-to-Sky Highway offering stunning scenic ocean vistas of Howe Sound, soaring mountains, dramatic waterfalls and bustling communities. Stop at Shannon Falls Provincial Park to view the spectacular waterfalls, the third highest in British Columbia. Arrive in the quaint alpine village of Whistler, co-host to the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Meal(s): Continental Breakfast
Hotel: Pinnacle Hotel, Whistler Village

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Day 5
Whistler Free Time

Spend a full day at leisure in Whistler, nestled between the breath-taking Blackcomb and Whistler Mountains. Explore the village at your own pace and relax at one of the many outdoor venues. Join one of the many optional excursions, including ziplining^, whitewater rafting^ or a thrilling ride aboard the Peak-to-Peak Gondola. Other activities include flightseeing over the lakes and glaciated peaks of Garibaldi Provincial Park.

Optional Experiences:

Peak 2 Peak Gondola

From our ancient, volcanic peaks with their 360 degree views, to our vibrant and sophisticated village with its incredible vibe, Whistler Blackcomb has summer covered from top to bottom. Travel across BC’s rooftop on the world record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, explore over 50 kms of high alpine hiking trails, then head to the valley for a bike ride on Whistler’s paved valley trail, or its renowned single-track network in the world-famous Whistler Mountain Bike Park. Approx. duration: 1 hour.

Adult Price: $65.00

Spectacular Glacier

Experience British Columbia’s supernatural beauty with this eagle’s eye flight over the majestic glaciers, rugged peaks, unique volcanic formations and lush alpine meadows that surround the turquoise waters of mile-high Garibaldi Lake. Approx. duration: 1 hour

Adult Price: $179.00

*Green River Wedge Rafting

This whitewater rafting trip takes you just north of Whistler Village to Green River, which provides the perfect combination of fun bouncy rapids and picturesque scenery for first-timers or for those on a family adventure. The Class 2 and 3 rapids you will encounter are sure to jostle your raft and challenge you to break through the white water. Paddling through the waves as a team will no doubt be a bonding experience you won’t soon forget! Approx. duration: 2.5 hours

Adult Price: $109.00

*Superfly Ziplines

Be a bird for a day. Why not? We’ve designed and custom-built one of the best adventures in the world – side-by-side ziplines located in stunning mountain wilderness. Our tour features a newly engineered and revolutionary braking system, West Coast inspired architecture and a network of paths and platforms designed to immerse you in the peace, quiet and freedom of the forest. Highlighted by two of Canada’s longest lines – a kilometer long, 600 feet high and reaching speeds of 100km hour – we take our name very seriously. Approx. duration: 3 hours

Adult Price: $149.00

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Day 6
Whistler – Sun Peaks

Travel along scenic Duffy Lake Road where you can catch glimpses of Duffy and Seton Lakes via Lillooet, “Mile 0” of the Gold Rush Route. Follow the once treacherous Cariboo Wagon Trail, before reaching Sun Peaks, one of British Columbia’s premier ski resorts.

Hotel: Hearthstone Lodge

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Day 7
Sun Peaks – Jasper (2 Nights)

Drive through white-fenced ranch lands and follow the Yellowhead Highway, catching a glimpse of the snow-capped Columbia Mountains in the distance. Enjoy views of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Rockies and arrive in Jasper, nestled inside Jasper National Park. A brief tour gives you an overview of this charming, laid back mountain resort.

Hotel: Lobstick Lodge

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Day 8
Jasper National Park Free Time

Enjoy a full day at leisure in the largest National Park of the Canadian Rockies. The beauty of the area will leave you breathless. Optional activities abound-from a gentle float trip^ on the scenic Athabasca River, to a glacier hike on Mount Edith Cavell or a scenic cruise on Maligne Lake to iconic Spirit Island. The choice is entirely yours and your Travel Director is on hand to help you plan your day.

Optional Experiences:

*Jasper Float Trip

Join the fun and experience a scenic float trip down the Athabasca River, a designated Canadian Heritage River. A National Park licensed guide will provide commentary on the human and natural history of Jasper while navigating you along the same route used by fur traders over 2 centuries ago. Life jackets and the specially designed, 7 meter / 25 foot long oar-powered rafts offer a safe and comfortable ride through several small, easy sets of rapids and calm stretches that any first time rafter will enjoy. Don’t worry, the guides do all the rowing; you sit back and enjoy while exploring all the spectacular scenery. There is always a chance of seeing various wildlife including elk, deer, moose, coyotes, wolves, eagles, ospreys, mountain sheep and bears. Tours will operate rain or shine, and a poncho will be provided when required. Approx. duration: 50-90 minutes

Adult Price: $74.00

Mount Edith Cavell Guided Walk (Routes can change due to weather, wildlife and seasonal closures)

Join your guide on the “Path of the Glaciers” with Mount Edith Cavell’s snow-capped peak towering a mile overhead. See the emerald green of the “Lake of Forgiveness” and look out for incredible glacial formations, including icebergs and ice avalanches. Be sure to wear your good walking shoes for this 90-minute moderate walk. You’ll have plenty of stops for picture taking, enjoying the scenery and learning about the local history and geography. You may also spot wildlife during the 40-minute drive to and from this area. Operates seasonally. Approx. duration: 3 hours.

