Passage Through the Rockies

Discover the natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies and British Columbia; from the country’s first National Park and the delightful town of Banff to the spectacular scenery of the Icefields Parkway, glistening Lake Louise and the sparkling Athabasca Glacier.

What's Included:

• Return flights from London Heathrow
• 11 nights accommodation
• Free door-to-door transfer service
• 15 meals – 11 breakfasts, 4 dinners (plus all meals from Dinner on day 12 to breakfast on day 19 if taking cruise option)
• 7 nights cruising if taking cruise option
• Sightseeing tour in Banff and Vancouver
• Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary
• Blue River Safari cruise
• Farewell Dinner at Butchart Gardens
• Gratuities for driver and tour director
• Luxury air-conditioned coach travel
• Professional Tour director
• Baggage handling (1 per person) at hotels
• Airport transfers in Canada

Day 1: Arrive Calgary

On arrival at Calgary airport you will be transferred to your hotel. After settling in, meet your fellow travellers and Tour Director at a Welcome Reception this evening.

Hotel: Marriott Downtown.

Day 2: Calgary - Banff

After breakfast this morning depart Calgary for Banff, stopping at the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary along the way. Upon arrival in Banff this afternoon check into your hotel, located within walking distance of the Banff’s lively downtown area. This evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Hotel for 2 nights: Banff Park Lodge

Day 3: Banff Sightseeing

Today is free for you to explore at leisure. Perhaps you’ll browse the shops along Banff Avenue or visit one of the charming local cafés, dine out, or just relax and enjoy the facilities in your hotel. If you’re feeling adventurous why not set off on one of the optional experiences that are available today. Perhaps enjoy a Banff Experience Tour, or take to the skies over Banff National Park on a heli-sightseeing trip.

Day 4: Banff - Lake Louise

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Banff before heading for the stunning beauty of Moraine Lake. With water that are the most amazing vivid shade of turquoise, you’ll be able to see the mountains reflecting in the still waters. Afterwards. Continue to the most photographed lake in Canada, the breathtaking Lake Louise.

Hotel: Lake Louise Inn

Day 5: Lake Louise - Athabasca Glacier - Jasper

Relax during breakfast this morning before travelling along the spectacular Icefields Parkway – a scenic route that winds through the Canadian Rockies past the ancient glaciers, vast icefields, broad sweeping valleys and pristine lakes that straddle the Continental Divide. You’ll witness amazing scenery as mountain peaks reflect in still lakes and pine clad slopes give way to alpine meadows. This drive is an experience itself. Enroute stop at the giant Columbia Icefield. At Athabasca Glacier, climb on-board a specially designed Ice Explorer for a guided tour over steep grades, snow and ice as you ascend part way up the glacier. Afterwards, continue on to the fairy tale village of Jasper, located within picturesque Jasper National Park. In Jasper, you’ll be escaping the urban bustle and will be at the heart of Canada’s extraordinary wilderness.

Hotel: A Mountain Park Lodges hotel

Day 6: Jasper - Blue River

Today you’ll travel out of Jasper National Park to Blue River where pristine lakes, rivers, waterfalls and wilderness abound and enjoy a River Safari through Grizzly Bear Valley. Upon arrival in Blue River, check in to your wonderful hotel, Mike Wiegele Heli Village. Enjoy a relaxed dining experience by the river. This provides the perfect opportunity to share travel stories with new-found friends and meet the friendly locals.

Hotel: Mike Wiegele Heli Village

Rocky Mountaineer Option: Perhaps replace Days 6 & 7 touring with a memorable rail journey from Jasper to Vancouver aboard the world-famous Rocky Mountaineer‘s Journey Through the Clouds service; from £975 per person, ask for details.

Day 7: Blue River - Vancouver

Glide through glacially-fed, jade-coloured waters on a river safari through Grizzly Bear Valley. Watch for grizzly and black bears that are frequently sighted here. From tranquil Blue River, travel to the cosmopolitan city of Vancouver and enjoy the evening at leisure. Consider heading out to one of Vancouver’s many fabulous restaurants. Vancouver has a thriving dining scene and is known for its locally-sourced, fresh ingredients that make for truly incredible meals.

Hotel for 2 nights: Coast Coal Harbour

Day 8: Vancouver at leisure

Today enjoy a guided orientation tour of Vancouver’s attractions including the Waterfront, Gastown, Granville Island and Stanley Park. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax or explore the city at your own pace. You may like to take the opportunity to embark on an optional tour to Vancouver’s famed Granville Island Public Market. Here, you’ll sample fresh locally-grown produce and wander amid the vibrant stalls that showcase a range of home-made craft and art. Alternatively, you may prefer to simply relax and make use of the facilities at your hotel or further explore the city.

Day 9: Vancouver - Whistler

This morning head out of the city along the scenic Sea to Sky Highway, discovering scenic ocean vistas, soaring mountains and dramatic waterfalls along the way. This afternoon, arrive in the alpine resort village of Whistler. After settling into your hotel, the evening is then yours to enjoy at leisure. This provides the perfect opportunity to sample a local restaurant and take in the resort’s evening ambiance.

Hotel: Summit Lodge & Spa

Day 10: Whistler - Victoria

After breakfast, travel to Horseshoe Bay and here, ride a ferry to Vancouver Island. Then, travel by coach to the city of Victoria. The evening is then yours to enjoy at leisure to continue exploring as you wish.

Hotel for 2 nights: The Parkside Hotel & Spa

Day 11: Victoria

Enjoy time at leisure after breakfast this morning. This provides the opportunity to explore the city of Victoria at your own pace. Perhaps visit some of the city’s sights, take an exciting whale watching excursion or ride in a horse-drawn carriage. Later, delight in the opportunity to explore The Butchart Gardens – one of the world’s premier floral show gardens established by the Butchart family in 1904. Here, you will have ample time to stroll through the wonderful estate and view the truly enchanting gardens. This evening, enjoy a Farewell Dinner in the former Butchart family residence with your fellow travellers and Tour Director.

Day 12: Victoria - Vancouver departure

Say farewell to Victoria and return to Vancouver. Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.