Welcome to Vancouver!
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome drink.
British Columbia Treasures
Tour Vancouver, including the waterfront, Chinatown, and Stanley Park with its old-growth evergreen forests and totem poles. Catch the BC Ferry over to Vancouver Island and Victoria. See major attractions on your city orientation tour including the Fairmont Empress Hotel, Bastion Square, and Thunderbird Park. Later, visit world-famous [LF] Butchart Gardens, followed by a special dinner in the former historic greenhouse. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITE PICTURE PERFECT Butchart Gardens, named for the woman who founded this botanical oasis of blooming shades and horticultural design, is a National Historic site for its legacy and lush treasure of millions of flowering beds and over 900 varieties of plants in exquisitely landscaped gardens bring fairytales to life.
City of Gardens
The day is free to explore on your own. (B)FREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE in Victoria with a stroll in the quaint downtown area with its British colonial architecture to shop and admire its heritage buildings and stunning gardens, then relax over proper British afternoon tea. Your Tour Director may suggest an optional marine wildlife and whale-watching trip. Shoppers will love Government Street’s elegant shops and Market Square’s specialty stores. Your GlobusGO mobile app has maps and tips for the perfect day.
Gulf Dreams
Board a BC Ferry crossing the Strait of Georgia through the spectacular Gulf Islands, an archipelago known for its Mediterranean-type climate. En route to Whistler, stop at Shannon Falls, where a boardwalk leads to a viewing platform near the base of the roaring falls. On to the alpine resort of Whistler at the base of the magnificent Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Time to explore the 2010 Winter Olympics sites, paddleboard, hike, explore Whistler Village or play pickleball. Enjoy a 2-night stay at the Hilton Whistler Resort, with mountain style elegance in the heart of Whistler Village. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Nestled at the base of breathtaking Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, the Hilton Whistler Resort blends culture, history and culinary delights together in Whistler’s premier location. Enjoy the natural design elements, including Indigenous art from the Sea-to-Sky corridor and an array of shops, restaurants and walking trails at your doorstep.
Alpine Adventures
Full free day to explore all that Whistler has to offer. (B)ENHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE in Whistler to experience amazing views on the lofty Peak2Peak Gondola, the longest unsupported gondola span in the world, connecting Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Enjoy spectacular scenery and incredible photo opportunities as you explore via suspension bridges, boardwalks and trails on a canopy walk in the treetops. Other options include a floatplane glacier tour, ziplining adventure, shopping in the village, or just relaxing at your resort.
Ancient Traditions
This morning, enjoy a visit and breakfast at the [LF] Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, dedicated to the history and culture of the First Nations people. Then, journey north through the heart of the magnificent Cariboo region. Spectacular scenery abounds as you pass by rolling hills, deeply incised rivers, and sparkling lakes. Afternoon arrival in Sun Peaks with the balance of the day at leisure. Free time this evening. (B)LOCAL FAVORITECULTURAL GEMS Visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre before opening hours where you will be greeted with a First Nations welcome followed by breakfast. Take in this spectacular setting, which brings to life the history of Native people whose traditions and beautiful culture still resonate today.
Sun, Snow & Stars
Continue north, following Yellowhead Highway and hugging the mighty North Thompson River, into the province of Alberta. See the base of 12,972-foot Mount Robson (the highest point in the Canadian Rockies) before entering Jasper National Park. Marvel at the precipitous gorges, snow-capped summits, and lakes of exquisite blues and greens in this wild mountain wilderness. Before arriving at your hotel, you may wish to take an optional float trip down the historic Athabasca River, where your experienced rafting guide will navigate as you absorb the splendor of Jasper National Park. Tonight, explore the entertainment and culinary choices downtown, then look to the skies for remarkable stargazing when night falls. Jasper was designated as a Dark Sky Preserve by the Royal Astronomical Society in Canada and is one of the largest in the world. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL WONDERS Spanning nearly 4,250 square miles (11,000 square kilometers) of spectacular natural beauty, Jasper is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. Its vast wilderness, majestic peaks, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking panoramic sights lie below an incredible Dark Sky to thrill stargazers as well.
Spectacular Jasper National Park
Travel through Jasper’s unspoiled beauty to glacial Maligne Canyon for lunch at the Wilderness Kitchen. Continue to stunning Maligne Lake for a narrated scenic cruise to Spirit Island. Return to Jasper where the balance of the day is at leisure to explore Jasper on your own. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHTEPIC RIDE A cruise to Spirit Island on the turquoise waters of Maligne Lake is a spectacular sight to behold as one of the most photographed locations in the world for its jaw-dropping beauty. The tranquil Spirit Island has deep significance for the Indigenous Stoney Nation.
Rocky Mountain Majesty
Head south through Jasper National Park on Icefields Parkway to the Columbia Icefield for a thrilling Ice Explorer ride on Athabasca Glacier. Climb Sunwapta Pass to savor stunning vistas of alpine meadows, waterfalls, and massive glaciers. Next, stop at Lake Louise, whose green-blue waters form a perfect mirror reflection of Mount Victoria. Continue into Banff for a free evening. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT EPIC RIDE Be moved by an expedition across the Athabasca Glacier. Traverse this massive glacier aboard the all-terrain Columbia Ice Explorer and walk on the surface where the Earth’s geology is changing beneath your feet. Feel the force of nature’s strength on an ancient glacier that still carves the face of the Rocky Mountains today.
Heavenly Heights
Take a scenic ride on the [LF] Banff Gondola to the top of the mountain and enjoy spectacular views of the Bow Valley and the Rocky Mountains. Additional sightseeing in Banff includes a visit to Bow Falls. The balance of the afternoon is at leisure. Consider an optional flightseeing trip for a bird’s-eye view of the Rockies. This evening, join your Tour Director for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITEEPIC RIDE Soar to the top of the world on the Banff Gondola ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. Visit the interpretive center at the mountaintop and be in awe of the magnificent, natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies with breathtaking views you’ll never forget.
The Continental Divide
This morning, wave goodbye to your Tour Director and Driver in Banff before boarding your Rocky Mountaineer train to travel over the Continental Divide and along the Kicking Horse River. We travel westward to Shuswap Lake and then overnight in Kamloops. Tonight, enjoy free time in Kamloops. (B,L)NOTE:Kamloops properties are considered moderate 2- or 3-star hotels or motor inns. The city ds not offer any hotels in the superior category. Your chosen hotel is determined by Rocky Mountaineer; however, rest assured that it satisfies our high standards of cleanliness and comfort.TOUR HIGHLIGHT TRAIN SPOTLIGHT Rocky Mountaineer travels through spectacular Canadian scenery. SilverLeaf Service features a single-level dome coach offering panoramic views from oversized windows and meals served at your seat. An upgrade to GoldLeaf Dome Service offers luxury reminiscent of a bygone era, including extra attendants, an elegant bi-level dome car, and regional cuisine in an exclusive dining room.
British Columbia Treasures
Back aboard your Rocky Mountaineer train, enjoy your amazing journey through the fertile fields of Thompson Valley and beautiful Fraser Canyon. Late this afternoon, arrive in Vancouver and transfer to your hotel to enjoy free time this evening. Your Local Host will be available to provide suggestions for visiting the highlights in Vancouver. (B,L)ENHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE in Vancouver with your pick of the freshest seafood from this vibrant gateway to the Canadian Rockies. The buzzing downtown scene is rich in culinary delights from sushi or wild-caught salmon to pizza and pasta. Don’t forget to indulge in an iconic British Columbia confection - the coconut, chocolate, and nutty Nanaimo bar!
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
