Western Canada with Inside Passage (8980)

14 days from Calgary to Vancouver

2028 Tour Details View 2026 Tour Details » View 2027 Tour Details »

Adventure awaits on this exciting Cosmos Undiscovered vacation, where you’ll travel by land, rail, and sea to experience Western Canada’s natural beauty and lesser-known destinations.

Begin in Calgary with a city tour before heading to the Canadian Rockies, featuring Banff National Park, the turquoise waters of Lake Louise, and a ride aboard the all-terrain Ice Explorer on the Athabasca Glacier at the Columbia Icefield. Continue into Jasper National Park, with the opportunity to join an optional cruise on Maligne Lake to iconic Spirit Island. En route to Prince George, view Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies.

Embark on an all-daylight rail journey aboard VIA Rail’s Skeena train through the rugged Coast Mountains to Prince Rupert for a two-night stay. Your adventure continues with an Inside Passage cruise through British Columbia’s coastal waterways, where you may spot whales, sea lions, porpoises, bald eagles, and other wildlife. Overnight in Port Hardy before traveling south to Victoria on Vancouver Island. Enjoy time to explore this charming city before sailing across the Strait of Georgia and the Gulf Islands to vibrant Vancouver.

Spectacular national parks, a scenic rail journey, an Inside Passage cruise, and visits to charming towns and exciting cities make this value-minded vacation an unforgettable Western Canada adventure!

The world is within reach with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore with expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides, and private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi (where available).

Your Tour Includes:

• Guided city sightseeing in Calgary, Victoria, and Vancouver, featuring each city’s key landmarks and highlights
• Entrance fee to Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, home to glacier-fed lakes, mountain peaks, and wildlife
• Orientation tours of Banff, Jasper, and Prince Rupert
• Ticket for the Icefield Explorer at Columbia Icefields to ride onto the Athabasca Glacier
• Rail journey on VIA Rail’s Skeena train from Smithers to Prince Rupert
• Admission and guided tour of North Pacific Cannery National Historic Site, preserving the story of British Columbia’s salmon-canning industry
• All-day Inside Passage Cruise through British Columbia’s coastal waterways
• Ferry to Vancouver, crossing the Strait of Georgia from Vancouver Island

Dates & Prices Book Online
800.646.5374
Western Canada with Inside Passage map
National Park Tours – National Park Foundation

 Photo Highlights

 Meals

 Meals & Itinerary

This Cosmos travel package does not include meals. Most of our hotels offer anything from coffee to a full breakfast, so you can start the day the way you like best. At most lunch stops, your Tour Director will have information on local restaurants. Dinnertime is your chance to sample local cuisine. Sometimes your Tour Director will offer an optional dinner outing.


Notes:

• Visiting and participating in activities in this region may be subject to favorable weather conditions and dates of operation.

• Early departures may not be able to visit Columbia Icefield (opens in early May), Maligne Lake & Spirit Island optional excursion (opens late May to early June), or Moraine Lake optional excursion (opens in early June).

• Maximum elevation on tour: 7,500 ft.

 Itinerary

Day 1 CALGARY

Welcome to Calgary! Your Tour Director is on hand from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. to answer any questions

CALGARY-SADDLEDOME.jpg

Day 2 CALGARY- BANFF NATIONAL PARK

This morning, enjoy a city tour of Calgary, home to the world-famous Calgary Stampede. Highlights include downtown, The Confluence (formerly Fort Calgary), Stampede Park, the Saddledome, and Canada Olympic Park. Then travel west through the foothills into Banff National Park for a two-night stay. Enjoy an orientation tour upon arrival.

BANFF-BOW-RIVER-SCENIC.jpg

Day 3 BANFF NATIONAL PARK

Enjoy your day exploring Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park. Hike the many trails, stroll through the Banff townsite, or relax at the hot springs. Lift your sights higher on an optional helicopter ride offering spectacular aerial views of the Canadian Rockies. Or if you prefer to stay on the ground, join the Panoramas & Peaks* optional excursion to visit stunning Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks.

*This optional excursion begins operating in early June.

BANFF-ELK.jpg

Day 4 BANFF NATIONAL PARK–LAKE LOUISE–COLUMBIA ICEFIELD–JASPER NATIONAL PARK

Head north to Lake Louise, where turquoise waters reflect the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Then travel to the Columbia Icefield for a ride aboard the Ice Explorer onto the Athabasca Glacier. Continue along the Icefields Parkway through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, passing rugged peaks, glaciers, and mountain valleys. Later, consider joining an optional float trip on the Athabasca River. Enjoy an orientation tour upon arrival in Jasper.

LAKE-LOUISE-BANFF.jpg

Day 5 JASPER NATIONAL PARK

Today is free to explore Jasper National Park. Enjoy hiking the area's scenic trails, browsing the shops, or watching for wildlife. Or consider an optional narrated cruise on Maligne Lake to legendary Spirit Island*. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for additional activities and dining.