Adult Price: $73.00

Maligne Lake Boat Cruise

Nestled in a ring of towering mountains, Maligne Lake is the largest glacially fed lake in the Canadian Rockies. Here you’ll discover world-famous Spirit Island, the crown jewel of Jasper National Park. The Maligne Lake Cruise is an experience like no other with an experienced crew who will guide you through the rich history, ecology and geology of Maligne Lake. This interpretive tour has been declared the “Best Boat Cruise in Canada” by 8 million Reader’s Digest subscribers. You’ll be inspired by the beauty of Maligne Lake’s vibrant blue waters and by the stunning lofty peaks as you cruise to Spirit Island, a world-famous destination and one of the most photographed locations in the Rockies, accessible only by boat. Subject to weather conditions. Approx. duration: 1.5 hours

Adult Price: $68.00

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Day 9
Jasper – Icefields Parkway – Lake Louise – Banff (2 Nights)

Proceed along the world-renowned Icefields Parkway amidst stunning vistas of deep green forests, snow covered mountains, hanging glaciers and towering peaks. Sightseeing stops along this beautiful highway include Athabasca Falls, the Columbia Icefield, Bow and Peyto Lakes (weather dependent) and Crowfoot Glacier. Keep your camera ready as you look for wandering wildlife. Stop at the Columbia Icefield for a ride on a specially designed Ice Explorer, winding your way along the surface of the massive Athabasca Glacier. Learn about the Columbia Icefield, the power of glaciers and the early explorers who discovered them. Stop at the “Jewel of the Canadian Rockies”-exquisite Lake Louise, offering quintessential Canadian Rockies scenery with its sparkling blue water lake, nestled at the base of the impressive Victoria Glacier. Continue along the scenic TransCanada Highway and arrive in Banff, inside Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Hotel: Inns of Banff

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Day 10
Banff Sightseeing and Free Time

Your morning sightseeing tour of Banff includes the sights of Bow Falls and Tunnel Mountain. Few towns in the world boast as beautiful a setting as Banff. The mighty Bow River courses right through town, while massive mountains rear up around the outskirts. The rest of the day is free for you to pursue your own interests. To see more of this beautiful area, perhaps take an optional gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain for stunning views of six mountain ranges and the village below or ride aboard a helicopter for one of the most epic adventures in the Canadian Rockies.

Optional Experiences:

Royal Canadian Tour 25 mins

This journey will only enhance the Three Sisters Peaks Tour by exploring the Goat and Sundance Ranges of the Rocky Mountains. You will see mountain peaks, alpine meadows, waterfalls and untouched glacier lakes. Perhaps even a glimpse of some wildlife. It’s an extraordinary adventure not to be missed.

Adult Price: $290.00

Mt. Assiniboine Tour 30 mins

You are in for something special as you are transported to Mount Assiniboine – “the Matterhorn” of the Canadian Rockies. Our most popular adventure has all the fantastic scenery of the previous tours plus a fly by over top of the glacier. This photogenic peak rises majestically to 3,611 meters (11,870 feet) along the Great Divide. The Gloria and Assiniboine Glaciers will astound you. This is an experience you will never forget! Approx. duration: 30 minutes.

Adult Price: $348.00

Three Sisters Peak Tour 12 min

The most action packed twelve minutes of your life. Get up close and personal with the world famous Three Sisters Peaks. Reach out and touch them as you whisk by before escaping into the Spray Valley where you will explore the extraordinary hues of the Spray Lakes. Your return flight travels along the Goat Range before following the pristine Bow River back to Canmore.

Adult Price: $158.00

Brewster Banff Gondola

At the Banff Gondola, you’ll see more mountains in a moment than most see in a lifetime! Ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain to experience a bird’s eye view of six mountain ranges of the Canadian Rockies. Begin with an eight-minute journey to the summit in a fully enclosed four-passenger gondola cabin. The views become increasingly spectacular as you climb to an elevation of 7,486 feet (2,281 meters) to the Summit Upper Terminal. Witness the breath-taking views in every direction or go to the restaurant area to enjoy the views inside or from its upper deck. You can also take the Banff Skywalk for a short self-guided interpretive walkway along the summit ridge leading to the Cosmic Ray Station National Historic Site of Canada. Subject to weather conditions. Approx. duration: 2.5 hours.

Adult Price: $70.00

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Day 11
Banff – Kelowna

Drive across the Continental Divide at Kicking Horse Pass and stop at the Spiral Tunnels, a feat of early engineering for one of the steepest rail road stretches in the world. Then, it’s on through Yoho National Park and across Roger’s Pass in Glacier National Park. Pass Mount Revelstoke National Park and wind your way down the mountains, entering what is known as Canada’s “fruit basket”-the Okanagan Valley. Stop at a local winery for a tour and tasting before arriving at your hotel in Kelowna.

Hotel: Ramada Kelowna

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Day 12
Kelowna – Depart Vancouver

Make your way across the Cascade Mountains and through the Scenic Fraser River Valley to arrive back in Vancouver where your Canadian adventure comes to an end.