Ultimate Canadian Rockies

DAY 1 – ARRIVAL IN VANCOUVER

Arrive by non-stop scheduled flight from the U.K. in to Vancouver International Airport, transfer independently to your hotel or if you prefer we can arrange a private meet, greet and transfer for you for an additional charge, please ask for details. The rest of the day is yours to discover the oceanside city of Vancouver. Overnight in Vancouver.

Hotels:
Standard: Blue Horizon Hotel
Superior: Delta Hotels by Marriott Vancouver Downtown Suites

---

DAY 2 – VANCOUVER

Today see you on an exciting tour of Vancouver that includes a visit to the world famous Capilano Suspension Bridge.

This tour offers a fascinating look at Vancouver. Points of interest include Canada Place, Robson Street, Sports Venues, the Library, theatres, Chinatown and historic Gastown. The tour makes stops in Stanley Park en-route to the Capilano Suspension Bridge in the North Shore rainforest. Cross the 450-ft-long bridge over a spectacular canyon to the Treetops Adventure observation structure. Shop and snack under the evergreens. A highlight of this tour is a visit to Granville Island with its public market, shops, eateries and galleries along the water.

The rest of the day is free to explore. This bustling metropolis may be western Canada’s largest city, but it retains a pedestrian-friendly charm and embraces a love of nature. Spend some time walking the sea wall of the mainland, or perhaps rent a bike and explore the vast network of trails throughout the city, one of the most memorable being the expansive Stanley Park. Trails criss-cross the park through forests and open grass fields that interconnect to a city-wide trail system. The park’s aquarium features beluga whales and other large marine mammals as well as daily shows. Overnight in Vancouver.

Hotels:
Standard: Blue Horizon Hotel
Superior: Delta Hotels by Marriott Vancouver Downtown Suites

---

DAY 3 – VANCOUVER TO VICTORIA

Today you will be transferred by coach and ferry across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island. On board your BC Ferries service to Swartz Bay take to the decks for the scenic sailing past the rugged coastline and tranquil beaches of the Gulf Islands. On arriving at Vancouver Island your coach will take you onwards to Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, with its maritime heritage and colonial charm. Overnight in Victoria.

Hotels:
Standard: Quality Inn Downtown Inner Harbour
Superior: Inn at Laurel Point

---

DAY 4 – VICTORIA

Today you will embark on an exciting whale watching aboard a custom built Zodiac boat that offers high speed with extraordinary stability giving you an exhilarating, safe and intimate whale watching experience. Victoria is the best place in the world to view whales so prepare yourself for a once in a lifetime experience.

The Juan de Fuca and Haro Straits are home to three resident orca (Killer whale) pods. With over 70 whales belonging to these families, transient orcas, and humpback whales, you have the best chance for an encounter with these magnificent creatures. During the main season these tours have a 95% success in viewing the whales. You might also encounter Dall’s porpoises, Harbour porpoises, Stellar and California sea lions, harbour and elephant seals, otters and a variety of birds such as cormorants and bald eagles. There is also a very good chance of sighting Humpback, Minke and Gray whales. Overnight in Victoria.

Hotels:
Standard: Quality Inn Downtown Inner Harbour
Superior: Inn at Laurel Point

---

DAY 5 – VICTORIA TO TOFINO

Next up are the bears! Today you board the coach for Tofino where the road leads across Vancouver Island to the Pacific Coast winding through ancient rainforests and provincial parks. You’re venturing into true wildlife territory here: Pacific Rim National Park is a marvel of ecological and geographical diversity. Overnight in Tofino.

Hotel:
Standard & Superior: Best Western Tin Wis Resort or Pacific Sands Beach Resort

---

DAY 6 – TOFINO

Today you are taking part in a thrilling bear watching expedition. At low tide, board the Stellar Sea, a 14 metre panoramic cruiser, and speed along the lush coastline to the bears’ feeding grounds. Once back on dry land, you’re free to explore the rugged coastline along the network of hiking trails or to walk the shoreline of long Beach in search of shells and driftwood. Overnight in Tofino.

Hotel:
Standard & Superior: Best Western Tin Wis Resort or Pacific Sands Beach Resort

---

DAY 7 – TOFINO TO VANCOUVER / DEPARTURE

Depart Tofino by air this morning, enjoying a scenic flight across the wilds of Vancouver Island and the waters of the strait before landing at Vancouver International Airport’s South Terminal.  Transfer independently to your hotel or if you prefer we can arrange a private meet, greet and transfer for you for an additional charge, please ask for details.  Enjoy an afternoon / evening in Vancouver, one of the most geographically beautiful and diverse cities in the world. Overnight Vancouver.