*This optional excursion begins operating in late May/early June.

JASPER-NATIONAL-PARK-SPIRIT-ISLAND.jpg

Day 6 JASPER NATIONAL PARK–MOUNT ROBSON–PRINCE GEORGE

Depart Jasper and follow the Fraser River to the base of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Continue to Prince George, British Columbia’s “northern capital,” for an overnight stay.

MOUNT-ROBSON.jpg

Day 7 PRINCE GEORGE–SMITHERS–VIA RAIL THE SKEENA–PRINCE RUPERT

Today, board VIA Rail’s Skeena train for an all-daylight rail journey through the Coast Mountains and along the Skeena River, often called the “River of Mists.” Follow historic First Nations trading routes and the paths of early fur traders while watching for bald eagles, black bears, moose, and other wildlife. Disembark in Prince Rupert for a two-night stay.

NOTE:
Train travel is subject to unforeseen delays.

VIA-RAIL-SKEENA-TRAIN.jpg

Day 8 PRINCE RUPERT

After an orientation of Prince Rupert, visit the North Pacific Cannery National Historic Site for a guided tour of British Columbia’s oldest surviving salmon cannery. Learn about the salmon-canning process and discover what life was like for the people who lived and worked here during the industry’s peak. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.

PRINCE-RUPERT.jpg

BreakfastContinental Breakfast

Day 9 PRINCE RUPERT–INSIDE PASSAGE CRUISE–PORT HARDY

Early this morning, embark on one of the world’s most beautiful ocean voyages! The scenery is spectacular, with towering mountains, waterfalls, forested islands, and rainforests. Marine life abounds, with sightings of sea lions and porpoises —and perhaps even an orca. Late night/early morning arrival into Port Hardy.

NOTE:
Cruising time through the Inside Passage is approximately 18 hours. Please come prepared with all medications, eyeglasses, and any other items you will need.

INSIDE-PASSAGE-WHALE.jpg

BreakfastContinental Breakfast

Day 10 PORT HARDY-CHEMAINUS–VICTORIA

Depart Port Hardy this morning and travel along the eastern coastline of Vancouver Island, passing through Campbell River, known as the “Salmon Capital of the World.” Continue south to Chemainus, where you'll stop to see the town’s famous outdoor murals depicting the region’s history and pioneer heritage. Arrive in Victoria late this afternoon.

VICTORIA.jpg

Day 11 VICTORIA

Morning sightseeing includes the Inner Harbour, Legislative Buildings, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park, home to an impressive collection of totem poles. The rest of the day is yours to explore Victoria. Perhaps have afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel, visit the Royal BC Museum, or join an optional excursion to Butchart Gardens to enjoy its 55 acres of spectacular floral displays. This evening, consider a stroll along the scenic waterfront.

VICTORIA-PARLIAMENT.jpg

Day 12 VICTORIA-FERRY CROSSING–VANCOUVER

Today, sail across the Strait of Georgia through the Gulf Islands, an archipelago known for its Mediterranean-like climate. Arrive in Vancouver and take a sightseeing tour including beautiful Stanley Park and other city highlights. This evening, perhaps explore Vancouver’s diverse culinary scene for dinner.

VANCOUVER-SKYLINE.jpg

Day 13 VANCOUVER

Enjoy a free day to experience Vancouver. Consider taking a water taxi to lively Granville Island with its bustling Public Market, street musicians, and waterfront cafés, or visit historic Gastown with its cobblestone streets, antique shops, art galleries, and iconic Gastown Steam Clock. Or choose a memorable optional excursion, featuring a trip to Whistler on one of the world’s most scenic drives along the Sea to Sky Highway or an adventure on an optional aerial tram ride up the mountain for exquisite views and a walk through a rainforest canopy at Grouse Mountain & Capilano Suspension Bridge. Your Tour Director will have plenty of suggestions.

VANCOUVER-GASTOWN-CLOCK.jpg

Day 14 VANCOUVER

Your vacation ends this morning. You may choose to extend your vacation with extra nights and explore Vancouver further.

VANCOUVER-SKYLINE.jpg

 Tour Director

With COSMOS, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of a Tour Director. We’d like you to meet one of our Tour Directors, who average over a decade of experience and are representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your vacation.

JENNIFER ROBERTS

Escorting tours for more than 20 years

“Hi, I am Jennifer Roberts. I was born and raised near Vancouver, BC, and I am a traveler, adventurer, and lifelong learner. While backpacking around the world, I fell in love with wild places, new experiences, and fresh perspectives. I have spent years guiding guests through Canada, South America, and Antarctica. I have been a Tour Director with the Globus family since 2013, and I have traveled independently to over 75 countries on 7 continents. I am thrilled to share my love of the natural world with guests from all over the globe and looking forward to helping make your travel dreams come true!”

