HEART OF THE CANADIAN ROCKIES
10 Days 9 Nights
Tour Highlights: Calgary, Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Columbia Icefield, Jasper National Park, Kamloops, Vicotira, Vancouver, etc
itinerary
Day 01 CALGARY
Welcome to Calgary! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.
Day 02 CALGARY–BANFF NATIONAL PARK
The discovery of oil converted this ranching town into a sophisticated city. It is also home to the world-famous Calgary Stampede. Tour many of the city’s attractions, including Canada Olympic Park, and the Saddledome. Motor west through the foothills and into BANFF NATIONAL PARK, gateway to the majestic Canadian Rockies. An orientation tour includes Banff’s unspoiled beauty.
Day 03 BANFF NATIONAL PARK
Banff is one of Canada’s favorite year-round resorts, with summer activities such as hiking, boating, and fishing. Explore Banff on your own.
Day 04 BANFF NATIONAL PARK–LAKE LOUISE–COLUMBIA ICEFIELD–JASPER NATIONAL PARK
Enjoy a day of scenic grandeur. First stop is Lake Louise, whose turquoise waters create a natural mirror that reflects the surroundings. Up next: a stop at the COLUMBIA ICEFIELD to experience the Ice Explorer, an all-terrain vehicle that travels on ice that is 750 feet thick. Then, journey north into JASPER NATIONAL PARK, where precipitous gorges, snowcapped summits, and lakes of exquisite blues and greens come into view as the motorcoach scales three mountain passes. Enjoy an orientation tour of Jasper townsite upon arrival.
Day 05 JASPER NATIONAL PARK
The balance of the day is free to enjoy everything Jasper has to offer —from guided hikes and quaint shops to meandering wildlife.
Day 6 JASPER NATIONAL PARK–MOUNT ROBSON–KAMLOOPS
Depart Jasper and follow the Fraser River to the base of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. The Yellowhead Highway continues south along the mighty Thompson River, with spectacular views of the Monashee Mountains. Overnight in Kamloops.
Day 07 KAMLOOPS–FERRY CROSSING–VICTORIA
As you travel through British Columbia’s Coast Mountain Range to its majestic Pacific coastline, the vegetation changes from desert landscape to lush alpine forests. Board your ferry for the spectacular crossing to Vancouver Island. Sightseeing in Victoria includes world-famous BUTCHART GARDENS, the Inner Harbour, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park. This evening, consider a stroll along the lively Waterfront Promenade.
Day 08 VICTORIA
Today is free to explore on your own. You may choose to join an optional wildlife and whale- watching trip cruising the beautiful waters of the San Juan and Gulf Islands, looking for whales, porpoises, seals, and eagles. Your Tour Director will have ideas for enjoying this most British of Canadian cities.
Day 09 VICTORIA–FERRY CROSSING–VANCOUVER
This morning, set sail across the Strait of Georgia and through the spectacular Gulf Islands, an archipelago known for its climate. In Vancouver, city sightseeing includes STANLEY PARK, Gastown, Chinatown, and other famous landmarks. The remainder of the day is free to explore Robson Street and experience British Columbia’s premier shopping and entertainment location.
Day 10 VANCOUVER
Your vacation ends this morning.