Hotel:
Standard: Blue Horizon Hotel
Superior: Delta Hotels by Marriott Vancouver Downtown Suites

---

DAY 8 – THE WORLD FAMOUS ROCKY MOUNTAINEER TRAIN TO KAMLOOPS

Board the Rocky Mountaineer train at the Vancouver Station at 7:30am. Travel from the coastal city of Vancouver to the interior of B.C. You will see dramatic changes in scenery, from the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley, through forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains, to the desert-like environment of the BC Interior. Highlights include the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate in the Fraser Canyon and the steep slopes and rock sheds along the Thompson River. You will arrive Kamloops between 6:00pm and 7:30pm PT. Spend the evening exploring the city, or relaxing in your hotel. All hotels in Kamloops are of moderate standard: your hotel will be assigned post-booking. Overnight Kamloops.

Hotel:
Thompson Hotel or similar

SilverLeaf Service (Included) Your package includes ‘Silverleaf’ Service  aboard the Rocky Mountaineer – Onboard, SilverLeaf guests will indulge in mouth-watering gourmet cuisine prepared with regional ingredients and flare, plated to their preference and served seat-side so they don’t have to miss a moment of the splendour outside their partial dome windows. Passengers sip complimentary BC wines and beverages throughout the journey, as their Rocky Mountaineer hosts share historical stories and trivia about the passing landscapes. SilverLeaf Service passengers will have their luggage delivered to their room in Kamloops. GoldLeaf Service (Upgrade from £365 per person) For those seeking an upgraded service aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, we are pleased to offer the special GoldLeaf Service that features the amenities of the SilverLeaf service and much more. Onboard, GoldLeaf Service is delivered in a domed railcar, offering panoramic views of the mountains from full-length dome windows that extend into the roof of the railcar. Enjoy gourmet breakfast and lunch selections that celebrate Western Canada cuisine, served with elegance and style in the lower level dining room. GoldLeaf Service passengers will have their luggage delivered to their room in Kamloops. Book early this service is popular and places are limited.

 

---

DAY 9 – THE WORLD FAMOUS ROCKY MOUNTAINEER TRAIN TO BANFF

Board the Rocky Mountaineer train at the Kamloops Station at 6:25am, your journey continues eastwards to the mighty Canadian Rockies and the province of Alberta. Once again you will see a spectacular array of scenery as you travel across ranchlands, along rocky lakeshores, over high mountain passes and through the remarkable tunnels that form part of the rich rail history of the Canadian Rockies. Today’s highlights include Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, the climb over Rogers Pass, Kicking Horse Canyon, the Spiral Tunnels and, of course, the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Breakfast and lunch are included onboard. Your rail journey ends this evening upon arrival in Banff, between 8:00pm and 9:30pm. The hotels are just a few blocks away from the station and staff will assist you with transfers. Overnight Banff.

Hotel:
Standard: Banff Caribou Lodge
Superior: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

---

Day 10 – BANFF

Today you collect your rental car for downtown Banff, a short walk from your hotel. This will then give you easy driving access to the many things to visit and see in the Banff area.

We’ve included tickets for the Banff Gondola & Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk so this would be a good first stop today. With six stunning mountain ranges and the sweep of the Bow Valley before you, views from the summit are nothing short of breathtaking. Start with a walk along the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk to learn more about Canada’s first national park? Or perhaps go indoors to sample from three delicious restaurant menus. Then get hands-on in our world-class interpretive centre and theatre. And no matter where you go, the knowledgeable, friendly hosts are standing by to make sure you get the most out of your visit.

In the afternoon you might like to take a short walk, the Hoodoos or Two Jack Lake area offer numerous easy options.

Another great option is a guided driving tour with our partners GyPSy Guides. Simply download the app, pay a few dollars and you will receive a guided tour of the Banff area, best of all data on your phone is not required, it works from GPS locations – This is a really great option for first time visitors and they offer guided tours of the Icefield Parkway which you might want to consider for your drive to Jasper making sure you miss absolutely nothing along the way. Overnight Banff

Note:
The Rocky Mountaineer operates from Vancouver to both Banff and Jasper. We have chosen the route to Banff so you get to travel the scenic Icefield Parkway in a Northerly and Southerly direction for maximum scenic viewing and to avoid acute hotel availability problems that occurs when the trains arrive at Jasper in the height of season. If you would prefer to travel by train from Vancouver to Jasper please ask us for a revised itinerary and pricing.

Hotel:
Standard: Banff Caribou Lodge
Superior: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

---

Day 11 – BANFF

Try to rise and shine before the sun and head out in the car to enjoy the views around Banff, a good option is Lake Minnewanka, where you can rent a kayak and paddle around the cool, turquoise waters of the area. Wherever you find yourself the sweeping glacier views and sparking lakes with the mountain backdrops of the beautiful Canadian Rockies make this a spectacularly memorable experience.

