The Indigenous history, beautiful natural landscapes, and lively cowboy culture of western Canada come together on this 19-day tour through British Columbia and Alberta. Spot wildlife on a ferry ride through glacial fjords and immerse yourself in First Nations culture on a day tour of Smithers. Experience the cowboy roots of Calgary and admire the emerald blue hue of Lake Louise. There are stunning vistas and photos ops along the way, as well as opportunities to bond with like-minded travelmates.
Travel Style
Classic
Service Level
Standard
Physical Grading
3 - Average
What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre Visit, Whistler
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Wellness Moment: Miette Hot Springs Visit, Jasper National Park
Your Foodie Moment: Okanagan Valley Wine Tasting, Kelowna
Your Discover Moment: Whistler. Inside Passage cruise. First Nations day tour (Smithers). Mt Robson stop with visit to Interpretation Centre. Icefields Parkway drive. Columbia Icefield stop. Lake Louise visit. Free time in Jasper National Park, Banff, Whistler, and Vancouver. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Travel by ferry through glacial fjords, Discover the First Nations cultures of Northern BC, Hike through Jasper National Park, Grab a pint at Calgary's cowboy bars, See the picturesque waters of Lake Louise
How large will the group be?
Max 12, avg 11.
What meals are included in this trip?
15 breakfasts, 1 lunch
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private vehicle, ferry, walking.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels (14 nts), lodges (4 nts).
Itinerary
Vancouver
Arrive at any time.
Vancouver/Campbell River
Catch a ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo and drive along the Oceanside Route to Campbell River. Visit the museum in the town which respectfully acknowledges the First Nations of North Vancouver Island by preserving, interpreting, and sharing the history of these Nations on the lands now known as Campbell River. After seeing the exhibits at the museum attend an optional dinner with the group.
Campbell River/Port Hardy
Take in the scenery while travelling to Port Hardy at the northern tip of Vancouver Island. Enjoy impressive views of coastline and lush forests. Then take the short ferry ride to Alert Bay and pay a visit to the World's Tallest Totem before visiting the U'mista Cultural Centre, whose mandate is to ensure the survival and preservation of the cultural heritage of the Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw. Walk on some of the trails dotting this tiny island before transferring back to Port McNeill for more free time and an optional happy hour at a local spot. Continue on to Port Hardy in the early evening and check into your hotel.
Port Hardy/Prince Rupert
Embark at dawn for a day-long ferry ride through the famous Inside Passage. The glacial fjords provide spectacular scenery along the route and a safe haven for all types of wildlife, including orcas and porpoises. The ride is long, but spectacular. With a full day to relax, enjoy the scenery, read a book, or dine at the onboard restaurants. Reach Prince Rupert late in the evening.
Prince Rupert/Smithers
Drive one of the most scenic roads in the world from Prince Rupert to Smithers and discover the First Nations cultures of Northern BC on a day tour around Smithers. Visit the Gitanyow Totems, Battle Hill, and 'Ksan Museum & Historical Village.
Smithers
Enjoy a free day to explore the wilderness around Smithers. Opt to visit Moricetown Canyon or hike one of many trails in the area.
Smithers/Prince George
Enjoy a visit to Twin Falls after breakfast and then spend free time in Smithers before travelling to Prince George, the largest city in Northern British Columbia.
Prince George/Jasper
Travel to Jasper National Park. En route, stop at the tallest mountain in the Canadian Rockies, Mount Robson. Visit the Interpretation Centre, and go for a short hike to take in the views.
Jasper
Enjoy a free day to explore Jasper National Park. Opt to hike at Maligne Canyon, cross the lake on a boat cruise, or join a scenic river rafting tour. In the evening, visit the Miette Hot Springs.
Jasper/Canmore
Travel to Canmore via one of the most scenic drives in the world, the Icefields Parkway. Stop at the Columbia Icefield en route. Along the 300km (186.4 mi) ride, a spectacle unfolds before our eyes: lush coniferous forests, immense mountains, turquoise lakes, high-falling cascades, and humbling glaciers. We stop a number of times along the way to take in the scenery and search for wildlife.
Canmore/Calgary
Travel to Calgary, a modern city that honours its cowboy roots. Opt to visit museums, the Olympic Park, or wet your whistle at a cowboy bar.
Calgary
Enjoy a free day to explore Calgary. This evening, opt to meet new members of the group at a welcome meeting.
Calgary/Banff
Discover the beautiful town of Banff; opt to view wildlife, take a gondola ride, or hike up a mountain for spectacular views. With free time upon arrival, Banff has tons to offer. There are plenty of optional activities for all interests and activity levels. It's also just as pleasant to wander the main streets, pop in and out of shops or walk along the river.
Lake Louise/Revelstoke
Continue to Lake Louise, view the emerald blue waters of this alpine lake, and opt to hike to one of the Tea Houses. Lake Louise is that iconic Canadian Rockies locale. Don't miss the chance to snag the perfect photo.
Revelstoke/Kelowna
Travel to Kelowna in the Okanagan Valley, stopping for a picnic lunch at Kaloya Regional Park, then a tasting at a local winery en route. Kelowna has become a foodie haven in recent years – opt to visit one of the many craft breweries in the city this evening.
Kelowna/Whistler
Drive through the beautiful coastal mountains to the village of Whistler, one of the locations of the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Whistler
Enjoy a free day to explore Whistler. Opt to ride a gondola to the top of the mountain, hike, or zipline.
Whistler/Vancouver
Visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre and go on an interpretive guided tour of the museum, before enjoying free time in the laid-back mountain town of Whistler. Travel to Vancouver, and spend the afternoon in this beautiful, easy-going city.
Vancouver
Depart at any time.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.