Welcome to Vancouver! Your Tour Director is on hand from 3-6:00 p.m. to answer any questions.Once you get settled, perhaps head out and start exploring this vibrant, culturally diverse city nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Coastal Mountains. Take a walk to the harbour front or check out the city’s thriving culinary scene that offers a wide array of delicious cuisines.
This morning, an included city tour highlights Stanley Park, the harbour, beaches, and more. The remainder of the day is at leisure. You could 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, and art galleries.
Board the Rocky Mountaineer for a 2-day, all-daylight adventure through some of Canada’s most spectacular scenery. Travel along the Fraser and Thompson River canyons, before arriving in the city of Kamloops. (B,L)
Reboard the train and continue your adventure as you travel along Shuswap Lake, through the Columbia Mountains, and into the Canadian Rockies. Wind your way through the Spiral Tunnels while climbing Kicking Horse Pass to cross the Continental Divide into the province of Alberta. Enter Banff National Park for a two-night stay. (B,L)
After an orientation tour, today is at leisure. Hike the many wilderness trails in the area, stroll through Banff townsite, or simply relax at the hot springs. Banff National Park is the perfect place for photographers and wildlife watching, and as a visitor you may be lucky enough to encounter some of these amazing creatures, like elk, deer, or big-horn sheep, in their natural habitat. Perhaps elevate your experience with an optional helicopter ride over the awe-inspiring Canadian Rockies – a once-in-a-lifetime experience you won’t soon forget!
Enjoy a day of scenic grandeur. First visit famous Lake Louise, where green-blue waters create a perfect reflection of the surrounding mountains. Then travel the stunning Icefields Parkway where you’ll stop to ride the Ice Explorer all-terrain vehicle over ice that’s 750 feet thick! This afternoon, take the opportunity to glide down the Athabasca River on an optional scenic float trip. Enjoy an orientation tour of the town of Jasper upon arrival.
Start your day with a magical optional cruise on Maligne Lake to the much-photographed, Spirit Island*. Then travel to the base of 12,972-foot Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Continue through British Columbia’s Fur Trade and Cariboo regions for glimpses of the soaring granite mountains. Watch for wildlife as you continue to the internationally renowned Sun Peaks ski resort for an overnight stay.*This optional excursion begins operating in late May/early June.
Head south, following the once-treacherous Cariboo Wagon Trail. From Lillot, “Mile 0 of the Gold Rush Route,” you’ll follow the rushing waters of Cayoosh Creek en route to the resort town of Whistler, with an afternoon arrival and orientation.
Today is at leisure to explore this lively mountain resort town on your own. Choose to soar to new heights on an optional Peak 2 Peak Gondola ride which spans the distance between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains and is the world’s longest unsupported span for a lift of this kind. Or if you’d prefer staying closer to the ground, perhaps take an optional excursion to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, a First Nations Museum and Art Gallery, for an authentic Indigenous experience.*Operation of the Peak 2 Peak Gondola is seasonal and may not be available on early departures.
Set sail across the Strait of Georgia to Vancouver Island. In Victoria, sightseeing includes a visit to gorgeous Butchart Gardens and their 55 acres of floral displays, and seeing the Empress Hotel, Legislative Buildings, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park. In your free time this evening, perhaps take a stroll along the scenic harbour front.
A day at leisure gives you the chance to have high tea at the Empress Hotel, go shopping on Government Street, or have lunch in one of the many pubs. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for additional sightseeing. Or take home a whale of a tale by embarking on an optional Marine Wildlife and Whale Watching Expedition where you’ll cruise the beautiful waters of the San Juan and Gulf Islands, looking for whales, porpoises, seals, and eagles.
A scenic ferry crossing to the mainland, where the trip ends with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfer to Vancouver International Airport is included. Please schedule flights after 2:00 pm. Or you may choose to extend your vacation with extra nights and explore Vancouver further.