In the afternoon maybe take a stroll around Banff town centre, it’s a great little town with lots of shops, bars and restaurants, visit the hot springs that led to the creation of Banff National Park and  if you are feeling energetic head up to the historic Banff Springs Hotel built by the Canadian Pacific railway company and opened in 1888 where you can also see Bow Falls. Overnight Banff.

Hotel:
Standard: Banff Caribou Lodge
Superior: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

---

Day 12 BANFF– JASPER (Icefield Parkway)
180 miles

Set the alarm, grab a quick breakfast and get started today as this is likely to be one of the most scenic drives you are ever likely to take, with lots of pull out’s for stunning waterfalls, lakes and glaciers.

We strongly recommend the GyPSy Guide for today which you can purchase for a small fee from the App store on your smart phone, it really is like having a tour guide in the back seat as you pass points of interest. Our team will be glad to assist with this if you need help. You will be heading north along the famed Icefield Parkway, one of the most scenic routes in the entire world. We suggest a stop at Peyto Lake and a visit to Maligne Canyon in Jasper National Park, however there’s so many other well signposted pull-off’s to visit that you’ll be spoiled for choice. Once you reach the the Columbia Icefield, we have included ticket for the ‘Glacier Adventure’ Discover the power of nature on the Glacier Adventure, the must-do experience in the Canadian Rockies. At the heart of the incredible Icefields Parkway is one of the largest non-polar ice fields in the world. Here, you’ll travel on a massive Ice Explorer to a place where you can walk on, feel and drink from the Athabasca Glacier. Then, take a jaw-dropping walk along the glass-floored Glacier Skywalk at the cliff’s edge. Take in views of the Sunwapta Valley on the 500 metre interpretive experience. Continue on after to Jasper.

Hotel:
Standard: Lobstick Lodge
Superior: Jasper Park Lodge

---

Day 13 – JASPER

By now you will almost certainly have witnessed some of the amazing wildlife in Canada but keep your eyes peeled for bears, moose and the hundreds of elk that roam freely around Jasper. Take the full day to explore Jasper and the surrounding area. Be sure to visit Medicine Lake, Cavell Road, Pyramid Lake Road and the ‘Old Banff/Jasper Highway’. Another must is a visit to Maligne Canyon and Maligne Lake where we recommend you hire a canoe. The gift shops at these two attractions are excellent and also worth a visit. We also recommend a visit to Athabasca Falls and Sunwapta Falls, both of which can be done in the same day from Jasper.

Hotel:
Standard: Lobstick Lodge
Superior: Jasper Park Lodge

---

Day 14 – JASPER – MORAINE LAKE
150 miles

Today you return south along the Icefield Parkway. Today’s journey will take about 3 hours 30 minutes if you just drive non-stop but of course you will want to stop to see more of the sites you were unable to visit on the way up to Jasper. Travelling south along the Parkway gives you a whole new perspective of your surroundings and really does feel like you are on a different road.

Call at Chateau Lake Louise on the way to Moraine Lake for views of the lake and glacier but be sure to arrive mid afternoon if possible at Moraine lake to make the very most of your experience.

As you head south you have every right to get excited about the finale we have in store for you on our ‘Ultimate Canadian Rockies’ itinerary. Your stay at Moraine Lake Lodge, just 8 miles from Lake Louise is, we feel, an experience that will last a lifetime. Time and time again our customers tell us how much they enjoyed their stay here, please see a small selection of these comments below.

‘The decision about selecting Moraine Lake ahead of Chateau Lake Louise was undoubtedly the right one, Moraine Lake was the highlight for us. Thanks again’ – Dave

‘We thought that Moraine Lake Lodge was a superb hotel in an unbelievable setting, and waking in the morning to look over the lake and mountains (before the tourist hordes arrived) was something we will never forget. So much more intimate and peaceful than Lake Louise’ – Peter and Margaret

‘Our 30th wedding anniversary will be one to remember. Moraine Lake and Lodge is something close to heaven’ – Gary & Barbara

‘The arrangements were perfect (Moraine Lake Lodge was our favourite hotel)’ – Robert and Susan

‘The upgrade to the Moraine Lake Lodge was well worthwhile’ – Lesley and Graham

Hotel:
Moraine Lake Lodge

---

Day 15 DEPARTURE CALGARY

It is a 2 hour drive to Calgary airport and with some of the scheduled non-stop flights we use not leaving until 10pm you have plenty of time to enjoy Moraine Lake, a quite wonderful way to finish off your time in the Canadian Rockies.

When the time comes you will be returning your car to Calgary Airport before your non-stop flight back to the U.K.