Canadian Rockies Experience

Arrive Vancouver International Airport, transfer independently to your downtown hotel. Pick up your Canada Roadbook at the front desk and check in. The rest of the day is yours to create your own urban adventure amid the stores, parks, restaurants, theatres and other attractions of downtown Vancouver. Overnight in Vancouver.

Today you embark on a city tour of Vancouver. This guided coach features such attractions as Canada Place, the dynamic Robson Street, Chinatown and historic Gastown. The tour makes stops in Stanley Park en route to Cleveland Dam and the Capilano Suspension Bridge in the North Shore rainforest. Cross the 137m-long bridge over a spectacular canyon to the Treetops Adventure observation structure for even more incredible views of this old growth forest. Return to downtown Vancouver and perhaps enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many dining venues featuring cuisine from around the world. Overnight in Vancouver.

Today you depart on your journey to Whistler - the home of the 2010 Winter Olympics and one of the premier outdoor recreation villages in North America. You will travel along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway, traversing five distinct climatic zones from rainforest to semi-arid alpine forest. The road also crosses the historic Pemberton Trail and Gold Rush Trail, used by prospectors in the 18th century. Travelling through small towns such as Squamish and skirting the shores of Daisy Lake, you arrive in picturesque Whistler Village set at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Overnight in Whistler.

The many charms of Whistler are yours to discover today. The 2010 Winter Olympics showcased the multitude of sights and activities available in Whistler, many of them operating year round. The many cafes and restaurants of the village provide the perfect destination for visitors leisurely exploring the pedestrian walkways and town squares. Woodland trails surround the village, as does a well developed network of biking and hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts of all ability. Overnight in Whistler.
Activity Travellers to Whistler won’t want to miss a chance to fly like an eagle and travel the breathtaking 3-kilometre (1.9 mile) span between the peaks of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. The Peak 2 Peak Gondola offers unparalleled views of these spectacular mountains. This engineering marvel joins an exclusive club that includes the Grand Canyon Skywalk as the ultimate in sightseeing adventures. Among Peak 2 Peak's record-breaking achievements: It is currently the highest lift of its kind, the longest unsupported lift span in the world with the highest distance above a valley floor at 436 metres (1,427 feet) over the Fitzsimmons Creek.

Today you weave you way though the mountains of British Columbia and pass by the long shores of Lillooet Lake and the small community that has grown up around it. Passing between the towering rock walls of the Fraser Canyon, you’ll be amazed at the white water rapids of the Fraser River gushing far below Over 750,000 litres of water surge through the 34-metre Hell’s Gate gorge every minute. Following the winding waters of the South Thompson River area, you’ll enter a land home to vast herds of cattle and cowboys on horseback. Continuing on to Kamloops and then Sun Peaks, you will have seen a wonderful cross-section of the many environments and landscapes of the Rockies. Overnight in Sun Peaks

Today is yours to discover why Sun Peaks is known as a family-friendly year round outdoor playground! Biking and hiking trails surround the resort town, offering everything from leisurely excursions to thrill-packed trails to challenge the most seasoned adventurer. Canoe and kayak rentals allow you to explore the calm waters of McGillivray Lake, or plunge into the pool at the Sports & Aquatic Centre. Your hotel will able to help you plan a day of fun and excitement. Activities and admissions are payable on site. Overnight at Sun Peaks.

Today you depart your ranch and after passing through the surrounding rural woodlands, you begin your journey along the Yellowhead Highway. This route spans 4 provinces from Saskatchewan to British Columbia and ranges thousands of feet in elevation. You follow the Thompson River as your journey takes you through windswept cowboy country and into the gorges of the North Thompson River before opening up into Clearwater Lake. Beyond the town, the pristine parklands of Wells Gray Provincial Park feature the terminus of the river in a spectacular, towering waterfall of Helmcken Falls. Overnight in Clearwater. Breakfast is not included.

Taking your leave of beautiful Clearwater, you continue on the Yellowhead Highway as it descends down the eastern face of the Rockies into the fertile valleys of the Jasper region. The mountains part to reveal the aquamarine, glacier-fed lakes perched above the emerald valleys and grazing elk of Jasper National Park, one of Canada’s premiere wildlife and environmental refuges. Overnight in Jasper.
Activity Board a specially-designed jet boat on this exciting one-hour river safari, taking you along 12 km of the North Thompson River through the spectacular Grizzly Bear Valley. An experienced guide will accompany your wildlife viewing tour and provide insightful commentary along the way. Black bears, grizzly bears or moose are seen on the majority of departures. Stops at a mountain waterfall and a clear, glacier-fed lake are also made.

