Maximum elevation on tour: 7,500 ft.Visiting and participating in activities in this region may be subject to weather conditions and vendor dates of operation.
Itinerary
Day 1 VANCOUVER AREA
Welcome to Vancouver! Your Tour Director is on hand late this afternoon to answer any questions.
Day 2 VANCOUVER AREA
This morning, an included city tour highlights Stanley Park, Chinatown, the harbour, and beaches, and more. The rest of the day is at leisure, and your Tour Director will have suggestions for your further exploration of the city. Maybe take a water taxi to lively Granville Island with its outdoor markets, street musicians, and waterfront cafés, or visit historic Gastown with its steam-powered clock, antique shops, art galleries, and street vendors.
Day 3 VANCOUVER AREA–FERRY CROSSING–VICTORIA
This morning, set sail across the Strait of Georgia through the spectacular Gulf Islands, an area known for its Mediterranean-like climate. Afternoon sightseeing in Victoria includes world-famous Butchart Gardens, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park with its unusual collection of totem poles.
Day 4 VICTORIA
Be sure to discover some of the attractions this splendid city has to offer, including the Royal British Columbia Museum, afternoon tea at the Empress Hotel, a whale-watching cruise on the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and shopping along Government Street.
Day 5 VICTORIA–CHEMAINUS–PORT HARDY
An early departure from Victoria follows the eastern coastline of Vancouver Island, stopping in Chemainus, the unique village with more than 30 murals depicting pioneer settlement of the area. Then, it’s through the port of Campbell River, the “Salmon Capital of the World.”
Day 6 PORT HARDY–INSIDE PASSAGE CRUISE–PRINCE RUPERT
Early this morning, embark on one of the world’s most beautiful ocean voyages. The scenery is spectacular, with towering mountains, roaring waterfalls, endless islands, and virgin rainforests. Marine life abounds, often with sightings of sea lions, eagles, and porpoises—you may even spot a killer whale! Late-evening arrival in Prince Rupert.NOTE:Cruising time through the Inside Passage is approximately 16 hours. Please come prepared with all medications, eyeglasses, and any other items you will need.
Day 7 PRINCE RUPERT
Enjoy an orientation tour of Prince Rupert, and visit the North Pacific Historic Fishing Village, a National Historic Site, for a guided tour of British Columbia’s oldest cannery village. Learn of the canning process and what life was like in the village during peak production in the last century.
Day 8 PRINCE RUPERT–VIA RAIL THE SKEENA–SMITHERS–PRINCE GEORGE
This morning, board VIA Rail’s Skeena train for the trip of a lifetime. Sit back and enjoy an all-daylight journey that winds its way through the majestic Coast Mountains, follows the mighty Skeena River—often referred to as the “River of Mists.” Retrace the steps of the ancient First Nations trading routes and follow the paths of the earliest fur traders. Soaring bald eagles, inquisitive black bears, browsing moose, and other wildlife may be spotted. Disembarking in Smithers, you’ll continue to Prince George for an overnight stay in British Columbia’s “Northern Capital.”NOTE:Train travel is subject to unforeseen delays.
Day 9 PRINCE GEORGE–MOUNT ROBSON–JASPER NATIONAL PARK
As we continue onward to Jasper National Park, the peak elevations grow, culminating with Mount Robson, the highest of Canada’s Rockies at almost 13,000 feet. In Jasper, an orientation tour showcases the area’s unspoiled beauty. Overnight in Jasper National Park.
Day 10 JASPER NATIONAL PARK
Today, join the optional excursion to Maligne Lake and Spirit Island, where you embark on a narrated cruise of the lake. The balance of the day is free to enjoy everything Jasper has to offer, from guided hikes and quaint shops to meandering wildlife.
Day 11 JASPER NATIONAL PARK–COLUMBIA ICEFIELD–LAKE LOUISE–BANFF NATIONAL PARK
Winding our way down the western fringe of Alberta, our journey takes us through some of the Canadian Rockies’ most breathtaking wilderness. Our first highlight is a stop at the Columbia Icefield to experience the Ice Explorer, an all-terrain vehicle that travels on ice measuring 750 feet thick. As we journey south, precipitous gorges, snowcapped mountain ranges, and lakes of exquisite blues and greens come into view. Visit Lake Louise, its cold waters perfectly mirroring the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Arrive in Banff National Park and enjoy an orientation tour.
Day 12 BANFF NATIONAL PARK
Banff is one of Canada’s favorite year-round resorts, with summer activities including hiking, boating, horseback riding, and fishing. Consider an optional helicopter ride high over the Canadian Rockies.
Day 13 BANFF NATIONAL PARK–CALGARY
Arrive in Calgary, home to the world-famous Calgary Stampede, and take a city tour. Highlights include downtown, Fort Calgary, Stampede Park, the Saddledome, and Canada Olympic Park. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Perhaps go to the top of Calgary Tower for a 360-degree panoramic view, Heritage Park Historical Village or Studio Bell to visit the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
Day 14 CALGARY
Your vacation ends this morning.