Day 1
Vancouver Arrival
Depart London Heathrow – 12:40
Arrive Vancouver – 14:00
Journey Time – 9 hours 20 minutes
Upon arrival into Vancouver take a private transfer (included) toyour hotel. Balance of day at leisure.
Overnight – Vancouver
Day 2
Vancouver
Today is free to enjoy the sights of the city. Canada’s third-largest metropolitan centre, Vancouver is a busy port with a thriving multicultural ambiance. The city is located in a spectacular setting with the Coast Mountains across the Burrard Inlet to the north, and the waters of the Strait of Georgia to the west. Restaurants, shopping, nightlife, a mild climate and a cosmopolitan atmosphere make Vancouver a favourite tourist destination. Among optional activities are Hop-on/hop off sightseeing, a Vancouver City & the Lookout tour and a Guilty Pleasures Gourmet tour (activities not included).
Overnight – Vancouver
Day 3
Vancouver
The day is free to explore Vancouver on your own. We highly recommend taking the sightseeing tour of the North Shore (not included) which will take you from sea level to 1,250 metres above Vancouver for breathtaking views of the city, the ocean and the surrounding mountains.
Overnight – Vancouver
Day 4
Vancouver to Victoria
70 miles
Collect your rental vehicle. Leaving Vancouver drive south to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal for a 90 min ferry ride (ferry toll included) to Swartz Bay. On board BC Ferries enjoy the scenery of the Gulf Islands as you cross the Strait of Georgia. From Swartz Bay continue on to the charming city of Victoria. The afternoon is free to explore Victoria. You may wish to take an optional whale watching tour (not included) to spot orcas (killer whales), humpback whales, gray whales and minke whales while enjoying Vancouver Island’s spectacular scenery.
Overnight – Victoria
Day 5
Victoria Exploring (Butchart Gardens)
Today is free to explore Victoria, with its turn of the century architecture, British traditions such as high tea and shops full of woolens and china. Admission is included to the Butchart Gardens with its over 50 acre floral display of magnificent colour.
Overnight – Victoria
Day 6
Victoria to Port Hardy
309 miles
Travelling north on the Island Highway, pass through Duncan, the “City of Totems”. Further north is the artist community of Chemainus, where you can admire the giant murals which adorn the exterior walls throughout the town. By late afternoon arrive in Campbell River. Continue your journey north. Your day ends in the fishing community of Port Hardy.
Overnight – Port Hardy
Day 7
Port Hardy to Prince Rupert (Ferry)
325 miles
Embark on a full day of cruising the sheltered waters of Canada’s Inside Passage with BC Ferries (ferry toll included). During the length of the 15-hour crossing, a wonderful array of snow-capped mountains combined with rich forests provides a background for a series of dramatic fjords.
Overnight – Prince Rupert
Day 8
Prince Rupert to Smithers
216 miles
Today, follow the Yellowhead Highway, along the Skeena River for most of the way. Pass through the mining town of Terrace and into Smithers.
Overnight – Smithers
Day 9
Smithers to Prince George
230 miles
Depart Smithers, continuing along the Yellowhead Highway. Passing through Houston – known as the Steelhead Capital and home to the world’s biggest fly rod – over 18 metres in length! Next you will travel through Burns Lake and Vanderhoof into Prince George.
Overnight – Prince George
Day 10
Prince George to Jasper
216 miles
Today is another unforgettable day of scenery. Follow mountain passes and raging rivers as you wind your way to an overnight stop in Jasper – ‘the Jewel of the Rockies’.
Overnight – Jasper
Day 11
Evening Wildlife Tour Jasper
Today is at your leisure to enjoy the spectacular wonders of Jasper. This evening experience the Jasper Wonderland for some amazing close-up photo opportunities of wildlife. Destinations can include the Maligne Valley and the Pyramid Bench (with its beaver ponds).
Overnight – Jasper
Day 12
Jasper to Banff
112 miles
Your scenic drive takes you through the spine of the Canadian Rockies. View a never-ending procession of mammoth mountains, jagged peaks, over 100 glaciers and pristine emerald coloured lakes. Along the way see such sights as the Columbia Icefield and take an Ice Explorer ride out onto the glacier (included). Also watch for the Sarbach Glacier, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake with Bow Glacier as the backdrop, and Crowfoot Glacier before your arrival into Lake Louise. From Lake Louise choose the Bow Valley Parkway, beside the Bow River with an option for you to stop at Johnston Canyon and walk along the paved footpath to either the lower or upper waterfalls before continuing to Banff.
Overnight – Banff
Day 13
Banff Sightseeing (Coach)
This morning, tour through the town of Banff and its environs. Among the highlights are visits to the Hoodoos (shaped by centuries of wind), Surprise Corner, Sulphur Mountain (gondola ride included), and Tunnel Mountain Drive – which overlooks the splendour of Bow Valley. Enjoy the afternoon on your own to explore this charming resort.
Overnight – Banff
Day 14
Banff Exploring
Today you have one more day to spend exploring the beautiful Rocky Mountains on your own. Optional activities include soaking in the mineral pools at the Upper Hot Springs, horseback riding on nearby mountain trails or floating on the magnificent Bow River.
Overnight – Banff
Day 15
Calgary Depart
Depart the Rocky Mountains at your own leisure to the Great Central Plains that roll to the east for 2,000 kilometres and extend as far south as Mexico. This is ‘cattle ranching country’ and the breadbasket of Canada. Your tour concludes with the return of your rental vehicle in Calgary.
Depart Calgary – 20:15
Arrive London Heathrow – 12:10 (Next Day)
Journey time – 8 hours 55 minutes