Western Canada & the Rockies
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Holiday Highlights
Join Travel Department to experience the wonder of Western Canada and the Rocky Mountains on this 10-night guided holiday through the Great White North. We’ll travel in comfort through the snow-covered highlands as we visit glaciers, rushing rivers and crystalline lakes, gaping canyons and valleys, thundering waterfalls and steaming hot springs. As we pass through cowboy country and Gold Rush territory, an expert guide will explain the highlights and history of this remarkable area. On this trip, we’ll also take time to tour the vibrant city of Vancouver with its buzzing shops & first-rate restaurants as well as the beautiful landscape of its North Shore. This holiday also includes leisure time for you to sight-see at your own pace, with recommendations based on your interests from our local guide.
What's Included
Return flights and transfers
3* B&B Accommodation
Fully guided
^ Please note this From price was correct at todays date 14/04/23 and is subject to change. We reserve the right to change our product's prices at any time.
Itinerary
Day 1-10
Day 1: Upon arrival in Vancouver, you will be met by a local guide and transferred to your hotel.
Day 2: In the morning, take in the highpoints of Vancouver on a guided city tour. Visit the 1,001-acre Stanley Park with its collection of totem poles, the beach at English Bay, and the iconic Canada Place, an architectural landmark famous for its ship-like appearance. Explore trendy Robson Street with its many shops and cafes, experience the exotic smells of Vancouver's Chinatown and visit the oldest part of the city in historic Gastown. The afternoon will be free to continue sightseeing at your leisure, browse the shops or simply relax. Your local guide will be happy to advise on activities to suit your interests.
Day 3: After breakfast, check out of your hotel and depart for your hotel in the old fur-trading town of Kamloops on the Thompson River. On the way, pass through the rolling ranch land of British Columbia's "cowboy country". .Distance covered 355km (includes comfort stops, sightseeing stops and free time for lunch.)
Day 4: After breakfast, head out into the wilderness of Wells Gray Park and be wowed by its mountains, deep canyons, volcanic cones, old-growth forests, roaring waterfalls and white-water rivers. In the afternoon, begin the journey to Jasper through the vast Mount Robson Park, named for the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies. Remember to bring your camera for a striking photo opportunity of its snowy peaks. Continue through the incredible scenery along the Yellowhead Highway, finally arriving in the town of Jasper for the night. Set within Jasper National Park, the town boasts an appropriately scenic backdrop of striking mountaintops, meadows and lakes. (Distance covered: 450km, includes comfort stops, sightseeing stops and free time for lunch.)
Day 5: One of the world's most scenic drives, the Icefields Parkway is bordered by jagged mountains, shimmering lakes, fresh mountain streams and deep forests. Along this spectacular route to Banff town, you will stop to take a Snowcoach ride on the Athabasca Glacier, the best way to experience this part of the Columbia Icefield in all its glory. Arrive in Banff Town for your 2 night stay within Banff National Park. (Distance covered: 290km, includes comfort stops, sightseeing stops and free time for lunch.)
Day 6: Banff became Canada's first ever national park in 1885 in order to protect its natural hot springs. On today's sightseeing tour, visit the grand and castle-like 19th century Banff Springs Hotel, Tunnel Mountain, impressive Hoodoo rock formations and the region's famous Bow Falls. Later, travel to Lake Louise to marvel at its aquamarine waters, brightly coloured by rock flour carried by melt-water from the nearby glaciers. Return to Banff town in the late afternoon to enjoy some free time soaking up the natural beauty of the Rockies. If you're in the mood, you could soak up even more in the soothing mineral waters at the Upper Hot Springs Pool, or celebrate the birthplace of Canada's national park system at The Cave & Basin National Historic Site.
Day 7: Today, wave goodbye to The Rockies and travel through Kicking Horse Pass into the Columbia River Valley. This historic route was chartered by railroad engineers and well-worn by fur traders in the mid-1800s. Continue through Glacier National Park via Rogers Pass high in the snowy Selkirk Mountains. Pass the Monashee Mountains before arriving in Vernon, the oldest incorporated town in the fertile Okanagan Valley. (Distance covered: 430km, includes comfort stops, sightseeing stops and free time for lunch.)