Tour Director - JENNIFER ROBERTS

 Accommodations

 Optional Excursions

No matter what you’re into: food, wine, history, art, music or anything else, we give you the freedom to personalize your vacation with optional excursions that speak to your interests.

When you book your excursions with us, you can be assured that every optional excursion that we offer coordinates with the free time that you'll have in your destination, so you'll never have conflicts between included and optional activities. Our team of travel experts carefully selects each optional excursion that we offer to ensure that you receive the highest quality at a great value. Our tried-and-true partners have a finger on the pulse of the city in which they operate so they deliver the very best experiences. We offer experiences you cannot create on your own and because you’re booking with us, we coordinate all your transportation and timing needs.

The following optional excursions are examples only for this vacation. These may or may not be offered, and availability is subject to days of operation and seasonality. Please select a departure date to view optional excursions and pricing for a specific date (due to currency fluctuation, pricing shown is subject to change until purchased). Optional excursions are available for purchase on our MyCosmos site 90 days prior to the tour start date.

Price Ranges

$ ($50 USD and under)
$$ ($51 - $100 USD)
$$$ ($101 - $150 USD)
$$$$ (Over $150)


Banff National Park
Jasper National Park
Victoria
Vancouver

Banff National Park

Helicopter Tours

Helicopter Tours

Discover unparalleled views of the Canadian Rockies and the Banff National Park region by helicopter. There are several options to choose from, but all deliver spectacular opportunities for a once in a lifetime experience in the Rockies.

Price Range: $$$$

Canyons & Peaks of the Canadian Rockies with Moraine Lake

Canyons & Peaks of the Canadian Rockies with Moraine Lake

Visit the world-famous Moraine Lake, nestled in the breathtaking Valley of the Ten Peaks - a truly iconic and exclusive destination in the Canadian Rockies. With personal vehicle access no longer permitted, reaching Moraine Lake is now a privilege reserved for the select few, making our visit all the more special! Often called the Crown Jewel of the Canadian Rockies, Moraine Lake's striking turquoise waters and dramatic mountain setting make for an unforgettable alpine adventure.

Price Range: $

Jasper National Park

Athabasca River Float Trip

Athabasca River Float Trip

Enjoy some of Jasper National Park's very best scenery from water level on this exciting rafting float trip along the Athabasca River!

Price Range: $$

Maligne Lake Cruise to Spirit Island

Maligne Lake Cruise to Spirit Island

Immerse yourself in the very essence of the Canadian Rockies on this exceptional cruise across the glacial waters of Maligne Lake to legendary Spirit Island!

Price Range: $$

Ultimate Jasper Nature Walk

Ultimate Jasper Nature Walk

Experience the majestic scenery of Jasper National Park on foot. This guided nature walk will feature a spectacular array of rolling hills, jagged peaks, forests, meadows, marshes, streams and stunning glacial lakes. Your licensed interpreter will lead this leisurely walk as you explore the abundant flora and fauna along these routes that often offer incredible opportunities to spot wildlife. Marvel at snow-capped peaks during the months of May and early June, in mid-summer the forest and alpine meadows are ablaze in glorious wildflower shades of red, blue, yellow and white. By late August and through the month of September, the mountain landscapes glow with the red, orange, and gold of the Larch and Aspen trees.

Price Range: $$

Victoria

Marine Wildlife & Whale-Watching Expedition

Marine Wildlife & Whale-Watching Expedition

Discover the wildlife wonders of Vancouver Island during this inspiring cruise in search of the area's abundant marine animals and pods of orca whales!

Price Range: $$$$

In Full Bloom: Butchart Gardens

In Full Bloom: Butchart Gardens

Step into a world of color, fragrance, and natural beauty at the iconic Butchart Gardens, a 121-year-old 55-acre dispay garden. Whether you're a passionate gardener, a photography enthusiast, or just in search of a peaceful escape, these enchanting gardens offer something for everyone.

Price Range: $

Vancouver

Grouse Mountain & Capilano Suspension Bridge

Grouse Mountain & Capilano Suspension Bridge

From suspension bridges and treetop viewing platforms, to fish ladders and mountain gondolas, this sightseeing tour to Vancouver's North Shore is the ultimate tour for thrill-seekers and nature lovers.

Price Range: $$$$

Sea to Sky Sights + Whistler

Sea to Sky Sights + Whistler

Experience one of the world's most scenic drives as you journey along the Sea to Sky Highway to the majestic resort of Whistler, home to the 2010 Winter Olympic Games!

Price Range: $$$$



The "Starting at" or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per passenger based on double occupancy and does not include International airfare; additional fees/charges are not included. If a price is crossed out, the new price includes a limited time promotional offer(s) – please review current promotions or deals for additional information. Some tours require intra-vacation flights (and in some cases intra-vacation segments must be purchased from Cosmos).