Traveling by train, ship & motorcoach, this tour explores the spectacular scenery of the Canadian Rockies, the vast wilderness of Northern British Columbia, the rugged splendor of the Inside Passage and the urban sophistication of Victoria and  Vancouver. Walk on a 3,000 ft thick Glacier, wave at a Killer Whale and “smell the roses” of Butchart Gardens. Is there anything we’ve left out?

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Included meals are denoted: Breakfast: B, Lunch: L, Dinner: D

 

DAY 1             D             

Welcome to Calgary, Alberta - gateway to the Canadian Rockies. A scenic 90-minute journey by motorcoach brings us quickly into Banff National Park, Canada’s first National Park and the picturesque resort village of Banff. We’ll take a short familiarization tour of the town before arriving at our deluxe accommodation for the next two nights. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner in the hotel and finish the evening with an after dinner walk into town where the shops and galleries remain open in the evening                                                                                  

 

Overnight Banff – Banff Caribou Lodge of similar

 

DAY 2              B, D

This morning we’ll start the day with a scenic journey west along the famous Bow Valley Parkway, continuing along the banks of the Bow River to Lake Louise Village. Our journey continues as we wind our way up the mountain road, arriving at one of the most photographed lakes in the world, Lake Louise.  You’ll have time to walk along the shoreline, view the spectacular Victoria Glacier and explore the shops and galleries of the iconic Chateau Lake Louise. Later in the morning we’ll return to Banff in time for lunch (on your own) before continuing with a tour of the Banff area. We’ll view Bow Falls, the mysterious Hoodoos and the Cascade of Time Gardens. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the shops, galleries, and cafes on Banff Avenue. Tonight, we board enclosed gondolas for a smooth ride to the top of 7500 ft Sulphur Mountain. You’ll have time to enjoy the panoramic view of the Bow Valley before sitting down to enjoy a delicious meal with the full beauty of the Canadian Rockies as a backdrop. This will be one of many highlights of the tour for sure. 

 

Overnight Banff – Banff Caribou Lodge or similar

DAY 3             B

Today, with cameras ready, enjoy the drive on one of the world’s most spectacular mountain highways - The Icefields Parkway. See unsurpassed mountain scenery with opportunities to see elk, moose, goats, sheep and possibly a bear.  As we enter Jasper National Park we’ll stop at the spectacular Columbia Icefields to enjoy a close up look at the Athabasca Glacier and the not-to-be-missed experience of a lifetime - a ride on the gigantic Ice Explorer vehicle. Our journey will take us on glaciers that are hundreds of feet in depth and decades of years old. Later in the afternoon we’ll continue north and along the Endless Chain ranges with a stop to view the breathtaking Athabasca Falls. The end of our amazing day of sightseeing and adventure comes to an end as we enter the picturesque alpine community of Jasper.   

 

Overnight Jasper – Chateau Jasper Hotel or similar 

 

DAY 4              B, D

This is a day of adventure as we travel to along the rugged Maligne Canyon.  Our journey takes us along the banks of the Maligne River, to Maligne Lake, one of the most beautiful in the Rockies. We’ll stop to enjoy a relaxing 90-minute cruise including a visit to mystical Spirit Island . This afternoon we board VIA Rail’s “Skeena” and begin an amazing 2-day rail journey that will take us through the Canadian Rockies, across the vast wilderness of Northern British Columbia to Prince Rupert where we will be only 50 miles south of the Alaska Panhandle! Our journey today takes us along the mighty Fraser River to the industrial city of Prince George. Enjoy the panoramic views from your reserved seat or take some time in the dome section of the historic Park Car. We’ll arrive in Prince George in time for a late dinner and relaxing overnight in our hotel.                                                                                                                                                         

Overnight - Prince George – Coast Inn of the North or similar

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DAY 5      B, L, D

A full and spectacular day of rail travel lies ahead!  Our VIA Rail train winds its way northwest through vast areas of forests, rivers and small logging or mining towns. We’ll make a few stops along the way with a multitude of spectacular picture opportunities.  In the early afternoon we start to follow the route of the mighty Skeena River. This river drains an area equal to the size of the state of Oregon as it flows to the Pacific Ocean.  Along the way we’ll see the ruins of hundreds of Salmon Fishing Canneries that dominated the shoreline only a few decades ago. In the early evening we arrive in the coastal city of Prince Rupert.                                                                                                                                                                         Overnight Prince Rupert – Prestige Hotel or similar                                                   

 

DAY 6        B

After breakfast, we’ll tour this northern coastal community. Prince Rupert is an important west coast port city which exports coal, grain and other commodities to Asia. It is also the home port for the Salmon and Cod fishing fleets. This morning our tour will take us through one of the last Salmon Canneries still standing on the West Coast. We’ll also explore the Northern Museum which explores the history of the early explorers of the area and the First Nations peoples whose history goes back thousands of years.  The afternoon is free to explore the nearby shop of  Prince Rupert or take an optional whale watching cruise. 

 

Overnight Prince Rupert – Prestige Hotel or similar 

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DAY  7        B, D

An early morning departure aboard the new Northern Expedition cruise-ferry starts our amazing journey down the world-famous Inside Passage. Our “reserved lounge seats” allow us to enjoy the activities and viewing decks at will. Keep your camera ready, you may see killer whales, seals, eagles and even a bear or elk on the nearby shore. Explore the ship and enjoy the live nature and cultural presentations, restaurants and lounge areas and a wide range of viewing areas. Our spectacular day of cruising comes to an end as we dock at Port Hardy at the northern end of Vancouver Island.

 

Overnight Port Hardy 

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DAY 8        B

After a hearty breakfast we board our private motorcoach for a full day of adventure and sightseeing as we make our way south on Vancouver Island to the capital city of Victoria. Our journey takes us through the dense Rainforests of Northern Vancouver Island south past the beaches and resorts of the Islands’ east coast and eventually through the farmland s of the southern island to Victoria. Tonight, take some time to relax and enjoy the beauty of Victoria. Take a stroll along the harbour and enjoy the shops and the beautiful “Old World” architecture of the Parliament buildings and the legendary Empress Hotel. 

 

Overnight Victoria – Coast Hotel or similar

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DAY 9        B, D 

This morning we make our way to the world famous Butchart Gardens. You will have plenty of time to enjoy the thousands of different plants and flowers in this beautifully transformed rock quarry. Our journey continues with a 90-minute cruise on a BC Ferry through the beautiful Gulf Islands to the mainland and Vancouver. Take some time to wander the decks and keep and eye open for Orca Whales and eagles If time permits, we’ll take a short tour of this fabulous City and view Stanley Park and eclectic Gastown.  Tonight, we celebrate the end of our Western Canadian adventure with an exciting Farewell Dinner. 

 

Overnight Vancouver – The Rosedale on Robson or similar

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DAY 10      B

After Breakfast this morning we’ll transfer to the Vancouver International Airport for our flight home.

 

This itinerary is subject to change.