Day 8: Today's route will bring you through the modern-day cowboy country of Nicola Valley, now home to many a cattle ranch, before you continue west across the steep canyon walls along the Fraser River. Follow in the footsteps of 19th century gold seekers as you pass through Lillooet, the small remote town that was the heart of the 1860 Cariboo Gold Rush. Arrive in Whistler and enjoy the afternoon at leisure in this picturesque mountain village, a skiing hotspot and home to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Consider taking a gondola ride with 360 degree views, or take in some contemporary and First Nations culture at one of the town's many art galleries. (Distance covered: 450km, includes comfort stops, sightseeing stops and free time for lunch.)
Day 9: Drive south along the Sea-to-Sky Highway with its magnificent setting, surrounded by jagged fjords and glaciated mountain peaks. Back on Vancouver's North Shore, walk across the Capilano Suspension Bridge, hanging high among the treetops above the Capilano River. Finally, ride the gondola to the top of Grouse Mountain for panoramic views of Vancouver. Return to the city across the Lion's Gate Bridge and through Stanley Park for your final night in Canada. (Distance covered: 130km, includes comfort stops, sightseeing stops and free time for lunch.)
Day 10: Today you will have the morning at leisure before getting a guide transfer to Vancouver International Airport for your overnight flight home.
Prestige Hotel Vernon
Located across from Vernon Square Shopping Centre, Prestige Hotel Vernon offers easy access to downtown shops and attractions. The smartly furnished, modern rooms include a flat-screen cable TV, refrigerator and coffee maker, while on-site restaurant Bourbon Street Bar & Grill offers Okanagan casual dining with a Creole twist as well as wines from around the world.
Ramada by Wyndham
Kamloops Located in the city of Kamloops, and overlooking the Thompson River Valley, you hotel offers onsite casual dining facilities and comfortable accommodation equipped with up to date amenities and is the ideal place to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing. *Some facilities may be seasonally operated or under maintenance and therefore unavailable at the time of your stay. Charges may apply for certain facilities.
Aava Whistler Hotel
Whether you prefer to enjoy panoramic views from far above or discover cafes, shops and galleries, Aava Whistler is just a short walk to the centre of Whistler village and the Whistler Blackcomb Gondola, offering a great location from which to discover this resort town. Guests can revel in the spectacular mountain views from the outdoor hot tub or heated pool area, which are open year-round.
Marmot Lodge
Part of the 'Mountain Park Lodges' family of hotels, the Marmot Lodge, within Jasper National Park, offers guests spectacular views of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. With hotel facilities that include an indoor swimming pool and hot tubs, it is the perfect spot to relax after a day’s sightseeing. (Breakfast is served at a partner hotel next door)
Best Western Plus Sands Hotel
Conveniently located in downtown Vancouver, overlooking English Bay, the Best Western Plus Sands Hotel is in an ideal location for exploring this vibrant city. Offering onsite dining facilities and comfortable accommodation equipped with up to date amenities your hotel is the ideal place to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing.
Mount Royal Hotel
Located in the heart of downtown Banff, your accommodation is conveniently located within walking distance of shopping and dining facilities. With comfortable well equipped bedrooms, onsite dining and outdoor hot tubs the Mount Royal Hotel is the ideal place to relax and unwind.
Clearwater Lodge
Positioned on the doorstep of Wells Gray Provincial Park, Clearwater Lodge enjoys wonderful mountain views and is the only place in the city to avail of an indoor pool. Guests can relax in the hot tub or sauna, and enjoy home comforts such as a microwave and refrigerator in the rooms.
Forest Park Hotel
Located within Jasper National Park the Forest Park Hotel offers guests spectacular views of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. As well as an indoor swimming pool and fitness centre, the hotel offers onsite casual dining facilities and is the perfect spot to relax after a day’s sightseeing.