Today you have the rare experience of driving Through two of Canada’s first and most prestigious national parks. Departing Jasper, the highway will take you past beautiful Lake Louise, reflecting the Columbia Glacier in the distance between mountain peaks. Arriving in Banff, you will instantly be charmed by this perfect mountain village with its quaint restaurants, boutique retailers and lush forest surroundings. The Elk population nearly surpasses the human as they casually meander up and down the town streets. Overnight in Banff.
Activity Prepare yourself for the experience of the Columbia Icefield, located on the boundary of Banff and Jasper National Parks. Covering an expanse of 325 sq. km and reaching depths of up to 320 m, this impressive icefield forms one of the largest masses of ice south of the Arctic Circle. Venture directly onto the Athabasca glacier in a specially-designed Ice Explorer with guided commentary. A unique icy adventure!

The entire day is free to tour Banff and the surrounding area. We suggest a visit to the Luxton Museum, a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain or a stroll through town admiring the many shops. You may also try river rafting on the Bow River or take a boat tour on beautiful Lake innewanka. Overnight in Banff.

Activity Experience an 8 minute gentle ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain in a four-person, fully enclosed gondola. A spectacular view and picture taking opportunity await you at the top of this 360 degree panoramic vantage of Bow Valley. Learn all about how these majestic mountains have shaped this unique community.

Leaving behind the quiet forests of Banff, you drive southwest today on your journey to the southern reaches of Alberta. After passing through the urban hub of Calgary, today’s route takes you near the historic Fort Macleod, one of the first operational posts of the famous Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Formed as a frontier law force that ranged over the western provinces, the RCMP grew to become Canada’s national police force in service today. Approaching the United States border, the protected, pristine beauty of Waterton Lakes National Park dominates the horizon with its stark and captivating beauty. Overnight near Waterton Lakes National Park.

The beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site is yours to further explore today. A relatively unknown park in the national park system, this area of plateaus, forests, prime fishing rivers and hectares of mountain wildflowers is truly the hidden gem of Alberta. Many marked scenic drives such as the Akamina Parkway and Chief Mountain Highway allow visitors to see the interior of the park with its shallow, clear alpine lakes and old growth forests without long overland hikes. Overnight near Waterton Lakes Park.

Activity Enjoy some of the most spectacular mountain scenery the Rocky Mountains have to offer on a scenic cruise or Canada with a short venture into the United States. View majestic towering cliffs, unique geological formations, beautiful waterfalls, mountain peaks on both sides of the international border. Bring your camera; tour boats make photographic and wildlife stops. Bald eagle, bear, moose, deer, mountain sheep and mountain goats are often viewed from the comfortable decks of the 200 passenger historic M.V. International. The cruise is accompanied by an informative and entertaining commentary given by experienced local tour guides.

Driving west today, you drive through the British Columbia interior and the mountain village of Fernie, known to skiers all over the world for its superb alpine skiing with some of the heaviest snowfalls and most dependable powder conditions. You cross the provincial boundary back into British Columbia to and pass through Cranbrook, a small community that grew up around the development of the Crowsnest Railway line at the end of the 19th century. Keeping just north of the United States border, you travel farther west across the rugged interior of the Rocky Mountains. Later you arrive in Rossland, home to many outdoor activities such as horseback riding, championship golf courses, mountain biking tours as well as various outdoor dining patios around town with spectacular views. Overnight in Rossland.

Activity Visit the Frank Slide Interpretative Centre – a small interactive museum commemorating the 1903 rock slide when 90 million tons of limestone broke loose from the top of Turtle Mountain and came crashing down on the valley below, partially burying the town.

Today you depart Rossland and embark on the Crowsnest Highway as it cuts though the heights of the Monashee Mountains. One of the most dramatic intersections is the Bonanza Pass, offering a splendid photo opportunity as you leave the Kootenays for the Western Boundary regions. Driving into the Osoyoos region, you may glimpse the developing vineyards as they flourish in the warming, temperate climate. In partnership with the NK’MIP First Nations people native to the region, the Spirit Ridge Vineyard has blossomed into a world class winery, offering fine dining and tastings. Overnight in Osoyoos.

Today is at leisure to further explore the quiet town of Osoyoos. We suggest spending part of the day walking along the 19kms of sandy beaches of Osoyoos Lake. You may also wish to visit the unique Haynes Point Provincial Park where the park access road takes you out on a narrow spit in the middle of the lake. Spend the afternoon at one of the pubs or wine bistros that line the shoreline near the middle of town. Overnight in Osoyoos.

Today you head westward for the coast on your return trip to Vancouver. Travelling along the northern edge of North Cascades National Park, the terrain quickly becomes more mountainous as you pass through small towns such as Merritt, Hope and Chilliwack. Descend down from the mountains to the shining spires and elegant bridges of Vancouver. If time permits, enjoy a late afternoon visit to some of the high-fashion boutiques of the downtown core, or relax at your hotel before perhaps indulging in an evening of fine dining at one of the dozens of restaurants of the downtown area. Overnight in Vancouver.

Today your tour comes to an end as you check out of your hotel and proceed to Vancouver International Airport for your return flight.